[Letter addressed to:]
William Graham Esq.
22 Tower Street
Portobello
Near Edinburgh

I have written to you several times since I came here but I have not had the pleasure of hearing from you yet, however I hope to hear from you soon. There is very little news here, all the conversation being about this Russian war and we are daily expecting orders for Turkey or the Baltic, I should prefer going to the former as it is a much milder climate.

At all events I anticipate great promotion to whatever foreign station we may be sent as they are almost all men of rank or fortune in this Regiment who are quite independent of the [-? -] and consequently will prefer retiring and driving their carriage and four to undergoing the hardships of a Russian campaign.

I have already got two [-?-] I will get another for certain in July besides whatever may happen before that time. I could not have got into a better regiment in the service for promotion at the same time I could not have got into a much more expensive one. could live on my pay with the greatest ease, that is to say if I were allowed to do so but one has to subscribe to so may funds such as Band and Mess funds, Newspapers &c &c. that really it runs away with the greater portion of one's pay.

I had a letter from my father saying he was about to leave Kilbride which I was happy to hear as there is no society there for a gentleman.

I was happy to hear that Mrs A Hunter, London, had a daughter which I hope may be a comfort to both Father and Mother. It is now two or three days since I began this letter but have often been interrupted.

I must finish now as I don't remember any more news. I sent you a newspaper by last mail which you will receive before this letter.

With kindest love to my aunt, I remain my dear Uncle ever
Yours affectionately

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