United Service Club
5th Decr 1857

Since I came here I have read[?] both your letters the one of Tuesday and the other of Saturday.

I shall dwell as short as possible on the melancholy and irreparable we have all suffered in the loss of the gallant Nicol - and will transcribe for your satisfaction a letter I have received from Major Barnston 90th Regt Cawnpore 12 Octr 1857.

"My dear Sir, an officer of the 90 has just arrived from Lucknow and has brought the distressing news of the Death of four Officers of the Regiment in Action with the Mutineers - It is my melancholy duty to announce to you that your Son was one of the Number - He was shot in the side by a round shot, while leading the column, at the head of the first company of the 90th and died about five hours afterward on 23rd Septr."

"If any can allay your grief on this sad occasion it [. . .] the consciousness that he died nobly doing his duty beloved and respected by all. I had the pleasure of serving with him in the Crimea, where his bravery was conspicuous on many occasions - A better soldier never stepp'd - "

"I expect to start with a reinforct to Lucknow in a day or two and should I reach it safely I will send you such of [ ] their particulars as I can gather. I remain My dear Sir, yours very truly (signed) Roger Barnston, Major 90th L. Infy. Graham Esq."

I was sadly oppressed without making any remarks on the above letter, the recollection of the fallen brings tears into my eyes - I had a letter from Mary Jane who wishes to have Robert's address - I cannot stand it till I return to the Port, perhaps you could drop her a line enclosing it - I am free from cold and hope you will wear additional clothing while in Aberdeen - your old Colonel with Captain Hay have fallen at that infernal bloody Lucknow. I shall write you daily till I return to the Port - I should be delighted to see you Gazetted[?] some of these days -

[ ] my Dear Duncan

Your affectionate Father
Dun. Grahame

According to: http://redcoat.future.easyspace.com/IM/IM3.htm Major R. Barnston of the 90th Regiment was wounded at Shah Najaf on 16 November 1857 and died of wounds, so we may presume that he was not able to gather any more details to send to Duncan.

• Captain John Charles Hay; 2nd Bengal European Fusiliers from 60th N.I.
• Captain Thomas R. Drummond Hay; 78th Foot (Highland)
• Captain William Drummond Ogilvy Hay; 72nd Foot (Duke of Albany's Own Highlanders)

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