These were written by Andrew Geddes. See also Letters from Andrew David Geddes (abroad).
Start of military careerJohn Geddes (IV), his uncle ?1854Adam Gordon Geddes, his father 1854 Margaret Geddes, his sister 1854-1867 After returning from IndiaGeorge Henry Eckford, his father-in-law ?1871Catherine Eckford (nee Haldane), his mother-in-law 1874 Catherine Eckford (nee Haldane), his mother-in-law ?1874 After returning from Hong KongEmily Jane Geddes (nee Eckford), his wife circa 1884-1888Catherine Eckford (nee Haldane), his mother-in-law circa 1884-1888 |
See also "The Battle of Fox Hill" - a mock battle near Aldershot, connected with the letter to his father-in-law.
See also letters written by the children of Andrew Geddes.
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This is written by Andrew Geddes to his uncle John Geddes (IV).
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Letter to Maj. Genrl. Geddes K.H., 15 Salisbury Road, Edinburgh 1854 Cathedral Hotel, London, Saturday October 28th My dear Uncle, I have now for the first time since I arrived, time to tell you how I get on with the metropolis. I saw Mr. Powell on Thursday and presented your letter. He gave me all the information he could about the Inniskillings, which was not much. John is likely to keep his town adjuctancy at Fredericton, unless the Colonel wishes him recalled to headquarters, which is not likely to happen. I could not find Captin Raymond yesterday either at his chambers or the Club. I left your note with my card and shall most likely see him on Monday. I called on Mr. Dolan and thanked him in your name for the Gazettes, he has been so kind as to see about any changes in my appointments which I may require. I go down to Brighton today and wrote Miss Hessing to that effect yesterday. Tell Aunt the commissions are all safe yet. There is to be a grand day at the Crystal Palace today for the relief of the soldiers' widows and orphans. The band of the French Guards have come over to play at it and there are nine other bands of the Horse and Foot Guards. I am just going to the Brighton train so adieu for the present. With kind remembrances to Aunt and Uncle, I remain your affectionate nephew, A.D. Geddes. (Note on back in the General's writing, probably to Maggie): I send you this in case you may not have a letter today. J.G. |
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This is written by Andrew David Geddes to his uncle John Geddes (IV).
Andrew Geddes started in the 39th Regiment, but transferred to 27th Regiment - gazette 18th August 1854, just before this letter. The 27th regiment was the olde regiment of John Geddes (IV), and he was to become its honary Colonel in a few years time.
Miss Hessing may be Madeline Mary Hessing, who married John Geddes (V) (Andrew's brother) in 1862. Madeline was the niece of the wife of John Geddes (IV) - presumably the 'Aunt' referred to in the letter. The Uncle may be David, the unmarried brother of John Geddes (IV).
The letter was passed onto Margaret Geddes, the sister of Andrew Geddes.
This is written by Andrew Geddes to his father, Adam Gordon Geddes.
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Chatham Barracks My dear Father, I received your welcome letter and also one from Maggy which I have anxiously expected for some time. My not writing to you soner was owing partly to my being very much engaged with duty and drill and partly because I wished to get myself settled here before I should give you any account of it. I am quite delighted with my life here, and have got into a nice little room on the terrace in front of the parade ground and overlooking it. The drill here is carried out on the strictest principle. I had to go into a marching squad again to learn some new twists and turns of marching peculiar to Chatham. We get three hours of it every day. A morning and afternoon parade, at the latter of which I have to command the company, which is only about 60 strong. The Captain and Mr. Gressom, who is married, are the only other officiers, Mr. Davies having gone on leave when I joined. The Provisional Battalion, otherwise known as the Pongo Batt. mess together, and a very nice Mess it is. It is not the fashion for the Subs. to take wine at dinner except on rxtraordinary occasions. I took wine the first day, but have taken none since, so that I think I shall live very cheaply. The town is such a dirty place that we seldom ever quit Barracks, unless to take a turn about the lines and military roads. The works are very extensive, I have seen very little of them yet. I now see some great mistakes that I committed at Cork. All the furniture etc. I bought there comes into capital use here, and serves to make my room very confortable; but I gave away a livery suit there which cost about 5£ and would have been just the thing here. My present servant, Fitzsimmons by name a regular paddy and a very good servant, has a suit which he can wear. I suppose however he expects something for it. Do youthink he ought to? Please answer this. His wife washes for me and charges only 12 sillings - I breakfast in my room as all other Subds here do., and we have a cup of tea in each other's rooms occasionally after Mess; in short Chatham is much cheaper than Cork. I have still got 45£ out of the 50£ and expect to have 30£ of it left at Christmas. There is no subscription to the Mess here - I believe the Agents deduct it in their account of pay. My baggage was all safe, my servant having taken great care of it. He is a capital fellow. The new uniform is in full blow here, but even the wearers are disgusted with it, it is so poor looking. I am glad I have the old. My lace is not quite approved of, but I shall make it do for the time. We mess in full tog, and dare not appear in any public place in mufti. There was a large 90 gun ship the "Orion" launched here yesterday. We all got tickets but I could not go as I was on Battalion duty. I have just been writing mt report, which covers three sheets of foolscap. It is nearly 11 o'clock pm and conseq uently I am very sleepy. I shall write Maggy most likely tomorrow, in answer to hers of today - is that not business-like.
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These were written by Andrew Geddes to his sister, Margaret Geddes, called Maggy by her family. Their father was Adam Gordon Geddes, and uncles were John Geddes IV and David Geddes. They had a brother, John Geddes V (who may have been known as Jack).
First letter
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Cork Barracks My dear Maggy Yours affectly Miss Geddess |
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Second letter
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Cork Barracks My dear Maggy Your affecte brother Miss Geddess |
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Third letter
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Garrison Hotel My dear Maggy I remain Miss Geddess |
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Fourth letter
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Edinburgh My dear Maggy I remain Miss Geddess |
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Fifth letter
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Chatham Barracks My dear Maggy My dear Maggy |
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Sixth letter
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Chatham My dear Maggy Adieu Ma chere Soeur |
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Seventh letter
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Chatham Barracks My dear Maggy Yours truly Miss Geddes [crossed on first sheet] If you like to answer my letters whenever you receive them, and I yours in like manner, we shall just write one letter per week |
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Eighth letter
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Chatham N.B. Put on your specs and prepare for a lengthy epistle. My dear Maggy P.S. 1/2 past 4 - Afternoon. My stupidity at in giving away my mess livery at Cork still haunts my mind and the vision of money spent uselessly there rises before me like Banquo's ghost. As you may notice over the page I think I must give my servant some compensation for the suit he has to wear. Your affecte brother Miss Geddes |
Ninth letter
This letter was transcribed by John Dibblee who added notes (see below).
Chatham Barracks My dear Maggie, It is now some time since I wrote to you - but shall try to make up by giving an account of my employment lately. Since the 94th. went away, the duty has been very hard on the P.B. I was on guard on Wednesday and Friday last, and was on again yesterday, the intervals were filled agreebly with Court Martials and other duty, to give you an idea of the place I shall give you a sketch of a - "Day of the Main Dock" - By the order book of the preceeding evening I am informed that Mr. Geddes 27th. is for Guard next day - With an eye to as much bodily comfort as possible, on the eventful morning I first "walk into" a good breakfast before walking down to parade at 10am; where, hving inspected the Guards, we march off to our respective places of banishment, viz, a sub, to the Main Guard at the Gate, another sub, to the lower-dock, about two miles off, & a captain with say your humble servant as subaltern to the Main Dock - The snow which was very deep a short (while) ago has got so beaten and slippery, that the men often come down musket and all. Arrived at the Guardroom, the guards are changed, the one one marches home and the Captain & I make ourselves comfortable in our room for the day. We have to sit in our full togg and greatcoats till the F.O. turns us out, which by the way we did all yesterday, as he never made his appearance at all - My senior having already visited the sentries, 30 in number, about 3 o'clock I prepare to do the same.
Going through the stores and other wooden erections opposite the Guard house, I keep close to the wall where the sentries are, till I reach the water. Then turn to the right, and pass along the edge of the wharfs, launching slips and docks , often crossing on a narrow planking over the water gate of the dock, which are tremendous places; in one there is a 90 gun ship rearing its tremendous sides thirty or forty feet above me, in another is a ship just building enclosed by a large iron shed with windows in the roof. Passing perhaps 30 or 40 of these docks, I pass along the edge of the wharfs to the Lower Dk. Gd., inform the officer of the hour at which we dine, as he always dines at the Main Dock, and proceeding along the sentries close to the land-wall, from which one looks down upton the numberless docks and stores through which I have just passed, arrive again at the Guardroom - where find the Captain perhaps asleep or busy reading, I resolve on a stroll through the middle of the dockyard through which runs the road, such as it is, with the stores etc. on each side,. Entering one, I find it full of boats of all sorts and descriptions, in another I find masts being made, in a third chains, cables & ropes and so forth - going into the engine room, I see immense bars of iron as thick as a man's body cut through by a tremendous sort of hatchet, like cheese, and lots of strange things too numerous to mention. Going round the sentries is by no means easy or safe at this season. With a cutting wind blowing in one's face, & the edges of the docks & the narrow planking on which we cross covered with ice - Last night I tripped on a boatline and would have pitched headforemost into the river if I had not been caught by a chain placed to prevent such accidents. A sergeant marches in front with a lanthorn not a glass one, to marshall me the way, and give sentries the parole, without which no one can move about the Yard at night - I get little sleep on Guard, as I have to inspect the reliefs for the sentries which go out every two hours, have to turn out the guard to the F.O. and Captain of the Day and go round the sentries during the night - such is the way I have employed most of my time lately - hard as the duty is I often think how easy it is compared to the work the poor fellows before Sebastopol have to undergo, out in the trenches up to the waist perhaps in water and mud, at night to sleep on the wet ground and if not frozen to death before morning to have to return to the trenches again - with a piece of salt pork or worse to appease their hunger all day - I see that the 39th have not landed yet. I should have been a liet. in it by last gazette - I almost wish that I had stayed in it a little longer, but time alone can show what is coming, so "Cheer up, Sam, don't let your spirits go down" as I sing preparatory to winding up this epistle, & putting on my hat and swell greatcoat, fo a turn down town. Yours affecty To Miss Geddes, Edinburgh (Crossing on first page) I got my father's letter containing the 27th. colours. |
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This is the last of 9 letters to Maggy from Cork, Edinburgh (1 on leave) and Chatham. Andrew had joined 39th (Dorsets) in Cork the previous summer and transferred to 27th, shortly after. This may have been because it was his Uncle John's regiment (he was to become its honorary Colonel 5 years later) or because, as an Irish regiment, it was cheaper, especially as it was due for India, where a subaltern could live on his pay. (I am not sure where 39th were going - the pre-war Dorsets had battle honours "Sevastopol" and 2 Indian ones but were a merger of 39th &. 54th).
The main body of 27th had already left for India where Andrew was soon to join them. Both at Cork and Chatham he felt obsessed with economy and kept careful accounts. He was spending, on essentials, slightly more than his pay, so his father must have made him a small allowance. From all sources the family do not appear to have been well off - a situation well known in service families for many years after that!
"PB" stoff for "Pongo Battalion" and was obviously formed of various infantry units for guard duty at Chatham Dockyard. They had to wear uniform at all times, so were pretty well on a war footing. The mess was a happy one and the subalterns got on well together. "FO" means, I think, Field Officer, i.e. a Major or possibly Lieut. Col. with responsibility for the whole battalion that day.
Andrew's normal breakfast cost him 6d. (six old pennies, 2.5p) served in his room, as against 1/- (one shilling old money, 5p) in the mess. He appears from his letters to have been a serious and sensitive young man, without much humour, but with a high sense of duty. His chief recreation was sketching although they seem to have been no opportunities at Chatham. He had recently been given a new paintbox. He does not appear to have been a solitary, though. When going out, he always mentions a companion. He reports all other subalterns (mostly Irish but two Scots) as playing musical instruments, but doesn't seem to have done so himself. He regrets not having brought his fencing kit to Chatham, so he probably fenced at the Scottish Naval and Military Academy.
Although addressed to "Dad", I think this is the father-in-in-law of Andrew Geddes, as at one point it refers to "your daughter and son-in-law". George Henry Eckford died in London in 1877, while Andrew Geddes' own father died in 1861 and his mother in 1850. Andrew Geddes married his wife, Emily, in 1864. The date of the letter may be 1871. There was "The Battle of Fox Hill" - a mock battle near Aldershot in 1871, and there are references in this to Aldershot, and Von Blumenthal.
[Address illegible] Monday 25th
My dear Dad
We have settled down to a quiet life again after our excitement of the campaign. It was really very interesting and I was so glad we had at last one good chance seeing the troops working. I had given up all hope of seeing a good sham fight but the retreat of the enemy which we dropped onto was the best of the manoevres. You have seen it all described in the papers so I need not tell you the particulars, though from our luck in getting into the very thick of the combat I could give you perhaps as good an account as any of the "own correspondents". You may be thankful you have still a daughter and eke a son-in-law for the X Hussars did their best to deprive you of them and us to "Wales" though it would be a high honour to be squashed by our future sovereign I had rather be excused the suffering! I don't know what the effect of the new guns may be at three miles distant, but we can answer for their effect at five yards point blank range being highly unpleasant. Our cab horse, though not a hansom one was steady under fire, the driver was stone deaf and perhaps his beast was so too. Did Emy tell you that the brigade in which the 27th was with its usual luck made some mistake in the orders and instead of attacking the enemy in flank, marched off in quite another direction and could not be found till late in the afternoon, when they were found coolly waiting for the enemy to come to them some four miles the other side of Aldershot and six miles from where they ought to have been. I expect the Duke made a note of the brigadier's talent for manoevering, but I am glad to see the papers did not get hold of the story as they came up with great magnificence on the enemy's flank after he was well beaten and it looked all right to the uninitiated. The review was a magnificent sight on Friday. We got behind the steady old horse who took us to the top of a hill in rear of the centre of the line which our former experience taught us to be as least a safe place, and we saw the troops drawn as follows - drawn up in two lines
[diagram]
Cardwell's Central Waggons were just in front of us - the only seedy looking thing on the ground. When the Duke with a long train of staff and foreign visitors had ridden down the line, the troops took ground to the right, wheeled to the left, and marched past. The line was fully a mile long and it was splendid to see the whole mass in motion, the Divisions and Brigades closing up alternately just like the joints of a caterpillar. They gradually seemed to crawl along till they crawled over the hills and disappeared. Then on our left the head of the column appeared again, the cuirasses and helmets of the cavalry shining like a long gold and silve snake and they trotted past rapidly, the Horse Artillery with their yellow braiding giving one the idea of a Rattle snake with a deadly sting for the foes of merry England. Now there is a "burst" of elegance for you. But you think I ought to be a special correspondent! If you would edit a paper, we might make our future.
2nd sheet
I was sorry mothery could not come down, but she and you may have an opportunity of seeing it again next year I hope, and I shall ask the Duke to put you down as a foreign visitor. These chaps fed like fighting cocks at the hotel and had a stud of horses kept for them all the time. Their uniforms were a wonder to behold. One fellow with a huge green top knot looked like a green cockatoo and another had a helmet similar to what you see in a child's picture of the battle of Troy, something like this [picture] all in gold. The great swell was Von Blumenthal who was in the well known spiked helmet of the Prussians, and looked a perfect soldier.
We are still in the dark as to the huts we are to occupy as I heard today the 102nd are to have the lines we were told off for, and we shall go into some others unknown.
The office work goes on quietly and Rufus does not gladden my sight often I am happy to say.
The weather has come on very cold and wet and the poor devils in tents have a bad time of it. I hope it may hasten our move into huts or the Inniskillings will all be as bad as you are in their legs. As so many go on leave, we are pretty sure of a hut for some time at least.
Best love to Mothery. I hope you have managed to get someone to help you at last. It must be hard work for her.
Your affectionate son
Adie
Over-written on the first page as "crossed"
We were not in a hansom cab at the sham fight, only an open ordinary one and the occurences you sent us in the bit of newspaper must have been another "party" (as Mrs Brown would say). I think port wine would be a fine thing and would get Papa's strength up if we could get him to take it.
This is written by Andrew Geddes to his mother-in-law, Catherine Eckford (nee Haldane), the wife of George Henry Eckford and mother of his wife Emily Jane Eckford. He is not writing to his own mother, who died in 1850. I think the year is 1874, as the day of week and date match, and Ethy seems to be young but not very young.
Currough Camp
20th Febr
My dear Mothery
You will be glad to get the telegram I have just sent off and I am so thankful it is all well over. Emy's sufferings were not longer than usual in fact. Though she was uneasy all night she did not rouse me up till seven o'clock as the pains then came on unmistakeably. I had to send the groom down to Newbridge for the "wise woman" who was up in an hour and the baby boy was born at 1/2 past 10, so that he behaved well as regards timing his arrival. He is a very large fat boy with plenty of curly hair, in fact quite the Major son compared to wee Erney who was so delighted to hear he had a brother to play with that he danced about grinning like a Cheshire cat, and Lily kissed the baby most affectionately and said Pa! look dere! She articulates wonderfully sometimes.
Emy is resting now and is going on well. The nurse seems to understand her work well. She is a diplomaed nurse from Dublin Hospital and I am glad we got her as she is independent of a doctor. Emy wants to know when you will come over and if you can bring a box containing a dozen tins of Jane's chocolate from the Cooperative with you. They are 1/2d a 1lb tin or 14/- a dozen. If you can get my watch from Verrigers easily, kindly bring it too, but don't go out of your way to get it as it can come by post. I have been too laze to write for it.
Congratulate the grandpa on the addition to his numerous descendents. There is evidently a strain of the Israelite Stock in some of our families and I must belong to God "for the troop cometh" sure enough. If you and pappy agree to come over and want ready coin be it known to you by these presents that a telegram to me will be enough.
I have much to write today so mother dear you must excuse a long letter. Yours and pappy's of yesterday just arrived. More hereafter when I have read them.
Your affectionate son
Adie
The baby must must be Malcolm Henry Burdett Geddes, born in 1874. Lily would be 2 years old then, and the older brother, Ernest David Eckford Geddes (wee Ernie) seems glad that at last he has a brother to play with. Malcom is Andrew and Emmie's 7th child.
"1/2d" means one shilling and two pence. A dozen would be twelve times that or 14 shillings, so you don't get it cheaper for buying in bulk!
This is written by Andrew Geddes to his mother-in-law, Catherine Eckford (nee Haldane), the wife of George Henry Eckford and mother of his wife Emily Jane Eckford. He is not writing to his own mother, who died in 1850. I think the year is 1874, as the day of week and date match, and Ethy seems to be young but not very young.
Saturday 28th Nov.
My dear Mothery
Ethy particularly wants the two enclosures put in one envelope "because Grandpa always reads Grandma's letters and she considers these are to be strictly confidential!!!
Many thanks and kisses for the bear, he has had his interior well filled since he arrived and is such admired by all old shikarris as a faithful likeness, the expression of his face is so like the real animal.
I had a great day's shooting yesterday at Lord Ely's place near here, 130 head of woodcock and rabbits to four guns. The day was very wet as indeed every day is here now and such gloomy skies that I can scarecely see to write now (6 o'clock) but we enjoyed the sport as there is plenty of game.
Emy sends love. Tell Dad I shall write to him very soon.
Your affectionate son
Adie
Lord Ely is an Irish peer.
This was written by Andrew Geddes to his wife, Emily Jane Geddes (nee Eckford) (1839-1932). They were married in 1864. "Ethey" is probably Emily Ethel Geddes, born in 1865. "May" might be Marion Margaret Geddes, born in 1868. "Gwendy" is probably "Gwendoline Olivia Geddes" born in 1883. "Mab" may be Mabel Ada Geddes, born in 1880. These are all daughters of Andrew Geddes and his wife. There were more children as well.
The date of the letter is unknown, but some time between 1884, when he came back to the UK, and 1888, when he died. "Gwendy" is old enough to talk, and realise that her mother was staying with her grandmother, but young enough for her father to be a bit worried whether she'd be upset at missing her mother. "Mab" is old enough to travel with her mother. Ethey and May are old enough to enjoy dances. Ethel would be around 20 years old, and Marian a few years younger, so that sounds right.
Antrim House
Thursday 29
My own darling
We have had a busy time this week and I am glad to have a quiet half hour. Ethey and May have gone to a small dance at Mrs McFenans, the children are all in bed. They commenced school at Miss Reeves today and did not kill themselves with long hours. Gwendy is getting on splendidly and has such an appetite. She talks quite composedly about Ma having gone to London and being with grandma and she does not fret a bit as I thought she would have. I have taken the children to as many treats as possible in the way of fresh air for the weather has been lovely.
We had a splendid day at the Botanic Gardens on Monday. We went at two and saw everything well out of the crowd as I got them into the centre where the elite were. The great exhibit was Miss Nelly Reid on a throroughbred horse jumping five foot hurdles. She is a splendid rider and cleared them all well but she cleared more than she intended for as she went round the ring (a space railed off) close to the dense crowd, some one it is supposed touched the horse with a stick. In a second he reared straight up and jumped over the front rank of the crowd who were the 71st Highlanders right into the crowd. A horrible sight it was and such a murmur of horrror passed round for all thought he must have killed or hurt numbers. The only hurt was one woman struck on the forehead and one Highlander a little bruised. The rider dismounted in an awful fright but a couple of hours after she finished her jumping amid great applause. The balloon was a very large one and sailed off safefully, no officers this time, and came down near Ballymena. There were little children who tumbled (the same who ride a bicycle so well) an American who shot glass globes off a girls head with a rook rifle, a horrid sight as I could not but think a mistake of two inches would have killed her. The Devonshire band is a very good one and the 71st also played.
On Tuesday Ethey & May went with the McFenans up Cave Hill to a picnic and I took the children to Holy wood to gather primroses. Such a hot day it was.
On Tuesday night came the 71st ball which went off very well and Ethey enjoyed it very much. We did not get home till past three. The rooms were comfortably filled and dancing good but the band plays very fast and the polkas were rather rompy in style. Some of the 1st D.G. came up from Dundalk. The whole detachment left this morning and were relieved by the 5th D.G. - a fine looking set of men.
A rumour of a row during a meeting of Conservatives at the Maze near Lisburn kept us partly in barracks but nothing happened except some of the Highlanders getting pelted with stones in North Queen Street as they came back from the gardens. I hope there will not be any more of it.
How does Mab get on? I hope Grandma will come back with you, the weather is so fine now. Kiss them both for me and with many kisses for yourself (to be returned).
Your loving Hub.
Adie
This is written by Andrew Geddes to his mother-in-law, Catherine Eckford (nee Haldane), the wife of George Henry Eckford and mother of his wife Emily Jane Eckford. He is not writing to his own mother, who died in 1850.
1 Thorndale Terrace
Sunday 21st
My dear Mother
Many thanks for your pretty present on my birthday. It will keep me in mind of you daily all year round if the children will let it last so long. At present there is rather a run upon it. The scenes are so interesting and beautifully done that I have to give a sort of impromptue lectures on the different subjects every evening but bye and bye I hope to have it more to myself. You have a wonderful art of always sending me a really useful present and so keeping yourself always in my mind, the little knick knacks I use every day are mementoes of either you or Emy which is the real secret of a nice present. Ethey's purse reminds me daily of the evanescent nature of small change and consequently carries a good moral with it of the vanity the Preacher mentions.
We had cuch a good sermon from Mr Bristow this morning, an old clergyman very like Mr Jacob in his practical application of all texts to the daily life we lead. The text Phillipians IV v 4,5,6 Rejoice in the Lord always (For he is at hand etc) - one of those sermons that give one such a help and comfort in all the troubles and worries of life.
Ernest keeps the house lively since he came, not that they were not somewhat lively before but he is like another wheel in the clock, and being the big brother, rather an important factor, as they say in political speeches. There is a such a system being worked amongst them of preparations for Xmas, most of it kept a secret from me, but we shall soon see the results, the holidays all round begin tomorrow except Malky who works till Wednesday. He is doing so well. I am glad they keep him going.
Tomorrow they all go to Miss Reeves exhibition of the abilities of her girls. I hope I may be able to go but we send off a draft of men from the Depot which means work for me.
Best love to Ethy and yourself
Your affectionate son
Adie
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