From Shields we proceeded to Leith, and landed, and all our baggage being examined at the customs-house, I thought what a capital thing it was that I had sold my dress. That night we remained in Leith, and on the following morning were ordered to march to Glasgow, which we reached on the third day.
Lawrence receives news of his father's illness, and starts with his wife on a six weeks' furlough -- Voyage to London -- They meet an agreeable fellow-cab-fare -- Are cheated by Lawrence's own countrymen -- At last reach his native place -- Excitement among the inhabitants -- Lawrence is received by his sister, who immediately asserts her privilege of making him tidy -- First meeting with his parents -- Reception of his wife by his relatives -- The inconveniences of glory -- Expeditions to various branches of his family -- General grief at his departure not appreciated at its full value by Lawrence -- From Dorsetshire to Scotland by road -- Mrs. Lawrence distinguishes herself above her countrywomen and outwalks a British soldier -- Return to Glasgow -- The regiment presented with a new set of colours.
The barracks at Glasgow we found to be comfortable; and after lying there about three months, the winter of 1817 set in, and furloughs were granted for two months to a part of the regiment. As I had a wife with me and my home was so far away, I gave my furlough to a fellow-sergeant that he might go to Ireland; but I wrote home and told them I had arrived in England, and very soon received an answer back from my mother to say my father was ill, and if I did not come then, perhaps I should never see him again. I consulted my wife as to the journey, and she readily consented to come with me, so I made up my mind to try for another furlough. I accordingly took the old lady's letter to the captain, who said, "Well, sergeant, there are so many gone that I don't know whether the colonel will let you, but we will ask him;" so we went to him, and on hearing the nature of my case he readily consented to allow me six weeks, and signed my furlough. He likewise advanced me one shilling per day for the six weeks, and as I had lately received my Waterloo prize-money which was twenty pounds, I started off with that, having previously bought some requisites in clothing and a watch, the sort of things that make one feel a little more respectable.