MINDEN DRUMS. (Annual. 1ST, 1759.) [To THE EDITOR OF THE
"SPECTATOR."!
SIR,—Having read with pleasure a poem entitled as above in the Spectator of August 1st, I send a quotation from " The Hermit of Lansdown," taken from a copy of " The Miscel- laneous Works of Thomas Dawson Lawrence, Esquire," of Lawrencetown House, Co. Down. He was ensign in the Lancashire Fusiliers, and carried one of the colours at the battle of Minden. This regiment continues to wreathe the drums in roses on August 1st in memory of " Minden Day," when the German gardens round were robbed, and the drums decorated before the battle.—I am, Sir, &c., E. LAWRENCE.
" Here let me tell how Minden's plain was won, While feats of arms obscured the noonday sun; The Gallic steeds obeyed their master's mind, Spurn at the thunder, and outstrip the wind; Their crests refulgent shine, their nostrils wide With foaming bursts emit the fleecelike tide ; The British foot, by equal files were dress'd,* Their panting hearts with love of fame impress'd; The dreadful charge perceived, with well-aimed fire, Their squadrons checked, both man and horse expire; Resistless force the blazing cannon pours, Her ponderous ball, or clust'ring grape shot showers ; From right to left, from front to rear, was seen A dreadful carnage, and a sanguined green."
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