LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
MOUNTED VOLUNTEERS.
[TO THE EDITOR. OF THE "SPECTATOR."]
Sin,—I have read from week to week the common-sense views of the Spectator on the war. As an old Volunteer of 1852, I may venture to express my entire approval of the plans sug- gested by Lord Wemyss and your journal as to the Volunteer Reserve. The name of Elcho is very familiar to the veterans of the force. I hope that the authorities will open their eyes to that which for nearly fifty years has been patent to those who joined the Volunteer ranks in the early days. There existed then, as now, a strong desire amongst young men who from their callings were not inclined either to enlist in the Army or the Militia, to learn something of military duty, so as to be useful in case of need. The boasting of the French Colonels in 1852 started an enthusiasm which the War Office neglect allowed to cool down. In 1859, however, a fresh cause roused the country. I had been one of the rank-and- file to that date, and quite contented with that position ; how- ever, I was then called on to take command of an artisan company. For seventeen years I did my best to fulfil my duty. I am from practical experience able to say that the only disappointment to the members of the force with whom I was brought in contact arose from their not having more serious work to perform. The "cold shoulder" is a joint that even the most enthusiastic is apt to tire of. I trust that the War Office will in the future consult Volunteer Colonels as to how best to deal with Volunteers, and not be guided by the advice of clerks or be fettered by red-tape. The Volunteer force generally has suffered, but the mounted Volunteers have been, I believe, extinguished. In 1860 (I think that was the date) the late Sir Thomas Acland in Devon, and other far-seeing Volunteers elsewhere, obtained from a reluctant War Office leave to form corps of Mounted Riflemen. I saw how well these mounted men worked with the foot Volunteers. As scouts they were in- valuable. Hedgerows, walls, and other difficulties offered no impediment. On returning from this duty they tethered their horses in the rear and assisted in protecting the column. These Volunteers were farmers' sons, accustomed to hunting, and rode their own horses,—in fact, just such a,force as is now required for service in South Africa. It is no good lamenting the fate of these early mounted Volunteers, but I trust that in each county this branch of the Volunteer service may be
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