30 DECEMBER 1899, Page 15

"I HAVE THE ORDER IN MY POCKET." (To THE EDITOR

OF THE "SPECTATOR.] SIR,—The above remark was made by Sir Thomas Brisbane in the West Indies while serving as a young officer under Sir Ralph Abercromby. Sir Thomas at the time was marching up to take a fort which was deemed impregnable, when he was met by a brother officer, who declared that "it cannot be taken." "It can," replied the gallant Sir Thomas Brisbane. "I have the order in my pocket." This was no idle boast, since he and his men did take it.—I am, Sir, &c., DONALD N. REID.

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