'Indeed,' the letter proceeded, 'had it been otherwise,
the news from abroad, and my instructions from the War-office, must have
compelled me to recall it, as there is great danger, since the disaster
in Flanders, both of foreign invasion and insurrection among the
disaffected at home. I therefore entreat you will repair, as soon as
possible, to the head-quarters of the regiment; and I am concerned to
add, that this is still the more necessary, as there is some discontent
in your troop, and I postpone inquiry into particulars until I can have
the advantage of your assistance.'
The second letter, dated eight days later, was in such a style as might
have been expected from the Colonel's receiving no answer to the first.
It reminded Waverley of his duty as a man of honour, an officer, and a
Briton; took notice of the increasing dissatisfaction of his men, and
that some of them had been heard to hint that their Captain encouraged
and approved of their mutinous behaviour; and, finally, the writer
expressed the utmost regret and surprise that he had not obeyed his
commands by repairing to head-quarters, reminded him that his leave
of absence had been recalled, and conjured him, in a style in which
paternal remonstrance was mingled with military authority, to redeem
his error by immediately joining his regiment.
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