Northampton, August 12th 1811
Dear Jack,
I have been in daily of expectation of hearing from
you, but have been constantly disappointed. I suppose
you wrote by Thomas; but I unfortunately did not
see that bird of passage on his flight thro' Northampton
having stationed myself at the wrong inn to wait for
him: when I arrived at the other, the coach was just gone, but I was told that a gentleman had enquired for me with
a letter which {^he} said was of no consequence, and as he did not meet with me he would take it along with him. So much for your punctual messenger._ If you do not write soon, I shall fancy that you have run away without letting me know. But before we talk nonsense, let us attend to business._ First let me desire you to deliver the enclosed letter, containing a five pound note, all I can at present afford, to the Father of Anne Hughes, formerly in the service of Mrs Dowling. The direction will guide you to his cottage, but should it fail, receive these further in: :structions. Videlicet._ When you arrive at the 2nd toll bar on the Road from our house at Islington to Hackney, turn directly to the right, and you are on the Kingsland Road._ a little way down that Road on the left stands a Lamb public house, and about 6 yards before you come to the Lamb on the same side of the Road is a lane; at the end of which towards the left is the cottage

of Anne's Father. If you cannot now go straight to the house without asking a single question, you must be ei: :ther drunk or mad when you undertake the journey; The whole length of which is about a mile and half; or perhaps only a mile and quarter._ When you have executed this commission send me an account of it; and at the same time let me know how our money account stands, when you have settled for me with Mrs [illeg]. If you have not sent my trunk, I hope you will send it soon, and let me know by what conveyance it comes._ Direction to me J Barker 4[illeg]th Foot. Angel Inn, Northampton. For a letter [illeg] J Barker 4[illeg]th Foot. Northampton is sufficient. Master King, the taylor, is a damn'd scoundrel; he has cheated me, first in overcharging, and secondly in furnishing me with improper articles of dress - instead of blue pantaloons, I ought to have had white ones, and grey trou: :sers; also white breeches with military boots; all which articles I can procure here both cheaper & better. I am sorry I paid him: had I known his character he should have waited till doomsday._ After a few words on our situation here, I will make some enquiries concern: :ing your affairs._ Our Commander here, Colonel Erskine is a man, of whom it is impossible to speak too highly._ He says we are not likely to (tho' we may possibly) go out before next spring; out 2nd battalion having been annihilated. Till that time we must amuse ourselves in this stupid

place as well as we can._ We have already had a ball, and shortly expect another._ I have made some acquaintance among the ladies in spite of general aversion of the inha: :bitants to the army: and by behaving well at church and looking damn'd serious in the presence of the old ladies, we may all of us be admitted into the company of the young ones._ One unfortunate accident happened._ On the ball night, while my last partner was walking talking to me the carriage drove off with her party. I set off home with her without my hat, which I had lost, and met two gentlemen coming to seek her._ The day following the circumstance caused some talk in the place._ So much for these matters._ Now for a few ques: :tions._ How are you in point of health?_ Do you go to Heligoland?_ Have you heard from James? Does William improve in punctuality?_ How does you business succeed?_ How do go on with your German?_ W[damaged] those questions seriously_ The following are of [illeg] importance._ How is the little one?_ did Wissman of_ [illeg] ? What did Papa & Mamma say at my abrupt departure? Is Angel gone?_ How is old short?_ (so much for nonsense_ now for some: :thing serious - Give my love to Little One ... to [illeg] Pare alias Poll, to the ladies of Britania - Row &c - Remember me kindly to Miss Watkin and Miss Major, and tell them I wish they were here to play chess with me.. also remember me to Mr Wr Wat: :kin &c Smith. Mr Wand, Wissman & _ Remember me also respectfully to the Whatleys, Barrows, Morewoods, Wilion &c. in short to all._ amen._ I am now in the habit of rising pretty early, being obliged to appear on parade at 8 in the morning, at the distance of a mile. I forgot my umbrella, which would have been useful to me both

and with best wishes believe one, Dear Jacky,
Yours,
J Barker.
Amen & amen.

here and on my journey, which was a very wet oe, my box coat however secured every part but my head; if it is of no use to you you may {?cord} it on the top of my trunk supposing that not be be sent: if it is sent, keep the umbrellas. To conclude, you may expect to hear from me again directly after I have heard from you. Write directly.