"In consequence of this reduction, which happened in the most severe
season of the year, he was obliged to return to his own country,
through infinite hardships, to which he was exposed from the
narrowness of his circumstances. And continuing still enamoured
of a military life, he entered into the regiment of Scots Greys,
at that time commanded by the late Sir James Campbell, who, being
acquainted with his family and character, encouraged him with a
promise of speedy preferment. In this corps he remained three years,
during which he had no opportunity of seeing actual service, except
at the affair of Glensheel; and this life of insipid quiet must
have hung heavy upon a youth of M--'s active disposition, had not
he found exercise for the mind, in reading books of amusement,
history, voyages, and geography, together with those that treated
of the art of war, ancient and modem, for which he contracted
such an eager appetite, that he used to spend sixteen hours a day
in this employment. About that time he became acquainted with a
gentleman of learning and taste, who observing his indefatigable
application, and insatiable thirst after knowledge, took upon himself
the charge of superintending his studies; and, by the direction of
such an able guide, the young soldier converted his attention to
a more solid and profitable course of reading.
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