Queen Victoria’s diary, 1882

September

1. 11 September 1882

   Received a telegram in cipher from Sir John McNeill, marked very secret, saying that it was "determined to attack the enemy with a very large force on Wednesday."…

2. 12 September 1882

   Drove at ten minutes to five, with Beatrice, Louischen, and Harriet, to the Glen G elder Shiel, where we had tea, and I sketched. The sky was so beautiful. We…

3. 13 September 1882

   Woke very often. Raw and dull. Took my short walk, and breakfasted in the cottage. Had a telegram that the army marched out last night. What an anxious moment ! We…

4. 13 September 1882

   Brown brought the telegram, and followed me to Beatrice's room, where Louischen was, and I showed it to her. I was myself quite upset, and embraced her warmly,…