Sir Richard Airey (1803-1881) served as military secretary to the commander-in-chief, Lord Hardinge 1852-1854. He began the Crimean campaign in charge of a brigade, but was made Quartermaster General on 1 September 1854 and served until November 1855, enduring accusations of inefficiency by the British press. These letters assume that Lord Hardinge has received official despatches, and give Sir Richard's private opinions, in particular on the army's transport problems. He also sends news of Lord Hardinge's second son Arthur, who was serving as a guardsman.