For the first time self-control failed. His voice broke, and his features were strongly agitated. The love between that son and that mother had been of no common kind. He was utterly unable to give the message that he wished, and he turned to another subject.
"Hope—Hope—I have much to say to him—but—cannot get it out. Are Colonel Graham and all my aides-de-camp safe?"
Anderson hastily signed to others not to tell him that one of the latter had been dangerously wounded, knowing well the great affection which existed between Moore and his whole staff. The question was evaded.
He then mentioned that he had made his will, and had in it remembered his servants. "Colbourne has my will—and all my papers," he said. And when Major Colbourne came in, Moore greeted him with exceeding kindness, turning to say with difficulty to Sir John Hope, "Hope, go to the Duke of York, and say he ought to give Colbourne a regiment."
He asked again, "Were the French beaten?"
"In every direction," he was told.
"It's a great satisfaction for me to know we have beaten the French," he remarked. "Is Paget in the room?"
Anderson replied in the negative.
"Remember me to him. It is General Paget I mean. He is a fine fellow."
A little later came the words, "I feel myself so strong—I fear I shall be long dying. It is great uneasiness—it is great pain."