"William Anderson, a Glasgow man of excellent character, was a private in the 21st, and rose to the rank of Sergeant-Major. He had born to him in America two sons, James and John, and two daughters. Having been wounded he was discharged with a pension, and with his family settled in the Gallowgate of Glasgow.... Colonel Hamilton, having attained the rank of Major-General, left the service, and with an old sister resided at his estate of Murdiestoun.
"... One day the General driving in his carriage, saw to his surprise, Sergeant-Major Anderson playing with his children on the opposite side of the road, and no less to the surprise and delight of the old Sergeant, he saw his General, and felt the grasp of his affectionate hand. The children remembered the General, who delighted with the appearance of James, seized him in his arms and tossed him in the air, which so charmed the boy that he exclaimed,—Do it again, General; please give me another toss over your head. From that day the General's heart was knit to Jamie Anderson. He showed the greatest kindness to all the family, educating the boys in the grammar school, and afterwards at the University; while the girls received the best teaching which the boarding schools of Glasgow could then afford.
"James moreover was taught riding, a pony was provided for his daily use; and Murdiestoun became his home almost as much as the more humble, but not less happy and contented abode in the Gallowgate. This kindness had a purpose in it. In carrying out this purpose, the General obtained a commission for 'Jamie' as a Cornet in the Scots Greys. The Secretary at War assumed the boy's name to be Inglis Hamilton....
"Years passed. The Cornet behaved like an officer and a gentleman, and was the pride of the old General, who had the satisfaction of seeing him become Lieutenant-Colonel of his regiment, respected and beloved by officers and men. The General in the meantime made his will, leaving his property to James and his heirs male....
"The General died, and according to a request written by him and placed in his prayer book, Jamie acted as chief mourner, accompanied by the nobility and gentry of the county."
From a small unbound volume belonging to the Regiment:—
Copies of letters written just previous to the battle of Waterloo, by F. C. Kinchant, Cornet, 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys); also one describing his death by treachery during the battle, and the summary revenge taken therefor by the sergeant of his troop.
The originals are addressed to John Rose Hall, Esq., Cockshut Lydiate, Ludlow, Shropshire, England. They are now in the possession of Mrs. McLaughlin, step-daughter of the above-mentioned John Rose Hall.
"Bristol, March 28th, 1815.
"My Dear Hall,