In biography there is perhaps nothing more alluring than to trace out traits in remote kindred, and to watch them coming forth with new accompaniments in later generations, to work out, as it were, the full story of the race, and probably to mark a climax in some chosen individual. Though we have not space to follow this out in the present case, the distinguishing characteristics of General Wauchope's ancestors may easily be discerned throughout his career; to them he doubtless owed that simple manliness which looked upon every man—whatever his station—as a brother; that unswerving courage in time of danger, that unflinching devotion to duty, that cheerfulness of disposition, which made him a general favourite; all sobered by a sense of the unseen and eternal which entered into the very heart of his life.
The author's efforts to gather the scattered material of so chequered a career have been met on all hands by so willing a response from those who could in any way claim the General's acquaintance, that his task has been a pleasant and a comparatively easy one. For interesting details and incidents coming under their personal observation, his best thanks are due to Admiral Lord Charles W. D. Beresford, C.B.; General Sir Robert Biddulph, G.C.M.G., G.C.B., lately Governor of Gibraltar; Sir John C. M'Leod, G.C.B.; Colonel R. K. Bayly, C.B.; Colonel Brickenden; Colonel Gordon J. C. Money; Major A. G. Duff; Captain Christie, and other of his brother officers who shared with him the dangers and toil of naval and military service, in various parts of the world.
He cannot too gratefully acknowledge the kind assistance heartily given by the Rev. George Wisely, D.D., Malta; the Rev. John Mactaggart, Edinburgh; and the Rev. Alexander Stirling, York, army chaplains. Their contributions have been invaluable.
So fully indeed has material been placed at the author's disposal, that the volume might have been easily extended beyond its present limits. But enough, it may be hoped, has been said in illustration of General Wauchope's career as a soldier, and his character as a man, to enable his fellow-countrymen to realise that in his lamented death the nation has lost one of its bravest and best.
CHAPTER I
THE WAUCHOPES OF NIDDRIE MARISCHAL