“I have the honour to be, Gentlemen,
“Your most obedient, humble servant,
“H. G. Smith, Colonel.”
And the Governor of the Cape, Sir George Napier,[120] issued the following General Order:—
“Headquarters, Cape Town, 1st June, 1840.
“In consequence of the promotion of Colonel Smith to be Adjutant-General to the Army in India, the Commander-in-Chief takes this opportunity to express his high approbation of that officer’s services during his residence in this Colony, and he feels confident the officers and soldiers of this command will be highly gratified by so distinguished a mark of Her Majesty’s favour and approbation being bestowed on an officer of such long and gallant services in nearly every part of Her Majesty’s Dominions.
“As one of his companions, and as an old Comrade in Arms, the Major-General offers Colonel Smith his warmest congratulations and best wishes for his health and happiness.
“The Orders of the Garrison of Cape Town, and of the guards and sentries, etc., as established by Colonel Smith, C.B., are to be considered as Standing Orders for this Garrison, and will be strictly observed accordingly.”
However gratified we were by this distinguished mark of Her Majesty’s approbation, we left the Cape of Good Hope as if we were leaving for ever our native land, and in that patriotic expression “My native land, good night” is comprised all the most feeling heart of man can participate in.
Ah, Cape of Good Hope, notwithstanding your terrific south-easters in the summer, your dreadful north-westers in the winter, your burning sun, your awful sands, I and my wife will ever remember you with an affection yielding alone to that of the “Land of our Sires!”