“I have received,” he says, “since the battle of Aliwal, more than 150 letters of heartfelt gratification.... From every old General I have served with left to us, from every old comrade of the Light and 4th Divisions, have I received every expression of their approbation, their happiness in my having realized their often-expressed anticipations. Your old friend Juana’s good sense, which you so kindly give her credit for, keeps pace with her delight in all the congratulations of our friends. Then, George, comes the encomium of the Duke. Dear old Master, if I have done that which meets your approbation, then is the cup of glory full indeed, for it is to your example I have desired to apply any share of ability bestowed upon me. I have had, too, from him the kindest messages, and to his old friend Juanita, as he still calls her.... I have had a letter from Joe, who tells me your happiness was such that your nerves so thrilled through your desperate old wounds as to make you quite ill.... I begin to long to get once more to my native land; mine has been an awful banishment. I do so long to seize by the hand all those old friends who have so adhered to me notwithstanding my absence, and who thus so kindly feel my success and honours their own.... Our old dear and mutual friends, Sirs Kempt, Barnard, and Lord F. Somerset, have written in most enthusiastic terms.”
To another old friend, Mr. Justice Menzies[159] of the Cape, he writes on 26th June. After recounting the story of the campaign, he tells of his coming movements—
“I and Juana start dak in the month of July for Cawnpore, my division. She will leave the hills before cold, contrary to sense, but in strict usage, with her unvaried attachment.”
After the significant statement, “I am out of debt,” he signs himself—
“one who, if affection can make him so, is worthy of your faithful friendship, hot-headed Harry Smith.”
The following letters explain themselves:—
“To Lieutenant-General Sir Andrew Barnard, G.C.B., K.C.H.,
“Colonel 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade.
“Cawnpore, India, 29th July, 1846.
“Sir,