“Your affectionate friend,
“Charles Beckwith.”
It might atone for many faults in Harry Smith that he loved and was loved by Charles Beckwith.
The following letter to H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge and the Duke’s reply are self-explanatory:—
“Manchester, March 9, 1855.
“Dear Sir,
“I cannot avoid expressing to Your Royal Highness my delight on reading the opinion so nobly given by you, when in the Chair, as to the Patriotic Fund, of the value, worth, and zeal of our Regimental Officers. In a service of fifty years I have ever found them the same, and ever looked up to and beloved by their soldiers. Your Royal Highness’s expressions in the Chair are calculated to do vast good in these twaddling and criminating times, and to uphold that class of men, alone qualified to command British soldiers, who feel themselves that gentlemen best command them.
“H. G. Smith,
“Lieut.-General.
“To H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge, etc.”
“St. James’s Palace, March 10th, 1855.