[[246]] I visited last year at Ely, Mr. B. Genn, late of the 15th Hussars, who had served under him in India in 1846, and who had fired over his grave. As soon as I had opened the door, a fine engraving of Sir Harry greeted me. It had been bought at a sale. The old veteran spoke of his commander always as the “dear old man.” When I asked him if he thought him a good General, he fired up quickly, “Why, think of the battle of Aliwal! Not a mistake anywhere.”
[[247]] The following characteristic story has been sent me by Major J. F. Anderson, of Coxwell Lodge, Faringdon: “Sir Harry was very quick-tempered, and on one occasion (during the Kafir War of 1835?), when my father remonstrated with him as to an order he gave, he said, ‘Learn to obey, sir,’ and ordered him into his tent under arrest. In the evening he sent to ask my father to dine with him!”
[[248]] In this and the following items, the story given above is repeated.
[[249]] Afterwards married to Charles Smith.
[[250]] Vicar of St. Mary and St. Andrew, Whittlesey, and cousin to Harry Smith’s mother.
[[251]] Query, 11th? See preceding letter.
[[252]] I possess this document only in the form of rough drafts. The document as here printed is therefore to some extent a compilation. It is clear that the Board of Officers were proposing a more stringent treatment of prisoners than that which Harry Smith had adopted and which they maintained was more lenient than was permitted by the Royal Warrant.
[[253]] Col. W. Johnstone was then living at Cape Town. See [p. 58].
[[254]] “My dearest wife!”
[[255]] His house at Rondebosch, near Cape Town.