"When we advanced to decide the destiny of the day, our right squadron was in front, led on by the brave Major-General Sir. H. Vivian, commanding our brigade; Lord Robert Manners commanding our regiment; Major Howard commanding the right squadron; and I, the adjutant, in front with those officers. Just as we began to advance, I said, 'Major, what a grand sight we have before us!' 'Yes, it is,' said the major. These were the last words he spoke, for in half a minute afterwards we were right amongst them, slashing away; then there was no time to talk. We quickly made them turn their backs towards us; but there was one square of infantry that stood firm. That square made sad havoc among us. The major was killed by that square. He was not six yards from the muzzles of the French firelocks when he was shot. He fell off his horse, and, I believe, never moved a finger; but I had not a moment's time to stop, for we had not then cleared the field. This, my lord, is a true account of the last moments of your lordship's late son, and one of the best friends I ever had."—P. iv.
"We then drove their cavalry past a solid square mass;
This mass stood firm against us, like solid brass.
This is the place where Hon. Major F. Howard was killed,
That grieved my mind sorely and my poor heart thrilled."—P. 19.
Then follow some reflections which I abstain from quoting, as the way in which they are expressed would produce an effect quite contrary to the author's intentions. The burial is thus described:
"I ordered the party to mount their horses,
And proceed to carry off and bury all our losses.
The party assemble here, now instantly move forward:
Serjeant, take care where you bury Major Howard.
Take two objects in view, or three if you can,
Then you will be sure to find him again!
He lies in the hollow, not far from the French guns.
Bury him by their side, but not where water runs."
P. 21.
The criticism of the note quoted by G. D. is sound: "Hardman was no poet, but he could describe graphically what he saw and did." The poem seems to have been the result of a sudden thought. In the dedication he says it was not begun till May 18, and "A Letter to the Right Hon. George Canning," appended to it, is dated June 4. In the letter he says, that if he "can get into the printing-house again without loss," he will answer Mr. Canning effectually on the Catholic question. He also hopes "to get before the public every week," and "to show that all gentlemen professing the law are the most abused, and at the same time more honest than any other class in this kingdom." Had the last-mentioned hope been fulfilled, I think I should have heard of it. I have not met with any other work bearing Captain Hardman's name; and probably his printer's bill (he was his own publisher) put an end to his literary career.
I subjoin two specimens of the poem which, though not relating to the subject of G. D.'s Query, may be interesting if you have room for them, as such poetry is not published every day. An exhortation to good conduct ends thus:
'Therefore let us prepare, the call may be very soon;
Then we shall not despair, if the call be made before noon:
But if our sins weigh us down, what misery and woe!
Ah! devils all slily squinting, and to them we must go.
Their eyes are flames of fire, their tongues are frightful darts,