Similar instances of generosity among the people of Town and Kirk Yetholm--where the other family estate is situated--made him, we are told, the 'admired of all admirers.' There he bestowed large monetary help in providing better water supply and sanitary requirements for these villages. In Yetholm district he was an open-handed benefactor, and will probably be longer remembered as such than for his warlike achievements. And all this kindness was done without ostentation. It was the outcome of a noble and generous disposition. 'No man is truly great who is not gentle,' it has been wisely remarked, for a gentleman must be kind and considerate for others; and though the work of a soldier is to fight, and if need be to kill, he is all the stronger in his hour of struggle against the enemy that he carries within him a gentle heart. {138} Colonel Wauchope's heart was in the right place, and his influence was consequently far-reaching. It is told of him that one day he had as a companion in a country walk an ex-brother officer, not very popular among the private soldiers. As they sauntered along, they forgathered with a big boisterous bully who had been drummed out of his regiment, taking with him a rankling ill-will against this officer. He gave vent to his wrath against the Colonel's companion, and threatened that he would 'do' for him, showing at the same time every disposition to carry his threat into effect; but Wauchope promptly stepped between the two, when the rowdy somewhat changed his manner, saying, 'Captain, I would not lift a hand against so gallant an officer as you; it is lucky for Mr. ---- that you are with him,' whereupon the Colonel lectured him upon the impropriety of his conduct, and with sundry other good advices parted from him by leaving a silver coin in his hand. This was too much for the man, and he burst into tears. Nor was he above doing a kindly action, even though asked in not the most polite fashion. Once he happened to be visiting his friend Sir Charles Dalrymple, at Newhailes, dressed in plain rustic costume. He had scarcely entered the grounds, and closed the gate behind him, when he heard a shrill voice calling out, 'Hae, man! come and open the gate, will ye?' Looking round, Colonel Wauchope descried two fish-women with their creels on their backs, vainly endeavouring to effect an entrance. On the request being repeated, he at once turned back, politely opened the gate, and walked on! They had taken him for one of the workmen, and were rather disconcerted when they afterwards discovered who had been acting the part of porter for them. {139}