English essays -- 19th century; Great Britain -- Social life and customs; London (England) -- Description and travel
“For thirty-two years,” the paper says, “Sir Richmond Shakespear
faithfully and devotedly served the Government of India, and during that
period but once visited England, for a few months and on public duty. In
his military capacity he saw much service, was present in eight general
engagements, and was badly wounded in the last. In 1840, when a young
lieutenant, he had the rare good fortune to be the means of rescuing
from almost hopeless slavery in Khiva 416 subjects of the Emperor of
Russia; and, but two years later, greatly contributed to the happy
recovery of our own prisoners from a similar fate in Cabul. Throughout
his career this officer was ever ready and zealous for the public
service, and freely risked life and liberty in the discharge of
his duties. Lord Canning, to mark his high sense of Sir Richmond
Shakespear's public services, had lately offered him the Chief
Commissionership of Mysore, which he had accepted, and was about to
undertake, when death terminated his career.”
When he came to London the cousins and playfellows of early Indian days
met once again, and shook hands. “Can I do anything for you?” I remember
the kind fellow asking. He was always asking that question: of all
kinsmen; of all widows and orphans; of all the poor; of young men who
might need his purse or his service. I saw a young officer yesterday
to whom the first words Sir Richmond Shakespear wrote on his arrival in
India were, “Can I do anything for you?” His purse was at the command
of all. His kind hand was always open. It was a gracious fate which sent
him to rescue widows and captives. Where could they have had a champion
more chivalrous, a protector more loving and tender?
I write down his name in my little book, among those of others dearly
loved, who, too, have been summoned hence. And so we meet and part;
we struggle and succeed; or we fail and drop unknown on the way. As we
leave the fond mother's knee, the rough trials of childhood and boyhood
begin; and then manhood is upon us, and the battle of life, with its
chances, perils, wounds, defeats, distinctions. And Fort William guns
are saluting in one man's honor,* while the troops are firing the last
volleys over the other's grave--over the grave of the brave, the gentle,
the faithful Christian soldier.
* W. R. obiit March 22, 1862.
NOTES OF A WEEK'S HOLIDAY.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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