Note 150 — Chapter XLVI · (Supplementary.) HONOURS AND REWARDS, AND KNITTING OF OLD FRIENDSHIPS.

Kincaid, in his generous enthusiasm, wrote a letter signed “Veteran” to the Times of March 30th, to acquaint the public with his friend’s past services and military character. Speaking of Peninsular days, he writes, “Those only who have served under a good and an indifferent staff officer can estimate the immense value of the former, and Smith was one of the very best, for his heart and soul were in his duty. His light wiry frame rendered him insensible to fatigue, and, no matter what battle or march might have occupied the day or night, or what elementary war might be raging, Smith was never to be found off his horse, until he saw every man in his brigade housed, if cover could possibly be had. His devotion to their comforts was repaid by their affection.... No one who knew Harry Smith (his familiar name) in those days could doubt for a moment that whenever he acquired the rank, and the opportunity offered, he would show himself a General worthy of his illustrious preceptor.... The battle of Aliwal speaks for itself, as the dispatch of Sir H. Smith would alone proclaim that he had been trained under Sir John Moore and finished under the master-mind of Wellington.”