Note 223 — Chapter L · (Supplementary.) AGAIN IN ENGLAND—LAST YEARS, 1852-1860.

Lord Grey fully appreciated Sir Harry’s chivalry. He writes, “On a question of this kind we were not at liberty to consult our private feelings. This was fully understood by Sir Harry Smith himself, of whose most handsome and honourable conduct I cannot too strongly express my sense. He has shown no resentment against us for what we did, but has fairly given us credit for having been guided only by considerations of public duty. I feel individually very deeply indebted to him for the kindness with which he has acted towards me since his return.”—The Colonial Policy of Lord John Russell’s Administration (1853), vol. ii. p. 247. Men will decide according to their dispositions whether such conduct was “lowering” to Sir Harry or not. It was at least part and parcel of his nature.