THE BRAVEST MAN IN THE BRITISH ARMY.

Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 102, 27 October 1888, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE BRAVEST MAN IN THE BRITISH ARMY.

Years ago the first Duke of Wellington was waited upon at Apsley House by two gentlemen, who announced to him that, as executors of the will of a deceased frieud of eccentric habits, who had left £500 to the bravest man in the British army, they called for the purpose of handing His Grace a cheque for that amount, being fully satisfied that in so doing they should religiously fulfil the duty imposed on them by the testator. The Duke thanked them for the compliment they had paid him, but resolutely declined to receive the money, alleging that the British army containel many as brave menj as himself. After several pressing remonstrances, His Grace's visitors earnestly requested that he would consent to become arbitrator in the matter, and indicate the individual on whom the be quest should be conferred. To this appeal he acceded, promising in the course of two'or threerdays to give the matter his consideration, and report to them the result. At the appointed time they again made their appearance at Apsley House. The Duke received them with great courtesy, but assured them that he had found the task a great deal more difficultthau he had anticipated. After enumerating t,o them the various battles in which he had been engaged, and some of the most striking feats of heroism he had witnessed, he suggested that if they had no objection he would mnke his selection from the battle of Waterloo, that being the last, the greatest, aud most important action of the war. This point being adjusted, His Grace proceeded to state that Hngomont, having been the key to his entire position, and that post having been defended not only with the most complete success, but with the most chivalrous bravery by Major-General Sir James M'Donnell, who commanded there, hecoujd point out noone sp fully entitled to the legacy as Jthat officer. The e^eoutors repaired accordingly to Sir James M'Donnell, and having acquainted him with the decision of the Duke of Wellington, tendered him the money. Sir James expressed himself highly flattered by bo distinguished a mark of His Grace's favour and approval, and observed that, although he should not attempt to dispute altogether the propriety of his decision, yet, as he knew a man who had conducted himBelf with at least equal gallautry in the

same battle, he must insist cm sharing the prize with him. He then went on to say that at one period of the day the French troops rushed upon Hugomont with such irresistible force that the gates of the farm were buist open, and for a moment the fate of the position seemed doubtful, when a powerful sergeant-major of the Coldstrearn Guards, of the name ot Fraser, assisted him in closing ilie gates, which they did by dint of sheer physical strength, upon the enemy. Shortly afterwards the French were driven back, and the fate of Hugomont was decided. Sir James added that the Duke of Wellington had evidently selected him because he was able to make go'"! a po3t which was the key to his position, and he could not, on the same principle, withhold from the gallant officer who assisted him at so critical a moment in forcing out the enemy, his proper share of reward. He would therefore accept the £500. aud divide it with SergeantMajor Fraser, to whom he accordingly paid £250 of the money.