Back to Photographs including press cuttings commemorating General Sir James Hope Grant 9L (died 1875)
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Item 0015
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| Accession number | 912L : 2090/3 |
|---|---|
| Transcription |
nemoriam . On the death of General Sir Hope Grant , G.C.B. Late Commander of the Aldershot Division , & c . , & c . , Died 7th March , Buried at Edinburgh , 13th March , 1875 . Brave as the bravest , foremost in the fight , Gallant and courteous , generous and bright , Beneath this turf the war - worn warrior sleeps And o'er her hero grateful Scotia weeps Yet brighter than the soldiers ' dazzling fame A glory of the cross adorns his name ; Firm and devout , he found on battle field His peace in Jesus , and in God his shield , To God his faith , his trust , his heart were given , For Christ he lived - in Christ he passed to Heaven . Written by Lord Ardmillan . The death of Sir Hope Grant is another link broken in the chain which bound the stormy days of India's last great war with the present peaceful time . And who that knew that good and gallant A more gallant officer will not be proud of having known him . soldier never drew sword , and a more gentle , generous Christian gentleman never spoke English . I think I see him now during that hot weather which put the metal of British quality through a veritable fire of trial . I think I see him now through the dimness of the breaking day at the head of the long toiling column with his staff , Hamilton , Wolseley , and Biddulph , around him - looking fresh , vigorous and genial ; the first in all of our hard work , the last to find the shade of his tent ; ever thoughtful of others , forgetful of himself . Never was there General more beloved by those who served him or more deserving of such love . Well do I remember the cheers which rolled from one regiment to another when after some months ' absence he came one day quietly riding along the route . A few corps who were fresh from England and knew him not , gazed inquiringly at the heart - stormy welcome ; and how the heart of him we loved was stirred we saw well by the half - averted head , while he strove to hide feelings which he gloried in having awakened . It is long ago , and many , too many , of those whose voices spoke out that day are dead , but the remembrance of what is past and the honour of having served with one of these leaders , comes fully and sadly back when the news is given that " Sir Hope Grant is dead . " It is with greater trust and esteem that we in India must now gather around those whose names are associated with the great events of those days and who are left to us - men who have been tried and found equal to the work of the day , and With all the ardour of progress who are now placed at our head . let us never forget that real wisdom lies , not in silence , which is but a dead spirit of listlessness , but in letting our hopes , desires , and wishes be weighed by those who , mature in the arts of war , are best to judge the fitness of what is brought forward for change . - |
