WAITING FOR BETTER TIMES, 183 



testimony of my own to the high character of the 

 officer in question. 



" Rejoining his regiment as a lieutenant, from the 

 exercise of an important command calling daily for 

 the display of his energy, activity, and self-reliance, 

 and frequently for the manifestation of the highest 

 qualities of the partisan leader or of the regular 

 soldier. Lieutenant Hodson with patience, persever- 

 ance, and zeal undertook and carried out the labori- 

 ous minor duties of the regimental staff as well 

 as those of a company ; and with a diligence, 

 method, and accuracy, such as the best trained 

 regimental officers have never surpassed, succeeded 

 in a manner fully justifying the high commendation 

 bestowed on him by his commanding officer. As 

 a soldier in the field Lieutenant Hodson has gained 

 the applause of officers of the highest reputation, 

 eyewitnesses of his ability and courage. On the 

 testimony of others I refer to these, and that testi- 

 mony so honourable to his name I beg herewith to 

 submit to his Excellency. 



" On my own observation I am enabled to speak 

 to Lieutenant Hodson's character and qualities in 

 quarters, and I do so in terms of well-earned com- 

 mendation, and at the same time in the earnest 

 hope that his merits and qualifications will obtain 

 for him such favour and preferment at the hands 

 of his Excellency as he may deem fit to bestow 

 on this deserving officer." 



To an appeal so just, so earnestly worded, no 

 answer appears to have come from Sir William 

 Gomm's headquarters. Meanwhile a new hope had 

 dawned for Hodson with the breaking out of war 

 between Persia and the Government of Lidia. 



