302 MAJOR W. HODSON. 



writes M'Dowell, " was very annoying, but there 

 was no help for it. So we struck out as fast as we 

 could, the more so as we heard that the enemy, 

 700 strong, with four guns, was within two miles 

 of us." 



About 4 P.M., after a ride of fifty-five miles through 

 hostile country, Hodson and M'Dowell reached the 

 camp of the commander-in-chief. Hodson "found 

 him wonderfully fresh and well, and met with a 

 most cordial and hearty welcome from him, General 

 Mansfield, and in fact from all. Bruce and Mac- 

 kinnon all fat and well. Hope Grant was most 

 cordial. I was much pleased with all I heard and 

 saw ; the sight of the sailors and the Highlanders 

 did my eyes and heart good. Such dear wild-look- 

 ing fellows as these jack-tars are, but so respectful 

 and proper in conduct and manner. 



" Our dear Napier is wounded, I grieve to say, 

 though, thank God, not badly, and is left behind 

 at Cawnpore. ... Sir Colin was very compliment- 

 ary, and my men, under Gough, have won great 

 distinction and universal praise. I rejoiced to see 

 my old friend Norman in his proper place, the de 

 facto adjutant -general of the army; and Hope 

 Grant has done everything admirably." 



"This ride," says Sir Hugh Gough, "was a most 

 gallant achievement, though only one of Hodson's 

 many gallant deeds. It was a ride for life ; and 

 yet when he reached the chief's camp he was as 

 cool and calm as if he had only ridden from one 

 brigade to another. This cool insouciance was one 

 of Hodson's great characteristics : whether in the 

 heat of action or sitting at mess, he always seemed 

 the same — nothing appeared to put him out. . . . 



