THE MASTERS. 57 



by the Oxtoii company to present their late captain wiili a testimonial, 

 consisting of an address and a iiandsome silver candelabrum, which was 

 ornamented at its base with portrait figures of three members of the 

 company — Plnsign Cunningham and Privates Kingcome and Wilmot, the 

 fust two of wliom were also well-known beaglers. Part of Colonel King's 

 speech in reply to the address has been given above, and the further extract, 

 as tbllows, will perhaps be of interest as conveying the first impressions 

 of an active participator in the formation of the volunteer force of the 

 country, given at a time when the facts must have been green in his 

 memory. A great deal of controversy has since arisen, as to the individual 

 or individuals to whom the honour of having originated the movement 

 is due. 



As the occasion appears to call for it, allow me to say a few words upon 

 the start of the volunteer movement, some eighteen months ago. We have 

 heard of various claimants to the honour of being the originators of this 

 glorious movement, which has swept as a torrent over the country. Now, 

 far be it from me to disparage the exertions and merits of anyone ; but, when 

 a man claims to be the originator of this movement, I cannot help thinking 

 he must have a fair opinion of himself. No ! depend upon it, God gives to 

 few, to very few men, the mental power of directing the mind of a great 

 nation. This is far too grand, too dangerous a gift to be given to many. 

 According to my opinion, the originator of this great volunteer movement 

 was the will, the mind, of a great and free people — the English nation. That 

 I may have been an humble instrument, in this part of the country, perhaps 

 it would be mock modesty in me to deny. I often feel that in the higher 

 rank which I now hold I shall never have the happiness, the delight, I had 

 in the command of the Second Cheshire. I can assure you, what helps to 

 reconcile me to the loss of my command of you, is the knowledge that I 

 leave you with three gentlemen as officers who, I am certain, will all do their 

 duty to the very best of their ability ; and I can pay them no higher compli- 

 ment, when I say they are worthy to command the Second Cheshire. 



These gentlemen were three good beaglers — Captain Horner, Lieu- 

 tenant Roper, and Ensign Cunningham. 



As lieutenant-colonel, King was a first-rate officer in every respect. 

 He was a martinet as regards discipline, and although he unbent with his 

 men in camp, and on social occasions when off duty, he was very strict 

 when on duty, but with such ready tact that he was universally beloved 

 and respected in his regiment. He understood his business thoroughly in 

 all departments, and was a most excellent drill, working his battalion up 

 to a first-rate pitch of efficiency. King was a very liberal commanding 

 officer as regards the expenses of the corps. He gave handsomely to the 

 prize funds of the battalion and of the county meetings, taking great interest 

 in the shooting of his men. The expenses of the annual camp at Hooton, 

 over and above the Government grant and the small shares contributed by 

 the men, were always borne by the commanding officer. 

 I 



