242 'OLD q' 



been for the kindness and generosity of a near 

 relation [his uncle], who has lent me his fortune to 

 defend my character, I should most assuredly have 

 availed myself of your disinterested liberality. At 

 present I am in no want of pecuniary aid, but shall 

 ever feel grateful for the considerate manner in 

 which you offered me your assistance.' ^ 



Picton had no further communication with 

 his eccentric but generous benefactor until two 

 days before the departure of the General for the 

 Peninsula. He was again at the Grosvenor Coffee 

 House, making preparations for his journey, when 

 the Duke of Queensberry's card was brought in, 

 with a request from his grace that he would oblige 

 him by coming to his carriage-door for one moment. 

 The General immediately complied, and the Duke, 

 shaking him warmly by the hand, after having 

 apologised on the ground of his infirmity for not 

 getting out of his carriage, said : ' General Picton, I 

 have ventured out expressly to shake you by the hand, 

 and bid you farewell before you leave the country ; 

 and there is one request which I have to make 

 which I hope you will oblige me in.' The General 

 expressed in warm terms the satisfaction which he 



^ General Picton was found guilty, but judgment was reserved. 

 A new trial being ordered, he was acquitted of legal guilt. 



