xviii 
MEMOIR or GENERAL SIR WILLIAM 
The detention of the allied armies in the unhealthy neighbourhood of Varna 
during the summer of 1854 resulted in great sickness amongst the troops generally, 
and General Gator’s health, which even at Scutari had shewn symptoms of failing, 
gradually gave way, and latterly he was unable to leave his quarters. Nevertheless 
his exertions never relaxed; he was in constant communication with Lord Eaglan, 
and his endeavours were unceasing that the great branch of the Service, which 
he commanded, should in every way be prepared to take its part in the momentous 
expedition about to sail for the Crimea. 
The force of artillery originally embarked from England for the East, was 
comparatively small, but as the war became developed many additional batteries 
were sent out, and the accumulation of battering trains, and of materiel at Yarna 
became enormous; and it will readily be understood that the arrangements for 
the despatch of the whole for the Crimea ready for instant disembarkation required 
incessant care and great forethought. 
It was in all such matters that General Cator proved himself so able a General 
of Artillery. 
His arrangements were always so simple, his orders so clear, and his experience 
so great, that it can hardly be wondered that he enjoyed so completely the con¬ 
fidence of Lord Eaglan, who frequently came to visit him when confined to his 
sick bed at Varna, and to consult him on the great difficulties of the expedition. 
During the month of August, General Cator’s health became worse and worse, 
and it was evident that he was quite unable to embark with the army ; he repeatedly 
told Lord Eaglan so, but he would not believe it, although at last he reluctantly 
allowed him to go to Therapia for the purpose of consulting the physician to the 
Embassy. He unhesitatingly gave it as his opinion that he must go home at once, 
to which Lord Eaglan assented. 
Lord Eaglan frequently and warmly expressed his great regret, that the services 
of so able a commander should be lost to him at so critical a juncture. In a letter 
he wrote to General Cator, dated Aug. 17th, 1854, he says.— 
“I cannot say how grieved I am at the prospect of my being deprived of the 
advantage of your assistance. 
“ Our long established friendship, my confidence in your judgment and desire to 
Carry on your duties to my perfect satisfaction, and the extent to which you are 
looked up to by the officers of the Department, all combine to make me sensible, 
that on your departure I shall lose one whose services are invaluable, both to the 
public, and to myself. 
“ However, if it be evident that you cannot remain here, and that your return 
to England is absolutely necessary, I cannot object to it, and I will instruct the 
Adjutant-General to order a Medical Board to assemble for your examination.” 
And again, in a letter, dated Aug. 25, 1854, he says 
“ I have received your letter of the 22nd, but it reached me too late to enable 
me to answer it by the vessel that was sent down with the mail last night. 
“ I fear I can only view it as announcing your intended departure, if, which I 
can entertain no doubt of, the Medical Board shall report that they recommend your 
return td England. I consider your going a great loss to the service, and under 
the circumstances, a vast public inconvenience, and to me personally a heavy 
misfortune. 
