Page:Life memoirs & pedigree of Thomas Hamilton Dickson.pdf/12

 "Most noble General, such a charge is void of truth, for there is not a regiment in the service could withstand them, because they were the heaviest, both men and horse." "I don’t know about that," said the General, "for you have done nothing anyhow. You are just summer soldiers, and look well while the sun shines; but in the face of a battle you can do little or nothing." With that, my father began to whistle, "Scots wha hae wi’ Wallace bled!" and marched up and down the room, with his breast heaving with emotion, while his eye gleamed with unconquered courage. The General observing him in such a state of agitation, said, "O, Walter, I was only trying you, to see if your mind was as great as your body; and it gives me great pleasure to know that they are equally large." My father bowed and retired. One day the General happened to meet the late Duke of York, who took the liberty of inquiring, "Dickson, what make’s your face so red?" "O, please your Royal Highness, the dye is not finished."

I had two uncles. The one was a boatswain on board a man-of-war, and was in active service during the long-protracted war with France, and fought