“HEADQUARTERS, GRAHAM’S TOWN, _22d March 1853_.
“The Commander-in-chief, in disbanding this corps,--the Water-kloof Rangers,--wishes to convey to its gallant commander, officers, and men, the high estimation in which he holds their services, &c.
(Signed) “A. J. CLOËTE, _Quartermaster-General_.”
On my return towards England I was most kindly greeted at Fort Beaufort with an address, presented to me by the principal inhabitants of the town.
At Graham’s Town a similar address was presented to me by Messrs Godlington and Cocks, members of the Legislative Council, and signed by the principal inhabitants of the town and the district around. I afterwards went with these gentlemen to the sea-coast to find out whether or not a safe roadstead for shipping could be established somewhat nearer the town than Port Elizabeth. Being somewhat of a military engineer, this proved an agreeable task; and I was already actively engaged in drawing out plans when the news arrived of the death of a very near relative. This closed all prospect of banquets and receptions, or proposals for new harbours; and I must confess that it was some slight consolation to think that I should not have to present myself at the head of a dinner-table as the honoured guest, to reply to vapid compliments.
At Port Elizabeth another equally gratifying address was presented to me, and what rendered it more pleasing was the fact of its being offered by Mr Deare, Mr Wylde, and other gentlemen, who had so kindly foretold my success as I passed through their town on my way to the front. I stayed a few days at Port Elizabeth, and one morning I walked with some merchants and others on its surf-beaten shore to see how a jetty could be made to facilitate landing (they had heard of my plans concerning another place), for I always had a mania for building that follows like my shadow wherever I go.
I seldom see a spot but I always, in imagination at least, commence building upon it,--not that I care a whit whether it is for myself or another; yet more than one giant is living in the House that Jack built.
Wherever I have passed, a road, a bridge, a chapel,--a something, has marked my passage. I once built a jetty in the Bay of Bourgas, betwixt Varna and Constantinople, 147 yards long, 8 yards wide, having 22 feet of water; and on it embarked 45,000 troops, 9400 horses, 140 field-guns, with ample stores, for the Crimea; and the jetty (which is still standing), and the embarkation above mentioned, all was completed in twelve weeks. It is true I was helped by a British officer, Commodore Eardley Wilmot, of her Majesty’s steamer Sphinx, but neither of us got (nor in fact wanted) anything for our pains. The pleasure of the work was sufficient payment. I merely mention these things that the reader may know that I am not a mere amateur soldier, but one who has had a practical knowledge of his work.