"
This is about as definite a glimpse of him as we can get, but it does
enable us to picture him as idling about the streets of this
picturesque old town, or climbing the steep cliffs which rise from the
water's edge, at the confluence of the streams which flow by Angers.
At the top of the hill we can see him whistling to Vick, and tossing
down one of the gentler slopes a stone or stick for the faithful
terrier to retrieve.
Did this idle schoolboy dream dreams of future greatness on the
battlefields of the land that was now teaching him to draw the sword?
Who shall say.
Although at Angers only a short time, about twelve months, it was by no
means time wasted. He perfected his French and learned many things
about manners and customs that were to be of good service. Likewise,
through his family's influence, he made the acquaintance of several
French noblemen, who must undoubtedly have given him a broader point of
view, and perchance some good advice on the subject of soldiering.
His father had died in 1781, but his oldest brother, who had made his
mark as a soldier and man of letters, took a lively interest in him and
constantly urged him on. England is indebted no little to this brother
Richard, who, probably more than any other, was the guiding star in the
making of her great soldier.
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