He could
go through a countryside once, and then be able to map out an
attack--using every natural advantage to its utmost.
And, best of all, his superiors were beginning to discover his merits.
They soon found, beneath his quiet exterior, a keen intellect and an
indomitable will. Within two months after reaching Calcutta he was
consulted by General St. Leger on a plan to establish artillery bases,
and was also nominated to command an expedition against the
Philippines, then under Spanish control, but preferred to remain and
fight it out in India.
"I am determined that nothing shall induce me to desire to quit this
country, until its tranquillity is ensured," he said--which recalls to
mind the famous saying of Grant's: "We will fight it out along this
line, if it takes all summer."
Wellesley's next appointment, was as Commander of the Mysore brigade.
His brother Richard, Marquis of Wellesley, had been appointed Governor
General of India, and the two men were destined to exercise a strong
influence on affairs in that disturbed country. While nominally in
control of the land, the English possessions actually included only the
narrow strip running along the various sea coasts; the interior being
overrun by unruly tribes of Sepoys under Tippoo Sahib. It required
careful planning and equipping of armies marching from opposite sides
of India to meet and crush this formidable rebellion.
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