In all this strenuous work of field and garrison, Wellesley took an
active part. At one time, as Governor of Seringapatam; at another as
Brigadier General, personally directing assaults upon some native
fortress, and, after its capture, restoring order and discipline, and
thus ensuring the respect and confidence of the natives.
"I have been like a man who fights with one hand and defends himself
with the other," he wrote at this period. "I have made some terrible
marches, but I have been remarkably fortunate; first, in stopping the
enemy when they intended to press to the southward; and afterwards, by
a rapid march to the northward, in stopping Sindhia."
In 1803, he was made Major General, with the title of Sir Arthur
Wellesley; and two years later returned to England as one of her most
trusted and esteemed commanders. And England had need of just such men
as he. There were still more stirring years ahead in Spain and
elsewhere, until this strong silent man had emerged into the "Iron"
Duke of Wellington, who should meet that other Man of Destiny on the
plains of Waterloo.
Wellington won his success by his infinite capacity for taking pains.
His life defies the biographer to analyze, whether through the medium
of a lengthy volume or a brief chapter--because it was made up of so
many little things.
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