"Thus," he tells us, "I learned to understand the amount of nerve,
patience and skill necessary to the making of a good Horse Artillery
driver, with the additional advantage that I was brought into constant
contact with the men."
Roberts was early learning the secret of more than one great general's
success--to know his men. In later life he could call many a man by
name, and knew just what each could do. While they responded with a
close affection and the nickname by which he will be known to
history--"Bobs."
It is said that Napoleon expected his officers to know the names and
personal histories of every man in their command. As another result of
Roberts' fellowship with the rank and file he became a crack shot and
expert horseman. During the fighting in the mutiny of Indian sepoys, he
proved himself a good swordsman as well; and even when he became
Commander-in-chief, he would ride with a tent-pegging team of his own
staff.
It was a long and thorough service that he was destined to receive. He
joined the Quartermaster-General's office before the mutiny broke out,
and remained in it for more than twenty years. During this period he
gradually worked his way up from one post of responsibility to another,
doing it so gradually that even he himself hardly noticed the advance.
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