and Gubat on the 19th – against overwhelming numbers of the bravest fanatics, where defeat meant annihilation, – how he was struck down at the fight on the 19th by a wound which has since proved fatal, – these things are well known.
Stewart was not more remarkable for his bravery and intelligence as a soldier, than for his endearing qualities in private life. Those who had the advantage of his friendship recognised in him a strength of mind and geniality of temper which made his companionship a real pleasure and privilege. He was often and very aptly spoken of as "a long-headed man," and he possessed in a remarkable degree the power of writing a good letter – of expressing himself clearly and concisely. Ever ready to help a friend in the hour of need, it was a common practice to resort to him for advice in matters of difficulty or delicacy, which was always given kindly and effectively. In that lamentable affair in connection with the death of the Prince Imperial, when Captain Carey was tried by court-martial, Stewart, who had been with him at the Staff College, assisted the prisoner with advice, suggested his line of defence, and helped him in his trouble. It cannot be supposed that this was done from any sympathy with Carey's conduct, but from a chivalrous impulse which led him to stand by a fallen comrade who was helpless and friendless.
In his rapid rise in his profession Stewart owed nothing to private interest. It was in the ordinary course of soldiering that he first met Lord Wolseley at Rorke's Drift, who, no doubt with that penetration for which he is remarkable, recognised in him a most capable officer, not to be lost sight of in future campaigns.
It was not only on the field of battle, in all manly sports, and in private life, that Stewart was ever prominent. He became, while at the Staff College, a member of the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, and of late years, between his campaigns, was often to be met during the law terms eating his dinners at the Inner Temple Hall. He had finished keeping his terms, but had not been called to the Bar, when he quitted England for the last time.
Twenty-two years have elapsed since the writer of this feeble tribute to his memory first met Herbert Stewart, and he had the privilege of his intimate friendship during ten years. He regrets that he does not possess the ready pen of his lamented friend, wherewith to express his sorrow at the loss of such a comrade.
To men who knew him best, Stewart's death creates a real and irreparable blank. That bright cheery nature and charm of manner are seldom found combined in the same man with high intellectual powers, rare courage, and quiet determination. Whilst his companions in arms lament him as a true friend and dear brother, the army he adorned mourns him as a brilliant and dashing soldier, and a kind and thoughtful commanding officer; and the public whom he so faithfully served laments him as a rising servant, who had latterly become in their eyes the type of a born cavalry leader.
It must be some consolation to his friends and dear ones to have marked how, in these last scenes, not only they, but the whole nation, from her Most Gracious Majesty to the meanest of her subjects, watched with intense pride,
