Life and diary of Lieut. Col. J. Blackader

552 LIFE OP COL. BLACK.ADER. CHAP. XXI.
lineation from the hand of another. We shall, how-
ever, to aid the reader's conceptions, advert shortly to
some of those circumstances with which he is already
acquainted in the detail; and endeavour to place more
immediately under his eye those characteristic features
that lie scattered over so wide a surface.
In whatever light the particular shades of his life
may be viewed, the general impression of the whole,
by which alone the true estimate of any character
must be fixed, will be such, I am persuaded, as to
bear out the monumental title which the affection of
his relation conferred upon him, as a brave soldier
and a Devout Christian.
On his military qualifications it is not our purpose
to enlarge ; neither do we think these will be con-
templated as the most illustrious or the most interest-
ing parts of his character. The rank he acquired,
and the esteem with which he quitted the army, bear
honourable testimony to the high reputation with
which he discharged the duties of his profession.
There was scarcely an action in which he had been,
(to use his own words,) " but Providence did kindly
make some incidents to fall out," which raised him in
the favour both of his General and fellow-officers;
and when he left their society, he carried with him
into his retirement the good opinion of one who was
a competent judge of military character, and not
given to flatter. " I was ashamed," says he, " to
hear of the kind and obliging things which my Lord
Duke spoke about me to the company with him, after
I was gone out."
Bravery is reckoned the first and most shining
quality in a soldier ; and of this he never shewed any