THE QUEEN'S JOHN BROWN.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1200, 3 June 1872, Page 3

THE QUEEN'S JOHN BROWN.

[LONDON CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW YORK TIMES.]

It is not quite clear who first seized O'Connor when he presented his unloaded pistol at the carriage window, but the Court Circular, which is drawn up under the personal supervision of the Queen, gives the credit of the capture to John Brown. John is rather a celebrated character in his way, and was regarded with much curiosity when he appeared as a witness in the Police Court. He is an Aberdeen man, from the neighborhood of Balmoral, and was Prince Albert's favorite gilly when the Prince went out grouse shooting or deer stalking. The Queen frequently accompanied her husband on sporting expeditions, and was much ~ struck; with Brown's evident attachment and devotion to his master, as well as by his shrewd remarks and independent judgment on all matters on which he was consulted. Brown was always prepared for every emergency. If the clouds gathered suddenly overhead, if a change of wind brought a biting air with it from the snow tops of the mountains, it was invariably found that Brown's foresight had provided for it; that shawls and wrappers had been stowed' away somewhere, and that everything was forthcoming when required. Brown knew the nicest camping places, the safest roads, and the best way of managing everything. After the Prince's death he became, the chief personal attendant on the Queen, and has ever since retained his supremacy in the household. He accompanies Her Majesty on all occasions, leads her pony or rides in the rumble behind her carriage. In his tartan kilt and plaid, stalwart, shaggy, hard-featured, he is a genuine specimen of the North country Scot, and he is also a thorough . Scot in character and temper — very quiet, coo), and imperlnrable ; reserved m speech, although outspoken enough on occasion ; "canny" and deferential but also resolute and pertinacious. He belongs to the type of Scotch retainers of whom several samples are to be found in Scott's novels, who identified themselves with the " family," believed in it, worshipped it with intense, passionate fidelity, but at the same time had no hesitation in expressing an honest opinion on any question even at the risk of differing' with the . master or mistress. The Scotch have always been remarkable for this personal loyalty and trustiness. It is commonly supposed that a sovereign, with a great household always at call, must necessarily be well served ;, but the value of all service depends on the spirit in which it is rendered ; and in the midst of the retinue of state a monarch is especially qualified to appreciate the watchful attention of personal loyalty and attachment. The position which John Brown holds in the royal household is alike honorable to the Queen and to himself. In the Police Court he gave his evidence with a strong Scotch accent, and quaint homeliness of language, "I just catched the boy," he saidy the scruff of the neck; AM kepit him till there was enough people round to take charge of him."