A REMARKABLE SOLDIER.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5444, 7 September 1878, Page 3

A REMARKABLE SOLDIER.

General William McJßean, V.C., died lately, at the Herbert Hospital, Woolwich. Hia career has been often quoted as an extraordinary example of promotion in the army. From junior drummer of the 93rd Regiment of Foot (the Sutherland Highlanders} he rose, step by step, until he attained the height of Ms ambition, as lieutenant-colonel in command of the regiment in which he had spent his life. Only in October last, when promoted majorgeneral, he was severed from tho corps in which he had served for more than forty-five years, and to which he was thoroughly devoted. It is said that last week, after undergoing a hazardous operation in London, he was told that he could not survive many days, and expressed a wish that he might be taken to the hospital at Woolwich, In order that he might “die amongst the soldiers,” He was a man distinguished in every rank, and was idolised by his regiment. Hia first commission was awarded to him in 1854, when he was serving in the Crimea under Sir Colin Campbell. 3m 1858 ho was made captain, and breveted major in 1860, attaining a brevet lieutenant-colonelcy iu 1871, and the substantial rank in 1873. Hia war services include the Crimean campaign to tho fall of Sebastopol, embracing the assaults of June 18 and September 8; also the expedition to tho Sea of Azof, and the capture of Kertch and Yeuikale, for which, services he received the medal aud clasp, tho Medjulie, and the Turkish modal. He served with even more distincin India during thp mutiny (1857-8). and was at the relief of Lucknow with Lord Clyde, at the defeat of the Gwalior contingent at Oawupore, and pursuit of Seraighat, tho affair of Kalee Nundee, the siege and capture of Lucknow, the affair of AUegunge, the battle of Bareilly, the action of llussulpore, and at the evacuation of the fort of Mithowlie. In India he earned his Victoria Cross for distinguished bravery, his brevet rank, aud the medal with two clasps. A few years ago, when his regiment was quartered at Woolwich, General (then Colonel) Mcßeau was very popular in the garrison, and although he has chosen to die like a private soldier, the highest honors wore paid to his remains. The body was conveyed from the Herbert Hospital with full military honors, attended by solemn music, and followed by hundreds of officers and men from all branches of the service, to the Hoyal Arsenal Station, and from thence to Edinburgh for interment.