Forty Years Of Spy Part 26

One day while I was at the Beefsteak Club, in conversation with Colonel Napier Sturt, he suggested his friend, Lord Northbrook, as an excellent subject for a caricature. I said that I had already observed him in the House of Lords, and the Colonel responded that he was sure that if I cared to see Lord Northbrook's pictures he would be delighted to show them to me at any time, which would give me a further opportunity of noticing him. Shortly after Colonel Sturt took me to Lord Northbrook's to luncheon, and when we entered the house in Park Lane, to my astonishment, Colonel Sturt said, "Let me introduce my friend 'Spy' to my old friend 'Skull,'" his nickname for Lord Northbrook.

This Colonel always posed as the poor younger son, being a brother of the late Lord Alington. He affected a watch without a chain, the old-fas.h.i.+oned key of which aggressively hung from his waistcoat pocket.

My first cartoon of the Duke of Beaufort (for I drew him twice for _Vanity Fair_) was anything but a complimentary caricature, and represented him as I had seen him standing by his coach at Ascot. He was the finest gentleman I ever came across.

I had never seen the second Lord Lytton before I walked into his room at Claridge's Hotel. I knew a good many people who knew him, and I was interested in seeing him, as I had heard so much of him years before when visiting Knebworth. Although a much shorter and fairer man than his father, he was not unlike him in feature, and had the same curious light-blue eyes. He also affected the same cut of trouser. When I went in it seemed to me that he was inclined to att.i.tudinize in the orthodox pose of a statesman, and I felt that he was not himself. When I took my pencil out to make notes, I felt it wiser to drop it until he was natural. He was very pleasant and affable, and when the time came to leave I couldn't find my hat. "Oh," he said, "I think I know--you left it in the other room--I'll get it for you." He was going out and had put on an overcoat with an astrachan collar, and in his walk I perceived at once the resemblance to his father; he had the same stoop from the neck, and he took short steps. In this way I got him into my head and went straight home and made my caricature.

I had satisfied myself with the caricature, but Millais, who was painting his portrait at the time, said, "If you would like to have another look at him he is coming to me to-morrow to give me a last sitting, and I am sure he wouldn't mind you looking on."

This also gave me an interesting opportunity of seeing the manner in which Millais painted a portrait, which to me was something quite novel, for instead of placing his easel some little way from his sitter he put it actually by the side of him, and instead of looking straight at his model he walked to the cheval gla.s.s which was the length of the room away, and looked most carefully at the model's reflection in the mirror and making a dash for the canvas painted his sitter from the reflection.

Old Lord Londonderry hearing that he was not to be allowed to escape my eagle eye, sent me an invitation to visit him at Plas Machynlleth, he promised that I should have every opportunity of making a caricature, and at the same time he begged that I would not let him off in any way. So in due course I went down to Wales, and well do I remember the first morning of my visit. I came down a trifle earlier than the hour announced for breakfast, and walked absent-mindedly down the stairs and into the hall, and had said, "Good morning" before I realized that I had stepped into the midst of family prayers. I felt an awful fool. However, in spite of the episode I spent quite a long and most enjoyable time at Plas Machynlleth. Lord Londonderry was a most delightful host, he showed me his estate and took me to every place of interest near, and both he and Lady Londonderry were so kind that the pleasant time I spent there remains in my memory. While there I made a drawing of Lady Eileen Vane Tempest, now Lady Allandale, which was much appreciated by her mother. As Lord Londonderry had expressed a wish that I should not spare him in any detail I drew him taking snuff as was his habit, and even his gouty knuckles are suggested in the caricature. His lack of self-consciousness and refres.h.i.+ng sense of humour completed a personality that was for me at any rate delightful.

[Ill.u.s.tration: THE FOURTH PARTY.

LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILL. MR ARTHUR BALFOUR. SIR DRUMMOND WOLFE. SIR JOHN GORST.]

CHAPTER XII

VOYAGE ON H.M.S. HERCULES

Sir Reginald Macdonald's caricature.--H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh's invitation.--The _Lively_.--The _Hercules_.-- Admiral Sir William Hewitt.--Irish excursions.--The Channel Squadron.--Fis.h.i.+ng party at Loch Brine.--The young Princes arrive on the _Bacchante_.--Cruise to Vigo.--The "Night Alarm."--The Duke as _bon voyageur_.--Vigo.--The birthday picnic.--A bear-fight on board the _Hercules_.--Homeward bound.--Good-bye.--The Duke's visit to my studio.

In July, 1880, I received an invitation from H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh to go for a cruise as his guest on board H.M.S. _Hercules_, which he commanded, and which was the flag-s.h.i.+p of the Reserve Squadron.

It was not an opportunity to lose, although one which had arrived by chance. It happened that Admiral Sir Reginald Macdonald, a great favourite at court and in society generally, was a victim of mine in _Vanity Fair_. I had known him previously, and always found him most cheerful and entertaining, but on the publication of the cartoon his merriment frizzled away, and he became severe.

A letter arrived from him upbraiding me, and saying it was not the act of a friend to depict him as a drunkard. In short it was quite a furious epistle, and revealed him in an altogether new light.

I wrote at once in the endeavour to persuade him that his idea concerning the caricature was entirely misconceived, but some days had elapsed bringing no answer when one morning he dashed into my studio with a most injured air, and so full of his grievance that he did not observe his great friend the Duke of Hamilton, who was sitting to me for his portrait at the time.

[Ill.u.s.tration: 1903 BARON DEICHMANN.]

[Ill.u.s.tration: 1895.

W. BRAMSTON BEACH, M.P.

(_A great runner in his day_.)]

[Ill.u.s.tration: "SAM" SMITH, M.P.

(_Radical and low churchman_). 1904]

[Ill.u.s.tration: PERCY THORNTON, M.P.

(_A great runner in his day_.) 1900.]

"_Hullo_, Rim![8] What's up?" inquired the Duke, whereupon my victim appealed for his opinion on my treatment of him; but he received only chaff in place of the sympathy he expected and very soon he withdrew.

On the next day he called again as I was at my work, and his demeanour seemed altogether calmer: "Here is a letter I have brought you to read," he said. "It is lucky for you that opinions differ."

The letter was from the Prince of Wales and ran as follows:--

"MY DEAR RIM,

"I have to-day seen your excellent portrait in _Vanity Fair_, do you think you could procure for me the original drawing as I should so much like to possess it."

After reading the Prince's letter and being aware of Sir Reginald's feeling in the matter, and also knowing that Mr. Gibson Bowles was the owner of the drawing I thought it diplomatic to make an alternative suggestion, which was to offer to draw a new sketch of him for presentation in full uniform and c.o.c.ked hat.

The idea pleased him, and when it was completed he took it himself to Marlborough House. Not only did it meet with the approval of the royal recipient, but the Duke of Edinburgh, who happened to be there at the time, was so pleased with it that he wanted one done of himself like it, and this led to the invitation for the cruise of which I am writing. To quote Sir Reginald's letter to me he says, "The Duke of Edinburgh considers your sketch the best drawn, and without exception the most wonderfully like he ever saw, and in consequence he will be very glad indeed if you will come for a cruise as his guest during the following dates, etc...."

Previous to making a start I received instructions from Captain Le Strange, A.D.C., who was to pilot the Duke's guests to Bantry Bay on H.M.S. (despatch boat) _Lively_. In his letter he informed me that Admiral Sir William Hewitt, Admiral Hardinge, and Mr. Wentworth-Cole would be of the party on the _Hercules_; that he thought it would be a most jovial one, and that if I were a fair sailor I should enjoy the trip very much. He also said that H.R.H. had just taken his fleet of eight s.h.i.+ps out for the first time, and that they seemed to work very well.

On July 10th, I started from Paddington by the afternoon train for Plymouth, and discovered in my vis--vis of the railway carriage, Mr.

Wentworth-Cole. Captain Le Strange met us at Plymouth, and we dined at Devonport, and were escorted on board at 11.30 p.m. Shortly after we weighed anchor, the wind got up, and the yacht _Lively_ did full credit to her name. Through Sunday and Monday it blew a big gale, and Admiral Hardinge did not show up on deck until we steamed into Bantry Bay, where I was relieved to see the s.h.i.+ps coming in with us for I hoped for steadier boards to tread. On Monday evening, the two Admirals moved to the flag s.h.i.+p and Wentworth-Cole and I followed shortly afterwards. It was the first time I had boarded a man-of-war and the formalities of the quarter-deck were not less striking because I was still feeling somewhat rocky. However, the sound of the bugle seemed to pull me together, and the Duke, having received me most cordially escorted me to his state cabin to which my own was adjacent. It was evident that the comfort of his guests was to be well considered, as by this time I knew that a picked marine had already been selected to valet me, and information had leaked out that the services of an experienced cook from Gunters' had been obtained.

By degrees I became acquainted with the Captain and Commander and officers of the s.h.i.+p and I soon settled down.

On the following morning a trip had been arranged by H.R.H. for us to steam to Glengariff on the _Lively_. The weather was very fine and after an early breakfast on board her we set out (Mr. Mackenzie of Kintale joining us). It must have been quite three o'clock before we reached Glengariff, and sat down to lunch in the hotel. During our meal a young American visitor anxious to see if royalty ate like ordinary beings seated herself at a table adjoining ours, and fixed her eyes steadily upon the Duke. She even ordered marmalade to make believe it was her midday meal, but we were informed afterwards that she had lunched. Evidently her interest had not diminished, as when seeing us seated on the lawn drinking coffee, she refres.h.i.+ng herself in a similar way, drew up close to our party with the same inquisitive intention whilst taking it for granted that she also was a centre of interest to us. The proprietress gave her a hint and she vanished.

By this time we were replenished, and, after a stroll to Cromwell's Bridge, the owner of the hotel brought her book out for us to sign our names in, and on our departure presented not only the Duke, but each of us with a bouquet. Our host, Mr. Mackenzie, with his friends, proceeded to Killarney, while we returned on the _Lively_ to Bantry.

The officers on board the _Hercules_ were most friendly, and willing to help in giving me a good time. Every one was pleasant, and the chaff came readily, especially when I was supposed to discover from the stern walk where the rudder was. In time I became more accustomed to the routine, and learned to know when I might venture on the Captain's bridge, or pace the deck without getting in the way. Among the many interesting men whose acquaintance I made on the cruise was one Cole, a paymaster in the Navy and quite a character. He was a very clever amateur draughtsman, and had accompanied the Admiral on several of his cruises. His drawings brimmed over with humour, especially in a kind of log-book in which he sketched the event of the day which was greatly appreciated by H.R.H. He was full of fun and the favourite of all, but owing to a peculiarly deep-pitched voice, and a somewhat serious expression exaggerated by the fact that he wore blue gla.s.ses, some one had christened him "the Sepulchral."

Whilst the Reserve Squadron was anch.o.r.ed at Bantry waiting for the Channel Fleet to join us, much of the time was spent--when the Admiral was not engaged on duty--in taking trips on the _Lively_ to various places, or on fis.h.i.+ng excursions. There was the inspection of the coastguard station in the vicinity of Ballydonogan, and afterwards we went on to a place called Killmakillog to fish for trout on Glanmore Lake.

It was on the occasion of our trip to Waterville that a tramp, a rough looking customer, approached the Duke with a letter which H.R.H.

pa.s.sed on to me with the directions to give him half a crown.

The letter ran:--

_TO_ THE PRINCE OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND.

"May it please your highness,

"That having served in the 88th of foot during the Crimea War and afterwards in the East India Mutiny--drink alone disqualified me for pension.

"I pray you will help to live one of her Majesty's loyal soldiers.

"DANIEL MORIARTY."

The terrible Irish famine was nearly at an end. To the Duke had been allotted the mission of official inquiry and relief; but although much had been done officially to relieve the general suffering, on our daily trips we frequently came across cases of great distress, usually where the peasantry refused relief outside their own homes. During one round we came upon a particularly painful scene. Walking into an old cabin which was apparently empty, we discovered through the dim light which penetrated from a hole in the roof, the weird figure of a very old man scantily clothed in the meanest rags. Stretched upon the floor by his side lay a young boy in the same deplorable condition. The old man spoke a few words of welcome in a feeble voice, and the miserable lad tried to rise to come forward. It was the most painful scene I can remember, and it would have taken the genius and human understanding of Hogarth to depict in detail. Needless to say such a case of dire distress was immediately relieved.

The Duke of Edinburgh was most kind-hearted, and he did much personally as well as officially to relieve the distress in this district. I was told on the best authority that he distributed within a very short time over 200 from his private purse in individual cases of extreme need.

When the Channel Squadron under Admiral Hood (afterwards Lord Hood) joined us life on board became more ceremonious and eventful. Admiral Hood gave a dinner-party for the Duke on board the flag-s.h.i.+p _Minotaur_, and Admiral Hewitt accompanied H.R.H. During their absence I was inspired to caricature the latter. When they returned, the Duke took up my sketch, and it tickled his fancy immensely, in fact I had never seen him laugh so much. Sir William was getting very stout at the time, and I had noticed that he always fastened the bottom b.u.t.ton of his jacket leaving the upper ones loose, doubtless with the intention to give an appearance of slimness to his waist. The effect was ludicrous, and I had endeavoured to put on paper my impression of it. I fear, however, that poor Sir William did not appreciate the joke.

The next day the Duke inspected some of the s.h.i.+ps, and I was privileged to accompany him and found it a great opportunity to increase my knowledge. The combined fleets lying at anchor made a glorious naval picture. The s.h.i.+ps were seventeen in all, of which I remember:--

_Northumberland_, Captain Wratislaw; _Defence_, Captain Thrupp; _Valiant_, Captain Charman; _Audacious_, Captain Woolcombe; _Warrior_, Captain Douglas; _Achilles_, Captain Heneage; _Hercules_ (flag-s.h.i.+p), Captain Townsend; _Lord Warden_, Captain Indsay Brine; _Hector_, Captain Caster; _Penelope_, Captain Nicholson; _Agincourt_, Captain Buller; _Minotaur_ (flag-s.h.i.+p), Captain Rawson; _Salamis_ (despatch boat), Commander Fitzgeorge; _Lively_ (despatch boat), Commander Le Strange.