BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 403
of Edinburgh, their chaplain, in a most impressive prayer. The battalion was immediately after
inspected by Brigadier-General Graham and Colonel Callander, who expressed themselves highly
pleased with the appearance and discipline of the corps. To those pieces of ceremony succeeded
the presentation of an elegant silver cup to Colonel Bennet, from the non-commissioned officers and
privates of the regiment, delivered by Field-Serjeant Thomas Sommers, who, upon the occasion,
addressed the Colonel in a most impressive manner. This being over, the battalion marched upon
a visit to the Commander-in-Chief (the Earl of Moira), at Duddingston House, when his lordship
took a view of the regiment in line ; and, when formed into a hollow square, addressed them in a
manner truly complimentary and striking. They immediately after returned to town, when,
upon depositing the colours in the Colonel’s house, they were regaled by him in a very liberal and
handsome style of hospitality.”
About the same period, Mr. Bennet received another testimony of respect,
by having the freedom of the city of Londonderry conferred upon him. It was
transmitted in a silver box by William Leckie, Esq., senior magistrate, to Mr.
Bennet for his kindness and attention to his son-a student at the Universitywho
fell in a duel near Duddingston. The following short account was all that
was given of this fatal affair at the time :-
“Wednesday morning, July 3 (1805), a duel was fought, in the neighbourhood of Duddingston,
between Mr. Romney and Mr. Leckie, students attending the medical classes in the University, when
the latter received a wound in the groin, in consequence of which he died next Saturday morning,
Four shots were, we understand, exchanged. Mr. Leckie received his wound by the first 6re, but
did not discover it. After shaking hands with his antagonist, he declared he was mortally wounded,
and desired Mr. Romney, the seconds, and the surgeon who attended, to make their escape, which
they accordingly did. ”
The personal appearance of Mr. Bennet is’ accurately delineated in the foregoing
etching ; even so minute a peculiarity as the mole on his right cheek has
not been overlooked by the artist. His form was exceedingly spare ; and his
legs, in particular, were remarkable for their tenuity. Perfectly sensible how
niggardly nature had been of her gifts in this respect, Mr. Bennet used to anticipate
the observations of his friends by occasional humorous allusions to the
subject. One day, having called on his tailor to give a fresh order, he facetiously
inquired if he could measure him for a suit of small clothes. “ 0 yes,” rejoined
his friend of the iron ; “hold up your stick, it will serve the purpose well
enough.”’
Among other amusements, Mr. Bennet was particularly partial to the sports
of the field ; and
“ When westlin winds and slaughtering guns
Brought Autumn’s pleasant weather,”
he annually repaired to the moors with his dog and gun. On the morning of
the 10th of October 1805, he left Edinburgh, attired in his “shooting Faith,”
with the view of enjoying a day’s excursion in the kingdom of Fife. A gentleman,
who crossed over with him in the morning at Queensfemy, mentions that
he had seldom seen him in higher spirits. After passing the ferry, Mr. Bennet
proceeded in the direction of Kinghorn, where he had been invited to dine with
There are two portraits of Nr. Bennet painted by Sir Henry Raeburn-one is preserved by
his family, and the other is in the possession of his old friend and associate Lord Panmum.
