BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 423
No. CLXVI.
ENSIGN MACDOUGAL,
OF THE HOPETOUN FENCIBLES.
THIS military young gentleman was so very juvenile in his appearance that
the boys used to cry, as he passed along the street, '' There goes the Sucking
Ojicer!" His €ather, who had been an officer in a Highland regiment during
the American war, was paymaster of the Hopetoun Fencibles-an appointment
which, as well as the ensigncy of his son, he procured through the influence of
Lord Napier.
Young MACDOUGAiLn due time became one of the most handsome men in
the service. He went from the
Fencibles into the 30th Foot, with which regiment he served a few years in
Ireland. He then joined the 85th ; and, with this corps, was at the landing of
the Helder, under the Duke of York, in 1799.
While in Ireland, Macdougal accidentally became acquainted with a lady
reputed of great wealth and greater expectations, who seemed to regard his
attentions with marked interest. The intimacy rapidly increased ; and, in
an unlucky hour, the military hero, gratified with her apparent preference, was
induced to offer his hand, which was accepted. When it was too late, he
found he had united himself not to an heiress, or .even a woman of good family,
but to a female fortune-hunter of humble origin, and utterly penniless. The
result of such a connection may be anticipated : quarrels ensued-he beat her,
and she returned the compliment. To make bad worse, both parties had
recourse to the bottle ; and Macdougal became ultimately so habitually intemperate,
that he was compelled to leave the army and go abroad, where he
died.
He was six feet one, and well proportioned.
w3s opposed by Mr. Grant. Mr. P- then said, that as Mr. M- and Mr. Foulke were not to
meet, they would leave the ground, as he did not think Mr. Foulke was ohliged to fight Lieutenant
Grant by any law of honour. They then parted, Mr. Grant assuring Mr. Foulke that he would post
him in return. It was at this time Mr. Grant's intention to lay the matter before the oflicers of his
regiment, that he might be directed by them in what manner it was proper to proceed. But Mr.
Foulke, anxious to have this matter settled, and wishing to give Mr. Grant an opportunity of bringing
it to a conclusion, sent Mr. Grant a message at twelve o'clock on Tuesday, informing him that
he was now ready to meet him. Mr. Grant, attended by
his second aod surgeon, met Mr. Foulke and his second on the beach to the eastward of Leith.
Twelve paces was the distance measured off by the seconds. It was agreed that the parties should
exchange pistols, and both fire at the same time. The last went
through the heart of Mr. Foulke, and proved fatal in a few minutes. He endeavoured to speak ; but
the only expression he made use of was, that 'he hoped he died like a man of honour.' Mr. Grant
and his second drove off immediately in a post-chaise, which was in waiting, Na opportnnity of
proposing any accommodation occurred to the gentlemen who attended them to the ground."
Two o'clock was accordingly appointed.
Three shobs were exchanged.
