BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 275
3d of April following. We shall quote the description of this animating
scene :-
‘‘ Upon entering the lobby of C o d s Rooms, the soldiery were so placed as to be seen forming
a string of sentries leading to the principctl portico, which, upon entrance, struck the eye with
that magical illusion we read of in fairy tales. It was impossible to say which might be considered
the head of the room, as much attention as possible being paid to avoid any point of
precedence ; each end blazed with hundreds of lamps. The band of the 42d occupied the large
orchestra, being more numerous than the 78th. The front bore a very neat transparency
of a thistle, surrounded by a motto, Prenez Garde. Festoons of the 42d tartan reached from
side to side, on the front of which hung the shields of the Duke of Wellington and the Marquis
of Huntly, supported by appropriate trophies. On the top were three cuirasses, taken at the
late memorable battle ; over the band, figures 42 surrounded by a wreath of laurel ; the whole
formed of lamps, had a most brilliant effect. This was surmounted by an illuminated crown.
Along the cornice of the room the word WATERLOaOls,o in lamps, supported by wreathed
pillars of the bame brilliaut materials, completed the device in compliment to the Xoyal
Highlanders. We ought to add that other trophies, formed of musketry, flags, and cuirasses,
against the walls, supported the words EGYPT and CORUNNA.
“At the other end the band of the 78th Regiment occupied the smaller orchesba, the device
in front of which was composed of lamps similar to that of the other regiment, with the shields
of Sir Samuel Auchmuty and General Picton ; instead of a crown, a brilliant star topped the
number 78. On each side were the words ASSATE and MAIDA. Under this orchestra was a
beautiful transparency, representing an old man, with his bonnet, giving a hearty welconie to
two soldiers of the 42d and 78th regiments, while a bonnie lassie is peeping out from a cottage
door, smiling upon the newly arrived heroes. The background formed a landscape, with
Edinburgh Castle in the distance.
“ The bands in succession played some most beautiful military airs, while the centre of tlie
room, filled with all the beauty and fmhion of Edinburgh, enlivened by the uniforms of the
officers of the several regiments, seemed to move in a solid mass to the clash of the cymbals
and beat of the hollow drum. About eleven o’clock Gow was called for ; and his corps succeeded
that of the 42d. The light fantastic toe ,was soon upon the trip ; and twelve sets were soon
made up, which continued the memy dance until after two o’clock. In fact the tout ensern7~Ze
was a scene quite enchanting.”
Such was the genuine enthusiasm with which the return of the heroes of
Waterloo was hailed.
The Print prefixed to this sketch was executed at this joyous period.
SERGEADNUTF Fw as a gallant soldier-loved his country with all the affection
of a true Scot-was humane in disposition-of a free affable manner-and
much esteemed by his fellow-soldiers. He had seen a good deal of warfare, and
was one of the few instances of individuals rising from the ranks to hold a
commission in the British army. His father was a soldier of the Royal Highlanders
; and he may be said to have been born in the corps. He is, however,
set down in the books of the regiment as a native of Banffshire, and his enlistment
is dated on the 16th of August 1806, he then being only fourteen years of age.
Four years afterwards he was promoted to the rank of Corporal, and in 1812
to that of Sergeant.
In his capacity of a non-commissioned officer, Sergeant Duff fought on the
Pyrenees, at Pampeluna, Neville, Nive, Orthes, Toulouse, and was wounded
at the storming of Burgos. At Waterloo, the last of the hostile fields, and
