of the defects of the regimental economy at that time (defects afterwards amply remedied by the diligence and wisdom of the Commander-in-Chief); his position had fostered that coolness and caution so visible in his after career. He had become familiar with the sound of war, amid which so much of his subsequent life was to be spent; he had heard the inspiring cheer of the British soldier, and felt that confidence in his nerve and vigour, which in his future fields, taught him to rely on their powers, in those great and daring actions, which his skilful combinations crowned with success.
The 33rd regiment was soon after ordered to accompany the fleet of Admiral Christian, destined for the West Indies; but the protracted and furious gales cansed the expedition to be abandoned, after six weeks of most tempestuous weather at sea. In the spring, however, of 1796, Colonel Wellesley's corps was ordered to embark for India. Their commander was then labouring under a severe illness, but immediately upon his recovery, set sail and joined them at the Cape, and after arriving at Bengal, reached Calcutta carly in 1797. It was remarked that during his passage, he occupied much of his time in the perusal of the chief works relating to India, thus storing his mind with well-digested information, and preparing it to meet future emergencies.
His success in India sufficiently proved that he was well fitted to serve his country with profit and honour. In the spring of 1802, he was promoted to the rank of Major General; and two years after, he was created a Knight Commander of the Bath.
In 1805, Sir Arthur Wellesley returned to England, and being appointed to command a brigade in the army of Lord Cathcart, sailed with it for Hanover in November of that year. But the battle of Austerlitz rendered it prudent to recall the expedition without any advantage having been gained. On his return, Sir
