It is impossible in this brief record to convey in any adequate manner the charming personahty of the late General, but his gentle courtesy of manner, his devotion to the service of others, will never be forgotten by those who knew him, and he will be remembered as a distinguished soldier, a good man, an unselfish and devoted friend. His sympathy with those much younger than himself kept him in touch with many officers still serving, and he lived in the hearts of men of all ages.
The last time I visited him — not long before his death — he was busy reading, and enjoying, Napier's Peninsular War, his mind as clear, his interest as keen as ever; and when death came, those who knew him, and loved him, felt that one of the last of the fine old soldiers of the Early Victorian days was gone — a type of all that was good and noble — a perfect English Gentleman.
Grenfell, F.M.
To his Sister, Mrs. Henry Giffard
My dear Ella, — Just one hurried line to say that I have arrived here, and go on to Cairo this afternoon. An unexpected chance arises for sending this at once, for the mail which should have left before our arrival has been detained by quarantine at Suez in consequence of cholera having broken out at Bombay. The journey and voyage have been most pleasant, weather lovely and no heat, and everything most enjoyable. I never was better, and trust that this state of things may continue. You shall hear more fully by next mail, at present I dare not write more for fear of missing the mail. — Ever yours affectionately, Fredk. Stephenson.
To his Sister, Henrietta Maria Stephenson
[fragment illegible in the scan of the first edition]