felt, and it became to him the word of life. When
he was questioned about the circumstances of his conversion, he used to
reply, in his graphic way: "The good God said, 'Stop here, you rascal!' and
He has cut off my leg, and I think I shall be the more happy without it."

Of Beckwith's character as a soldier one of his former companions writes
thus: "I always regarded Beckwith as an officer of very brilliant promise,
for he embodied all the requisites of a great commander: remarkable
quickness in conception, imperturbable coolness in the time of action,
admirable power of organization, with indomitable courage. When he was
major he always left a position of safety to mix in the thick of the fight,
and I remember meeting him in the breach of Ciudad Rodrigo at the head of
an attacking column when he might have been in the rear." The same person
also testifies to Beckwith's care of his men, extending even to minute
particulars about clothing. Also, that he was a great favourite with his
brother officers on account of his intelligence and amiability. After
recovering somewhat from his wound he returned to England, and visited
America during this time. Shortly after his arrival in England from the
latter place he sought out his old companions in the army, and among others
he called on the Duke of Wellington.

It was while calling at Apsley House on one of these occasions he was shown
into the library, and whilst waiting a short time for the duke his eye fell
upon a number of new books, including _Dr. Gilly's Visit to the Vaudois_.
On leaving he obtained a copy of the book. The result was that he
determined to visit the valleys himself, which event happened in the autumn
of 1827.

Owing to the weather he stayed only a few days, but returned the following
year, and continued his visits to the valleys year after year, until, in
1833, a severe illness obliged him to remain in England. In the autumn of
1835 he returned, and lived in the valleys with Pastor Bonjour, at St.
John's, for the next five years. Again, after an interval of two years, he
returned to the valleys, living at the ancient castle of La Torre. In 1836
the Vaudois Table had his portrait painted, and engravings distributed
through the valleys. In 1844 the synod presented him with a cup of honour,
also Dr. Gilly and the Count Waldburg Truchsesse. In 1846 he was promoted
to the rank of major-general in the English army, and also received the
dignity of a Knight of