e annals of England possess
a record--always excepting John, Duke of Marlborough, his prototype in
all things but political virtue. Nor has his upward path been free from
a thousand obstructions, which none but a gigantic mind and a firm heart
could surmount. His difficulties began with his direct responsibility.
His triumphs followed as the results of his indomitable perseverance,
his unflinching courage, and his amazing constancy."

The most accurate and, at the same time, brief account of the birth,
education, and early professional progress of the future hero, is one
written by the author just quoted.*

* Stocqueler's "Life of Wellington," p. 23.

"It was in March, 1769, that Arthur Wellesley first saw the light.
Biographers differ as to the date and the locality; but it appears by
the evidence taken before a parliamentary committee in 1791, to inquire
into a petition against his return for the borough of Trim, on the
ground of his being a minor, that he was really born at Dangan Castle,
in the county of Meath, Ireland, at the time alleged above. His father
was the second Earl of Mornington, who enjoyed much celebrity for his
nice musical taste; his mother, Anne, the eldest daughter of Viscount
Dungannon. Early in life Arthur Wellesley was sent to Eton College for
his education, in conjunction with his afterwards distinguished brother,
Richard.

"Being desirous for the military profession he was sent to the college
of Angiers, directed by Pegnard, a celebrated French engineer.

"At the age of eighteen, after he had gone through a course of French
military instruction, Arthur Wellesley was gazetted to an ensigncy in
the 73rd regiment. This was in March, 1787. Nine months later he was
promoted to a lieutenancy in the 76th. Subsequent exchanges carried him
into the 41st foot, and the 12th Light Dragoons.

"In 1791 (30th of June), being then twenty-two years of age, he procured
a company in the 58th Foot, whence, four months later, he exchanged to
a troop in the 18th Light Dragoons. Under the system in force in the
British army, officers, avid of rapid promotion, must seek it in other
regiments than their own, if their immediate seniors are prepared to
purchase advancement. As Arthur Wellesley had had no opportunities of
displaying zeal and gallantry in the field during these four years
of service, his quick progress may be fairly set down to the combined
action of ministerial favour, and a sufficiency of pec