William (1836 - 1911) married but had no children. He entered the Army as a young man, and ended his life as a General. At the time he entered the Army the sight test consisted merely in describing the view from the window

of the Examiner’s room. Willy like most of the family, was very short sighted and he knew that this test would be far beyond his capacity, and that he would certainly be rejected that on that score. He therefore arranged with a friend who was entering at the same time that the friend should go to the Examiner just ahead of him, and relay to him all the necessary features of the view. When Willy's turn came, he described the view which to him was no more than a blur, with quite remarkable accuracy passed the test triumphantly, and went on to a long and successful career in the Army.

 

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