Havelock, Henry

Havelock, Henry an eminent English soldier and Christian, was born at Bishop Wearmouth, April 5,1795. He was educated under the Rev. J. Bradley, curate of Dartford, Kent, until 1804, when he was sent to the Charterhouse. In 1814 he became a pupil of Chitty, the great special pleader of the day, to study law; but in the following year he followed his brother William into the army, and was appointed to the Rifle Brigade, then the 95th. After serving in England, Ireland, and Scotland, Havelock embarked for India in 1823. To serve in that part of the world was his own choice, for which he had qualified himself by studying Hindostanee and Persian before leaving England. During the voyage a great change passed on his religious views, and on arriving with his regiment in India, he determined to devote his attention to the spiritual welfare of his men, and to assemble them together, as opportunity afforded, for reading the Scriptures and devotional exercises, which he continued to do throughout the whole of his after career. In 1841 he was appointed Persian interpreter to general Elphinstone, and took part in the memorable defense of Jellalabad. On the completion of the works, Havelock suggested to general Sale to assemble the garrison and give thanks to Almighty God, who had enabled them to complete the fortifications necessary for their protection. "The suggestion was approved, and the command given. 'Let us pray,' said a well-known voice. It was Havelock's. 'Let us pray!' and down before the presence of the great God those soldiers reverently bowed, one and all of them, whilst at the impulse of a devout and grateful heart he poured forth supplication and praise in the name of the Great High-Priest." This incident is an illustration of Havelock's religious life during the whole of his military career. In the great Indian rebellion of 1857, he distinguished himself by a series of the most brilliant achievements in the annals of warfare; but still he was distinguished most by his personal piety, which shone resplendently amid the horrors of war. He died of dysentery at Alumbagh, Nov. 25, 1857, one day before the announcement of his elevation to the baronetcy under the title "Havelock of Lucknow," which was inherited by his eldest son, Henry Marshman Havelock (born 1830). He wrote, History of the Ava Campaigns (London, 1827): — Memoir of the Afghan Campaign (Lond. 1841). See Brock, Biographical Sketch of Havelock (Lond. 1858, 12mo); Marshman, Memoirs of Sir Henry Havelock (Lond. 1868).