ness.

That we cannot understand why such things happen is only to confess how
limited is our knowledge; to complain of them, is to doubt the goodness
and wisdom of the Almighty. Perhaps it is not a bad guess to suppose
they are intended to teach us that most wholesome lesson--that few in
this world are important, none _necessary_.

Every possible token of respect was shewed to his memory. With the
prisoners themselves it was more than respect. Rough as many of them
were, demoralized by severance from family ties, soured by hopelessness,
they had found a man, to use an expression of holy writ, who had showed
them "the kindness of God" in their affliction: and now he was gone from
them for ever.

They addressed a petition to the commandant that some of them might be
allowed to attend the funeral at Yaxley Church, a request which Major
Kelly granted with the greatest readiness, and was much touched by the
concluding words of the petition, that he need not be afraid of incurring
any risk by letting them come out for the occasion, because, wild as many
of them were, there was not a single man amongst them that was such a
_mauvais sujet_ as to take advantage of the opportunity to attempt his
escape.

Both officers and men were represented, as well as a considerable number
of the regiments on guard, though Major Kelly was too sound a soldier to
detach too many, knowing that it was right to provide against not only
what was likely, but also what was possible to happen.

It was a touching sight, as a military funeral always is, even when the
departed one is an ordinary and undistinguished man. How much more when
he has taken an honourable part in many a glorious field of battle! And
how much more yet, when, as in this case, he has fallen on the field of
unromantic duty, done with faithfulness, and with kindness, and with
humanity.

His record still exists, and may be seen to this day on the north wall of
the Lady-chapel of the grand old church of Yaxley, honouring alike the
good man whose remains lie there, and the "poor prisoners," whose friend
he was.

The tablet has the following words on it:

"Inscribed at the desire and at the sole expense of the French
prisoners of war at Norman Cross, to the memory of Captain John
Draper, R.N., who for the last 18 months of his life was agent to the
depot; in testimony of their esteem and gratitude for his humane
attention to their comforts during that too s