His Character and Last Days
Stuart was physically a small wiry man with a great fondness for strong drink, able to endure privations and possessing a fierce determination which overrode any thought of personal comfort. He has not gregarious; he had some good friends but was happiest away from crowds. He cared little for dress; he had a full dark beard and habitually wore grubby moleskin trousers and an unfashionable long-tailed blue coat with brass buttons and cabbage-tree hat.
His eyesight was failing when he embarked on his sixth expedition but by the time he returned the many days of travelling into the fierce sun had rendered him practically blind, in pain and in such poor health that he spent much of the return journey being carried on a litter between two horses. After preparing his diaries for publication he returned to Britain, where he died and was buried at Kensal Green Cemetery. There is a museum dedicated to him in the house where he once lived, in Dysart, Scotland.
Read more about this topic: John McDouall Stuart
Famous quotes containing the words character and/or days:
“A person of definite character and purpose who comprehends our way of thought is sure to exert power over us. He cannot altogether be resisted; because, if he understands us, he can make us understand him, through the word, the look, or other symbol, which both of us connect with the common sentiment or idea; and thus by communicating an impulse he can move the will.”
—Charles Horton Cooley (1864–1929)
“Forego your anger for a moment and save yourself a hundred days of trouble.”
—Chinese proverb.