Mr. BURKE used to say that he knew few men not professedly devoted to study, who possessed more ingenuity and information than the General [HAVILAND]. He had likewise a great genius for mechanics; could even repair, and it is said, make, watches; a pocket compass very correct and neatly executed by him, has been seen by the writer; in short, nearly all the wood and iron work in his house was done by himself, having a forge and bellows for the purpose, and when this source of amusement was exhausted, he was accustomed to apply to the neighbouring cottagers for work.

An antiquarian friend relates to the writer, that there were few pottage-pots, skillets, or saucepans in the vicinity of his house, which had not at one time or another furnished evidence of the General's skill; - and relates the following anecdote:-

'John TILBURY, now living, and at the age of 90 still vigorous enough to take a leading part in singing the psalms at Penn Church, and who at that time frequently joined the church choir with his bassoon, had the mishap to break some of the brass work of his instrument - and as a matter of course carried it to the General to repair. When finished, TILBURY drew out his canvas bag of money with a flourish, and put the question -

"Well General, what am I in your debt for the job?"

"My price," replied the veteran with good humour, "is, should it be again broken, to let me have the pleasure of again repairing it."'

 
Footnote: "The following notice of this veteran appeared in the newspapers at the period of his death, September, 1784, believed to be from the pen of BURKE:

'Died at Penn, in Buckinghamshire, in the 67th year of his age, General William HAVILAND, Colonel of the 45th regiment. He was an officer distinguished for his long and able services ...'"