Financial Matters
Throughout his career Hodson was dogged by accusations of, at best, negligence in financial matters and, at worst, theft. He was investigated on more than one occasion but nothing was ever proved. His detractors claim he was a looter. His supporters say that these accusations came from those who disliked his manner and his military success. He had not followed the normal career path for an officer and he was renowned for his curt, brisk manner and was not afraid to step on toes or say what was on his mind. On the other hand the Rev. G Hodson states in his book that he obtained the inventory of his brother's possessions made by the Committee of Adjustment and it contained no articles of loot, and Sir Charles Gough, president of the committee, confirmed this evidence. This statement is totally incompatible with Sir Henry Daly's and is only one of many contradictions in the case. Sir Henry Norman stated that to his personal knowledge Hodson remitted several thousand pounds to Calcutta which could only have been obtained by looting. On the other hand, again, Hodson died a poor man, his effects, which included a ring, watch, Bible and Prayer book, and a miniature, were sold for only £170. General remarked "there was nothing in his boxes but what an officer might legitimately and honourably have in his possession." His widow did not have money enough to pay for her passage home and she had to apply to the Compassionate Fund for assistance, which was granted. She was given apartments by the Queen at Hampton Court, and left only £400 at her death.
Read more about this topic: William Stephen Raikes Hodson
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