The beauty of the decoration was
enhanced by the circumstances of its bestowal, for on the evening
of the battle of the 30th, General Tchernaieff approached Colonel
MacIver, and, unclasping the cross from his own breast, placed it
upon that of the Colonel.
"'(Signed.) HUGH JACKSON,
"'_Member of Council of the League_."
In Servia and in the Servian army MacIver reached what as yet is
the highest point of his career, and of his life the happiest period.
He was _general de brigade_, which is not what we know as a
brigade general, but is one who commands a division, a
major-general. He was a great favorite both at the palace and with
the people, the pay was good, fighting plentiful, and Belgrade gay
and amusing. Of all the places he has visited and the countries he
has served, it is of this Balkan kingdom that the general seems to
speak most fondly and with the greatest feeling. Of Queen Natalie
he was and is a most loyal and chivalric admirer, and was ever
ready, when he found any one who did not as greatly respect the
lady, to offer him the choice of swords or pistols. Even for Milan
he finds an extenuating word.
After Servia the general raised more foreign legions, planned
further expeditions; in Central America reorganized the small
armies of the small republics, served as United States Consul, and
offered his sword to President McKinley for use against Spain.
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