Chapter XXVIII: Military Operations in April (3)

‘_Allahabad, April 30._—It is the melancholy duty of the Right
Honourable the Governor-general to announce the death of that most
distinguished officer, Captain Sir William Peel, K.C.B., late in
command of her Majesty’s ship _Shannon_, and of the Naval Brigade in
the Northwest Provinces.

‘Sir William Peel died at Cawnpore, on the 27th instant, of small-pox.
He had been wounded at the commencement of the last advance upon
Lucknow, but had nearly recovered from the wound, and was on his way
to Calcutta, when struck by the disease which has brought his
honourable career to an early close.

‘Sir William Peel’s services in the field during the last seven months
are well known in India and in England. But it is not so well known
how great the value of his presence and example has been wherever
during this eventful period his duty has led him.

‘The loss of his daring but thoughtful courage, joined with eminent
abilities, is a very heavy one to his country; but it is not more to
be deplored than the loss of that influence which his earnest
character, admirable temper, and gentle kindly bearing exercised over
all within his reach—an influence which was exerted unceasingly for
the public good, and of which the governor-general believes that it
may with truth be said that there is not a man of any rank or
profession who, having been associated with Sir William Peel in these
times of anxiety and danger, has not felt and acknowledged it.’

Footnote 169:

Chap. vii., NOTES, p. 119.

Footnote 170:

Chap. xxvi., p. 441.

Summer Costumes, Indian Army.
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