The Sun.
London, England, 1863-07-29 00:00:00

The Volunteer Review at Wimbledon,

Horse-Guards, 24th July, 18G3.
My lord,—Having reviewed the volunteer corps of the
metropolis and its neiclbourhood at Wimbledon on Satur-
day, the 18th instant, I have pleasure in stating that I was
well satisfied with the general efficiency of the corps then
assembled and with the drill of the battalions.
I directed the force on the ground to be divided into two
corps—the one, the attacking body, under Lieut.-Genei al
the Hon. Sir James Yorke Scarlett, who was assisted by
Major-General Taylor, and Biigadier•General Bates in
charge of Divisions; the other, the defending body, under
Major-General Lord Frederick Paulet. The former force
was composed of five brigades, commanded respectively
by the senior officers of volunteers on the ground—Lord
Colville, Lord Ranelagh, Lord Grosvenor, Lord Bury, and
Lieut.-Col. Bigge. The latter, of throe brigades, com-
manded by Lord Elcho, Lord Radatock, and Lieut.. Col.
Brewster.

The attacking force was posted in the hollow ground at
the western extremity of the common towards Combo;
the defendets took up a position near the furthest firing
butts. Having been attacked in front by the brigades under
Brigadier-General Bates, the force under Lord Frederick
Paulet retired behind the ravine, taking up a fresh position.
Sir J. Scarlett then brought forward his right wing under
Major-General Taylor, throwing forward two brigades as a
flank movement. Upon this, Lord F. Paulet's three
brigades changed front, throwing back their left, and posted
themselves across the Common with their backs to the
grand stand ; Sir J. Scarlett moved his three brigades to
the right, forming with them a second or supporting line to
the two brigades which had made the flank movement from
the right. At the end of the field-day the whole of the
troops marched mist in quarter distance columns before
returning to their quarters.

I was much satisfied with the excellent fire maintained
by the battalions in line, and I thought that the men
showed great aptitude in skirmishing, The artillery was
efficiently handled, and the heavy batteries seemed to move
with considerable facility. I was also much satisfied with
the efficiency of the two horse-artillery guns, and the field
battery belonging to the Honourable Artillery Company.
I think it would be desirable on future occasions to Im-
press upon the several corps the necessity for greater punc-
tuality in the time of reaching the drill-ground, The hour
specified for the commencement of the evolutions was 6.30,
but it was 6.45 before it was possible to commence opera-
tions, very few of the corps having reached their destination
before that hour. The delay and inconvenience caused by
this want of punctuality was very great.
In conclusion, I can only express my satisfaction at the
zeal with which all the ground carried out the instructions
they received ; and I havo a firm conviction that the volun-
teer force is becoming a very efficient body of men, and
valuable as a great auxiliary to the regular army of the
country.—l am, my Lord, yours,

(Signed)
The Right Hon. Earl de Grey and Ripon.

GEORGE.

War Office, 2Sth July, 1863.
SIR,-1 have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of
your Royal Highness's letter of the 24th instant, and to
express, in reply, the pleasure which I have experienced in
learning that your Royal Highness was well satisfied with
the general efficiency of the volunteer corps assembled on
the occasion of the review at Wimbledon on the 18th inst.
—I have the honour to be, Sir, your Royal Highness's
obedient servant,
(Signed) DE GREY and RIPON,
His Royal Highness the Field-Marshal
Commanding-in-Chief.