The Sun.
London, England, 1842-05-30 00:00:00

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

SIR,—In an extract from the Courier inserted in The Sun
of the 25th, it is observed, that after what the Premier had
said of Captain Elliot, it was imperative on him to visit with
displeasure the gallant Gough ! Now, I beg to point out that
Sir Robert needs no urging upon this point—that he has
already turned him out of the command of thie Madras army !
The Whigs, about a year ago, conferred upon Sir Hugh the im-
portant and lucrative situation of Commander-in-Chief at
Madras, as a reward for his gallant, and, in every way merito-
rious conduct in China. Why has he been thus suddenly
turned out ? There has been 'nothing on his part but a conti-
nuance of the same zealous, able, and gallant conduct ! Can it
have been for the sake of patronage ; to get hold of his appoint-
ment for some needy supporter? Sir Hugh was peculiarly
qualified for the command of an Indian army at the present
time, as, in addition to his proved gallantry, which always
tells with the soldiers, he has the merit of having gained the
affections of the Sepoys serving under him—no mean merit at
any time, but peculiarly valuable at present. I have nothing to
say againstthe Marquis of Tweeddale, but he is an untried man
for the situation ; and I fear he owes his success to a recommenda-
tion which Sir H. Gough wants—viz., a connexion with the family
of the great Duke. He might, however, have been satisfied
with the situation of Governor, with 16,0001. a year, without
grasping at the plurality of Commander-in-Chief. At all
dines the union of these two situations is of doubtful advantage,
but at the present critical juncture of affairs in India, it is posi-
tively dangerous. Now, when disaffection, and even mutiny,
has been showing itself, the Commander-in-Chief ought to be
able to devote the wimple of his time and attention to the
troops, and to be continually moving about them, visiting the
different stations, and becoming personally acquainted with
the men, their state and temper, their wants and their wishes,
their treatment and behaviour. This a Governor cannot do,
for he has not time, and his presence is always required at or
near the seat of Government.
The lamented Senhouse is not within the reach of Sir Ro-
bert's displeasure, but he has taken the only opportunity which
offered, to show a total contempt of the opinion and advice of
that Gallant Officer. Sir Humphrey, in the last despatch
which be ever penned, stated that he felt so convinced of the
abiolute necessity of putting the Government at home in pos-
session of the actual state of affairs in Chins, as to impel him
to send home an officer for that purpose. Will it be believed
that this officer, so selected and sent, has never been consulted
by the Government, not even as to the fitting-out the ships,
stores, &c., for that service ? Yet such is the case, as far as I
can learn on inquiry !
I have been truly concerned to learn, from the last accounts
from India, that a Gallant Officer there, Sir Robert Sale, is
going backward in point of station, though forward in point of
fame ! This Gallant Officer was then in command at Jellala-
bid, and continuing his heroic and successful efforts against
the overwhelming numbers opposed to him. When the
re-inforcements reach that place he will find himself not in
command—not second—no, but only in charge of a brigade !
It is not uncommon to reinforce an inefficient or unsuccessful
Commander by a superior officer, but seldom is such a thing
done to an efficient and successful one. For a case in point
we must go back to the good old Tory times of 1808, when the
gallant 'Wellesley of the, morning found himself in the evening,
not in command, not second, no, but only third in command of
his victorious army !
Is there none of our 658 senators to stand up for our absent
Commanders, when they are fighting the battles of their coun-
try in distant climes? What has become of the Gallant Na-
pier?—he must surely have a fellow feeling for them ?
I am, Ice.,
AN ENEMY TO CLASS LEGISLATION AND Go-
YERNMENT, AND AN OLD CORRESPONDENT.
May 27,1842.

ELECTION COMMITTEE.
LYME REGIS.

(Continued from our Afternoon Edition of Saturday.)
The Committee then proceeded to consider the vote
of an elector named Trait, objected to on the same
grounds as the preceding one. The evidence and argil.
ments on this vote occupied the Committee up till a
quarter to four, when the room was cleared, and the
Committee decided that the vote should be struck off;
and adjourned till twelve o'clock on Monday (this day.)