The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette. — 1858-06-08 (Dorchester, Dorset, England)

BANQUZT TO GENERAL WILSON.—On Wednesdey night the members of the Oriental Club entertained Major-General Sir Archdale Wilson, K.C.8., the can. queror of Delhi, in their spaolous banquettinthall, Hanover-square. The dinner was of the most sumptu. one description, and every effort had been made by the stewards' committee to give du eclat to the occasion. The banquet was presided over by Atajor•General Sir Robert Vivian, E.C.8., dose to whoin sat the guest of the evening, and his three relatives Captain G. B. Wilson, R.N., the Rev. Ronald Wilson, and the Rev. Herbert Wilson. There were about 190 in all. The usual loyal toasts having been proposed and cordially received, the Chairman proposed the health "of our gallant and distinguished guest, Sir A. Wilson." The toast was drunk amid the greatest enthusiasm. Sir Archdale Wilson, whose rising was the signal for a re. 'towed outburst of vehement cheering, said—Mr. Chairs min and gentleman, I have to return you my warmest thanks for the very kind and cordial welcome which you have given to me, I regret that I sin wholly unable to acknowledge your kindness in suitable terms, but I can users that of all the compliments which I have had the happiness to receive, none has given ins greater gratification and pleasure than the one which the Oriental Club has Jost bestowed —a club compoud of members of the Indian Beretta', in which I have bun for so many years engaged. (Cheers.) Gentlemen, I am proud, as I well may be, of having successfully coin. mauled that gallant band whielt ant turned tile tide of the muldnity ; and I am prouder still to And that my humble services have not only been approved by my Sovereign and by the lion Lauri of Directors; of the East India Company, but I think I may also add by all ranks of my fellow countrymen. (Cheers.) But for. inmate as I have been in this respect, I must say that whatever credit may be doe to myself must be equally shared by that small but gallant force which I had the honour to command. (Owen.) That fora for four months of the most trying and unhealthy season en. dured such fatigue and exposure 1111 were probably never known by soldiers before ; and although they were re. dueed daily in numbers by the continual attacks which they had to repel, and though one•third of their avail. able strength wu paralysed by sickness, yet they bore every hardship with the greatest patience, and the only difficulty was to restrain their ardour till the moment arrived when they could be let loam on the enemy with some chance of success. (Cheers.) Not the least noble part of their conduct, in my opinion, was, that though Bushed with victory, and their blood roused to the highest pitch, they still obeyed the call that was made upon them, and not a singls woman or child was used or ill-treated either by a European or a native soldier belonging to our force. (Cheers.) It has been stated in the public; prints, and also, as I am told in Parliament, that such was not the cue, and that women had actually been recklessly murdered. That I most emphatically deny, (Cheers.) Not one single instance, I repeat, of any woman or child having been ill-treated ever Dame to ;icy knowledge, and I took great pains to inquire into this matter. (Renewed cheers.) Gentlemen, I have also to acknowledge your kind r•oo nition of my humble services before Lucknow ; and I can only say it is a pride and gratification tonic to have served under ao gallant a commander as Sir Colin Campbell. (Cheers.) In the name of the army which served before Delhi, I beg, gentleman, again to return you my most timers thanks. (Lend and prolonged cheering, amidst which the gallant general resumed his seat.)