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until the arrival of the China Expedition at Singapore in June, 1840, where he joined his regiment. Two days after the first capture of Chusan he was appointed British Commissioner, and about three weeks afterwards Chief Magistrate of the Island of Chusan, which situation he filled until the following February on the evacuation of the island by the British troops. Major Caine was accidentally in command of the Cameronian Regiment for a few days in Canton River, when the Lieutenant-Colonel (James) had proceeded with the Commander-in-Chief to Whampoa in March, 1841. In May, 1841, Major Caine was nominated to the appointment of Chief Magistrate of Hong Kong. When the force went against Canton in 1841, Major Caine begged Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary to be permitted to join his regiment, but was refused. (Vide letter No. 131, dated 22nd May, 1841, from the Secretary to Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary, herewith attached.) In September, 1843, was appointed Member of Council in this colony. In November, 1844, obtained through the kindness of his Grace the Duke of Wellington, on Sir Henry Pottinger's application, an unattached majority. In November, 1846, promoted to Colonial Secretary and Auditor General. In April, 1847, when the expedition went against Canton, was left here in charge of the colony, as well as being Commandant of the garrison.
Entered the service as Volunteer, 17th Foot, 8th November, 1813.
Ensign, 17th Foot, 6th July, 1814. Lieutenant, 12th April, 1819.
Exchanged to 14th Foot, April, 1822.
Removed to 3rd Buffs on application, 16th March, 1826. Captain, 41st Foot, 9th December, 1827.
Exchanged 26th Foot, October, 1834.
Major by Brevet, 9th November, 1841. Major Unattached, November, 1844.
Lieutenant-Colonel by Brevet, November, 1851.
(Signed)
"My dear Colonel,
True copy.
W. T. MERCER, Colonial Secretary.
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Burhampoor, May 3, 1822. This has for its object the introduction to your favourable notice of Lieutenant W. Caine, lately exchanged from the 17th to the 14th Foot. During the time I have commanded the 17th, I have found him a most intelligent and zealous
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officer. He has been in the Light Company for three years, and has always proved an active smart officer; indeed, he has generally commanded the company, and finding him so useful in that charge, I have not taken his wings from him when his turn came to command a battalion company, but gave him, as his right, the payment of the right centre, and the command and general management of his own company, the captain of which being sick; though with the regiment, of course drew the command allowance, consequently all the labour and responsibility fell to Lieutenant Caine, and therefore all the merit. I have never had the honour of being on service with the 17th, but the old officers tell me that Caine, as a volunteer in the Nepal war, at the attack of Jeetgurh, on the 3rd of January 1815, distinguished himself by bringing off all the ammunition which had been abandoned by the native detachments; that such had been made known by the late Major-General Hardyman to the Marquis of Hastings, who instantly rewarded our young friend with an Ensigncy, antedated ten months, to give him rank. Caine carried the regimental colour at the storming of the heights of Jhubbulpoor, and was the first officer of the right wing who made a lodgement on the Saint's Tomb, where in the teeth of the Arabs he planted his colour, aided by one colour serjeant and seven men. He there had a personal contest with the Arab Chief, whom he shot. I mention these particulars to insure Caine your protection, as he is a fine young fellow, who will (opportunity offering) distinguish himself, and be a credit to his regiment. You will find him well acquainted with the native language, and always willing to make himself useful. In manners and conduct, he is very gentlemanlike, and his departure from the regiment (in which he has been since he was three years of age) is productive of sincere regret to his brother officers."
Very sincerely yours,
(Signed)
Colonel J. McCombe, Commanding 14th Foot, Meerut.
"My dear Sir,
W. T. EDWARDS,
Colonel 17th Foot.
True copy
W. T. MERCER, Colonial Secretary.
Meerut, September 18, 1825. With the permission of Colonel McCombe, Commanding the 14th Regiment, I have the honour thus to give testimony
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