PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference :-
TRILEC.O. 882
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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-
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inquire on the spot into the means taken for the repression of the late insurrection in Ceylon.
Your Committee also regret that notwithstanding their utmost diligence and perseverance, they find themselves still unable to make a complete report upon some of the various matters into which they were directed by the House to inquire.
Your Committee are of opinion, that the serious atten- tion of Her Majesty's Government should be called to the evidence taken in the course of this inquiry, and they recommend that a royal commission should be appointed to proceed to Ceylon, to ascertain what changes may be necessary for the better government of that colony, unless some steps should forthwith be taken by the Government which obviate the necessity of farther investigation.
July 24, 1850.
may
Lord Grey's approval of the conduct of the Military.
The conduct of the military in the field was approved as follows, in a despatch from Lord Grey, acknowledging the first despatches of the Governor, on the subject of the rebellion:
4. Her Majesty has also observed with satisfaction, that you were cordially and energetically supported by the civil and military authorities of the colony. You will direct the Major-General commanding the troops to signify to Colonel Drought and to the officers and men who were employed, Her Majesty's approbation of their services. The speedy suppression of the insurrection seems to have been in a great measure due to the able and judicious manner in which Colonel Drought availed himself in the first instance, of the small force under his command, and to the courage and steadiness with which both officers and men acted against the large numbers of the insurgants.
5. In conveying to your Lordship Her Majesty's approval of the measures taken to suppress this attempted revolt, I must express the satisfaction with which I have observed that these measures have also been properly appreciated by many of the colonists, as appears from the resolutions adopted at public meetings at Kandy and at Colombo, which you have transmitted to me.
8. I concur in your Lordship's opinion that it is neces- sary to punish with severity the leaders and promoters of this insurrection, which will prove the most merciful course in the end. But whilst it is necessary to vindicate and maintain the law, it is desirable that acts of justice
and severity should be strictly limited to what is inevitably called for by the occasion, and that the prevailing charao- ter of measures consequent upon excitement and insubor-
1. Conduct in the Field.
Lord Grey to Lord Torrington;
October 24, 1848.
Papers, February 1849, p. 340.
..
August 14, 1848. Papers, February 1849, p. 175.
July 80, 1848. Inclosed in No. 143,
August 14, 1848.
July 31, 1848. Inclosed in the
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dination should at all times be that of moderation and clemency towards those who have been misled. This im- plies no indulgence towards the guilty contrivers of sedition, nor any forgetfulness of the claims to consider- ation and protection of the loyal, peaceable, and industri- ous, who constitute, as I am happy to find, the great majority of Her Majesty's subjects in Ceylon.
The following are the principal passages relating to the subject in the despatches and their inclosures from Lord Torrington thus answered:
From Lord Torrington to Lord Grey:
39. In conclusion, my Lord, I have only further to remark, that th present has been to me a period of un- usual anxiety and incessant toil. I feel bound to state that the military authorities and soldiers generally have been actuated by the most energetic and soldier-like spirit. They have started with alacrity to make forced marches on the briefest notice, and I am not aware that any instance whatever of misconduct has occurred. The soldiers of the Ceylon Rifle Regiment have proved them- selves particularly well adapted for the peculiar servico which has been required from them in a country such as this; they have behaved bravely and steadily on all
occasions.
40. I have been ably seconded and supported on every occasion by the advice and the assistance of Major- General Smalt; and have had much reason to admire the soldier-like spirit, active energy, and clear and correct judgment of Lieutenant-Colonel Drought of the 15th Regiment, who has retained the command of the Kandyan districts during the whole of this period.
Colonel Drought to Lord Torrington : Captain Lillie reports to me, that nothing could exceed the excellent conduct of every individual under his com- mand, which was composed of 1 captain, 9 subalterna, 4 sergeants, I bugler, and 100 rank and file of Her Majesty's 15th Regiment; and 1 captain, 4 subalterns, 4 sergeants, 2 buglers, and 100 rank and file of the Ceylon Rifle Regiment. I am happy to say that the troops suffered no loss, having only 1 private of the 15th Regi- ment wounded.
I shall now take the liberty of referring your Lordship to Captain Lillie's report, who, I beg leave to assure your Excellency, has conducted the affair most judiciously, and to my entire satisfaction.
Captain Lillie, commanding one of the detach- ments, to Colonel Drought:
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I cannot close this report without bringing to your notice the admirable good condust of both of the delink-