CO129-236 - Others - 1887 — Page 226

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Head-quarter House has been freely exercised, but in an inos. tentatious manner characteristic of the frank, bluff soldier, while Mrs. Sargent has presided over the numerous pleasant gatherings there with a charm and grace which have won the suflrages of all hearts. The friendly feeling and general sympathy they hav won have called forth the expression of cordial respect and the sincere utterance of the good wishes contained in the address which will be presented to the General this afternoon.

At the moment when General Sargent is leaving the colony, a brief review of bis long and honourable career, compiled from the Army List, may not be uninteresting to his numerous friends and well-wishers. Lieut.-General John Neptune Sargent, C.B., was born on the 18th June, 1826, and received his commission as ensign in the 95th Regiment on the 19th January, 1844. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant on the 11th September, 1846, served with his Rogiment in China, and obtained his com- pany on the 18th November, 1853. He accompanied the 95th Regiment on the Eastern Expedition of 1854, and was recom- meuded for the Turkish medal for the Danubian campaign by General Beatson, to whom he volunteered his services while on leave to assist in searching for boats to cross the river and attack the Russians. Captain Sargent served in the Crimean campaign in 1854-55, and took part in the Battle of Alma, where he was wounded. For his conduct in this action he was specially mentioned in the Commanding Officer's official report for "determined bravery while leading the attack of the right wing" of his Regiment up the heights of Alma. He was also engaged in the repulse of the powerful sortie on the 26th October. In the Battle of Inkerman he signally In this famous battle he succeeded distinguished himself.

to the command of his Regiment and brought it out of action, and at B crisis when every rifle was of vital importance be used one with remarkable effect, especially when cut off from the British position by the Russian Columu that occupied the ground whence the 95th Regiment had charged

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the enemy down the hill. He was engaged in the siege and was present at the fall of Sebastopol, on which occasion he was wounded. He was most strongly recommended for promotion for his services at Inkerman as a "most zealous, meritorious, and Cave officer," and as a result received the rank of brevet-major, while he was also awarded the Medal with three clasps, 5th Class of the Medjidie, the Turkish medal, and was created a Knight of the Legion of Honour. He joined The Buffs on the 25th August, 1857, and was gazetted lieut.-colonel on the 29th July, 1859.

He served with The Buffs in the campaign of 1860 in China, including the action of Sinho, in which he commanded the advanced guard, and the taking of Tonghoo.

He was placed in permanent command of the outpost towards the Taku Forts, and was twice mentioned in despatches. Subsequently he was appointed Commandant of the Taku Forts and Allied Com- missioner. For his conduct in the China war, he was commended by Sir Robert Napier for "good judgment, determination, and bigh military qualities," and was recommended to the Com- mander-in-chief by Sir Hope Grant in the following terms:-" I would most strongly recommend this officer to the favourable consideration of His Royal Highness. He was one of the most active and useful officers in the field, who was in a position of great responsibility, and who performed his duties to my entire satisfaction." The reward of these services was a medal with clasps and the Companionship of the Most Distinguished Order of the Bath. He was made brevet-colonel on the 29th July, 1864, and promoted to the rank of major-general on the 11th January, 1877. General Sargent was appointed to the command of the Troops in China and the Straits Settlements in February, 1882, arrived in Hongkong on the 31st March following, and he was gazetted lieut.-general on the 18th October, 1884. This is a lengthy and brilliant record, and its subject would be a fitting recipient of the order of knighthood at the hands of Her Most Gracious Majesty, to whom he has been so loyal and zealous a

servant.

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