Old Hong Kong-3 — Page 109

MILITARY - (Contd.)

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You must

in the highest sense of the word, of British soldiers, be governed by the same principle that has governed them at all times. That principle is subordination. You must observe all the rules of discipline and good order laid down for your obedience to your officers, and your uniform correct behaviour in quarters, that you are worthy candidates for homour in the field. The general good conduct of the 95th. since it was placed under my command, and my long antecedent knowledge of it, satisfy me that it is to be depended upon at all times; and I take occasion in this place to say, if recent occurrences had led to a demand for your exertions, that I should have been proud and happy to have found myself with Colonel Campbell at your head.

Soldiers! I will not detain you longer. I will only impress upon you with my last and latest words to maintain discipline.

If you wish to defend these Colours with success; nay more, if you wish to preserve these Colours from reproach, maintain discipline; and, strengthened by its aid, may your arms be blest by Providence with victory, and yourselves pursue a long career of honour and renown in the service of a grateful country.

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Colonel Campbell's reply was as follows:

General D'Aguilar, The gratifying duty devolves upon me to acknowledge, in the name of the 95th. Regiment, the very kind and complimentary manner in which you have been pleased to address us; and I am happy to have it in my power to concur in the good opinion you have so handsomely expressed of the good feeling manifest in the corps.

I can safely assert that the same unanimity has existed ever since I have had the honour of being placed in command of the Regiment, a period of nearly seventeen years; and if I have on a very rare occasion of discipline, I have never been disappointed in receiving the cordial assistance of my officers, as well as ready obedience from the soldiers. It is true the 95th. Regiment (I mean the young 95th.) have it not in their power to talk of sieges and battles lost or won; but this is not their fault, and I must be allowed in justice to say that whenever they may be more actively employed in the field, the opinion you have formed and so handsomely expressed will prove to be well founded; and that the Banners this day entrusted to their care by our gracious Sovereign the Queen, will be homourably guarded and defended while the corps exists.

I beg to thank you, Sir, for the kind notice you have been pleased to take of my humble services, and I feel gratified.

It only requires to look around and view those handsome and commodious buildings, where every comfort has been provided by you for the soldier, and to proceed a little farther to see the splendid Hospital in fact, a palace - you have provided for the sick soldiers (where Wellington Barracks are to-day), to acknowledge that you are entitled to to grateful remembrance for all these comforts, which have already saved so many valuable lives; the recollection of which will ever prove a cheering thought to yourself, as well as a lasting monument to record the anxious care and interest you take in the soldiers' welfare.

To you, Mr. Steedman, (who consecrated the Colours) I beg to offer in the name of the officers, and soldiers of the 95th. Regiment, our most grateful thanks for the impressive and kind exhortation you have just delivered to the corps; and although“. I must confess that in the service, sometimes irregularities will occur, still it has ever been my anxious wish to impress on the minds of those under my command that the best Christian always makes the best soldier. I now, again, Reverend Sir, tender you