Historical records of the 91st Argyllshire ... - waughfamily.ca

110 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF THE1842. deck. A few words sufficed to quiet them, andfrom that moment their patience and submissionnever faltered.By 3.30 p.m. the bilged and broken wreckwas abandoned, with all the stores and baggage(public and regimental), to the increasing galeand to the chances of the approaching night.The above graphic description of the wreckwas submitted to Field Marshal the Duke ofWellington, who wrote uponit words of thehighest commendation on the conduct of officersand"men. I have never," the Duke wrote," read anything so satisfactory as this report.It is highly creditable, not only to Captain BertieGordon and the officers and troops concerned,but to the service in which such an instance hasoccurred of discretion and firmness in an officerin command, and of confidence, good order,discipline, and obedience in all under his command,even to the women and children.Captain BertieGordon, and all concerned, deserve the highest approbation,and I will not forget their good conduct." I wish that I had received this statementafter this misfortune occurred.** This refers to the fact that the Duke of Wellington didnot see the narrative of the wreck till 1844.