§ Mr. Humehoped he might be indulged while he made a few observations on a subject of considerable importance. When examined before the Committee on Corporal Punishments, he had stated in his evidence [the hon. Member read the extract] that a native of India had been tried by court-martial at Calcutta, and sentenced to 1,900 lashes for insolence and insubordination, 1,250 of which had been inflicted. Since that time, he had ascertained that there was a mistake committed on his part, and he had an application made at the Horse Guards, and had then in his hand the official report, from which it appeared that the first part of the statement was perfectly correct. The individual was sentenced on two charges, tried before the same court-martial, to 1,900 lashes, only 650 of which had been inflicted. Having satisfied himself that he was in error, he was desirous that it should be immediately corrected; and he trusted the House would excuse him. He thought it necessary to take the first opportunity of making the statement so publicly, as the evidence given before that Committee was read with deep interest.
§ Mr. Cutlar Fergussonwas exceedingly glad of the explanation given by his hon. Friend, as the extract in the evidence which had been just read, tended seriously to reflect on the conduct of a brave and excellent officer.