§ COLONEL STUART KNOXsaid, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, Whether his attention has been called to a Letter in the "The Times" of the 21st instant, headed "Military Mismanagement," in which it is stated that "The 51st Regiment embarked on the 2nd instant at Portland for Cork in H. M. ship 'Orontes;' that although they were entitled by the Regulations to convey baggage to the measurement of some 4,000 cubic feet, the Captain of the 'Orontes,' after some 2,076 cubic feet of said baggage was put on board, refused to take more, alleging that his baggage room was full; that the baggage thus left behind belonged principally to the married men, and that no less than forty unfortunate women and 572 sixty-five children have been existing for a fortnight or more with only the clothes they had on when they came on board;" whether he considers the conduct of the Naval authority can he justified; and, if so, under what Military superintendence the regiment embarked, and why the authorities at the Horse Guards took no steps to forward the baggage, but allowed it to remain at least fourteen days at the place of embarkation; and, whether directions will be given to inquire into the loss and expense to which the Officers and Men have been subjected, with a view to granting them reasonable compensation?
§ MR. CARDWELLSir, I have made inquiry into this occurrence, both at the Quartermaster General's Office and also at the Admiralty. Though there is some difference between the two Reports as to the quantity of baggage, yet both agree in reporting that the 51st Regiment sent much more than their regulated allowance, and that without notice. They omitted to make any proper division, so as to insure that the portion allowed by regulation should first be put on board. The baggage having, under these circumstances, been left behind, it was necessary to communicate with the regiment as to the mode in which they would prefer having it sent, as over-regulation baggage, to be sent at the expense of the regiment. There will be further inquiry as to the points on which the two Departments differ; but, as at present advised, I am not justified in throwing blame on the officers of the Orontes.
§ COLONEL STUART KNOXsaid, he also wished to know whether the right hon. Gentleman would cause an inquiry into the subject to be instituted at Water-ford, the head-quarters of the Regiment, which in his opinion has not been treated fairly?
§ MR. CARDWELLAll I can say is, that inquiry will be made as to the points in dispute between the two Departments. I know nothing as to what may be fair to the regiment.