HC Deb 14 March 1844 vol 73 c990
Mr. W. O. Stanley

said, that with the permission of the House, he wished to correct a misstatement which he had been led into with reference to the unfortunate duel between Lieutenant Munro and Colonel Lynar Fawcett. He then stated that he had heard it reported that on Friday, the day between sending the challenge, and the date of the duel, Lieutenant Munro or his second had consulted some of the officers of his own regiment. Since then he had received a letter from Mrs. Munro, which he would read with the permission of the House:—

51 Cambridge Terrace, Hyde Park. Sir,—Observing in The Times of to-day a letter from yourself regarding the late melancholy duel, reflecting upon any advice offered to my most unfortunate husband from his brother officers, allow me to assure you that not one officer still holding a commission in our regiment was consulted on Friday, and the truth is this—that one officer of thirty years' standing was consulted, likewise a gentleman of much experience in such affairs. This gentleman consulted during the day, a general officer, and Lieutenant Munro consulted three military friends not in his own regiment, who all were of opinion that there was no other course to be adopted but the one he followed. I still linger in England to defend my unfortunate husband's case as far as in my power and I again beg to assure you that there is not the slightest blame to be attached to any of the officers of the Royal Horse Guards. By publishing this letter in answer to yours of this day, to do justice to the officers of the Blues in this lamentable occurrence, you will greatly oblige, Sir, your obedient servant, ELIZA MUNRO. W. O. Stanley, Esq., M.P."

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