§ MAJOR GENERAL ALEXANDERasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is true that Colonel Sir Redvers Buller was appointed second in command of the expedition under Major General Sir Gerald Graham, at the instance of Bear Admiral Sir William Hewett; and, if so, whether it is usual to make Military appointments at the request of Naval Officers?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONThe only foundation for this report is that the name of Sir Redvers Buller was mentioned in a private communication from Sir William Hewett to Lord North brook as that of an officer experienced in irregular warfare. That being a private communication, it cannot be laid on the Table; and I cannot, therefore, refer to the terms of it. Of course, it is not usual to make military appointments at the request of naval officers. In the present case I take the fullest responsibility for the appointment.