§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a man of the name of Michael Shanahan, born in Poona, belonged to the 1st, or Captain Leslie's, Troop of the Bombay Royal Horse Artillery, and served in Afghanistan in 1842 at Candahar, Cabul, and Ghuznee, being present at the re-taking of the latter place by General Nutt in September of that year, and with General Pollock at Cabul when Lady Sale and the other prisoners were rescued; that he also served in the Scinde war under Sir Charles Napier, and captured two flags with his own hand; and was awarded a medal for the Afghan campaign, and another for Scinde; whether the prize money due to him for Scinde remains still unpaid to him; and whether he is aware that Shanahan is now an inmate of the Woolwich Union Workhouse, with a broken thigh, aged, and unable to earn a livelihood?
THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Mr. CURZON,) Lancashire, SouthportShanahan served in the Afghan and Scinde campaigns as stated; but the Secretary of State is not aware that he captured two flags with his own hand, nor does his name appear in Sir Charles Napier's list of soldiers who captured standards. Shanahan's share of the first distribution of prize money was handed over to his Brigade Major for payment to him in 1848. The second instalment was paid to him personally in 1852. The Secretary of State regrets to hear of Shanahan's present circumstances, arising from an accident in 1888. He took his discharge from the Army in 1846, after completing his first period of service.
§ MR. A. O'CONNORMay I ask the hon. Gentleman if the Brigade Major mentioned, to whom the money was handed over, is Captain Glass, and whether that officer is now dead, and whether the India Office have any information as to what was done with the money?
MR. CURZONThe name of the officer was Captain Glass, as stated, but I have received no information on the subject of the latter part of the question.
§ MR. A. O'CONNORThe man only received his money in instalments, and, being in this position, I should like to ask whether the India Office cannot see its way to make some provision for him in his old age?
MR. CURZONOf course, I must ask for proof that the money was not paid to Shanahan. I conclude that Captain Glass received the money. It was, undoubtedly, handed over to be paid by him.
§ MR. O'KELLYI should like to ask whether there was no method of control over this money, or who is the person, the major or the man, who is supposed to have this money?
MR. CURZONI should have very much doubt whether the documents are still in existence relating to so remote a period of time. But at the present moment I have no evidence whatever that the money was not paid beyond the statement of Shanahan.
§ MR. A. O'CONNORThe man is in a state of destitution; he is unable to earn his livelihood, and, unquestionably, he gave great service to his country. I would ask whether the India Office have no means of providing him with pecuniary assistance?
MR. CURZONI must ask the hon. Gentleman to give the grounds upon which he bases his representations.