Lords Sitting of 14 December 1854

MINUTES.
PUBLIC BILLS.—1a Cathedral Appointments Act Continuance.
2a Enlistment of Foreigners.

WAR WITH RUSSIA—PETITION—RE INFORCEMENTS.
THE DUKE OF RICHMOND presented a petition from the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of Wakefield, praying that the war may be brought to a speedy, successful, and honourable termination. The petitioners expressed the utmost admiration of the undaunted courage displayed by the allied forces at Alma and elsewhere, but regretted that the force in the Crimea was not sufficient to attain the object contemplated by the expedition, the capture of Sebastopol. The petitioners, therefore, prayed that the House would impress on Her Majesty's Government the necessity of bringing all the resources of the country to bear, in order that the war might be brought to a successful and honourable termination. He need not assure their Lordships how fully he concurred in the prayer of the petition, and was glad to find that it was the intention of the Government to prosecute the war vigorously, and send reinforcements as speedily as possible. As he should not be in his place in the House to-morrow, when it was intended to move a Vote of Thanks to
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the army and navy, because he was about to join his regiment in order to induce as many of them as possible to volunteer, and as in that way he would, perhaps, promote the public service more than by making speeches in the House, he begged to take that opportunity of stating that lie joined most cordially in admiration of the conduct of Lord Raglan and the British soldiers under his command, who had justly entitled themselves to the Thanks of Parliament and the country. They had had to contend with difficulties which would have tried severely an army of veterans, and he was sure the House and the country would be unanimous in voting them Thanks for their gallant conduct, and for the perseverance, steadiness, and coolness they had exhibited under fire. Lord Raglan had exhibited perseverance, quickness, and coolness under fire—which was not surprising—and had shown all the abilities of a great general, and he hoped and trusted that Providence would preserve his life, and enable him to come back to England and reap the just reward of his brilliant services. He was anxious also to say a few words respecting their gallant sailors, and he thought the conduct of the officers and seamen in carrying the wounded to the ships, and the hospitality the sick and wounded had received from the captains of those vessels, and the care and attention the medical department of the navy had shown them, really deserved the best thanks of the country. They had been engaged by sea and land, and had done their duty both in the batteries and in the attempt that was made upon the harbour of Sebastopol. He hoped that these officers would not be allowed to suffer any pecuniary loss in consequence of having had so many sick and wounded officers on board. He thought the Government ought to turn its attention to the subject. Many of these officers had not large private fortunes, and should not be allowed to sustain any pecuniary loss. Had the gallant veteran, the Duke of Wellington, been still among them, no doubt he would have risen in his place and said that both the army and navy had done their duty. He hoped the noble Duke (the Duke of Newcastle) would not think he was trenching too much upon the duty of the Government if he said one word about medals. He did not doubt that the Government would give medals for the glorious victories of the Alma and Inkerman; but he must call attention to the fact that hitherto, when medals were given, they