THE EARL OF CARNARVON, on moving for a copy of any despatch or despatches from Her Majesty's Ambassador in France, or by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in acknowledgment of public services rendered by English subjects resident in Paris during the late siege of that town, said, that his object was to do justice to an excellent man, whose services had not been fully acknowledged. The number of English subjects detained in Paris towards the close of the siege had been estimated at not less than 2,000. Most of these were in a humble position, their trade depending, of course, on peaceable times, and great distress consequently was suffered. A large number of them were relieved by the British Charitable Fund, while a certain number were sent to this country and relieved here by temporary organizations established for the purpose. A certain number were, however, of a more affluent class, who remained from a sense of duty in order to minister to the wants and interests of their poorer fellow-countrymen. The services of most of these had already been publicly acknowledged, but the Rev. Mr. Smyth deserved, honourable mention. He had for some years been discharging religious functions in Paris, and he remained at great personal sacrifice for the purpose of offering spiritual and temporal ministrations to his fellow-countrymen. He also raised a fund for their relief, and it was impossible to say too much in his praise.
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Moved, That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, for—
Copy of any despatch or despatches from Her Majesty's Ambassador in France, or by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in acknowledgment
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of public services rendered by English subjects resident in Paris during the late siege of that town.—(The Earl of Carnarvon.)
THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURYalso testified to the services of Dr. Smyth, which had been of the most valuable and self-denying character.
§ EARL GRANVILLEsaid he would be happy to produce the whole of the short Correspondence respecting the six gentlemen whose admirable services the Government had thought it their duty to acknowledge. Mr. Smyth's services had not been at all overstated; and he would also refer to the very distinguished brother of the noble Earl (the Earl of Carnarvon), whose conduct was beyond all praise. Mr. Blount undertook part of the consular duties at a time of great difficulty; and Mr. Richard Wallace had dispensed his large means in a most princely manner.
§ THE EARL OF HARROWBYalso warmly eulogized the self-devotedness of Mr. Herbert, who, though not in Paris when the second siege commenced, rushed back, in spite of all entreaties, in order to share the fortunes of his unhappy countrymen.
§ Motion agreed to.