LETTERS TO REGIMENTAL OFFICERS
RELATING TO COURTS MARTIAL

August 1833 - February 1857
WO 3/541 - WO 3/568

See Separate Index to 4th Light Dragoons




WO 3/541 August 1833 - February 1834

p 218-219
Horse Guards
7th Nov 1833
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 5th Instant with its Enclosure, and to acquaint you that the General Commanding in Chief has been pleased to approve of Private James Hood of the 4th Light Dragoons being sent under Escort to Chatham, for the purpose of being brought to trial before a District Court Martial, on the charges preferred against him, and I am to request that you will accordingly send the Prisoner to that Garrison with a Copy of the Charges and the necessary evidence to substantiate them.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Brotherton
&c &c &c Cavalry Depot

p 222
Horse Guards
6th Nov 1833
Sir
With reference to my Letters of the 24th May last, to the Officers Commanding the Depots of the Cavalry Regiments under your Orders, and which were transmitted through your hands, relative to the preparation of a Half Yearly Return of the Courts Martial held in each - I have now the honore to transmit similar printed forms of the Return in question, and to request that you will be pleased to cause the same to be completed for the period from 1st April to 30th September, 1833, and to be sent in to this Office with as little delay as possible.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
Re Depots: 4th Light Dragoons, 11th Light Dragoons, 13th Light Dragoons and 16th Light Dragoons
(to) Colonel Brotherton
&c &c &c Cavalry Depot

p 222-223
Horse Guards
8th Novr 1833
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Lt Colonel Middleton's Letters, (two) of Yesterday, with their Enclosures, and to acquaint you in reply, that the General Commandin in Chief has been pleased to approve of the two Men named in the Margin, being sent, under proper Escort, to Chatham, for the purpose of their being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial therem on the Charges preferred against.
I am accordingly to request that you will send the Prisoners to Chatham, together with the Charges to be preferred on the occasion, and the necessary evidence to substantiate them.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Brotherton
&c &c &c Cavalry Depot
4th Light Drns Recruit [Private] H. Brown and 13 Lt Drns Priv. J. Wilkinson

p 251
Horse Guards
13th Novr 1833
Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter, and its Enclosure, and to acquaint you that the General Commanding in Chief has been pleased to approve of Private Charles Akin of the 4th Light Dragoons, being brough to trial before the General Court Martial now assembled at Chatham, for the Crimes alleged against him.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Brotherton
Cavalry Depot

p 257
Horse Guards
13th Novr 1833
Sir,
I have the honor, by desire of the General Commanding in Chief, to acquaint you that His Lordship ha been pleased to approve of Private Charles Aikin of the 4th Light Dragoons, being brought to Trial before the General Court Martial now assembled at Chatham, upon the Charges herewith enclosed, which have been received from the Commandant of the Cavalry Depot, and which I am to request you will place in the hands of the Officiating Judge Advocate, I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Sir Leonard Greenwell KCH
&c &c &c Chatham

p 407-410
Horse Guards
31st Jany 1834
Sir
The General Commanding in Chief having had the honor to lay before you the Proceeedings of a General Court Martial held at Chatham Barracks on the 20th and 21st November 1833, for the trial of Private Charles Akin of the 4th Light Dragoons, who was arraigned upon the undermentioned Charges vizt:
First `For Deserting from the Cavalry Depot, Maidstone, on the 23rd October 1833, and not returning until brought back a Prisoner on the 27th of the same Month.'
2nd `For escaping from the main Guard of the Cavalry Depot at Maidstone Barracks and deserting therefrom, on or about the 30th of October 1833, when in confinement as a Prisoner, under a charge of previous Desertion and not returning until apprehended as a Deserter on the 12th November, Instant, at the Depot of the Honourable East India Company at Brompton, into which Service he had enlisted.'
Third `For Stealing, or being accessory to the stealing of a Watch, the value of two Pounds ten Shillings, the property of Trumpeter Henry Tissington of the 11th Light Dragoons, at Maidstone, on the Evening of the 29th, or Morning of the 30th October 1833, and for selling the said watch at Chatham, knowing it to be stolen.
Fourth `For making away with the following artricles of Regimental Clothing, and Necessaries, vizt One undress Jacket, One pair of Cloth Overalls, One pair of Gloves, One Stock, One Forage Cap, One pair of braces.'
Upon which Charges the Court came to the following decision -
`The Court having most maturely weighed nd considered the evidence adduced in support of the Prosecution, together with the several pleas of the Prisoner, as well as what he has stated in his defence, is of Opinion that he the Prisoner, Private Charles Aikin of the 4th Light Dragoons, is Guilty of the 1st Charge, Guilty of the second Charge, and Guilty of so much of the third Charge as accuses him of selling the said Watch of the value of two Pounds, Ten Shillings, the property of Trumpeter Henry Tissington of the 11th Light Dragoons, knowing it to be stolen, But that he is not Guilty of the remaining Counts of that Charge, and the Court does therefore acquit him of the same, & Guilty of the 4th Charge.'
`The Court having found the Prisoner Guilty of the first, second, oart of the 3rd, and the 4th Charges preferred against him, which being in breach of the Articles of War, does therefore sentence him the said Private Charles Akin of the 4th Light Dragoons, to be transported as a Felon for the term of seven Years,'
`To be put under stoppages not exceeding two thirds of his daily pay until the Sum of Two Pounds, Ten Shillings, the value of the watch he sold, and until he Amount of the Artiles of Regimental Clothing and Nececssaries deficient are made good.'
His Majesty was pleased to approve and confirm so much of the Finding and Sentence of this Court Martial as adjudges the Prisoner to be transported as a Felon for the term of Seven Years and to command that he be transported accordingly to New South Wales.
The Sentence of this Court Martial together with His Majesty's pleasure thereupon, will be duly notified to the Lord Chief Justice of His Majesty's Court of King's Bench vt. as directed by the 18th Clause of the Mutiny Act.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Sir Leonard Greenwell KCH
&c &c &c Chatham




WO 3/542 February 1834 - November 1834

p 8
List of officers who are to compose the General Court Martial to be assembled at Chatham
...
Members
...Captain Edgar Gibson, 4th Lt Drns (Maidstone) 24th May (18) 30 or (18) 31?




WO 3/543 November 1834 - August 1835

p 302
Horse Guards
1st June 1835
Sir,
The General Commanding in Chief having been pleased to approve of Private Samuel Kirby of the 4th Light Dragoons being sent to Chatham, for the purpose of being brought to trial before a District Court Martial, I have the honor to enclose herewith, the Charges to be preferred against him, and to request that on the arrival of the Prisoner, you will take the necessary steps for his trial accordingly.
I have &c John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Sir Leonard Greenwell KCH
&c &c &c Chatham

p 303
Horse Guards
1st June 1835
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 29th Ultimo, with its Enclosures, and to acquaint you that the General Commanding in Chief has been pleased to approve of Private Samuel Kirby of the 4th Light Dragoons, being brought to trial before a District Court Martial, to be assembled at Chatham for the Offences alleged against him.
I am to request that you will accordingly send the Prisoner to Chatham, together with the Evidence requisite to substantiate the Charges,
I have &c John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Brotherton
Cavalry Depot Maidstone

p 324
Horse Guards
9th June 1835
The usual Letter, as entered at Page 146, returning Proceedings of District Courts Ml.
... 4 Dgns Priv. J. Kirby
Colonel Sir Leonard Greenwell KCH
&c &c &c Chatham

p 353
4th Light Dns
Priv. J. Thornton
Horse Guards
3rd July 1835
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 1st Inst, with its Enclosures, and to acquaint you that the General Commanding in Chief has been pleased to approve of the Prisoner named in the Margin being sent to Chatham, for the purpose of being there brought to trial before a District Court Martial for the Offences alleged against him.
I have &c John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Brotherton
Cavalry Depot Maidstone

p. 353-354
4th Light Dgns
Priv. J. Thornton
Horse Guards
3rd July 1835
Sir,
The General Commanding in Chief having been pleased to approve of the Man named in the Margin being sent to Chatham, to be brought to trial before a District Court Martial for the Offence alleged against him in the Enclosed Charge, I have the honor to intimate the same to you, and to request that on the arrival of the Prisoner in the Garrison, you will cause the Court to be assembled accordingly, returning the Enclosure with the Proceedings.
I have &c John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Sir Leonard Greenwell KCH
&c &c &c Chatham

p 374
Horse Guards
17th July 1835
The usual Letter, as entered at Page 373, returning Proceedings of District Courts Martial
Colonel Sir Leonard Greenwell KCH
&c &c &c Chatham
4th Lt Dgns
Priv. James Thornton




WO 3/544 September 1835 - July 1836

No letters for the 4th Light Dragoons.




WO 3/545 July 1836 - May 1837

p 184-185
Horse Guards
8th Nov 1836
Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 24th Ultimo with its Enclosure, and to acquaint you that the General Commanding in Chief has been pleased to approve of Private J S Brown of the 4th Light Dragoons being brought to trial before a District Court Martial to be assembled at Chatham, & I am to request that you will send the Prisoner to that Garrison accordingly.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lt Colonel Middleton
&c &c &c Maidstone

p 185
Horse Guards
8th Nov 1836
Sir
The General Commanding in Chief having been pleased to approve of Private J S Brown of the 4th Light Dgns being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial to be assembled at Chatham on the Charges herewith enclosed, I have the honor to request, that on the arrival of the Prisoner in the Garrison, you will cause his Trial to be entered upon accordingly.
Charges to be returned
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Sir Leonard Greenwell KCH
&c &c &c Chatham

p 192
4th Lt Dgns
Private J S Brown
Horse Guards
16th Novr 1836
Proceedings of District Court Martial returned
Colonel Sir Leonard Greenwell KCH
&c &c &c Chatham

p 398-399
Horse Guards
3rd May 1837
Sir
Having had the honor to submit to the General Commanding in Chief your Letter of the 1st Instant and the proceedings of the Detachment Court Martial held in the Case of Private James Logan of the 4th Light Dragoons, which accompanied your said Letter, I have it in Command to express Lord Hill's entire concurrence in the view which you have taken of the Sentence passed in that case, and His Lordship's regret that the Officers who composed the Court should not have availed themselves of the opportunity which you afforded them of awarding a measure of punishment more calculated to favor the discipline of the Depot under your Command and which they themselves are so deeply interested in upholding. His Lordship would have thought the Offence of which the Prisoner confessed himself Guilty upon this occasion perhaps undeserving of a heavier punishment than the Court has awarded, had the late been the first offence of that description, but aggravated as his case was by having been convicted of the very same Crime when in the compromisable situation of a Non Commissioned Officer, in which he was bound to show a proper example to the Men, His Lordship is decidedly of Opinion that the Court ought to have marked its sense of that aggravation by its Sentence.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Brotherton
Cavalry Depot Maidstone.

p 441
Horse Guards
20th May 1837
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 15th Instant, with its Enclosure, and to transmit to you the Warrant constituting the General Court Martial of which Colonel Sir Michael Creagh of the 86th Regiment is to be the President, to be assembled at Chatham.
The Captain and Subaltern named in the Margin are the Officers belonging to the Cavalry Depot who are to be Members of the Court, in addition to those nominated by you from the Troops in the Garrison of Chatham.
The Charge on which Private John Lewes of the 3rd Light Dragoons is to be arraigned is herewith enclosed.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Ware or Wane or Warre
&c &c &c Chatham
4th Light Dragoons
Capt. Houstoun, date of Comm(ission) 12 Dec 1836
16th Lancers
Lieut. Reynolds, date of Comm. 27 March 1837.




WO 3/546 May 1837 - December 1837

p83-84
Horse Guards
6 Jul 1837
4 Lt Dgs:
Serjeant R Herring and (Rowland Herring 270/226)
Private Edw. Ranson (Edward Ransome 836)
Sir,
On examination of the Returns of Courts Martial held at the Cavalry Depot during the preceding Month, the General Commanding in Chief observed that the two Prisoners named in the Margin were tried by a Detachment Court Martial for the Crime of Disobedience of Orders, which is cognizable by the highest Military Tribunal only x, unless Special Authority for a different course of proceeding has been previously obtaioned, and that Private William Barnett of the 11th Light Dragoons was tried for making away with "sundry Articles of Clothing and Necessaries" which are not specified, as they ought to have been, in the Charges.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Brotherton
Cavalry Depot Maidstone
x See 12 Art. of War

p 366-367
Horse Guards
18th October 1837
Sir,
Lord Hill having had under his consideration the Return of Courts Martial held within the months of March, April and May 1837 in the Presidency under four Command, I have the honor herewith to transmit His Lordship's observations thereon for your information and guidance.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lt General Sir John Keane, Bombay
Observations of the General Commanding in Chief upon the Returns of Courts Martial held within the Months of March, April and May 1837, in the following Corps.
Month of March 1837
4th Lt Drags
Private William Lennahan was tried by a Regimental Court Martial, on a Charge of "attempting to strike Serjeant John May while in the execution of his Duty."
This offence being in violation of the 11[th] Article of War, is cognizable only by a General Court Martial, except under the provision of the 85th Article, and there is nothing in the Return to show that the mode of Proceeding adopted on the occasion had been sanctioned by the Authority of the General Commanding (Sec latter part of the said Article.)...




WO 3/547 December 1837 - July 1838

p 147
Horse Guards
12th February 1838
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday, with its Enclosure, and to acquaint you, that the General Commanding in Chief has been pleased to approve of Private T.O. Langley, of the 4th Light Dragoons, being sent to Chatham, for the purpose of being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Brotherton
Cavalry Depot Maidstone

p 148
Horse Guards 12th February 1838
Sir,
The General Commanding in Chief having been pleased to approvce of Private T.O. Lamgley of the 4th Light Dragoons being sent to Chatham, with a view to his being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial, I have the honor to transmit to you the accompanying Charge preferred against the Prisoner, and to request, that on his arrival, you will proceed against him accordingly.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Warre
Chatham

p 159
Horse Guards
17th February 1838
Proceedings of the District Court Martial returned on Private Langley, 4th Lt Drns, and Private John Ricketts, 11th Lt Drns.
Colonel Warre
Chatham
PS: Lord Hill desires that it may be pointed out to the Court that they omitted to transmit a Letter explanatory of their reasons for not awarding Private Langley to be marked with the Letter D.

p 284-285
Horse Guards 16th April 1838
4th Lt Drns Private W. Collins and 11th Lt Drns Private W Barnett
Charges to be returned
Sir,
The General Commanding in Chief having been pleased to approve of the two Men named in the Margin being brought to trial before a District Court Martial, to be assembled at Chatham, I have the honor, by desire of His Lordship, to transmit to you herewith the Charges (as amended) on which the Prisoners are to be arraigned. and I am to request that you will take the necessary steps on their arrival, for their trial accordingly.
It may be proper to observe, that two Officers (One Captain, One Subaltern) to be nominated by Colonel Brotherton from the Depot are to be Members f the Court - as on former occasions - and that this is to be considered as a General Rule (if not otherwise ordered / when a Prisoner belonging to that Garrison is sent to Chatham for Trial.
I have &c John Macdonald AG
(to Colonel Warre
Chatham

p 285
Horse Guards
16th April 1838
4th Lt Drns: Private W. Collins and
11th Lt Drns: Private W. Barnett
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday, with Enclosures, and to acquaint you, that the General Commanding in Chief, has been pleased to approve of the two Prisoners named in the Margin being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial, for the Offences alleged against them respectively, and you will sent them to Chatham to be proceeded against accordingly.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Brotherton,
Cavalry Depot Maidstone

p 431
Horse Guards
30 June 1838
4th Lt Drns: Private John Browning (903)
Sir,
The General Commanding in Chief having been pleased to approve of the Man named in the Margin, belonging to the Cavalry Depot, being brought to Trial at Chatham before a District Court Martial, I have the honor to request that on the Prisoner's arrival in the Garrison you will take the necessary steps for his Trial accordingly, on the Charge enclosed herewith.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Warre
Chatham

p 431-432
Immediate
Horse Guards
30 June 1838
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday, with its Enclosures, and to acquaint you that the General Commanding in Chief has been pleased to approve of Private John Browning of the 4th Light Dragoons being sent to Chatham, for the purpose of being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial, for the Offences alleged against him.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lt. Colonel Middleton
Cavalry Depot Maidstone

p 433
Horse Guards
2nd July 1838
4th Lt Drns: Privates Alfred Thompson and Edwin Walpole
Sir,
The General Commanding in Chief having been pleased to approve of the two Men named in the Margin being brought to Trial at Chatham, before a District Court Martial, I have the honor to transmit to you herewith, the Charges prepared against them respectively, and to request, that on their arrival in the Garrison, you will proceed against them accordingly.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Warre
Chatham

p 434-435
Horse Guards
2nd July 1838
4th Lt Drns: Private A Thompson and E Walpole
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday with its Enclosures, and to acquaint you, that the General Commanding in Chief has been pleased to approve of the two Men named in the Margin being sent to Chatham for the purpose of being tried before a District Court Martial, for the Offences alleged against them respectively.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lt. Colonel Middleton
Cavalry Depot Maidstone




WO 3/548 July 1838 - March 1839

p 10
Horse Guards
5th July 1838
4th Lt Drns Private W. Collins and others
Sir,
I have the honor, by Lord Hill's commands, to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 4th Instant, applying for the release from Confinement of the four Men named in the Margin, and to acquaint you in reply thereto that His Lordship approves of your proposition, and accordingly directs that that the necessary steps may be taken by you to ensure their being released in sufficient time to accompany the Detachments about to proceed to India.
With reference to the last paragraph in your Letter, Lord Hill approves of the course mentioned to be adopted relative to the five Men ordered to be tried for deserting, provided they be sentenved to suffer Imprisonment at the Depot of Maidstone.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Brotherton
Cavalry Depot Maidstone

p 19
Horse Guards
11th July 1838
4th Lt Drns; Private J. Browning, E Walpole, and others
Sir,
In returning herewith the Proceedings of four District Courts Martial held for the Trials of the Men named in the Margin, which have been confirmed, I have the honor, by desire of the General Commanding in Chief, to call your attention to th e Sentences passed in the cases of Privates (G.) Spickenwill (16th Lancers) and Browning, whereby they are adjudged to undergo Imprisonment in the Cells or Lock up House in Maidstone.
It having been intimated to Lord Hill by the Commandant at Maidstone that it is desirable these Men should accompany the Detachment about to be embarked to join their Regiment, His Lordship will approve of the Sentences in these instances being carried into effect in the places selected by the Court, provided you are satisfied that the Imprisonment can be done in a proper manner, and that it does not partake in the slightest degree of the nature or Character of Solitary Confinement, otherwise you will be pleased to adopt the usual course of proceeding in such cases.
I am further to request that you will explain to the President and Members of the Court Martial by which Private Walpole was tried that they were perfectly justified in acquitting the Prisoner of the Crimes of Desertion, but that they should have found him Guilty of the minor Offence, vizt "bsence without Leave," and of which he was clearly convicted.
The Court were not aware perhaps that it was competent to them to follow this course, and therefore Lord Hill is not disposed to give them the trouble of re-assembling for the purpose of revising their Finding, more especially as the Prisoner bears a good Character, and is consequently deserving of the leniency His Lordship extends to him, by approving the Proceedings of the Court,
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Warre
Chatham
PS I am to add that Lord Hill will approve of your suggestion with regard to Private (C.) Harvey (57th Regt).

p 27
Horse Guards
14th July 1838
4th Lt Drns: Private Alfred Thompson and others
Sir,
In transmitting herewith the Proceedings of four District Courts Martial held for the trials of the Men named in the Margin, which have been confirmed, I have the honor, by Lord Hill's desire, to call your attention to the case of Private Alfred Thompson, and to refer you to the remarks continued in my Letter of the 11th Instant, relative to that of Private Edwin Walpole and which, to a certain extent, are equally applicable to the one now under consideration, with the exception that in this instance the Court acquit the Prisoner of the Charge preferred against him, but finding him Guilty of the minor Offence, vizt. Absence without Leave, (convict/commit? co___it) the anomoly of not sentencing him to suffer any punishment in consequence thereof.
These Remarks, together with those in my Letter of the 11th Instant, you will be pleased to convey to the President and Members of the Court,
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Warre
Chatham

p 88-89
Horse Guards
8th August 1838
4th Lt Drns Private John Brailsford
Sir,
The General Commanding in Chief having been pleased to approve of the Man named in the Margin being sent to Chatham for the purpose of being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial, I have the honor to notify the same to you, and to transmit to you herewith the Charges on which the Prisoner is to be arraigned.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Warre
Chatham

p 89
Horse Guards
8th August 1838
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday, with its Enclosures, and to acquaint you, that the General Commanding ijn Chief has been pleased to approve of Private John Brailsford of the 4th Light Dragoons, being sent to Chatham, for the purpose of being brought to trial in the Garrison before a District Court Martial for the Offences alleged against him.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Brotherton
Maidstone

p 100
Horse Guards
15th August 1838
4th Lt Drns Private Brailsford and others
Sir,
In returning to you the Proceedings of the District Courts Martial held for the Trials of the four Men named in the Margin, I have the honor to acquaint you that the General Commanding in Chief has ordered the Sentence in the case of Private Brailsford to be confirmed, under the impression that it can be expected according to the terms of it in the Garrison of the Cavalry Depot. I am also to observe with respect to the other cases, that in mixed Sentences of Imprisonment and Solitary Confinement, it will be sufficient in future for Courts Martial to direct that it should take place in the Garrison of Chatham, without specification of "Lock up Room and Cells," as in the present instance. I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Warre
Chatham

p 251-252
Horse Guards
17th October 1838
Sir,
I have the honor, by Lord Hill's command, to transmit herewith a Letter with its Enclosure received from the Home Department relating to certain Prisoners sent to the General Penitentiary in a state of intoxication and to request that you will acquaint me, for His Lordship's information, whether any, and what, steps were taken for the purpose of investigating the circumstances particularly adverted to in Mr. Nichols' Letter of the 18th September, regarding the Commitment of Private Job Brailsford, of the 4th Light Dragoons, who is described to have been "in a gross state of intoxication" when delivered into his custody.
It is requested that the Enclosures may be returned with your reply,
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Officer Commanding
Cavalry Depot Maidstone

p 275-278
Horse Guards'
22nd October 1838
Sir
I have had the honor to submit to the General Commanding in Chief your Letter of the 20th Instant, containing your explanation of the circumstances attending the case of Private John Brailsford, of the 4th Light Dragoons, who was represented by the Governor of the Penitentiary at Milbank to have been delivered into his custody by the Corporal who escorted him from Maidstone "in a gross state of intoxication." Lord Hill is perfectly satisfied with the cause adopted by Colonel Brotherton towards that Corporal, Convinced as His Lordship is that had there been any apparently well founded blame attaching to his conduct during the Escort duty alluded to, he would not have been suffered to continue to hold a Rank which might enable him to bring further disgrace upon the Military Character.
In expressing that conviction, however, Lord Hill would observe that His Lordship's own invariable usage (the usage likewise of his Predecessor in Command of the Army) is to commit all Complaints against Non Commissioned Officers in charge of Escorts to the most searching investigation, first by Court of Enquiry, and eventually by Court Martial, and that His Lordship is persuaded that no usage can have worked more beneficially for the character and Discipline of the Army than the above and for the following obvious reason, vizt. that if the result of the investigation is creditable to the Escort the Character of the Troops is rescued from the effects of calamny, which on the other hand, if the result is against the Conduct of the Escort, the Trial of the Case by Court Martial becomes the only alternative, the adoption of which can give public proof of the strictness and impartiality with which the Commander in Chief deals with military delinquincy.
Lord Hill has not failed to notice the impropriety of Mr Nicholls' conduct in requiring of Colonel Brotherton an account of his proceedings touching this occurence, and will probably take an opportunity of mentioning to the Secretary of State His Lordship's objections to the Governor's interference in matters of Military discipline. His Lordship concurs entirely in the Opinion which you have expressed of that interference, upon the present occasion. It must, however, be borne in mind that the Governor of the Penitentiary has an undoubted right, upon these occasions, to complain of the Military and that it is perfectly optional with him to prefer his Complaint to the Secretary of State or to the General Commanding in Chief, as he shall think fit.
In either case the Military Authorities will always appear to more advantage when they show a proper attention to Official references and representations made to them by the Public functionaries of the Country, nor would Lord Hill sanction inattention to any case of that nature, on account of the undue interference of the public Officer who writes, and who probably may write from ignorance, and by no means from a desire to interfere with the duties of others. This case has been brought before the Secretary of State in an shape highly disadvantageous to the Military, solely on account of Mr. Nicholl having received no answer to the Communications which he addressed to the Commandant of the Cavalry Depot.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
Lt Colonel Middleton
Cavalry Depot Maidstone

p 294-295
Horse Guards
10th November 1838
Sir
The General Commanding in Chief having been pleased to approve of Private John Chamberlain, of the 4th Light Dragoons, being sent to Chatham, for the purpose of being brought to trial before a District Court Martial, I have the honor to transmit to you herewith the Charges on which the Prisoner is to be arraigned.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
Colonel Warre
Chatham

p 295
Horse Guards
10th November 1838
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday, with its Enclosure, and to acquaint you, that Lord Hill has been pleased to approve of Private John Chamberlain, of the 4th Light Dragoons, being sent to Chatham, for the purpose of being brought to Trial in that Garrison before a District Court Martial, for the Offences alleged against him.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Middleton
Cavalry Depot Maidstone

p 317
Horse Guards
17th November 1838
Proceedings of District Courts Martial returned, confirmed:
4th Light Dragoons Private J Chamberlain and others
(to) Colonel Warre
Chatham

p 325
Horse Guards
26th November 1838
4th Lt Drns: Private James Donaldson
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday, with its Enclosure, and to acquaint you that the General Commanding in Chief has been pleased to approve of the Man named in the Margin being sent to Chatham, there to be tried by a District Court Martial, or the Crime alleged against him.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Middleton
Cavalry Depot Maidstone

p 326
Horse Guards
26th November 1838
4th Lt Drns: Private James Donaldson
Sir,
The General Commanding in Chief having been pleased to approve of the Man named in the Margin being sent to Chatham for the purpose of being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial, I have the honor to enclose herewith the Charge on which the Prisoner is to be arraigned, and to request, that on his arrival in the Garrison, you will proceed against him accordingly.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Warre
Chatham

p 335
Horse Guards
3rd December 1838
Proceedings of District Courts Martials sentences, confirmed
4th Light Drns, Private J. Donaldson and others
(to) Colonel Warre
Chatham

p 409-410
Horse Guards
28th January 1839
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday with the Enclosure, and to acquaint you that the General Commanding in Chief has been pleased to approve of Private William Osborn of the 4th Light Dragoons, being brought to trial before a Detachment Court Martial as therein proposed, for the Offence alleged against him. I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Brotherton
Cavalry Depot Maidstone

p 421-422
Horse Guards
6th February 1839
4th Lt Drns: Private W. Holden and
16th Lancers: TPrivate Thos Cooke
Sir,
Lord Hill having been pleased to approve of the two Men named in the Margin being sent to Chatham, for the purpose of being brought to Trial in that Garrison before a District Court Martial, I have the honor to transmit to you, herewith, the Charges on which the prisoners are to be arraigned.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Warre
Chatham

p 422
Horse Guards
6th Febry 1839
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday, with its Enclosure, amd to acquaint you, that Lord Hill has been pleased to approve of Private William Holden of the 4th Light Dragoons, and Thos. Cooke of the 16th Lancers, being sent, in the usual manner, to Chatham, for the purpose of being in that Garrison brought to trial before a District Court Martial, for the Offences alleged against them respectively.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Middleton
Cavalry Depot Maidstone

p 446-447
Horse Guards
21st Febry 1839
4th Lt Drns: Privates J. Chamberlain, W. Holden and others
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday, and to acquaint you, that the General Commanding in Chief has been pleased to approve of the four Men named in the Margin, at present undergoing Sentences of Imprisonment in the General Penitentiary at Millbank, being liberated, in order that they may be embarked with the Detachment for their respective Regiments.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Brotherton
Cavalry Depot Maidstone




WO 3/549 March 1839 - February 1840

p 171
Horse Guards
3rd July 1839
4th Lt Drns: Private James Rawlinson and others
Sir,
The General Commanding in Chief having been pleased to desire that the three Men named in the Margin shall be sent to Chatham for the purpose of being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial, I have the honor to enclose, herewith, the Charges preferred against them respectively, and on which they are to be arraigned.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colomnel Sir William Warre CB
Chatham

p 171-172
Horse Guards
3rd July 1839
4th Lt Drns: Priv. J. Rawlinson and others
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your two Letters of the 2nd Instant, with its Enclosure, and to acquaint you, that the General Commanding in Chief has been pleased to approve of the Three Men named in the Margin being brought to trial before a District Court Martial at Chatham, for the Offences with which they are respectively Charged, and you will accordingly send them to that Garrison, in the usual manner.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Brotherton
Cavalry Depot Maidstone

p 177-178
Horse Guards
6th July 1839
Sir,
Lord Hill having been pleased to approve of Private Cornelius Campbell, of the 4th Light Dragoons, being brought to trial before a District Court Martial at Chatham, I have the honor to intimate the same to you, and to transmit to you, herewith, the Charges on which the Prisoner is to be arraigned.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Sir William Warre CB
Chatham

p 178-179
Horse Guards
6th July 1839
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 5th Instant, with its Enclosure, and to acquaint you, that Lord Hill has been pleased to approve of Private Cornelius Campbell, of the 4th Light Dragoons, being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial at Chatham, for the Offences alleged against him, and the usual Communication will be made accordingly to the Commandant of that Garrison.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Brotherton
Cavalry Depot Maidstone

p 288
Horse Guards
4th September 1839
4th Lt Drns: Private J G Walker s/be William Alexander Walker, 858
Sir,
Lord Hill having been pleased to approve of the Man named in the Margin being semnt to Chatham for the purpose of being tried before a District Court Martial, I have the honor to request, that on the Prisoner's arrival, you will assemble a Court accordingly for his Trial on the Charges herewith enclosed.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Sir William Warre CB
Chatham

p 288
Horse Guards
4th September 1839
Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday, with its Enclosure, and to acquaint you that the General Commanding in Chief has been pleased to approve of Private W. A. Walker, of the 4th Light Dragoons, being sent to Chatham, for the purpose of being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial, for the Offences alleged against him.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Middleton
Cavalry Depot Maidstone.

p 308
Horse Guards
17th September 1839
Proceedings of District Courts Martial returned, confirmed.
4th Light Drns Priv. W. Walker and three others
(to The Commandant at Chatham

p 347
Horse Guards
19th October 1839
4 Lt Dragoons: Pte Chas Lovett (904)
Sir,
Lord Hill having been pleased to approve of the Man named in the margin being sent to Chatham for the purpose of being tried by a District Court Martial, I have the honor by desire of His Lordship, to transmit to you herewith, the Charge on which the Prisoner is to be arraigned, and to request that you will give the necessary Orders accordingly, I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Sir William Warre
Chatham

p 362
Horse Guards
30th October 1839
Proceedings of District Courts Martial returned, confirmed.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Sir William Warre
Chatham
4th Lt Drags: Pte. C. Lovett and others

p 428
Horse Guards
21st Decr 1839
See (note) 27 (can't see any notes in this volume)
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday, and to acquaint you, that Lord Hill has been pleased to approve of Private William Walker, alias Pearce, of the 4th Light Dragoons, being brought to Trial ont he Charge of Desertion from the 65th Regiment, before a District Court Martial to be assembled at Chatham in the usual manner.
On receiving the Charge which you propose to prefer against the Prisoner, the necessary Communication will be made to Colonel Sir William Warre, respecting the Trial.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Middleton
Cavalry Depot Maidstone

p 432-433
Horse Guards
30th Decbr 1839
4th Lt Drgns: Private W.A. Walker alias Pearce
Sir,
The General Commanding in Chief having been pleased to approve of the Man named in the Margin being brought to Trial at Chatham, before a District Court Martial, I have the honor, by desire of His Lordship, to transmit to you the accompanying Charge upon which the Prisoner is to be arraigned.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Sir William Warre CB
Chatham

p 449
Horse Guards
3rd January 1840
4th Lt Drns: Private W.A. Walker and others
Sir,
In returning, herewith, the Proceedings of 9 District Courts Martial held for the trial of the Men named in the Margin which have been confirmed, I have the honor by Lord Hill's desire to acquaint you that...
As it appears that Private William Walker (alias Pearce) has been already marked with the Letter D, for a previous Desertion, Lord Hill has been pleased to direct that the punishment of marking awarded on the present occasion shall be dispensed with...
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Sir William Warre CB
Chatham




WO 3/550 February 1840 - February 1841

p 97-98
Horse Guards
20th May 1840
4th Lt Drns: Priv. W. Walker and others...
Sir,
By Lord Hill's desire, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday, and to acquaint you, that His Lordship has been pleased to approve of the three Men named in the Margin, who are undergoing the Sentences of Courts Martial in the Milbank Penitentiary, being released from Confinement and allowed to resume their duty, preparatory to their proceeding with the Detachment destined for India.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Middleton,
Cavalry Depot Maidstone

p 199
Horse Guards
18th July 1840
The usual Letter approving of the Trial of Private William Short (1840-1841, no number)
& R J Coventin of the 4th Lt Drns. (Richard James Coventon, 1840-1841, no number)
(to) Commandants at Chatham and Maidstone

p 206
Proceedings of District Courts Martial returned, confirmed,
24th July 1840
Priv. J_ Coventon 4th Lt Drns and others'
(to) Colonel Sir William Warre CB
Chatham

p 209
Horse Guards
27th July 1840
4th Lt Drns Priv. Jas Ledger (James Ledger No. 827)
Sir,
Lord Hill having been pleased to approve of the Man named in the Margin being sent to Chatham for the purpose of being tried by a District Court Martial, I have the honor to transmit to you herewith, by desire of His Lordship, the Charge on which the Prisoner is to be arraigned.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Sir William Warre CB
Chatham

p 210
Horse Guards
27th July 1840
The usual Letter approving of the Trial by District Court Martial of Private James Ledger, 4th Lt Dgns.
(to) Colonel Middleton
Cavalry Depot Maidstone

p 210
Notes from letter Horse Guards 28th July 1840
`It have been represented to Lord Hill that the Pentagon of the Penitentiary at Milbank allowed to Military Prisoners affords only Room for 20 Men, in addition to the 164 confined therein in the 11 Instant...'
I have &c
John Macdonald AG

p 211-212
Horse Guards
23rd July 1840
4th Lt Drns: Private W. Short and Rl Marines Private Jas Watts
Sir,
...The Proceedings of the District Court Martial in the cases of the to Men named in the Margin are herewith returned, confirmed. You will perceive that the Sentence of the Court in the case of Private James Watts has been remitted in consideration of the recommendation of the Court, and of the Prisoners' excellent general Character.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Sir William Warre CB
Chatham

p228-229
Horse Guards
5th August 1840
4th Lt Dgn James Ledger and others:
Sir,
In returning to you, herewith, the Proceedings of the District Courts Martial hel for the Trial of the four Men named in the Margin, which have been confirmed, I have the honor to request, by desire of Lord Hill, that you will call the attention of the President and Members of these Courts to the irregularity which they have committed in each case, in having left to the Commandant of the Garrison, instead of to the Officer Commanding the Regiment, the nomination of the Prison in which the Sentences of confinement are to be carried into effect. As, however, they have also named a Prison, it will not be necessary to revise the Sentence, and the Prisoner can be committed to the Penitentiary as proposed by them.
You will at the same time, be pleased to point out to these Officers the inaccuracy in the date of the Charge in the Case of Private Byrne, as it appears on their Proceedings. It will be perceived that this Prisoner was absent an entire Month longer than is stated in the Charge.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Sir William Warre CB
Chatham

p 289
H Guards
5th Sept 1840
Sir,
In returning to you herewith the proceedings of the Detacht. Court Martial held at Maidstone for the Trial of Corporal Chas Humphrey of the 4th Lt Dns, I have the honor to acquaint you, by desire of Lord Hill, that, if under all the circumstances of the Case & there being nothing either disgraceful or insubordinate in it, you shall consider the Prisoner sufficiently punished by his Reduction to the Ranks, His Lordship will willingly acquiesce in the commission of the unexpired portion of the Solitary Confinement awarded.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Middleton
Cavalry Depot Maidstone

p 335
Horse Guards
30th September 1840
4th Lt Dns Pte Wm Miller
Sir,
Lord Hill having been pleased to approve of the man named in the margin being sent to Chatham, with a view to his Trial before a District Court Martial, I have the honor to intimate the same to you, and to transmit herewith, the charge on which the Prisoner is to be arraigned.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Sir William Warre
Chatham

p 336
Horse Guards
30th September 1840
Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday, and to acquaint you that Lord Hill has been pleased to approve of Private William Miller, of the 4th Light Dragoons, being sent to Chatham, with a view to his being brought to trial before a District Court Martial, to be assembled in that Garrison.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Brotherton

p 342
Horse Guards
7th October 1840
4th Light Dragoons: Pte Wm Miller and others
Proceedings of District Courts Martial on the two men named in the margin, returned confirmed...
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Sir William Warre
Chatham

p 349
Horse Guards
13th October 1840
Sir,
By desire of Lord Hill I have the honor to refer to you, the inclosed Petition from the mother of Private William Miller, of the 4th Light Dragoons, soliciting a merciful consideration in dealing with the Offence which he appears to have committed - namely the being asleep on his Post.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Officer Commanding
Cavalry Depot Maidstone
p 358
Horse Guards
23rd October 1840
Sir,
By Lord Hill's commands I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 19th Instant. and in reference to the one addressed to you by His Lordship's desire on the 13th Instant, I have it in command to request, that you will inform me whether there are any circumstances of an extenuating character in the case of Private William Miller, of the 4th Light Dragoons, which would justify the General Commanding in Chief, in complying with the request of that Soldier's mother to remit a portion of the imprisonment awarded to him by sentence of a District Court Martial
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Middleton
Cavalry Depot




WO 3/551 February 1841 - December 1841

p 259
Horse Guards
1 September 1841
4 Lt Dns: Priv. Wm Cooper
Sir,
Lord Hill having been pleased to approve of the Man named in the Margin being sent to Chatham for the purpose of being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial, I have the honor to signify the same to you, and to transmit to you the accompanying Charge upon which the Prisoner is to be arraigned.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Sir William Warre
Chatham

p 259-260
Horse Guards
1 September 1841
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday, with its Enclosure, and to acquaint you that the General Commanding in Chief has been pleased to desire that Private William Cooper, of the 4th Light Dragoons, be brought to trial before a District Court Martial, for the Offence charged against him. The favorable circumstance in this Man's case, namely his general good Character, he never having been reported for any irregularity, will of course appear in the face of the Proceedings, and will meet with full consideration from Lord Hill.
I am accordingly to desire that the Man man be sent to Chatham, in the usual manner.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Middleton
Cavalry Depot Maidstone

p 271
Horse Guards
7th September 1841
Proceedings of District Courts Martials returned, confirmed
Priv. Wm Cooper, 4th Lt Dns and another
The Proceedings of the Courts Martial... Lord Hill has been pleased to pardon Wm. Cooper, in consideration of his being strongly recommended to mercy by the Court.
(to) Colonel Sir William Warre'
Chatham

p 289-290
Horse Guards
17th Septr 1841
Sir,
Lord Hill having been pleased to approve of Private William McDonald (No 255/191) of the 4th Light Dragoons, being sent from Maidstone to Chatham for the purpose of being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial, I have the honor to transmit, herewith, to you, the Charges upon which the Prisoner is to be arraigned.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel William Warre
Chatham

p 290
The usual Letter approving of the Trial of
Private William McDonald 4th Lt Dragoons
H Guards 17 Septr 1841
(to) The Commandant
Cavalry Depot Maidstone

p 396
Horse Guards
17 Novr 1841
4th Lt Dns: Private W Putt (No number)
Sir,
Lord Hill having been pleased to approve of the Man named in the Margin being sent to Chatham, for the purpose of being tried by District Court Martial, I have the honor to intimate the same to you, and to transmit the Charge upon which the said Prisoner is to be arraigned.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel William Warre
Chatham

p 397
Horse Guards
17th Novr 1841
4th Lt Dns: Private W Putt
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday, with its Enclosures, and to acquaint You, that Lord Hill has been pleased to approve of the Man named in the Margin being sent to Chatham, for the purpose of being tried by District Court Martial, for the Offence charged against him.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Middleton
Cavalry Depot Maidstone

p 411
Horse Guards
26 Novr 1841
Proceedings of District Courts Martial returned, confirmed
Private Wm Putt, 4th Lt Dns and others
(to) The Commandant at Chatham

p 439
Horse Guards
10th Decr 1841
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday's date, with its Enclosure, and to acquaint you, that, in compliance with your request, Lord Hill has been pleased to approve of Private William Farmer, of the 4th Light Dragoons, being tried by a Detachment Court Martial, for the Offences alleged against him,
I have &c
T Gardiner DAG
(to) Colonel Middleton
Cavalry Depot




WO 3/552 December 1841 - July 1842

p 85
Horse Guards
10th Feby 1842
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday, and to acquaint you, that the General Commanding in Chief has been pleased to approve of Private James Thomas Atkins of the 4th Light Dragoons, being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial, for the Offence charged against him.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Major Maxter (Marster)
Commg at Canterbury

p 92-93
Horse Guards
15 Feby 1842
Proceedings of District Court Martial returned, confirmed
Priv. J. Atkins, 4th Lt Drns.
Lord Hill has been pleased to remit the Month of Solitary Confinement awarded on this occasion, the remaining part of the Sentence therefore is only to be inflicted, namely, two Months Imprisonment "with Hard Labour" should not be included in that Sentence.
(to) Officer Commanding at Canterbury

p 118
Horse Guards
23rd Feby 1842
Memorandum for the Officers Commanding Cavalry Depot Maidstone
The Services of Lt Colonel Scott, of the Cavalry Depot, will not be required as a Member of the General Court Martial to be held at Chatham on the 28th Instant.
John Macdonald AG
Similar Memorandum to the Officer Commanding at Canterbury dispensing with the Services of Captain Cumberlege, of the 4th Light Dragoons.

p 233-234
Horse Guards
23 April 1842
Sir,
By desire of the General Commanding in Chief, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday's date, with its Enclosure, being the Proceedings of a Regimental Court Martial held for the Trial of Lance Corporal Gordon Dawson, of the Regiment under your Command.
In reply, I am instructed to acquaint you, that the Prisoner's Offence, namely Drunkenness on Duty, is, under the provisions of the 53rd Article of War, cognizable by a Regimental Court Martial, and that you were justified in arraigning him before that Tribunal, without reference to the superior authority.
The Officer Commanding at Canterbury holds a Warrant from the General Commanding in Chief empowering him to convene District Courts Martial, but that Warrant does not authorize him to exercise any discretionary powers, under the provisions of the 85th Article of War, as to the Selection of a Court by which a Prisoner is to be tried.
The Charge upon which the Prisoner was tried is extremely defective, in as much as the particular duty upon which he was employed is not specified, and the date of the Commission of the Offence is not clearly stated, neither the Month nor the Year being embodied in the Charge.
You will be pleased to explain to the Officers comprising the Court that it was superfluous to introduce into the Sentence the deprivation of Rank in the case of Lance Corporal Dawson, it being a punishment which it was Competant for the Commanding Officer to order, without the intervention of a Court Martial.
The Proceedings are herewith returned to you, and you will exercise your own discretion in causing a part or the whole of the Sentence of Imprisonment to be carried into effect.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons, Canterbury

p 237
Horse Guards
25th April 1842
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday, and to acquaint you, that Lord Hill has been pleased to approve of Corporal William Crookshank, of the 4th Light Dragoons, being brought to Trial before a Regimental Court Martial, for the Offence charged against him.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lt Colonel Fendall
Commg 4th Light Dragoons, Canterbury

p 245
The Adjutant General presents his Compliments to the Officer Commanding the 4th Lights Dragoons, and requests he wil transmit to him the Proceedings of a Regimental Court Martial held on the 28th Ultimo for the trial of Serjeant John Randall, of that Regiment.
Horse Guards
2nd May 1842.

p 303-304
Horse Guards
25th May 1842
Sir,
On examination of the Monthly Return of Courts Martial in the 4th Light Dragoons for the Month of April last, it appeared to Lord Hill that the description therein given of the case of Serjeant John Randall, of that Regiment, who had been three times tried by Regimental Court Martial within that Month upon Charges of (comparatively) trivial import if not altogether of questionable character, called for further investigation.
Lord Hill accordingly called for the Proceedings of the Court Martial in each of these cases, and I have now the honor to submit them herewith, by His Lordship's desire, for your consideration and Opinion, but more particularly those of the Trials of the 28th Ultimo, the results of one of which was the reduction of Serjeant Randall to the Rank and Pay of a Private Soldier.
Lord Hill's own impression is, that the Charge upon which the Serjeant was tried upon that occasion does not amount to a substantial Offence for which he might have been tried, and, should you be pleased to imbibe that impression, (!) Lord Hill would then request your Opinion whether, under the circumstances, John Randall is not entitled to restoration to his former Rank.
Lord Hill's object on drawing your attention to the Proceedings adopted against this Man on the 19th and 28th Ultimo is to show that in each of the three Cases his arraignment before a Court Martial was resorted to upon slight grounds. Lord Hill will, upon Military grounds and looking to the usage of the Service in like Cases, have no hesitation in expressing to the Officer Commanding the 4th Light Dragoons His Lordship's decided Opinion that these Trials were wholly unnecessary, and that by those other means which the General Regulations and Order of the Army place within his power, he might have effectively, and without the slightest prejudice to the Service, maintained the Discipline of the Regiment.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) The Right Hon. The Judge Advocate General

p 313-314
Horse Guards
28th May 1842
Sir,
By desire of the General Commanding in Chief I have the honor to acknowledge the receipe of your Letter of Yesterday's date requesting that Lieutenant Campbell and Sergeant Major Fawcett, of the 4th Light Dragoons, may be ordered to York, for the purpose of giving evidence in the Trials of the three Men who were recently transferred from that Corps of the Regiment under your Command.
In reply, I am commanded to acquaint you that as the attendance of the Witnesses required by you would occasion much inconvenience and expense, and as it appeared by one of the Letters forwarded to this Department by Lt. Col. The Earl of Cardigan, and returned to His Lordship, that the Corporal who had charge of the Prisoners could give testimony to their insubordinate conduct when on the eve of embarking, Lord Hill has been pleased to desire that these Prisoners shall be arraigned for the Offence of insubordination alleged against them, and with which the circumstance of their having or not having sufficient Money to pay all demands can, in no way, be considered, as nothing can justify insubordination in the part of Soldier towards their Superior.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Officer Commanding
11th Hussars, York.

p 356-357
Horse Guards
8th June 1842
Sir,
By desire of the General Commanding in Chief, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday's date, and to acquaint you, that Lord Hill has been pleased to approve of Private Henry Venn, of the 9th Lancers, being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial, for the Offences alleged against him. I herewith transmit a Warrant, in which you will insert the names of the Officers whom you may appoint to be President of the Court, which you will take the necessary steps for assembling, on receipt of this Communication. I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lt Colonel Daly
4th Light Dragoons,
Commg at Canterbury

p 384-385
The Proceedings of the District Court Martial held for the Trial of Private Henry Venn of the 9th Lancers, which were forwarded to this Department accompanied by a Letter from Lt Colonel Daly, 4th Light Dragoons, are herewith returned to the Lieut. Colonel, who in reference to the 17th Clause of the Mutiny Act, by which it is directed that the Proceedings of the District Courts Martial should, after promulgation be sent to the Judge Advocate General, by the President of the Court,
John Macdonald AG
Horse Guards
18 June 1842

p 385
Private & Confidential
Horse Guards
20th June 1842
Sir,
By Lord Hill's desire, I have the honor herewith to return the Proceedings of the Regimental Courts Martial (Three) by which Serjeant John Randall, of the Regiment under your Command, was tried in the Month of April last, and to transmit, at the same time, for your information and guidance, Copy of the Letter which has been received from The Judge Advocate General, which by you will perceive that he is of Opinion that the above named Non Commissionred Officer was illegally reduced to the Ranks, and that Justice therefore demands his restoration to the Rank and Pay of Serjeant, from the day of his reduction, inclusive. I leave it, accordingly, in command to direct, that, immediately on your resuming the Command of the 4th Light Dragoons, at Canterbury, you restore John Randall to the Rank and Pay of Serjeant, in Regimental Orders, reporting to me for Lord Hill's information, that you have duly obeyed the present order.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
Lt Colonel Fendall
4th Light Dragoons
No. 200 Piccadilly

p 401
H Guards
4th July 1842
The usual Letters approving of the Trial by District Court Martial of the undermentioned Men: Major Master,
Commg 4th Lt Dragoons, Canterbury
Private Thos. Griffiths, 4th Lt Dns

p 408
Horse Guards 8th July 1842
The usual Letter approving of the Trial by District Court Martial of Private Patrick Ryan, Reserve Battaln, 97th Regiment.
(to) Officer Commg at Canterbury

p 414-417
Horse Guards
14th July 1842
Sir,
By desire of The General Commanding in Chief I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday's date, together with the Proceedings of a District Court Martial held for the Trial of Private Patrick Ryan, of the 97th Regiment.
It being deemed neceessary that the said Proceedings should be revised, you will be pleased to order the Court to reassemble, and place in the hands of the President the accompanying sealed packet containing the Proceedings and a Memorandum for the guidance of the Court.
One of the reasons for which this Court has been directed to reassemble is in consequence of an error committed by the Court in the "Heading" of its Proceedings, wherein it is stated that it was assembled under a Warrant dated Horse Guards the 23rd April 1842, whereas the Warrant of the President is dated the 8th of July 1842, and which conveys Lord Hill's authority to [sic] him to act in that capacity.
My Letter of Yesterday's date will have informed you how the "Heading" of a Distruct Court Martial is to be worded, the Warrant being addressed to the President, and not to you, and you merely order the Court to assemble in pursuance of the directions contained in the Letter to you, and place the Warrant in the hands of the President. It is requested that the names of Prisoners, the Proceedings of whose Courts Martial are sent to this Department, may be inserted in the Margin of the Letter which accompanies the Proceedings.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lt Colonel Daly
4th Light Dragoons
Commg at Canterbury
Memorandum
The District Court Martial held for the Trial of Private Patrick Ryan of the 97th Regiment is reassembled, by order ot the General Commanding in Chief, and its attention is directed to the following remarks.
In the "Heading" of these Proceedings it is stated that the Court was assembled under a Warrant dated Horse Guards, 23 April 1842, whereas the Warrant to the President of the Court, and under which it was constituted, is dated the 8th of July 1842, and the President, in examining the Warrant, will discover the error which the Court has committed, and which must be verified.
It was irregular, indeed illegal, on the part of the Court to admit as evidence of a previous conviction against the Prisoner, an Extract from the Court Martial Book of the 5th Dragoon Guards, the Regiment from which he was transferred to his present Corps.
To make that Extract legal evidence, it ought to have been either verified by some one who had compared it with the original, or certified to be a true Copy of the original entry, under the signatures of the Commanding Officer of the Corps, or of the Officers having the custody of the Book, such signatures being proved by a Witness to be authentic. The Court will therefore reconsider and revise its Sentence, dismissing from its consideration any weight it may have attached to the Evidence in question.
After the revision the Proceedings are to be returned to this Department, for Lord Hill's further consideration.
John Macdonald AG
Horse Guards
14th July 1842.

421
Horse Guards
9 July 1842
Proceedings of District Courts Martial returned, confirmed
Officer Commanding at CanterburyL 4th Lt Dns: Priv. Thos Griffiths

p 439
19 July 1842
Private Patrick Ryan, 97th Regiment.
You will be pleased to point out to the President of the Court the irregularity which it has committed in causing the objectionable entry which was partly the cause of the Proceedings being revised.
(to) Officer Commanding at Canterbury




WO 3/553 July 1842 - March 1843

p 49
H Guards
8th Augt 1842
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 6th Inst, and to acquaint you that Lord Hill has been pleased to approve of Private Wm Holden of the 4th Lt Dragoons, being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial, for the Offences charged against him, and a Warrant is accordingly enclosed for the President.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lt Colonel Daly
Comg 4th Lt Dragoons Canterbury

p 69
Horse Guards
15th August 1842
Sir,
In returning to you herewith, by desire of the General Commanding in Chief, the Proceedings of the District Court Martial held for the trial of Private William Holden of the 4th Light Dragoons, and which have been confirmed, I have the honor to acquaint you, that Lord Hill has observed that an irregularity appears to have occurred in this case, in as much as that though the Prisoner was reported to be a Deserter on the 14th of June, his Regimental necessaries were not inspected by the Non Commissioned Officer, whose duty it was to inspect these immediately, until the 17th of that Month.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons, Canterbury

p 233
Horse Guards
24th Novbr 1842
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday, with its Enclosure, and to acquaint you, that that His Grace the Commander in Chief has been pleased to approve of a District Court Martial being assembled at Brighton, for the Trial of Private William (M) Eales, (No. 1019) of the 4th Light Dragoons, for the Offence charged against him, and a Warrant is enclosed, accordingly.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lt Colonel Daly
Commg 4th Light Dragoons Brighton

p 240
Horse Guards
29 Novbr 1842
Proeedings of District Courts Martial returned, confirmed...
Private William Eales 4th Light Dragoons
(to) Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons Brighton

p 247
Horse Guards
5th Decr 1842
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 4th Instant, and to acquaint you that The Commander in Chief has been pleased to approve of Private John Shackle, of the 4th Light Dragoons, being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial, on the charge preferred against him, and the necessary Warrant for the President is enclosed.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lt Colonel Daly
Commg 4th Light Dragoons Brighton

p 259-260
The usual Letter to the Officer Commanding 4th Light Dns Brighton
Memorandum
The District Court Martial held for the Trial of Private John Shackle, of the 4th Light Dragoons, is reassembled, by order of The Commander in Chief, in consequence of the Court having omitted either to name the place in which the Prisoner is to undergo the Imprisonment awarded to him, or to delegate the power of so doing to the Officer Commanding the Regiment to which he belongs, agreeably to the provisions of the 77th Article of War.
The Court having supplied the omission in Question will return the Proceedings to this Department, for the Duke of Wellington's further consideration.
It is not the practice of Courts Martial to specify in their Sentence the particular Article of War of which the Prisoner's Offence is a breach, and as such a practice is not considered desirable, as likely to lead to inconvenience, The Commander in Chief desires that on a future occasion the Officers composing this Court will abstain from adopting that cause.
John Macdonald AG
Horse Guards 10th Decbr 1842

p 271-272
Horse Guards
14th Decr 1842
Proceedings of District Courts Martial returned, confirmed...
Private John Shackle, 4th Light Dragoons.
The period for which this Soldier is to undergo Imprisonment is to be reckoned from the date of the President's Signature to the original Sentence, namely the 9th Instant. The Court ought to have recorded its reassembly &c on the Sheet containing the original Proceedings, and upon which there was ample space, instead of doing so upon a small piece of paper, which when received was not even attached to that Sheet. The Court ought before pronouncing Sentence upon the Prisoner to have ascertained his Character, Age &c in order that The Commander in Chief might have been able to judge whether any portion of the Imprisonment could have been remitted.
(to) Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons Brighton.

p 316
(Note in red) See 47
The Return of Courts Martial held in the 4th Light Dragoons is herewith returned to its Commanding Officer, with a request that the date of the confirmation of the Proceedings of the Court Martial in the case of Private John Shackle may be inserted. The date will be found in the Letter which accompanies the Proceedings.
John Macdonald AG
Horse Guards
3th Janry 1843

p 322
The Officer Commanding the 4th Light Dragoons is informed that in No 2. of the enclosed Return, the Cases in which Corporal Punishment has been awarded and inflicted should be inserted, and not the number of lashes.
On No. 1. the number of Men tried is made to correspond with the number of Courts Martial which can rarely be the case, the latter almost always outnumbering the former, from the circumstances of the same Men being tried more than once.
Should there be any error in this respect it is requested such may be corrected.
John Macdonald AG
Horse Guards
4th Janry 1843

p 355-358
Horse Guards
20 Jany 1843
4th Lt Dns: Privates Wm Eales, J. Shackle and one other
Sir,
By desire of The Commander in Chief I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letters of the 18th Instant, bringing under my notice certain irregularities in the Proceedings of three District Courts Martial held for the Trials of the Men named in the Margin, and I have His Grace's Commands to convey to you following observations upon the several points to which my attention has been directed...
...In the case of Private Eales, you state that the Sentence does not appoint, or delegate to the Commanding Officer the power of appointing the place of Imprisonment.
In the 9th Clause of the Mutiny Act, and in the 77th Article of War, it is stated that a District Court Martial may sentence a Soldier to Imprisonment in such place as the Court or the Officer Commanding the Prisoner's Regiment shall appoint and it was the Opinion of the late FM Serjeant (Arabin) that it was not necessary to revise the Proceedings of a Court Martial in consequence of the Court having omitted to delegate the power to the Commanding Officer, he deeming that the Clause and Article above quoted gave sufficient authority to a Commanding Officer to act without the intervention of that of the Court.
The above omission rarely occurs, but, whenever it has occurred, it has been pointed out to the Court as an irregularity to be in future avoided. On the present occasion, it appears that the omission in question inadvertantly passed unnoticed, and I am to request that you will be pleased to inform me, for my future guidance, whether the Sentence under consideration is illegally framed.
It does not appear that there were any previous convictions against the above-named Soldier or against Private Shackle, and under such circumstances, it is not always the custom of Courts Martial to record that fact in the face of the Proceedings, leaving it to be inferred that there were none, from the absence of their record, and from the evidence as to character having been addressed in the case of Private Eales, which would always be accompanied by the production of former convictions did any exist.
I enclose an Extract (No. 2.) from the Memorandum which accompanied the Order of the revision of the Proceedings in the Case of Private Shackle, by which you will perceive that The Commander in Chief did not fail to notice the neglect of the Court in not having examined a Witness as to the Previous Character.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
The Right Hon. The Judge Advocate General

p 422
Horse Guards
4th March 1843
The usual Letter approving of the Trial by District Court Martial of Private Henry Hall, 4th Lt Dragoons.
(to) Lt Colonel Daly
Commg 4th Light Dragoons, Brighton




WO 3/554 March 1843 - October 1843

p 30
Horse Guards
20th March 1843
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday and to acquaint you, that The Commander in Chief has been pleased to approve of Private Joseph Gosbell of the 4th Light Dragoons, being brought to Trial by a District Court Martial, for the Offences charged against him, and a Warrant for the President (Major Master) is enclosed herewith.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lt Colonel Daly
Commg 4th Light Dragoons, Brighton

p 40-41
Horse Guards
25th March 1843
4th Lt Dns: Private Jos Gosbell
Sir,
In returning herewith, the Proceedings of a District Court Martial held for the Trial of the Man named in the Margin, which have been confirmed, I have the honor to call your attention by desire of The Commander in Chief, to the following omission and irregularities, and to express His Grace's Concern that before these promulgations you cause omissions to be supplied and corrections made at those places pointed out by a pencil mark by the President, in the presence of the Members of the Court.
It ought to have been recorded in the Minutes of the Proceedings, previously to the insertion of the Question to the Prisoner whether he objected to any of the Members, that the order for the assembling of the Court had been read. There are erasures and interlineations to which the President might to leave affixed his Initials and which are now to be inserted where they have been omitted.
In the record of the Evidence given by Lieutenant and Adjutant Lloyd, he is made to state that the Prisoner "deserted", whereas all the Court could expect to hear from him was, that the Prisoner had absented himself without Leave, and it was for it to decide whether that absence amounted to the Crime of desertion.
The manner in which the words "the following Question is asked" are inserted in the re-opening of the Court, after the Finding, make it appear as if the Question had been put to the Prisoner, instead of to the Adjutant. Had the words "of the Adjutant" followed the above - the Question would have been perfect, and not liable to misapplication.
The Court has neglected to cause the "Sheets" to be stitched together, agreeably to the instructions contained in Page 247 of the "General Regulations and Orders for the Army."
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lt Colonel Daly
Commg 4th Light Dragoons Brighton

p 90
The accompanying Return of Courts Martial is sent back to the Officer Commanding the 4th Light Dragoons, who is requested, by desire of The Commander in Chief, to cause the date of confirmation of the Proceedings in the case of Private Gosbell to be inserted in the Column for that purpose.
The date will be found in the Letter in which the Proceedings, after Confirmation, were sent to the Regiment.
John Macdonald AG
Horse Guards
13th April 1843

p 115
Immediate
Horse Guards
24th April 1843
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday, and to acquaint you, that The Commander in Chief is of Opinion that a District Court Martial will meet (needs) of discipline in the case of Private Richard Cook therein referred to, of the 4th Light Dragoons, and a Warrant is accordingly emclosed, in which you will insert the name of the President.
Should it be impracticable to conclude the Trial of the Prisoner before the March of the Regiment from Brighton, The Commander in Chief leaves it to your own discretion to order the Trial, either during the march, or after the arrival of the Regiment at its more permanent Quarters. In either case you will transmit the Proveedings for The Commander in Chief's further disposal.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons, Brighton

p 150
Horse Guards
11th May 1843
The usual Letter to Officer Commg
4th Light Dragoons
Exeter
Memorandum
The District Court Martial held for the Trial of Private Richard Cook, of the 4th Light Dragoons, is reassembled by order ot The Commander in Chief, in consequence of the Court having omitted to fix the place in which the Prisoner shall undergo the Imprisonment awarded to him, or to delegate the power of so doing to the Officer Commanding the Regiment, in accordance with the provisions of the 77th Article of War.
When the above omission has been supplied the Proceedings are to be returned to this Department, for His Grace's further consideration.
John Macdonald AG
Horse Guards
11th May 1843

p 161
Horse Guards
16th May 1843
Proceedings of the District Court Martial returned, confirmed.
Private Richard Cooke, 4th Light Dragoons
You will be pleased to communicate to the General Officer Commanding the District, the circumstances under which this Soldier was brought to Trial, as it would have been more regular had you, in finding that he could not be tried while the Regiment was in the District reporting to Head Quarters, reported the case to M General The Honble Henry Murray, at Devonport.
Officer Commg
4th Light Dragoons, Exeter

p 359
Horse Guards
7th Septr 1843
Proceedings of District Courts Martial returned, confirmed
Private Benjamin King, 4th Light Dragoons and one other
... (to) Colonel Love
Carmarthen




WO 3/555 October 1843 - July 1844

p 11
Horse Guards
20th October 1843
Sir,
It being necessary that the District Court Martial in the case of Private James Hood, of the 4th Light Dragoons, should revise its proceedings, I have the honor to signify the desire of the Commander in Chief, that you will reassemble the Court, placing in the hands of the President the inclosed packet containing the proceedings and a Memorandum of instructions for the guidance of the Court.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Love or Officer Commanding at Carmarthen

p 11-12
Memorandum
The District Court Martial held for the trial of Private James Hood, of the 4th Light Dragoons, is reassembled, by order of the Commander in Chief, in consequence of the Court having permitted the "Troop Defaulters' Book" to be given in evidence as proof of former convictions against the Prisoner, such Book not being admissible for that purpose.
The "Court Martial Book" is, in all cases, the primary evidence of previous convictions, and if such book cannot be produced, without inconvenience, to the Service, (which fact should be stated to the Court) a Copy of it, or Extract from it, proved to be authentic, may be received by the Court as secondary evidence.
In private Hood's case, the entry in the Defaulter's book was not proved to have been a Copy of, or Extract from the Court Martial Book, and consequently, it ought not to have been admitted in substitution of it.
The latter part of the sentence respecting the forfeiture of regular pay, or of allowance in lieu of Beer, or Liquor when issued in kind, is bad from uncertainty in as much as it does not ascertain whether the Prisoner is to forfeit a part of his pay or liquor money, or his liquor. The Court ought to have selected (and will do so now) one of the first two penalties above named.
When a Soldier on detached duty, from his Regiment, is tried by a Court Martial, it is always desirable that the Court itself should fix the place in which he is to undergo the imprisonment awarded to him.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
Horse Guards
20th October 1843
(to) Major Grabbe
76th Regiment
President of District Court Martial.

p 13
Horse Guards
20th October 1843
73rd Regt Pte Patk Coleman
Proceedings of District Court Martial returned confirmed. The Proceedings of the Court Martial in the case of Private Hood will be returned to you hereafter.
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Love

p 28
Horse Guards
26th October 1843
4th Lt Dragoons: Pte Jas Hood
Proceedings of District Court Martial returned, confirmed.
JM AG
(to) Colonel Love
Carmarthen

p 89
Horse Guards
27th Novr 1843
4th Lt Dns: Private Jno Slade and one other
Proceedings of District Courts Martial returned, confirmed
It is requested that the plea of Prisoner Slade may be made more distinct by the President of the Court, and that his, the President's, Initials may be affixed to the interlineation in the Proceedings in the case of Private (Thos) Forester (76th Regt)
(to) Colonel Love
Commg in South Wales

p 142-143
Horse Guards
8th January 1844
Private W. Coughlin, 4th Light Dragoons (William Caughlin 453/435)
Under all the circumstances of this case, The Commander in Chief will approve of a remission of a part of the whole of the Imprisonment awarded in this case, if you recommend such a measure to him through this Department.
(to) Colonel Love
Carmarthen

p 155
Horse Guards
15th Jany 1844
Sir,
I have had the honor to receive and to submit to The Commander in Chief your letter of the 13th Instant, and to acquaint you, that, under the circumstances therein stated, His Grace has been pleased to remit Six Weeks of the Imprisonment awarded to Private William Coghlin, of the 4th Light Dragoons, by a District Court Martial, as proposed by you, and I am to request that you will take the necessary steps accordingly.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Love
Carmarthen

p 196-198
Horse Guards
20th Feby 1844
Corporal Edgar, Privates Wakefield, Hammond
Sir,
By The Commander in Chief's desire, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 16th Instant, transmitting the Proceedings of these District Courts Martial held for the Trial of the Men named in the Margin, and I am commanded to convey to you the following remarks and decision upon the several cases to which they relate. (The comments appear to only refer to the cases of Edgar and Wakefield whose regiment isn't named, but they don't appear to be 4LD)...
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Love
Cg in South Wales

p 198
Horse Guards
20th Feby 1844
Memorandum
The District Court Martial held for the Trial of Private Patrick Wakefield, of the 76th Regiment, is reassembled by order of The Commander in Chief, in consequence of the Court having neglected to record the date on which it assembled.
When the omission in question has been supplied, the Proceedings are to be returned to this Department, through the Officer Commanding in South Wales, for the further consideration of The Commander in Chief,
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Bt Major Parlby
4th Light Dragoons
Presidt of a District Court Martial, Carmarthen

p 200
Horse Guards
20th Feby 1844
Proceedings of District Court Martial returned, confirmed.
Private John Hammond, 4th Light Dragoons
I have it in command to desire that the infliction of the punishment may be carried into execution at such time and place as you may think fit to direct.
(to) Colonel Love
Carmarthen

p 346
Horse Guards
17th May 1844
95th Regt Privates Geo. Booker, Thos Wilton
Sir,
The Commander in Chief having been pleased to direct that the Men named in the Margin, who were employed in the Recruiting Service at Colchester, shall be Tried by a District Court Martial for the Offences imputed to them in the accompanying charges, I have the honor to express His Grace's desires that you give the necessary Orders for the assemblinbg of the Court at such time and place as shall be agreed upon by you and Lieutenant Pitt, the Subdivision Officer stationed at Ipswich.
I also enclose a blank Warrant, which you will fill up with the name of the Officer appointed by you to be the President of the Court, and you will instruct him to issue the usual Summons for the assemblance of the Civil Witnesses at the Trial of the Prisoners.
The heading of the Proceedings will be worded thus: "Proceedings of a District Court Martial held by order of His Grace "the Commander in Chief."
"Ipswich"
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons Ipswich

p 360-361
Horse Guards
27th May 1844
Privates Geo Booker, Thos Wilton of the 95th Regt
(facing charges of misconduct whilst employed at the Recruiting Service at Colchester)
Sir,
In returning herewith the Proceedings of two District Courts Martial held for the trial of the Men named in the Margin which have been conformed, I have the honor to express the Commander in Chief's desire that you intimate to the President and Members of the Court, that if, the Prisoners had been found guilty of the offences alleged against them, His Grace would have deemed it necessary to order the Court to reassemble, that the answers of the Prisoners to the question "whether they objected to any of the Members of the Court" might be inserted, and which answers have been written on the present occasions.
This omission has no doubt arisen from the circumstance of the heading of the Proceedings, and the Charges, having been written by a Clerk or some person not connected with the Court, but which would have been discovered, had the whole of the Minutes of the Proceedings been carefully read over, before the President affixed his Signature thereto.
To prevent a repetition of similar neglect, The Commander in Chief desires that the whole of the Proceedings of a Court Martial including heading, Charges, &c be written by the President, or a Member of the Court, and you will be pleased to give the necessary Orders to the Officers of the Regiment under your command to comply with these instructions.
As the Prisoners have been acquitted you will cause them to be released from confinement, and restored to their duty, with a suitable admonition as to their future conduct (they were acquitted!), and you will return the Proceeedings of their Court Martial to this Department, acquainting the President thereof that after their contents shall have been communicated to the 95th Regt by the Inspecting Field Officer, they will be forwarded by me to the Judge Advocate General, for the purpose of being lodged in his Office.
I am to add, that the Proceedings in question ought to have been transmitted to this Department, through you, and accompanied by a letter from yourself.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lieut Colonal Daly
Commg 4th Light Dragoons, Ipswich

p 376
Horse Guards
30th May 1844
95th Foot: Privates Geo Booker, Thos Wilton
Sir,
By the Commander in Chief's desire, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 218th Instant, transmitting the Copies instead of the Originals of the Proceedings of two District Courts Martial, held for the trial of the Men named in the Margin, and, in calling your attention to the last paragraph but one of my Letter of the 27th Inst. directing you to return the Proceedings in question which, having been confirmed, were then forwarded to you, to express His Grace's commands that they be sent back to this Department by return of Post. I have, further, to observe, that, in the "copies" transmitted by you, the approved and confirmation of the Proceedings have been omitted, thereby rendering them imperfect documents and not correct transcripts of the originals. I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lt Colonel Daly
4th Light Dragoons, Ipswich

p 394
Horse Guards
8th June 1844
Sir,
By the Commander in Chief's desire, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2nd Instant, returning to me the Copies of Two District Courts Martial which accompanied my letter of the 30th Ultimo, and in sending the Documents back to you, I am commanded to acquaint His Grace's desire that you order the President of the Court, who made the Copies in question, to insert the approval and confirmation of the Proceedings as they appeared in the originals which be destroyed "under the impression that they were no longer required."
You will be pleased to call Captain Cumming's attention to the 17th Clause of the Mutiny Act, which enjoins the transmission by the President of a District Court Martial, of the Proceedings to the Judge Advocate General, and, therefore His Grace can only attribute to a want of knowledge on the part of Captain Cumming, of a very important Duty, his having acted in the extraordinary manner he did on the present occasion.
My letter to you did not contain an Order that Copies of the Proceedings should be made, and His Grace is therefore at a loss to account for Captain Cumming having taken the trouble to do so, and upon which point, I am directed to request you will furnish me with some explanation.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lt Colonel Daly
4th Light Dragoons, Ipswich

p 399-400
Horse Guards
10th June 1844
Sir,
It being deemed necessary that the District Court Martial held for the Trial of Private B McGovern of the 4th Light Dragoons, should revise its Proceedings, I have the honor to signify the desire of the Commander in Chief, that you will assemble that Court, placing in the hands of the President the enclosed packet containing the Proceedings and Instructions for the guidance of the Court.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Officer Commanding at Ipswich
Memorandum
The District Court Martial held for the Trial of Private Bernard McGovern of the 4th Light Dragoons, is reassembled by Order of the Commander in Chief, in consequence of the Court having omitted to state in the Minutes of its Proceedings whether the Signature of the Adjutant of the Regiment, to the document purporting to be an Extract from the "Court Martial Book," of the previous convictions against the Prisoner was duly authenticated by Evidence. On revision, the Court cannot call any Witnesses before it, but if, it had received testimony at its original Sitting, in regard to he Authenticity of the Adjutant's signature, it may now state that fact,m and allow it's sentence to remain, unaltered, but should such testimony not have been addressed, the Court will revise and amend its Sentence, dismissing from its consideration any weight it might otherwise have attached to the previous conviction in question. The Court ought to have required the Adjutant to explain, why he was unable to produce the "Court Martial Book" itself before the Court, and all documents attached to the Proceedings of a Court Martial, should be verified by the Signature of the President.
After Revision, the Proceedings are to be returned to this Office, through the proper channel, for the further consideration of the Commander in Chief.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
Horse Guards
10th June 1844
(to) Major Master
4th Light Dragoons

p 411
Horse Guards
17th June 1844
Revised Proceedings of the District Court Martial on Private B McGovern, 4th Lt Dragoons, returned, confirmed. (signed) John Macdonald AG
(to) Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons, Ipswich

p 415-416
Horse Guards
18th June 1844
Privates Barker [sic] and Wilton 95th Regt
Sir,
By the Commander in Chief's desire, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 13th Instant, acquainting me that the Copies of the Proceedings of the District Court Martial in the cases of the men named in the margin, which were returned to you, in my letter of the 8th Instant, solely for correction, had been sent, by the President of the Court, to the Judge Advocate General.
In my letter of the 8th Instant, when calling the attention of the President of the Court to the 17th Clause of the Mutiny Act, the object was not to impute to him blame for not having sent the Proceedings to the Judge Advocate General, or to require him to do so, but merely to convince him, even if you had omitted to convey to him the instructions contained in my letter of the 27th Ultimo about returning them to me, that in offering as his excuse for having destroyed the originals, that he did so "under the impression that they were no longer required," showed a want of knowledge of the provisions of the above-quoted clause, with which he ought to have been acquainted, and which directed that the Proceedings of District Courts Martial should be preserved and sent to the Judge Advocate General. After having told you in my letter of the 27th Ultimo, that the Proceedings were to be returned to me, in order that their purport might be communicated to the Officer Commanding the 95th Regiment, to which Corps the Prisoners belonged, and th at you were to intimate to the President, that I would forward them to the Judge Advocate General, His Grace cannot but be surprised at the course adopted by Captain Cumming on the present occasion, that is, if you communicated to him the contents of my letter, in having sent the documents in question to the Judge Advocate General, from whom it will now be necessary for me to obtain them for the purpose I have mentioned.
The Commander in Chief is willing to believe that the irreegularities which have taken place as regards the Proceedings in question originated in misconception, and intends therefore, that this letter shall dispose, finally, of the subject.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lt Colonel Daly
Comg 4th Lt Dragoons, Ipswich.




WO 3/556 July 1844 - April 1845

p 16
Return of Courts Ml for the Month of June.
Returned to the Officer Commanding the 4th Light Dragoons, who will be pleased to insert the date of the letter which accompanied the confirmed Proceedings of the District Court Martial as the date of confirmation, in the proper column. He will also be pleased to cause the Return to be endorsed with the Regiment, the Date of the Return, and the Station of the Head Quarters.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
Horse Guards
11th July 1844

p 84
Confidential
Horse Guards
9th August 1844
Sir,
By the Commander in Chief's desire I have the honor to direct your special attention to the accompanying Proceedings of a District Court Martial, held in the Case of Private William Shadwell, of the Regiment under your command, as they exhibit palpable instance of the heedlessness and inconsistency with which officers are too apt to discharge their most solemn and important duty - vitz by resorting to excessive severity in cases of comparatively trivial import, or to the opposite extreme where the heinousness of the Crime calls for exemplary Punishment.
In this Case a Soldier is convicted of being drunk at Ipswich, on the 4th Instant, for the fifth time within a Twelvemonth. The Commander in Chief is quite prepared to go hand in hand with you, and with the Court in repressing the Vice of Drunkenness, but cannot prevail upon himself to confirm or approve the unjustified sentence now before him. In none of the five instances of Drunkenness cited against the Prisoner is alleged that there was any feature of aggravation.
Therefore no previous Convictions against him for any misconduct whatsoever, and to' his Character is stated to be indifferent, yet it is not pretended that it is bad or that it is essentially so in any respect.
The Commander in Chief admits that in most Cases the indefinite term "Indifferent" is properly applied to character when spoken to before a Court Martial, but is persuaded that it is, not unfrequently misapplied, and His Grace vey much doubts the justice of its application in this instance, because the Prisoner appears to have performed a Service of Sixteen Years as a soldier, without having been arraigned before a Court Martial.
His Grace would then, put it to you, and to the Court, whether the award of a Punishment of Six Lunar Months Imprisonment (Two of which to be solitary and the forfeiture of beer money for Two Years, for being drunk, when off duty, is not calculated to give the Soldiers an unfavorable impression of the principles and practice under which their Officers administer justice to them.
For the offence of which the Prisoner acknowledges himself to have been guilty upon this occasion, even when considered in conjunction with the previous instances of Drunkenness imputed to him, the Commander in Chief would have thought the forfeiture of Beer Money for a reasonable time (say Six Months) sufficient without any Imprisonment.
His Grace trusts that the Court will upon further refletion adopt his opinion. His Grace would prefer that the mitigation of the Punishment, to this extent, should be the Act of the Court. Should the Court however, think fit to adhere to its sentence, The Commander in Chief will then deal with the Case according to His Grace's own sense of justice. His Grace is quite satisfied that the stoppage of the Prisoner's Beer Money for Six Months will effectually meet both the ends of Discipline and the ends of Justice.
To any Commanding Officer who would think his authority weakened by reducing exessive Punishmentm when awarded as in this Case, The Commander in Chief would address the following observation, vizt. that the loose Discipline extorted by undue severity can last only during the influence of the Terror which that severity produced, whilst solid, systematic and deeply rooted Discipline must ever be the natural consequence of the Soldiers being satisfied in his own mind, that he is governed by Officers who duly appreciate and reward his merit, and who in dealing with his faults, never go beyond the bounds of justice.
You will be pleased to re-assemble the Court, and read this Letter to them.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Colonel Daly
Comg 4th Lt Dragoons Ipswich

p 101
Horse Guards
19th August 1844
Proceedings of the District Court Martial on Private Wm. Shadwell, 4th Light Dragoons, returned confirmed. (Signed) John Macdonald AG
(to) Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons, Ipswich

p 110
Horse Guards
26th August 1844
Sir,
In reference to your letter of the 19th Instant relative to the Case of Private William Shadwell of the Regiment under your Command, I am directed to acquaint you, that the Commander in Chief has not failed to give due credit to the Officers who composed the District Court Martial, held in that Case, for a zealous desire to support your Authority, and to repress Drunkenness, being the prevailing offence in the Regiment, and that should the above named Soldier be again convicted of that Crime, he shall certainly undergo the full measure of punishment to which he may be sentenced
. You will be pleased to call William Shadwell before you, and read this letter to him in presence of Bt Major Parlby.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lieut Colonel Daly
Comg 4th Light Dragoons Ipswich

p 131
Horse Guards
18th Septr 1844
Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 16th Instant, and to acquaint you, that the Commander in Chief has been pleased to approve of Private Jeremiah Eden, of the 4th Light Dragoons, being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial, on the amended Charges, herewith enclosed, and which Charges are to be returned to this Department.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lt Colonel Daly
Comg 4th Light Dragoons Ipswich

p 141-142
Horse Guards
23rd September 1844
The usual Letter to the Officer Commanding the 4th Light Dragoons at Ipswpich, enclosing the following Memorandum:
The District Court Martial held for the Trial of Private Jeremiah Eden of the 4th Light Dragoons is reassembled by order of The Commander in Chief, in consequence of the Court having when sentencing the Prisoner to suffer Four Months Imprisonment, directed that he should undergo it "in such place as the Officer Commanding may appoint." The Court is referred to the 27th Clause of the Mutiny Act, by the provision of which it will be seen that the selection of the place in which a Sentence of Imprisonment is to be undergone is to be left with the Officer Commanding the Proceedings, and in default of his selecting of then, the Officer Commanding the Regiment is to appoint the place of confinement, but no authority whatsoever is vested in the Court, either of itself to fix the place, or to delegate the power to do so to an Individual.
The Court will accordingly award a Sentence of Imprisonment in which allusion shall not be made to the place in which it is to be undergone.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Bt Major Parlby
4th Light Dragoons
President of a District Court Martial, Ipswich

p 147
Horse Guards
26th Septr 1844
4th Lt Dns: Private J. Eden
Proceedings of District Court Martial on the Man named in the Margin is returned, confirmed.
(to) Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons
Ipswich

p 223
Horse Guards
14th Novbr 1844
Sir,
By the Commander in Chief's desire I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday's date, and to acquaint you that His Grace has been pleased to approve of Private John Randall, of the Regiment under your Command, being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial on the Charge alleged against him.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons Ipswich

p 223-225
Horse Guards
22th Novbr 1844
4th Lt Dns: Privates Pat. Dunne, Jno Randall
Sir,
Having submitted to The Commander in Chief your Letter of the 19th Instant together with the Proceedings of two District Courts Martial therewith received, held for the Trial of the Men named in the Margin, I have the honor to return to you, by His Grace's commands, those Proceedings which have been confirmed, and at the same time to make the following observations thereon.
Private Dunne ought to have been charged with having been Drunk on Guard, not having been so on Sentry, because it appears by the evidence of the Corporal of the Guard that when being placed on the latter duty he was very unsteady and was immediately after relieved, having been discovered to be Drunk.
The being Drunk on Guard is a very serious Offence but that of becoming so whilst on Sentry is one of a more aggravated character, and, consequently, deserving a more severe punishment.
As this Soldier has been twenty Years in the Service, has never, until on the present occasion, been tried by Court Martial, and has hitherto borne a good character, The Commander in Chief will hereafter remit a portion of the Imprisonment awarded him, should you recommend him favorably for His Grace's consideration.
After a careful perusal of the evidence in the case of Private Randall, the Commander in Chief considered it so clear and so strong against the Prisoner, or, in his Opinion, to have ensured a conviction, and was much surprised to find that the Court had come to a contrary conclusion and had acquitted him.
The Court have neglected to append a Medical Certificate to the Proceedings, and this omission must be supplied before their promulgation.
The Sheets of the Proceedings in both cases were tacked together in such a manner as to prevent their being read without cutting the Tape by which they were bound together, and you will be pleased to direct attention to be paid hereafter by Courts Martial to their part of their duty.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lt Colonel Daly
Comg 4th Light Dragoons Ipswich

p 278
Horse Guards
28th Decr 1844
Proceedings of a District Court Martial returned, confirmed.
Private William Donnelly, 4th Light Dragoons
(to) Officer Commanding
at Ipswich

p 300
Horse Guards
10th Janry 1845
Sir,
By command of The Commander in Chief, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 9th Instant with the Enclosure, on behalf of Private Patrick (looks like Brown/Gowan but believed to be Dunn, as above) of the 4th Light Dragoons, a Prisoner under sentence of a District Court Martial, and to acquaint you that under the circumstances stated, His Grace has been pleased to accede to your recommendation that the remainder of the Imprisonment be remitted, and you will accordingly take the necessary steps for the Man's return to his duty.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons Ipswich

p 309
Horse Guards
5th Janry 1845
Sir
By desire of The Commander in Chief, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt (this Morning) of your Letter written at date, and to acquaint you that His Grace has been pleased to approve of Private James Monkhouse, of the 4th Light Dragoons, being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial, for the Offences charged against him.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Major Master
Commg 4th Light Dragoons Ipswich

p 311-312
Horse Guards
11 Jany 1845
Memorandum
11th Foot: Actg Corpl Ch. Doolan, Private H. S___
The District Court Martial held for the Trial of the Men named in the Margin is reassembled by order of The Commander in Chief, and its attention is directed to the following remarks.
It appears to His Grace that the Court has acted in a most inconsistent manner, as regards its decision in these cases, respectively, for, in his Opinion the evidence is much stronger against the Corporal acquitted than against the Private found Guilty.
In the Corporal's case, two Non Commissioned Officers swear that they had "inspected" the Prisoner and found him to be drunk, which fact, namely, the being drunk, is contradicted by three Privates for the defence, while in the Private's case, one Non Commissioned Offiecr only and a Private Soldier, the first that he found the Prisoner drunk, the other that he saw him drunk, but neither of them assert that he was inspected or proved, and here there seems to have been a certain degree of carelessness manifested by the Court in not having asked the Witnesses as to what means were taken to ascertain the fact of the Prisoners' drunkenness. This Prisoner had the benefit of two out of three of the same Witnesses, who spoke as strongly to his sobriety as they did to the sobriety of the Corporal, and he had also a third Witness who spoke equally strong in his favor, yet the Court has pronounced the former Prisoner to be Guilty, and the latter to be innocent.
Nothing, in the Opinion of The Commander in Chief, can be more unsatisfactory, or more injurious to the character of Courts Martial, than such apparent capricious decisions, and His Grace now affords an opportunity to the Court of revising and reconsidering the Proceedings in both cases, with a view to its acquitting or convicting both of the Prisoners, if after such careful re-consideration and due attention being paid to HJis Grace's remarks, it can conscientiously arrive at one or otjer of these conclusions.
After revision the Proceedins are to be returned through the proper Channel to this Department, for The Commander in Chief's further consideration.
John Macdonald AG
The usual Letter enclosing the above to the
Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons, Ipswich

p 326
The usual Letter enclosing the following:
(to) Officer Commg at Ipswich
Memorandum
The District Court Martial held for the Trial of Private James Monkhouse of the 4th Light Dragoons, is reassembled, by order of The Commander in Chief, and its attention is directed to the following Remarks.
Though the Court has found the Prisoner guilty of desertion, the President assigns most inconsistently amongst other reasons for not sentencing the Prisoner to be marked with the Letter D, that it appeared to the Court that the Prisoner had really no intention of deserting.
As desertion consists in quitting a Regiment without an intention of returningm, and the Court having found a deliberate opinion that the Prisoner did not intend to desert at all, it was not justified in finding him guilty of the Crime, as laid in the Charge.
The Court will therefore revise and amend its Finding by acquitting the Prisoner of desertion, and finding him Guilty of Absence without Leave.
The Court has also committed an irregularity in having admitted evidence of the previous instances of drunkenness on the part of the Prisoner, before the last act of drunkenness, as laid in the Charge, had been proved against him. After revision the Proceedings are to be returned to this Department, for the further consideration of The Commander in Chief.
John Macdonald AG
Horse Guards
22nd Janry 1845

p 336
Horse Guards
27th January 1845
Proceedings of District Courts Martial returned, confirmed.
Private James Monkhouse, 4th Light Dgns
The Court has on this occasion neglected to comply with the direction contained in the Circular of the 12th December last, which require that the Memorandum of Instructions to a Court Martial which has been revised should be attached to the Proceedings, and you will therefore order the President to supply the omission, at which The Commander in Chief must express his surprise, so short a time having elapsed since a similar one was brought to your notice. His Grace is also surprised at the Court having in revision awarded as heavy a punishment for the Offence of "Absence without Leave" as it had done for Desertion.
John Macdonald AG
(to) Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons Ipswich

p 340
H Guards
3rd Feby 1845
Sir
By desire of The Comr in Chief, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday's date, & to acquaint you, that His Grace has been pleased to approve of Private Thomas Rodgers, of the 4th Lt Dragoons, beijng brought to Trial before a District Court Martial, upon the two following Charges, vizt:
1st Charge: For having been drunk, at the stables at Ipswich, on or about the Evening of 31st Jany 1845.
2d Charge: For having, at Ipswich, on or about the period mentioned in the 1st Charge, struck Lance Corporal Gale, his superior officer, when in the execution of his office.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Major Master
Comg 4th Lt Dragoons Ipswich

p 358
Horse Guards
10th February 1845
Proceedings of the District Court Martial held on Private Thomas Rodgers of the 4th Light Dragoons returned confirmed.
John Macdonald AG
(to) Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons Ipswich

p 389-390
Horse Guards
28th February 1845
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the reeipt of your Letter of Yesterday's date, and to acquaint you, that The Commander in Chief has been pleased to approve of Private Michael Daniels, of the 4th Light Dragoons, being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial, for the Offences alleged against him.
I have &c
John Macdonald AG
(to) Major Master
Commg 4th Light Dgns Ipswich

p 397-398
Horse Guards
6th March 1845
The usual Letter enclosing the following Memorandum
(to) Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons
Memorandum
The District Court Martial held for the Trial of Private Michael Daniells, of the 4th Light Dragoons, is reassebled by order of The Commander in Chief, in consequence of the Witness who produced the Extract containing the previous convictions against the Prisoner, being made to say in his evidence, as recorded in the Minutes of the Proceedings, that he produced "a certified Extract from the Regimental Defaulters Book, &c, while the Extract itself is worded thus, "Extract from the Regimental Court Martial Book, &c."
It is very evident therefore that a clerical error has been committed by the Court, which may now be corrected by the word "defaulter" being obliterated, and those of Court Martial interlined, the President affixing his Initials to such obliteration and interlineation and afterwards passing a dry pen over his signature.
The Court ought to have required the Witness to assign his reasons for not producing the Court Martial Book itself, as, unless it could be made to appear that its production could occasion inconvenience to the Public Service, it would be irregular on the part of the Court to admit an Extract from it.
John Macdonald AG
Horse Guards
6th March 1845

p 406
Horse Guards
15th March 1845
Proceedings of District Court Martial returned, confirmed.
Private Michael Daniels, 4th Light Dragoons
I am commanded to observe to you that if the words indecent and disgusting had been added to those of "improper language" in the 2d Charge, it would have been more in accordance with the evidence addressed in support of it, and would have made the Charge appear to be of a much more serious character than, without reading the evidence, it now seems to be.
(to) Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons Ipswich.




WO 3/557 April 1845 - November 1845

p 10
Horse Guards
11th April 1845
Sir,
By desire of The Commander in Chief, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday, and to acquaint you, that His Grace had been pleased to approve of Private William Dempsey of the 4th Light Dragoons, being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial, for the Offences alleged against him.
I have &
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lt Colonel Daly
Commg 4th Light Dragoons Hounslow

p 28
Horse Guards
15th April 1845
Proceedings of District Court Martial returned, confirmed
Private William Dempsey, 4th Lt Dgns
(to) Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons Hounslow

p 45-46
Horse Guards
22 April 1845
Sir,
By desire of The Commander in Chief I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 21st Instant, and to acquaint you, that His Grace has been pleased to approve of Private Thomas Swabey (Swaby, No 1155) of the 4th Light Dragoons being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial upon the following Charges, namely: First "For having at Hounslow, on or about the 20th of April 1845, attempted to offer violence to Regimental Serjeant Major Wells, his Superior Officer, when in the execution of his Office." 2d Charge "For having at the time and place mentioned in the first Charge, used highly improper and disgusting language to Regimental Sergeant Major Wells, his Superior Officer, when in the execution of his Office."
I have &
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lt Colonel Daly
Cg 4th Liht Dragoons Hounslow

p 51
Horse Guards
29th April 1845
Proceedings of District Court Martial on Private Thomas Swabey, 4th Light Dragoons, returned, confirmed.
(to) Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons
Hounslow

p 223-224
Horse Guards
9th August 1845
President a Lt Colonel (Army Rank)
Members:
One Capt Coldstream Gds (Army Rank)
Two Captns of the 4th Lt Dragoons
Three Subalterns (Army Rank)
Sir,
The Commander in Chief having been pleased to approve of Serjeant Charles Osborn of the, of the 3rd Foot, being brought to Trial, at Windsor, before a District Court Martial, for misconduct alleged against him whilst on the Recruiting Service at Hungerford, Berkshire; I have the honor to request, by desire of His Grace, that you will assemble a Court Martial accordingly, to be composed of Officers as specified in the Margin.
The Officer commanding the 4th Light Dragoons has been instructed to direct the two Officers of the Regiment, selected by him for this duty, to communicate with you in regard to the day when the Trial can take place.
Lieutanant Mawney the Prosecutor on the occasion, will also communicate with you to the same purpose, in order to ascertain when he shall attend, with the Prisoner and his Witnesses.
The necessary Warrant for the Trial is herewith enclosed, in which you will be pleased to insert the name of the Officer appointed by you to be President of the Court. The Charges on which the Prisoner is to be arraigned are also enclosed.
I have &
John Macdonald AG
P.S. Be pleased to acknowledge the receipt hereof
(to) Officer Commanding
2nd Battalion Coldstream Gds, Windsor
p 224-225
Horse Guards
9th August 1845
Sir,
The Captains of the 4th Lt Dragoons being required as Members of a District Court Martial to be assembled at Windsor, I have the honor to signify the Command of the Commander in Chief, that you will nominate two Officers accordingly for the duty, instructing them to place themselves in correspondence with the Officer Commanding the Coldstream Guards at Windsor, who will inform them on what day the Court will be assembled. Be pleased to acknowledge the receipt hereof.
I have &
John Macdonald AG
(to) Officer Commanding
4th Lt Dragoons Hounslow

p 286
Horse Guards
28th August 1845
Major Parlby, (Lt) Adjt Lloyd, (Lt) Fraser
Sir,
By the Commander in Chief's desire, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 27th Instant, and to acquaint you that the Officers therein alluded to, belonging to the Regiment under your orders, are to obey the Summons which they have respectively received to attend as Witnesses on the Trial of Lieutenant Hyder of the 10th Hussars, and to return to their Quarters when their attendance on the General Court Martial shall be no longer required.
I have &
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lt Colonel Daly
Commanding 4th Lt Dragoon Hounslow

p 408
Horse Guards
15th Octbr 1845
Sir,
By The Commander in Chief's desire, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday's date, and to acquaint you that His Grace has been pleased to approve of Private William Thompson, of the 4th Light Dragoons, being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial, for the Offence alleged against him.
I have &
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lt Colonel Daly
Cg 4th Light Dragoons Hounslow

p 412-413
Horse Guards
17th Octbr 1845
Sir,
By The Commander in Chief's desire, I have the honor to direct your special attention to the following case, and to express His Grace's hope that you will cause such communication to be made to the Officer Commanding the 14th Light Dragoons as shall effectually prevent the repetition of so gross an irregularity.
It appears by the Return of Courts Martial received from the above Regiment for the Month of June last, that Serjeant Albert Costello was tried by Regimental Court Martial upon the following Charge found Guilty and sentenved to reduction to the Ranks, vizt. "For conduct unbecoming a Non Commissioned Officer in making use of language to a Man of the same Troop highly disrespectful to the memory of the late Regimental Serjeant Major, about 5PM in the 1st of June 1845, at Kirkee.
His Grace feels assured that Lieutenant Colonel Havelock could not have deliberately considered the Charge, and that had he so considered it, his long experience and good sense must have suggested to him that there was no Military Law, Principle Usage or Regulation to justify is dealing with it as a Crime calling for formal trial by a Court Martial. But whatever may have been the circumstances which caused the Lt. Colonel to overlook this irregularity, His Grace desires that you will be pleased to ascertain them forthwith, and to direct the immediate restoration of the Prisoner to his rank of Serjeant, if his conviction upon the above Charge has been the sole cause of his reduction to the Ranks, and no other cause appears in the Monthly Return alluded to.
I have &
John Macdonald AG
(to) General Sir Hugh Gough Kt GCB,
Bengal

p 421
Horse Guards
22 October 1845
Proceedings of District Court Martial returned, confirmed
Private William Thompson, 4th Light Dgns
Under all the circumstances of this Soldier's case and considering his long Service and general good character, as well as he fact that he did not sleep upon or leave his Post, and that the physical causes specified in his defence may have led to his sitting down on the bench alluded to, The Commander in Chief is pleased to pardon him, and to direct that he be forthwith restored to his duty.
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lt Colonel Daly
Cg 4th Light Dragoons
Hounslow

p 434
Horse Guards
27 Octbr 1845
Sir,
By The Commander in Chief's desire, I have the honor to acknowlede the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday's date, and to acquaint you that His Grace has been pleased to approve of Private William Gillingham, of the 4th Light Dragoons, being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial, on the following Charge: viz. For having been found asleep on his Post when Sentry in the Hospital at Hounslow Barracks on or about the Night of the 23rd of October 1845.
I have &
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lt Colonel Daly
Commg 4th Light Dragoons, Hounslow

p 436
Horse Guards
3rd Novbr 1845
Proceedings of District Court Martial returned, confirmed
Private William Gillingham, 4th Light Dgns
In consideration of the Character given to this Soldier by Lieutenant Woode, the Commander in Chief will be disposed hereafter to remit a portion of the Imprisonment awarded, on a recommendation from you, should the Prisoner's conduct during confinement merit such lenity being extended to him.
Lt Colonel Daly
4th Light Dragoons, Hounslow




WO 3/558 November 1845 - June 1846

p 26
Horse Guards
17th November 1845
Sir,
By The Commander in Chief's desire, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of Yesterday's date, and to acquaint you that His Grace has been pleased to approve of Private Clark Swinfen of the 4th Light Dragoons being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial, on the following Charge, namely, "For having, at Hampton Court, on the Night of the 13th November 1845, struck Serjeant Henry Jennings, his Superior Officer, when in the execution of his Office.
I have &
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lt Colonel Daly
Cg 4th Light Dragoons, Hounslow

p 36
Horse Guards
22nd Novbr 1845
Proceedings of District Courts Martial returned, confirmed...
Private Clark Swinfen, 4th Light Dragoons
Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons, Hounslow

p 41-42
Immediate
Horse Guards
26th Novbr 1845
1 Field Officers
1 Captain
2 Subalterns
Sir,
The Officers belonging to the Regiments, and of the rank specified in the Margin being required as Members of a General Court Martial to be assembled at Trowbridge at Eleven o'clock on Wednesday the 3d of December next, I have the honor to request by desire of The Commander in Chief, that you wll be pleased to order the Officer required to repair to Trowbridge accordingly and to report their arrival to Colonel Middleton, the President of the Court. Be pleased to acknowledge the receipt thereof.
I have &
John Macdonald AG
(to) Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons, Hounslow

p 82-83
Horse Guards
15th Decbr 1845
Sir,
By The Commander in Chief's desire I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 12th Instant, and to acquaint you, that His Grace has been pleased to approve of Private William Hill, of the 4th Light Dragoons, being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial, for the Offence alleged against him.
I have &
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lt Colonel Daly
Cg 4th Light Dragoons, Hounslow

p 104
Immediate
Horse Guards
22nd October 1845
Sir,
By the Commander in Chief's desire, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 18th Instant, accompanied by the Proceedings of a District Court Martial hold for the Trial of Private William Hill, of the 4th Light Dragoons, and to request that you will acquaint me for His Grace's information, why so long a period was allowed to lapse, between the commission of the Offence by the Prisoner on the 3rd of October, and his Trial on the 18th Instant.
I have &
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lt Colonel Daly
Comg 4th Lt Dragoons

p 108
Horse Guards
22nd December 1845
Proceedings of District Court Martial returned, confirmed,
Private William Hill, 4th Light Dragoons
(to) Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons, Hounslow

p 117
Horse Guards
29th Decbr 1845
(Note) res. 30
Sir,
By The Commander in Chief's desire I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 27th Instant, on behalf of Private William Gillingham, of the 4th Light Dragoons, a Prisoner under Sentence of a District Court Martial, and in reply, I am to acquaint you, that in consequence of what is stated by you, His Grace has been pleased to approve of the unexpired portion of the Imprisonment awarded to the Prisoner being remitted, and you will accordingly take the necessary steps for his release and restoration to duty, with a suitable admonition for his future guidance.
I have &
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lt Colonel Daly
Cg 4th Light Dragoons, Hounslow

p 187-188
Horse Guards
7th February 1846
4th Lt Dragoons
Privates Ballcock [sic], J. Eden
Sir,
By the Commander in Chief's desire I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of yesterday's date, and, to acquaint you, that His Grace has been pleased to approve of the Two Men named in the Margin being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial for the Offences alleged against them.
The Second Charge in the Case of Private Eden is to be a follows:-
2nd Charge - "For having, on the said 4th of February, approached Troop Sergeant James Carney, his Superior Officer in a threatening attitude with his clenched fist, and made use of threatening and abusive language to the said Troop Serjeant Major, by saying "you bugger, I will have it in for you some day or other" - and by calling the said Troop Serjeant Major a perjured Man, a villain, a robber, - or words to that effect, such conduct being insubordinate, and subversive of Military discipline, and good order."
In the second Charge against Private Allcock, it is not necessary to state the prices of the Articles of Necessaries made away with by him.
I have &
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lieut Colonel Parlby
Commanding 4th Dragoons, Hounslow

p 200-201
Horse Guards
13th February 1845
Memorandum
The District Court Martial held for the Trial of Private Jeremiah Eden and Robert Allcock of the 4th Light Dragoons, is reassembled, by order of The Commander in Chief in consequence of the Court having admitted as evidence in proof of former convictions against the Prisoners, the Regimental Defaulter Book, a Document not legally admissible for the above purpose.
The Court Martial Book is in all cases the primary evidence of previous convictions, and when such Book cannot be produced without inconveniences to the Service, the course to be adopted is clearly pointed out in the 21st Clause of the Mutiny Act, to which the Court is referred for information, and for guidance hereafter.
As therefore the previous convictions adduced on this occasion were not substantiated by legal proof, the Court will revise its Sentences, and in awarding punishment leave out of its consideration the evidence of previous convictions. One of the Sheets (p 11,12 Gen) of the Proceedings in the case of Private Allcock, is not in its proper place, and this error must be rectified, and wherever erasures or interlineations occur the President must affix his Initials thereto. After revision the Proceedings are to be returned, through the proper channel to this Department, for the further consideration of the Commander in Chief.
This Memorandum is to be attached to, and form part of the Proceedings.
I have &
John Macdonald AG
The usual L(ette)r enclosing the above to
Offiver Commanding
4th Light Dgns

p 220-221
Horse Guards
17th Febry 1846
Proceedings of District Court Matial returned, confirmed.
Private Robert Allcock, 4th Light Dragoons
The Proceedings of the District Court Martial in the case of Private Jeremiah Eden, which also accompanied your Letter, will be returned to you hereafter, and to which Proceedings when so returned, you will cause a Copy of the Memorandum containing Instructions for the Court in revision, to be attached as well as a Copy of the Letter of the President of the Court explaining the mistake that had been committed of having stated that it was the "Defaulters" instead of the Regimental Court Martial Book which was laid before the Court.
I have &
John Macdonald AG
(to) Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons, Hounslow

p 232
Horse Guards
18th February 1846
Proceedings of District Courts Martial returned, confirmed.
Private J. Eden, 4th Light Dragoons
(to) Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons
Hounslow

p 279-280
Horse Guards
12th March 1846
Sir,
By The Commander in Chief's desire, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the (blank) Instant, with its Enclosures, and to acquaint you, that His Grace has been pleased to approve of Private Michael Daniells, of the 4th Light Dragoons, being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial, for the Offences charged against him. I am to add, that when the Prisoner's Trial shall have taken place, the recommendation for his being discharged from the Service will be taken into consideration.
I have &
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lt Colonel Parlby
Cg 4th Light Dragoons, Hounslow

p 287-288
Immediate
Horse Guards
17th March 1846
Proceedings of District Court Martial returned, confirmed
Private M. Daniels, 4th Light Dragoons
I am directed by The Commander in Chief to desire that you will explain to the Court that it is only when a Soldier is convicted upon a Charge of Disgraceful Conduct that a Court Martial can recommend his discharge from the Service, and that on the present occasions the Court was not justified in submitted an recommendation of any sort that the Prisoner should be discharged, that being a question for your consideration
I have &
John Macdonald AG
(to) Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons, Hounslow

p 347-350
Horse Guards
21st April 1846
Sir,
I have the honor to receive and to submit to The Commander in Chief your Letter of the 7th Ultimo, and the Proceedings of the Regimental Court Martial held in the case of Corporal William Farmer of the Regiment under your Command and of which Captain Fane was President.
His Grace has perused these Proceedings with much surprise, and is unable to reconcile the Findings of the Court with the evidence recorded on its Minutes.
His Grace fully recognises the exclusive authority of a Court Martial to decide on the credit of the several Witnesses who appear before them, but when the concurrent testimony of a body of Witnesses is dismissed with discredit, some ground for the rejection ought to appear on the Proceedings, otherwise the Court labours under the supposition of having acted hastily if not arbitrarily.
It appears by the Finding of not Guilty that the Court has in this case branded three Witnesses, two of them Non Commissioned Officers, Men who could have had no motive in giving their evidence, except such as a sense of duty forced on them, with the serious imputations of having perjured themselves, on the uncorroborated testimony of an Associate of the Prisoner, a Man who having formed a part of the Escort, had an obvious interest in proving that neither Corporal Farmer nor his Prisoner were drunk, because if they were, he, the Witness, was liable to be punished for not having reported the Corporal's misconduct.
But even if the testimony in favor of the Prisoner had been drawn from as pure senses as that on the part of the Prosecution, still the Defence so manifestly contradicts itself that it raises a suspicious against the health of the evidence by which it was attempted to be supported. The fact that two of the Witnesses were called into the Orderly Room at Fort Clarence indicates that some disorder was taking place there which required their attendance, as it was impossible, therefore for Corporal Farmer to deny this, he attemps to account for it by stating that his Prisoner feigned drunkenness for the purpose of getting him, the Corporal, into trouble.
Now passing by the gross improbability that the three Witnesses could be deceived by this pretence of drunkenness, it is obvious that if the story were tried, the Corporal would instantly have exposed the deception attempted to be practised, especially as when by so doing he would have exculpated himself from the charge of having allowed his Prisoner to get drunk. In defiance, however, of the unimpeached testimony for the Prosecution the Court has thought fit to adopt the defence of the Prisoner, so palpably inconsistent, and to persist in their finding, notwithstanding you so properly gave them an opportunity of reconsidering it, and fairly and clearly pointing out to them the wide difference existing between the testimony given in support of the Prosecution, and the questionable sort of evidence addressed by the Prisoner.
I have &
John Macdonald AG
(to) Lt Colonel Parlby
Cg 4th Light Dragoons
Hounslow




WO 3/559 June 1846 - January 1847

No letters for 4LD who were in Ireland at this time.




WO 3/560 January 1847 - August 1847

No letters for 4LD who were in Ireland at this time.




WO 3/561 August 1847 - May 1848

No letters for 4LD who were in Ireland at this time.




WO 3/562 May 1848 - June 1849

No letters for 4LD who were in Ireland at this time.




WO 3/563 June 1849 - November 1850

p 461
Horse Guards
7th November 1850
4th Lt Dns
Private Henry Smith alias Henry Wherry
Sir,
It being understood that Serjeant James Aiken of the 7th Battalion of the Royal Artillery, now at Woolwich, is a necessary Witness for the prosecution of the Prisoner named in the Margin, before a District Court Martial for a fraudulent confession of Desertion, I have it in command to request, that you will be pleased to cause such steps to be taken, with the view to the above-named Serjeant repairing with as little delay as possible, to Dublin, for the purpose of giving evidence on the Prisoner's Trial
I have &
G(eorge) Brown AG
(to) Major General
Sir Hew D Ross KCB
Deputy Adjutant General of the Royal Artillery Woolwich




WO 3/564 November 1850 - May 1852

p 119
Horse Guards
3rd May 1851
Private John Boyle (Royls?)
Sir,
By the Return of Courts Martial, received from the 4th Light Dragoons for the month of March last, it appears that the Soldier named in the Margin was tried for Disgraceful conduct in having malingered, or feigned disease or infirmity by not performing correctly certain movements which he was ordered to go through, when being drilled on foot. As this is a very unusual charge, I have the honor to request, by the Commander in Chief's desire, that you will be pleased to favor me with the substance of any remarks which you may deem it expedient to make, when the Proceedings of the District Court Martial, in the case come before you.
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Right Honble The Judge Advocate General

p 124
Immediate
Horse Guards
9th May 1851
Private Henry Stewart 4th Lt Dns
My Lord,
By The Commander in Chief's desire, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's letter of the 7th Instant, and with reference to the Charge therein preferred against the man named in the margin, founded on an offence alleged to have been committed at Northwich, I am to request, that you will be pleased to ascertain whether, the attendance of Elizabeth O'Kell at Uxbridge, can be obtained, should the Trial by authorised, as His Grace apprehends that without her Evidence the case cannot be established against the Prisoner.
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Lt Colonel Lord George Paget
Comg 4th Light Dragoons
Uxbridge

p 125
Warrant
Horse Guards
12th May 1851
Sir,
By The Commander in Chief's desire, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th Instant, and to acquaint you, that His Grace has been pleased to approve of Private Henry Stewart of the 4th Light Dragoons, being brought to Trial, on the charge of Disgraceful conduct preferred against him, before a District Court Martial, and a Warrant to be addressed by you to the Officer who is to act as President of the Court is transmitted herewith.
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Major Halkett or Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons Uxbridge

p 127
Horse Guards
20th May 1851
Proceedings returned confirmed
Private John Johnson, 4th Light Dragoons
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons, Uxbridge

p 128
Horse Guards
15th May 1851
My Lord,
I have it in command to acquaint your Lordship, in reply to your communication under date 13th Instant, that The Commander in Chief approves of (No 1433) Private John Johnson of the 4th Light Dragoons, being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial, on the Charges preferred against him,
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Lt Colonel Lord George Paget or Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons Uxbridge

p 130
Horse Guards
21st May 1851
Sir,
In herewith returning to you the Proceedings of the District Court Martial, held for the Trial of Private Henry Stewart of the Regiment under your orders, which have been confirmed, I have the honor to acquaint you, that agreeably to the terms of the 36th Clause of the Mutiny Act, the Solitary confinement, that is to be part of the commited punishment / in the place of 25 Lashes of the Sentence), is to take effect under the direction oft he District Military Prison at Fort Clarence, within the first Three Months of the Sentence.
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons, Uxbridge
PS: You will be pleased to make the official application for the Discharge with Ignominy at the end of the first three Months Imprisonment.

p 145
Horse Guards
9th June 1851
Sir,
In consequence of a communication which has been received from the War Office, relative to Private Henry Stewart of the 4th Light Dragoons, who was recommended by the Court Martial which tried him to be discharged with Ignominy, I have the Commander in Chief's command to request, that you will, on receipt hereof, take steps with a view to his immediate removal from the Military Prison at Fort Clarence and recomittal to the Gaol at Maidstone, there to complete the remainder of his punishment.
I have G.A. Wetherall, Col: DAG
(to) Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons, Uxbridge

p 157
Horse Guards
17th June 1851
Sir,
With reference to your letter of the 29th Ultimo, I have the honor herewith to return to you, by The Commander in Chief's desire, the Proceedings of the District Court Martial in the cases of Privates Johnson and Stewart of the 4th Light Dragoons, and to express His Grace's thanks for your observations thereon, of which due Notice has been taken in a communication to the Offiecr Commanding that Regiment.
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Right Hon. The Judge Advocate General

p 158
Horse Guards
17th June 1851
4th Lt Dns
Private John Johnson, H Stewart
My Lord,
Referring to the cases of the two Soldiers of the Regiment under your Lordship's command, named in the Margin, the first of whom was convicted of "Disgraceful Conduct" in embezzling money entrusted to his charge by a Soldier of the Regiment, and the other, in stealing from the Landlady of his Billet, on the march of the Corps thorough Cheshire, I have it in command to intimate to you, that, altough the Proceedings have been approved and confirmed by The Commander in Chief, seeing that substantial justice has been done in both instances, yet, that it would have been more regular had John Johnson been charged with Theft; rather than embezzlement, under all the circumstances of the case, and that Henry Stewart should rather have been handed over to the Civil Power, than arraigned before a Military Tribunal, for the offences which he appears to have committed.
I have &c
G Brown AG
Lieut .Colonel
The Lord George Paget
Comg 4th Light Dragoons

p 166
Horse Guards
26th June 1851
Immediate
Warrant
My Lord,
By The Commander in Chief's desire, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's letter of yesterrday, and to acquaint you, that His Grace has been pleased to approve of Private John Shackle of the 4th Light Dragoons, being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial, for the offences alleged against him, and the usual warrant, for the President is transmitted herewith,
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Lieut Colonel Lord George Paget
Comg 4th Light Dragons,
Hampton Court Barracks

p 176
Horse Guards
3d July 1851
Proceedings returned, confirmed...
Private John Shackle, 4th Lt Dns
G.B(rown) AG
(to) Officer Commanding 4 Lt Dns
Hampton Court

p 198
Horse Guards
22d July 1851
My Lord,
By the Commander in Chief's desire, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Lordship's letter of this days date, and to acquaint you, that His Grace has been pleased to approve of Private Andrew Byrne of the 14th [sic] Light Dagoons, being brought to Trial before a Disrict Court Martial, for the offence charged against him, and a Warrant addressed to Captain Low, as President of the Court is transmitted herewith.
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Lt Colonel Lord George Paget
Comg 4th Light Dragoons
Hampton Court

p 199
Horse Guards
26th July 1851
Sir,
By The Commander in Chief's desire, I have the honor to refer to you, the accompanying Proceedings of a District Court Martial held yesterday, for the Trial of Private Andrew Byrne of the 4th Light Dragoons, and to request, that you will favor me, with your opinion, whether the charge of "Disgraceful Conduct" in this Case is substantiated, and whether you would advise His Grace to cause the Finding and Sentence of the Court, to be approved and confirmed, I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Right Hon. The Judge Advocate General

p 207
Horse Guards
28th July 1851
My Lord,
In herewith returning to your Lordship the Proceedings of the District Court Martial held for the Trial of Private Andrew Byrne of the 4th Light Dragoons, which have been confirmed by order of The Commander in Chief, I have the honor to transmit the copy of a letter from His Grace's Legal Advisor, having reference to the imperfect manner in which the Witnesses were examined, and to which the attention of the Officers who composed the Court must be directed for their future guidance.
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Lt Colonel Lord George Paget,
Comg 4th Light Dragoons, Hampton Court

p 230
Horse Guards
12th August 1851
Warrant
Sir,
By The Commander in Chief's desire, I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday and to acquaint you, that His Grace has been pleased to approve of Private Thomas Rodgers of the 4th Light Dragoons being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial for the offences alleged against him, and a Warrant addressed to Captain A. Low as President is transmitted herewith,
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Major Halkett
Comg 4th Lt Dns
Hampton Court Bks

p 237
Horse Guards
18th August 1851
The usual letter ordering the Court for the trial of Private J. Rodgers to reassemble.
G Brown AG
(to) Officer Commg
4th Light Dragoons, Hampton Court Barracks
Memorandum
The District Court Martial held for the trial of Private Thomas Rodgers, of the 4th light Dragoons is reassembled by order of the Commander in Chief, in consequence of the award of stoppages to make good the Articles of necessaries made away with not having been framed according to the provisions of the 33rd Clause of the Mutiny Act - and the attention of the Court is directed to the Circular Memorandum of the 9th of May 1851.
This Memorandum is to be attached to and form part of the Proceedings of the Court.
G. Brown AG
Horse Guards
18th August 1851
(to) Captain Low,
4th Dragoons
President of a District Court Ml
Hampton Court

p 238
Horse Guards 19th August 1851
Sir,
By the Commander in Chief's desire, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 17th Instant, and to acquaint you, that His Grace has been pleased to approve of Private Timothy Pake, of the 4th Light Dragoons, being brought to trial, for the offences alleged against him, before the District Court Martial of which Captain Low is the President.
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Major Halkett
Comg 4th Lt Dragoons
Hampton Court

p 241
4th Lt Dns: Pte Thos. Rodgers
Horse Guards
22nd August 1851
Revised Proceedings returned, confirmed
G. Brown AG
(to) Major Halkett
Comg 4th Light Dragoons
Hampton Court

p 243
Horse Guards
25th August 1851
Proeedings returned, confirmed
Private Timothy Pake, 4th Light Dragoons
You will perceive that the sentenvce of Imprisonment has been limited to "six months," or 168 days, with reference to the Circular recommendation of the Commander in Chief, under date 31st August 1845, and 9th May last, to which you will be pleased to direct the especial attention of future Courts Martial,
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Major Halkett
Comg 4th Light Dragoons
Hampton Court Barracks

p 270
Horse Guards
6th Sept 1851
Warrant
My Lord,
By The Commander in Chief's desire, I have the onor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's letter of the 4th Instant, and to acquaint you, that His Grace has been pleased to approve of Private David Thomas of the 4th Light Dragoons, being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial, for the offence alleged against him, and a Warrant addressed to Captain Brown, as President of the Court is transmitted herewith,
I have &c
G. A. Wetherall Col; DAG(to) Lt Colonel Lord George Paget
Comg 4th Dns

p 282
Horse Guards
13th Sept 1851
Proceedings returned, confirmed:
Private David Thomas, 4th Light Dns
G.A. Wetherall Col DAG
(to) Officer Commanding
4th Lt Dns
Hampton Court

p 323
Horse Guards
21st October 1851
Warrant
Charge
to be returned when the Proceedings of the Court are transmitted
Mr Lord,
By the Commander in Chief;s desire I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's letter of yesterday, and to acquaint you, that His Grace has been pleased to approve of Private William Seaton of the 4th Light Dragoons, being brought to Trial before a District Court Martial on the accompanying charge; and a Warrant, constituting the Court is herewith transmitted, addressed to Major Halkett as President
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Lieut Colonel Lord George Paget
Comg 4th Light Dragoons

p 328
Horse Guards,
28th October 1851
Immediate
Sir,
By The Commander in Chief's desire, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday, with its enclosures and to request that you will assemble a Garrison Court Martial, as you propose for the Trial of Private William Seaton of the 4th Light Dragoons, on the Charges of having been drunk when on duty under Arms, at Hounslow, on or about the 12th day of October 1851.
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Lieutenant General Sir Thos Dowman
HCH, Woolwich

p 345
Horse Guards,
8th November 1851
4th Light Dns
Private G. McGregor
Sir,
By The Commander in Chief's desire I have to honor to refer to you the accompanying Letter from Lieut. General Sir Thomas Dowman with its enclosure, and to request that you will favor me with your opinion, whether the offence imputed to the Prisoner named in the Margin, may legally be submitted to the cognizane of a Garrison (or District) Court Martial.
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Right Honble Judge Advocate General
Margin: Lt General Sir Thos Dowman 6th Nov

p 353
Horse Guards
14th November 1851
4th Lt Dns: Private Geo Macgregor
Sir,
The Commander in Chief, having been pleased to cause the subject of your letter of the 6th Instant to be referred to His Grace's responsible legal advisor, I have now the honor to transmit to you a letter which has been received from that authority, and to request that you will exercise the discretion vested in you, by the Articles of War, of causing Private George MacGregor of the 4th Light Dragoons, to be brought to Trial on the charges, as prepared by Sir David Dundas, either before a District or Garrison Court Martial, as you may prefer. Be pleased to return the letter and Charges to this Department,
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Lieut General Sir Thos Dowman JLCH
Woolwich
Margin:
Sir D. Dundas, 14th Nov Charges
Offr Comg 4th Drgns 5 Novr.

p 375
Horse Guards
22nd December 1851
4th Lt Dns: Private Geo McGregor, tried at Woolwich on 20th Novr 1851 and two others
Sir,
In herewith returning to you, with the Commander in Chief's thanks, the Proceedings of three District Courts Martial which accompanied your letter of the 19th Inst. I have the honor to acquaint you, that the large amount of Imprisonment in two of these Cases has not been overlooked at this Department on their coming under His Grace's review in the Returns of Courts Martial;...
With regard to the Case of Private George McGregor of the 4th Light Dragoons I am directed to acquaint you, that The Commander in Chief considers the offence of which that Prisoner was convicted was of a very aggravated nature; amd therefore not coming within the meaning of the Circular Memorandu of the 9th of May last.
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Right Hon The Judge Advocate General

p 493
Horse Guards
5th May 1852
Immediate
Sir,
Referring to your letter of the 1st Instant wherein it is stated that "the Regiment is not in possession of any old Warrant for convening 6 District Courts Martial," I have the honor to acquaint you, that the Warrant alluded to in my letter of the 30th Ultimo, transmitting the Warrant for the present year, is doubtless, in possession of the Officer Commanding the 2d Dragoon Guards, which Regiment occupied the Quarter previously; and I am to request, that you will accordingly place yourself in communication with him that you may be enabled to comply with the order conveyed to you.
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Major Halkett,
Comg 4th Light Dragoons
Ipswich




WO 3/565 May 1852 - August 1853

p 4
Horse Guards
10th May 1852
4th Lt Dns, Private John Royls
Ipswich 9th May 1852
Sir,
By the Commander in Chief's desire, I have the honor to refer to you the accompanying charges preferred against the man named in the Margin, and to request that you will favor me with your opinion whether the said charges are in fit shape for investigation before a General Court Martial.
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Right Hon. The Judge Advocate General

p 4
Horse Guards
10th May 1852
Sir
By The Commander in Chief's desire I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday, and to acquaint you that His Grave has been pleased to approve of Private John Royls 4th Light Dragoons, being brought to Trial before a General Court Martial to be assembled in the Garrison of Chatham, and I am to request that you will hold the Prisoner and Witnesses in immediate readiness to proceed to Chatham, on receiving a requisition to that effect from the officiating Judge Advocate.
Be pleased to acknowledge the receipt thereof,
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Major Halkett
Comg 4th Light Dragoons, Ipswich

p 5
Horse Guards
10th May 1852
4th Light Dns, Private John Royls
Sir,
The Commander in Chief having been pleased to decide that the man named in the margin shall be sent to Chatham with a view to his being brought to Trial before a General Court Martial, I have the honor to request, that you will furnish me with the usual detail of Officers to compose the Court, when a Warrant, together with the Charges will be transmitted to you.
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Colonel Beresford,
Chatham

p 9
Horse Guards
14th May 1852
4th Lt Dns: Private John Royls
Sir,
A General Court Martial of which Lt Colonel John McArthur of the Royal Marines is to be the President, having been ordered to be assembled at Chatham for the Trial of the man named in the Margin, I have the honor to request by The Commander in Chief's desire, that you will be pleased to authorise a person to officiate as Judge Advocate to the said Court.
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Right Hon. The Judge Advocate General

p 12
Horse Guards
18th May 1852
Proceedings returned confirmed.
Private J. Fisher, 4th Light Dragoons
G Brown AG
(to) Offr Comg 4th Lt Dns,
Ipswich

p 15
Horse Guards
20th May 1852
Sir,
By The Commander in Chief's desire, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday, with its enclosure, and to acquaint you, that His Grace has been pleased to approve of Serjeant Thomas Bell of the 4th Light Dragoons being brought to Trial before a Regimental Court Martial for the offence alleged against him.
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Major Halkett
Comg 4th Lt Dragoons
Ipswich

p 28
Horse Guards
8th June 1852
Sir
By The Commander in Chief's desire, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday, with its enclosure (herewith returned), and to acquaint you, that His Grace has been pleased to approve of Private William Land of the 4th Light Dragoons being brought to Trial as you propose, before a Regimental Court Martial, on the charge preferred against him.
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Major Halkett
Comg 4 Lt Dns
Ipswich

p 35
Horse Guards
16th June 1852
Proceedings returned, confirmed
Private H. Smith, 4th Light Dragoons
You will perceive that the Imprisonment to be undergone has been limited to 84 days.
G Brown AG
(to) Major Halkett
Comg 4th Lt Dns,
Ipswich

p 46
Horse Guards
30th June 1852
Proceedings returned confirmed
Private J Palin 4th Light Dragns
The Commander in Chief has been pleased to limit the Imprisonment with Hard Labor awarded the Prisoner to 56 days.
G Brown AG
(to) Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragns.
Ipswich

p 50
Horse Guards
7th July 1852
4th Lt Dns, Private John Royls
Sir,
By the Commander in Chief's desire, I have the honor to request that you will cause the Finding and Sentence of the General Court Martial together with the Charges as contained in the accompanying Memorandum to be promulgated in the usual manner. You will then be pleased to refuse the enclosure with your Report accordingly.
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) The Commandant at Chatham

p 52
Horse Guards
13th July 1852
Proceedings returned confirmed
Private George Robinson 4th Lt Dns
G A Wetherall DAGv (to) Officer Comg
4th Light Dragoons
Ipswich

p 65
Horse Guards
21st July 1852
Proceedings returned confirmed
Private Robert Alcock 4th Lt Dns
G Brown AG
(to) Officer Commanding
at Ipswich

p 100
Horse Guards
17th Augt 1852
Proceedings returned confirmed
Private J Whitby 4th Lt Dragns
You will be pleased to the President that whenever the Court abstains from sentencing the offender to be marked with the Letter D the reasons which have led them to omit this, are to be stated in a separate letter attached to the Proceedings; and direct him accordingly to repair the omission. When a Prisoner is sentenced to Stoppages the words "agreeably to (the) 33d Clause of the Mutiny Act" should follow.
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Offr Commanding
4th Light Dragoons
Ipswich

p 117
Horse Guards
9th September 1852
4th Lt Dns: No 1337 Pte Timy Pake and another
Sir,
By desire of the Commander in Chief I have the honor to refer to you the accompanying papers, and to request that you will favor me with your opinion whether the charges preferred against the men named in the margin, are in a fit state for investigation before a General Court Martial.
I have the honor also to request that you will be pleased to appoint a person to officiate as Deputy Judge Advocate to the Court about to be held at Canterbury.
I have &c
G A Wetherall DAG
(to) The Rt Hon. the Deputy Judge Advicate General
PS: The Commander in Chief considers of the 2nd Bn Rifle Bde as a suitable Offr for the performance of the duty of Deputy Judge Advocate General

p 118
Horse Guards
9th September 1852
No 1337 Private Timy Pake 4th Lt Dns
Sir,
The Commander in Chief, (ha)ving been pleased to approve of the man named in the Margin being sent to Chatham for the purpose of being brought to Trial before a General Court Martial, I have the honor to request, by desire of His Grace, that you will cause him to be arraigned before the Court of which Colonel Kelly of the Provisional Battalion is President, as soon as you shall have received the Charges preferred against the Prisoner, and which have been submitted to the Judge Advocate General for his revision preoparatory to Trial.
Should the Court of which Colonel Kelly was President have been dissolved, you will be pleased to furnish me with the usual detail of Officers proposed to form the Court, when the necessary Warrant will be sent to you.
I have &c
G.A. Wetherall DAG
(to) The Commandant at Chatham.

p 119
Horse Guards
9th September 1852
1337 Pte Timy Pake, 4th Lt Dns
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th Inst. with its enclosure, and to say, that the Commander in Chief, has been pleased to approve of the man named in the margin, being brought to Trial before a General Court Martial assembled at Chatham and I am to desire, that you will accordingly take the necessary steps, with a view to the Prisoner being sent to Chatham under proper Escort.
You will of course hold the Witnesses in immediate readiness to proceed to Chatham where their attendance is required and enable one of them to depose to former Convictions on the Trial.
I have &c
G A Wetherall DAG
(to) Officer Commanding
4th Light Dragoons
Ipswich

p 133
Horse Guard
25th Septr 1852
Letter from Lt Colonel Lord Geo Paget.
Pte H Smith in 4th Lt Dns
Sir,
By desire of the Lt Genera Commander in Chief I have the honor to request that you will favor me with your opinion whether the Charge contained in the accompanying paper is in fit shape for investigation before a General Court Martial.
I have &cv G A Wetherall DAG
(to) Right Hon. The Judge Advocate Genl.

p 134
Horse Guards
28th Septr 1852
Sir,
The Lt General Commanding in Chief has been pleased to approve of Private Henry Smith of the 4th Light Dragoons being sent to Chatham with a niece to his Trial before a General Court Martial on charges which will be prepared against him, I have the honor to request that you will furnish me with the proposed detail of offrs to compose the Court, - when a warrant constituting the Court & the Charge or Charges for Trial will be sent to you.
I have &c
G A Wetherall DAG
(to) Colonel Beresford
Chatham

p 188
Horse Guards
20th November 1852
Proceedings returned, confirmed
Private John Sullivan 4th Light Dns.
The General Commanding in Chief has been pleased to remit one half of the Imprisonment awarded the Prisoner. I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Officer Commanding at Ipswich

p 198
Horse Guards
30th Novr 1852
4th Lt Dns: Private Isaiah Denham
Lt Genl Leed / Geo Paget, 29 Novr
Sir,
The General Commanding in Chief having been pleased to approve of the man named in the Margin being brought to Trial before a General Court Martial, I have the honor to transmit to you the accompanying charge and to request, that you will favor me with your opinion wheher the said Charge is in fit shape for investigation by such Court.
I have &
G Brown AG
(to) Right Hon. The Judge Advocate General

p 200
Horse Guards
30th Novr 1852
My Lord,
By the General Commanding in Chief's desire, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's letter of yesterday, and to acquaint you that Viscount Hardinge has been pleased to approve of Private Isaiah Denham of the 4th Light Dragoons being brought to Trial before a General Court Martial, for the offence alleged against him.
I am accordingly to request that Your Lordship will hold the Prisoner in immediate readiness to proceed to Chatham, in which Garrison it is intended that a General Court Martial shall be assembled for his Trial as soon as you shall receive from the Officiating Judge Advocate due notice of the day, fixed for the assembly of the Court, and you will be pleased to appoint a competent person to give evidence as to the Prisoner's former convictions in the manner directed in the 16th Clause of the Mutiny Act.
I have &
G Brown AG
(to) Lt Colonel Lord George Paget
Commg 4th Lt Dns, Ipswich
PS Be pleased to acknowledge the unique hereof

p 201
Horse Guards
30th Novr 1852
Sir,
The General Commanding in Chief, having been pleased to direct that Private Isaiah Denham of the 4th Light Dragoons shall be sent to Chatham with a view to his Trial before a General Court Martial, I have it in command to request that you will furnish me with the detail of Officers proposed, by you, to form the Court, when the usual warrant together with the Charge for Trial will be sent to you,.
The Officer Commanding the Regiment has been instructed to hold the Prisoner and Witnesses in immediate readiness to proceed (from Ipswich) to Chatham, are receiving the usual Summons from the Officiating Judge Advocate of the Court to that effect.
I have &
G Brown AG
(to) Colonel Beresford
Chatham

p 212
Horse Guards
4th December 1852
Warrant, Charge
Sir,
By the General Commanding in Chief's desire, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday, with its enclosure and to transmit to you a warrant constituting the General Court Martial of which Colonel Willes of the Royal Marines to be the President for the Trial of Private Isaiah Denham of the 4th Light Dragoons on the accompanying charges, as amended by His Lordship's legal advisor.
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Colonel Beresford
Chatham

p 216
Horse Guards
6th December 1852
Immediate
4th Light Dns: Private Timy Pake, Private Hy Smith and one other, 69th Regt
(Miles Seeby) 6 Decr 1852
Sir,
I have the General Commanding in Chief's command to desire that the charges finding and Sentence as set forth in the enclosures in the cases of the Three men named in the margin may be promulgated in the usual manner, and that when this shall have been done the enclosures be returned to this Department.
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Colonel Bereford
Chatham

p 217
Horse Guards
6th Decr 1852
Proceedings returned, confirmed
Pte He Pope, 4th Light Dragoons
G Brown AG
(to) Offr Commanding
4th Light Dragoons
Ipswich

p 241
Horse Guards
31st Decr 1852
Sir,
By the General Commanding in Chief's desire, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th Inst., with its enclosure, and to acquaint you, that in consideration of the circumstances therein stated, His Lordship has been pleased to approve of Private Thomas Hutton of the 4th Light Dragoons, being brought to Trial before a Regimental Court Martial on the accompanying charges.
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Major Halkett
Comg 4th Kt Dns
Ipswich

p 407
Horse Guards
14th June 1853
Sir,
Having had the honor to lay before the General Commanding in Chief, your letter of the 12th Instant with its enclosure, I have it in command to acquaint you, that under the circumstances therein stated, and in compliance with your recommendation, His Lordship is pleased to approve of Private Henry Lees of the 4th Light Dragoons being brought to Trial before a Regimental Court Martial on the Charge preferred against him.
I have &c
G Brown AG
(to) Major Halkett
or Offr Comg
4 Lt Dns
Ipswich




WO 3/566 September 1835 - March 1855

p 133
Horse Guards
22nd Feby 1854
Charges & Sum(mar)y of evidence
Sir,
By The General Commanding in Chief's desire, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of of [sic] 21st Inst. and to acquaint you in reply, that His Lordship has been pleased to accede to your request, that Private Thomas Lucas of the 4th Lt Dns may be brought to trial on the chathes preferred against him before a Regimental Court Martial to be assembled at Brighton.
His Lordship also approves of a Captain being sent to Brighton to act as President of the Court.
I have &c
G A Wetherall DAG
(to) Offr Comg 4 Lt Dns,
Canterbury

p 185
Horse Guards
3d May 1854
Pte W Withers, 4th L Dragoons
Proceedings of a District Court Martial returned, confirmed, but the General Commanding in Chief has been pleased to remit the Corporal Punishment awarded and does not approve of that part of the Sentence, which adjudged forfeiture of all claim to additional pay &c &c His Lordship also does not comply with the recommendation of the Court that the Prisoner be discharged with ignominy there being no former convictions against the Prisoner.
I have &c R.B. Wood DAG
(to) The Officer Commanding
Canterbury

p 190
Horse Guards
12th May 1854
Sir,
By the General Commanding in Chief's desire, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th Instant, and to acquaint you, that His Lordship approves of a Captain of the Regiment under your command proceeding to Brighton to sit as President of a Regimental Court Martial, for the trial of Corporal George Gowings of the 4th Light Dragoons.
I have &c
R.B. Wood AAG
(to Major Halket
Commanding 4th Light Dragoons
Canterbury

p 233
Horse Guard
6 July 1854
4 Lt Dragoons: Corporal P Riordan
My Lord,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's letter of the 5th Instant and to acquaint you in reply, that the General Commanding in Chief approves of one Captain and one Subaltern of the 4th Light Dragoons proceeding to Exeter, for the purpose of sitting on the trial, by Regimental Court Martial of the Non Commissioned Officer named in the margin, which is about to be held at that place.
I have &c
R.B. Wood AAG
(to) Lt Colonel Lord George Paget,
Commanding 4th Light Dragoons
Dorchester

p 233
Horse Guards
7th July 1854
My Lord
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's letter of the 5th instant and to acquaint you in reply that the General Commanding in Chief is pleased to approve of Private William Withers of the 4th Light Dragoons being released from confinement in the Military Prison at Gosport; the remainder of his term of Imprisonment being remitted, in order that he may be embarked for foreign Service in accordance with your Lordship's recommendation, I have &c
R.B. Wood AAG
(to) Lt Colonel Lord George Paget
Commg 4th Light Dragoons
Dorchester

p 363
Horse Guards
20th November 1854
Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 17th Instant and to acquaint you in reply that the General Commanding in Chief is pleased to approve of Private John Humphries of the 4th Light Dragoons being brought to trial by District Court Martial, upon the enclosed charge.
I have &c
G A Wetherall DAG
(to) Officer Commanding
Cavalry Depot, Brighton

p 365
Horse Guards
2nd of November 1854
4 L Dragoons: Private John Humphries
Proceedings of a District Court Martial returned confirmed . It haing been intimated to the General Commanding in Chief by the Secretary at War, that there is no longer any probability of the Military Prison at Fort Clarence being overcrowded, prisoners may now be sent to that establishment as heretofore.
I have &c
R.B. Wood AAG
(to) Officer Commanding at Brighton

p 368
Horse Guards
30 Novr 1854
Charge, Warrant, Sent 1/12 WT
Sir,
By direction of the Genl Commg in Chief I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 17 & 29th Inst. and to acquaint you in reply that his Lordship is pleased of Pte Wm Godwin of the 4 Light Dragoons being brought to trial by District Court Martial upon the enclosed.
I enclose a warrant to be addressed by you to the officer who is to act as President of the Court.
I have &c
G.A. Wetherall DAG
(to) Officer Commg at Brighton

p 372
HG 6 December 1854
Private Wm Goodwin: 4th Light Dns
Proceedings of a District Court Martial returned confirmed.
R B Wood AAG
(to) Officer Commanding at Brighton

p 380
Horse Guards
18th Decr 1854
Charges, Warrant
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 11th Instant, and to acquaint you in reply that the General Comg in Chief is pleased to approve of Private John Browning of the 4th Lt Dragoons being brought to trial by District Court Martial, upon the enclosed charges.
I enclose a Warrant, to be addressed by you to the Officer who is to act as President of the Court,
I have &c
R B Wood, AAG
(to) Officer Comg at Brighton

p 381 or 385
Horse Guards
16 December 1854
4 Lt Dragoons, Privates J Purcell, Al(fre)d Pearce
Proceedings of a District Court Martial returned, confirmed.
James Simpson DAG
(to) Officer Commanding at Brighton

p 386
Horse Guards
23 Decr 1854
Sir,
I have the honor to acquaint you in reply to your letter of the 22nd Instant that the Genl Commg in Chief approves of Deserter Recruit George Purser of the 4th L Dragoons being allowed to enter upon his duty, receiving however a suitable caution as to his conduct for the time to come.
I have &c
James Simpson DAG
(to) Officer Commg
Cavalry Depot, Brighton

p 390
Horse Guards
27 December 1854
Warrant, Charges
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23d Instant, and to acquaint you in reply that the General Commanding in Chief approves of Private John Baker of the 4th Light Dragoons being brought to trial by District Court Martial upon the enclosed charges.
I enclose a Warrant to be addressed by you to the Officer who is to act as President of the Court.
I have &c
R B Wood
(to) Officer Commanding at Brighton

p 393
H.G 27 December 1854
4 L Dns, Private John Browning
Proceedings of a District Court Martial returned, confirmed
R B Wood AAG
(to) Officer Commanding at Brighton

p 396
H.G. 1 January 1855
Pte J Baker No 384 4 L Dns
Proceedings returned, confirmed
I am at the same time directed to point out to you that the charge on which Private J. Baker has been convicted is one which should have been submitted to the minor tribunal of a Detachment or Regimental Court Martial.
R B Wood AAG
(to) Officer Commanding
Cavalry Depot Brighton

p 464
Horse Guards
28 February 1855
4th Light Dns, Private John Browning, John Baker
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th Instant, and to acquaint you in reply, that the General Commanding in Chief approves of the Prisoners named in the margin being released from the Military Prison at Fort Clarence, with a view to their being embarked for the East.
A Route will be sent to you from the Quarter Master General for the march of the prisoners, (under proper escort), from Fort Clarence to the Cavalry Depot Brighton.
I have &c
G A Wetherall AG
(to) The Commandant
Cavalry Depot (Brighton)

p 473
Horse Guards, 7th March 1855
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 6th Instant, I have the General Commanding in Chief commands to acquaint you, that His Lordship is pleased to approve of Deserter Recruit William Avery of the 4th Light Dragoons, being allowed to enter upon his duty without trial, - receiving, however, a suitable caution as to his conduct for the future.
I have &c
G A Wetherall AG
(to) Lt Colonel Blyth
Comg Cavalry Depot, Brighton




WO 3/567 March 1855 - June 1856

p 21
Sealed Packet
HG 26 March 1855
Usual letter ordering the Court to reassemble for the trial of No 3154 Bombardier John Rowbottom 7th Battn Royal Artillery.
R P Douglas AAG
(to) Officer Commanding at Brighton

Horse Guards 26 March 1855
Memorandum
The District Court Martial held for the trial of Bombardier John Rowbottom of the Royal Artillery is reassembled by order of the General Commanding in Chief who has to observe, that all documents, produced in evidence before the Court, must be appended to the proceedings, either in original, or copies thereof, duly certified by the president.
This Memorandum is to be attached to, and form part of the proceedings of the Court.
G.A. Wetherall AG
(to) Captain Ellis
4 Light Dragoons
President of a District Court Martial, Brighton

p 33
(Margin) (Entered) in Error
H Gds 10th April 1855
Sir,
I have the honor to acquaint you in reply to your letter of the 9th Instant that the Gen. Com in Chef is pleased to approve of deserter Recruit Wm. Hy. Howith of the 4th Lt Dragoons, being allowed... (not completed)

p 105
Horse Guards
22d June 1855
(Margin) Sent 23
4th Lt Dragoons
No 1664 Private Edgar Thurston
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 19th Instant, I have the honor to acquaint you, that the General Commanding in Chief is pleased to approve of the man named in the margin, being brought to trial by Regimental Court Martial, upon the enclosed charge, as requested by you.
I have &c
R P Douglas AAG
(to) Officer Commanding at Brighton
p 150
Horse Guards
Charges
Warrant

Sent 4
3rd August 1855
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 30th Ultimo, and to acquaint you in reply, that the General Commanding in Chief is pleased to approve of Private George Thompson of the 4th Light Dragoons, being brought to trial, by District Court Martial, upon the enclosed charges.
I have &c
R P Douglas
(to) Officer Commanding, Brighton
PS: I enclose a Warrant which you will be pleased to address to the officer who is the act as president of the Court.

p 159
Pressing
Horse Guards
8th August 1855
Sent 8
1 Field Officer as President
1 Subaltern as Member
Sir,
By the General Commanding in Chief's direction I have the honor to request, that you will be pleased to detach two officers of the rank as per margin, to Brighton, to sit there upon a District Court Martial which is about to assemble for the trial of Private George Thompson of the 4th Light Dragoons.
I have &c
R P Douglas AAG
(to) Officer Commanding at Canterbury

p 164
Horse Guards
11th Aug 1855
Sent 8
4th Lt Dns
Private Geo Thompson
Proceedings returned confirmed.
I have it in command to acquaint you that a letter should have accompanied the transmission of these proceedings.
I have &c
John W Reynolds DAAG
(to) Officer Commanding
Brighton

p 166
Horse Guards
13th Aug 1855
Sent 14
3rd Lt Dragoons Private Geo Woodward
4th Lt Dragoons Private Richard Wood, Private Geo Marshall
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th Instant, and to acquaint you in reply, that The General Commanding in Chief is pleased to approve of the men named in the margin, being brought to trial by District Court Martial upon the enclosed charges.
I have &
R P Douglas AAG
(to) Officer Commanding Troops, Hounslow

p 173
Horse Guards
21st Aug 1855
Charge
Sent 23
Sir,
By direction of the General Commanding in Chief I have the honor to acquaint you that The General Commanding in Chief, approves of Private George Tostivin of the 4th Light Dragoons, being brought to trial, by District Court Martial, upon the enclosed charge.
I enclose a Warrant, which you will be pleased to address to the Officer, who is to act as President of the Court. I have &c
R P Douglas AAG
(to) Officer Commanding, Brighton

p 176
Horse Guards
23rd August 1855
Sent 24
4th Lt Dns
Privates Richard Wood & No 1742 George Marshall
3rd Lt Dragns
No 2059 Geo Woodward
Proceedings returned confirmed.
R P Douglas AAG
(to) Officer Commanding
Hounslow

p 178 A bit missed here...
PS: I have the honor to request, that the Officers required upon this occasion proceed on Monday next to Brighton, as another Prisoner, vizt Private Tostevin of the 4th Light Dragoons, is awaiting trial by Court Martial
R P Douglas AAG

p 178-179
Horse Guards
24th August 1855
17th Lancers, Robt Read
Sent 25
1 Field Officer
1 Captain
1 Lieutenant
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 23rd Instant, and to acquaint you in reply, that the General Commanding in Chief is pleased to approve of the man named in the margin, being brought to trial, by District Court Martial upon the enclosed Charges.
I enclose a Warrant to be addressed by you to the officer who is to act as President of the Court, and have the honor to inform you, that the Officer Commanding at Canterbury has been directed to detach to Brighton the number of Officers specified in the margin, required to complete the Court, before which the prisoner is to be arraigned.
I have &c
R P Douglas AAG
(to) Officer Commanding at Brighton
PS The Officers required upon this occasion have been ordered to proceed to Brighton on Monday next in order that Private Tostevin's trial may take place, as requested in your letter of the 24th Instant just received.
R P Douglas AAG

p 186
Horse Guards
30th August 1855
Immediate
Charge
Warrant
4th Lt Dns
Private David Deall
Sent 30
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 29th Instant, and to acquaint you in reply, that the General Commanding in Chief is pleased to approve of the prisoner named in the margin, being brought to trial, by District Court Martial, upon the enclosed charge.
I enclose a Warrant, which you will be pleased to address to the officer, who is to act as president of the Court. You will be pleased to order the officers detailed from Canterbury, on Court Martial duty, to remain at Brighton for the trial of this prisoner.
I have &c
R P Douglas AAG
(to) Officer Commanding
Brighton

p 189
Horse Guards
1st Sept 1855
Sent 3
4th Lt Dragoons
Private John Bate
Proceedings returned confirmed
R P Douglas AAG
(to) Officer Commanding, Hounslow

p 19
Horse Guards
1st September 1855
Sent 3
4th Lt Dns
Private Geo Tostevin
17th Lancers
Private Robert Read
Proceedings returned confirmed - in the case of Tostevin, two months' Imprisonment, remitted.
I have &c
R P Douglas AAG
(to) Officer Commanding, Brighton

p 192
Horse Guards
4th Sept 1855
Sent 5
No 1810 Pte Dd Deall
Proceedings returned confirmed
I have &c
R P Douglas AAG
(to) Officer Commanding, Brighton

p 207- 208
To whom sent - OC Cavy Dep Brighton
Date of Application - 4 Oct 1855
Date of Authority - 8 Oct 1855
Regiment - 4 Lt Dns
Rank and Name of Soldier - (Private) William Smith
Whether a Warrant is sent - Sent
Remarks, Charges &c - Desertion
Signature - ditto

p 207- 208
To whom sent - OC Brighton
Date of Application - 20 Oct 1855
Date of Authority - 22 Oct 1855
Regiment - 4th Lt Dns
Rank and Name of Soldier - (Private) Benjamin Pullen
Whether a Warrant is sent - Sent
Remarks, Charges &c - Desertion & making away with necessaries
Signature R P Douglas

p 209-210
To whom sent - OC Cavy Dep Brighton
Date of Application - 30 Oct 1855
Date of Authority - 5 Nov 1855
Regiment - 4th Lt Dns
Rank and Name of Soldier - Pte Stephen Heritage
Whether a Warrant is sent - Sent
Remarks, Charges &c - Drunk on Duty
Signature - J W Reynolds

To whom sent - OC Tower of London
Date of Application - 5 Nov 1855
Date of Authority - 6 Nov 1855
Regiment - 54th Foot (s/be 4LD)
Rank and Name of Soldier - Pte John Bate
Whether a Warrant is sent - Sent
Remarks, Charges &c - Desertion & making away with necesssaries
Signature - J W Reynolds

To whom sent - OC Brighton
Date of Application - _ Nov 1855
Date of Authority - 8 Nov 1855
Regiment - 4th Lt Dragoons
Rank and Name of Soldier - Pte Fras Edwards
Whether a Warrant is sent - Sent
Remarks, Charges &c - Desertion
Signature - J W Reynolds

To whom sent - OC Brighton
Date of Application - 14 Nov 1855
Date of Authority - 15 Nov 1855
Regiment - 4th Lt Dns
Rank and Name of Soldier - Pte Robert Hay
Whether a Warrant is sent - Sent
Remarks, Charges &c - Desertion
Signature - J W Reynolds

To whom sent - OC Brighton
Date of Application - 28 Nov 1855
Date of Authority - 29 Nov 1855
Regiment - 4th Lt Dns
Rank and Name of Soldier - Private R. Roberts
Whether a Warrant is sent - Sent
Remarks, Charges &c - Asleep on his Post
Signature - J W Reynolds

To whom sent - OC Brighton
Date of Application - 28 Nov 1855
Date of Authority - 1 Dec 1855
Regiment - 4th Lt Dns
Rank and Name of Soldier - Private Thos Britton
Whether a Warrant is sent - Sent
Remarks, Charges &c - Disobedience
Signature - R P Douglas

To whom sent - OC Brighton
Date of Application - 25 Dec 1855
Date of Authority - 26 Dec 1855
Regiment - 4th Lt Dns
Rank and Name of Soldier - Private J Leeson
Whether a Warrant is sent - Sent
Remarks, Charges &c - Desertion
Signature - R P Douglas

p 211-12
To whom sent - OC Brighton
Date of Application - 5 Jany 1856
Date of Authority - 8 Jany 1856
Regiment - 4th Lt Dns
Rank and Name of Soldier - Private James Carroll
Whether a Warrant is sent - Sent
Remarks, Charges &c - Desertion
Signature - R P Douglas

To whom sent - OC Brighton
Date of Application - 9 Feb 1856
Date of Authority 11 Feb 1856
Regiment - 4th Lt Dns
Rank and Name of Soldier - Private C Burns
Whether a Warrant is sent - Sent
Remarks, Charges &c - Desertion and loss of necessaries
Signature - R P Douglas

To whom sent - OC Brighton
Date of Application - _ Feb 1856
Date of Authority - 29 Feb 1856
Regiment - 4th Lt Dns
Rank and Name of Soldier - Private J Flynn
Whether a Warrant is sent - Sent
Remarks, Charges &c - Desertion
Signature - R P Douglas

To whom sent - OC Brighton
Date of Application - 24 Mar 1856
Date of Authority - 25 Mar 1856
Regiment - 4th Lt Dragns
Rank and Name of Soldier - Private J Bancroft
Whether a Warrant is sent - Sent
Remarks, Charges &c - Drunk on Duty.
PS: You will be pleased to order an officer from Canterbury (if required) to form the Court
Signature - R P Douglas

p 213-214
To whom sent - OC Brighton
Date of Application - 30 Mar 1856
Date of Authority - 1 Apr 1856
Regiment - 4th Lt Dns
Rank and Name of Soldier - Private George Hughes
Whether a Warrant is sent - Sent
Remarks, Charges &c - Stealing a watch
Signature - R O Douglas

To whom sent - OC Brighton
Date of Application - 16 Apr 1856
Date of Authority - 17 Apr 1856
Regiment - 4th Lt Dns
Rank and Name of Soldier - Private Thomas Ogborn (Ogburn)
Whether a Warrant is sent - Sent
Remarks, Charges &c - Desertion
Signature - W F Forster

p 222
Horse Guards
8th October 1855
Sent 9
3rd Lt Dragoons: Pte Jas Cusick
4th Lt Dragoons: Pte Wm Holloway
Proceedings returned confirmed - in the case of Cusick, Letter D remitted, he being marked already. A district intimation of the remission of the letter D should be made to the Governor of the Prison.
I have &c
John W Reynolds DAAG
(to) Officer Commanding, Hounslow

p 224
Horse Guards
13th October 1855
Sent 15
4th Lt Dragoons
Private Wm Smith
Proceedings returned confirmed
I have &c
John W Reynolds DAAG
(to) Officer Commanding at Brighton

p 242
Horse Guards
29th October 1855
Proceedings of a DCM for Pte Benjn Pullen 4Lt Dns
Sent 29
Sir,
I have the honor, by direction of the Field Marshal Commanding in Chief to request you will reassemble the District Court Martial whose proceedings are herewith enclosed for the purpose of revising their Sentence which is illegal, as will be seen on reference to the 36th Clause of the Mutiny Act.
I am further to request you will point out to the Court that he Heading of their proceedings is wrong and must be corrected - and that the 1st Evidence as to the desertion on or about the 31st August is given very loosely though as the man pleaded Guilty, the sentence is not thereby affected.
The Surgeon's Certificate also does not state whether the man has been previouslty marked with the letter D which in all cases of trial for Desertion it should do.
I have &c
W F Forster DAG
(to) Officer Commanding
Cavalry Depot Brighton

p 246
Sent 1 (Margin)
The Adjutant General has it in command to return the enclosed charge against Private Stephen Heritage of the 4th Light Dragoons, to the Commandant of the Cavalry Depot at Brighton, who is requested to cause the Surgeon's (Certificate, crossed out) signature to be affixed to the Medical Certificate.
John W Reynolds DAAG
Horse Guards
31st October 1855
(to) The Commandant
Cavalry Depot Brighton

p 248
Horse Guards
2nd November 1855
Sent 3
4th Lt Dragoons - Private B Pullen
Proceedings returned confirmed.
The Court should have sentenced the prisoner to such Hard Labor as in the opinion of the Medical Officer he was qualified to undergo, in accordance with the circular from this Department of 31st July 1848.
John W Reynold DAAG
(to) Officer Commanding Brighton
p 250
Sent 6 (margin)
Appn for a DCM on Pte F. Edwards 4th Light Dragoons
Returned to the Officer Commanding the Cavalry Depot at Brighton, who is requested to cause the date of the application, for the trial, also the name of the witness as to former convictions, and the names of the Officers present, and fit for duty to be inserted.
J W Reynolds DAAG
Horse Guards
5th November 1855
(to) Officer Commanding at Brighton

p 258
Horse Guards
10th November 1855
Sent 12
4th Lt Dns
Private Stephen Heritage
Proceedings returned confirmed
I have &c
John W Reynolds DAAG
(to) Officer Commanding
Brighton

p 260
Horse Guards
14th November 1855
Sent 14
4th Lt Dns
Pte D Edwards
Proceedings returned confirmed
I have &c
John W Reynolds DAAG
(to) Officer Commanding at Brighton

p 266
Horse Guards
21 Novr 1855
Sent 21
4th Lt Dns
Pte Robert Hay
Proceedings returned confirmed
30 days Imprisonment & Letter D being remitted
I have &c
John W Reynolds DAAG
Officer Commanding
Brighton

p 281
Horse Guards
7th December 1855
Sent 7
4th Lt Dragoons
2050 Private Thomas Britton
Proceedings returned confirmed
84 days Imprisonment with hard labor, & the last seven solitary days, being remitted.
I have &c
R P Douglas
(to) Officer Commanding
Brighton

p 301
Horse Guards
1st January 1856
Sent 2
4th Light Dragoons
Pte J. Leeson
Proceedings returned confirmed
Letter D being remitted
I ave &c
W F Forster DAG
(to) Officer Commanding
Brighton

p 317
Horse Guards
16th January 1856
Sent 17
4th Lt Dragoons, Pte J Carroll
17th Lancers, Rd Champion
Proceedings returned confirmed
In the case of Carroll, 28 days Imprisonment remitted
I have &c
R P Douglas AAG
(to) Officer Commanding
Brighton

p 350
Horse Guards
16th February 1856
Sent 18
4th L Dns
1832 Private C. Burns
Proceedings returned confirmed
28 days Imprisonment being remitted
I have &c
R P Douglas AAG
(to) Officer Commanding at Brighton

p 373
Horse Guards
10th March 1856
Sent 11
4th Lt Dragoons, Pte J Flynn
Proceedings returned confirmed
Letter D remitted
I have &c
R P Douglas AAG
(to) Officer Commanding Brighton

p 394
Horse Guards
2nd April 1856
Sent 3
4th Lt Dragoons, Pte J Bancroft
Proceedings returned confirmed
I have &c
R P Douglas AAG
(to) Officer Commanding
Brighton

p 398
Horse Guards
10th April 1856
Sent 11
4th Lt Dns, Pte Geo Hughes
Proceedings returned confirmed
I have &c
R P Douglas AAG
(to) Officer Commanding Brighton

p 405
Horse Guards
26th April 1856
Sent 26
4th Lt Dragoons, 2132 Private Rd Heath and
Royal Artillery, Gunner & Driver WMcLaughlin
Proceedings returned confirmed
In the case of Heath, 28 days Imprisonment, and Letter D remitted...
I have &c
R P Douglas AAG
(to) Officer Commanding at Brighton

p 410
Horse Guards
1st May 1856
2029 Pte Thos Ogborn, 4th Lt Dns
Proceedings returned confirmed
Fifty six days remitted of the punishment awarded
G A Wetherall AG
(to) Officer Commandg at Brighton

p 445-446
To whom sent - OC Brighton
Date of Application - 2nd June 1856
Date of Authority - 4th June 1856
Regiment - 4th Lt Dns
Rank and Name of Soldier - Pte E Carney, Pte Jno R Davis
Whether a Warrant is sent -
Remarks, Charges &c - Deserted, Deserted
Signature - R P Douglas AAG

To whom sent - OCg at Brighton
Date of Application - 15 June 1856
Date of Authority - 17 June 1856
Regiment - 4th Lt Dns
Rank and Name of Soldier - Pte J McDonald
Whether a Warrant is sent - Sent
Remarks, Charges &c - For having when on sentry suffered 2 prisoners to escape, committed to his charge
Signature - R P Douglas AAG

p 473
Horse Guards
10th June 1856
4th Lt Dns, Ptes J Davis, E Carney
Proceedings returned - confirmed
In the case Davis the marking with the letter D remitted, and in the case of Carney 28 days Imprisonmt remitted.
R P Douglas AAG




WO 3/568 June 1856 - February 1857

Horse Guards 11 Mar 1857
Sir
In reply to your application of the ____ I have the honor to acquaint you, that His Royal Highness the General Commanding in Chief is pleased to approve of the men named in the margin being brought to trial by District Court Martial upon the enclosed charges
[to] Officers Commanding

To whom addressed
Date of application
Date of reply
Regt.
Name
Whether a warrant forwarded or not
Charges
By whom signed
Officer Commanding at Brighton, 19 Sept 1856, 22nd Aug 1856, 4LD, Pte H Miller, Not sent, AWOL and for having in his possession without the leave of the owner a pair of overalls, property of Pte Harper 4LD, J W Pipor AAG

p. 17
Horse Guards 25 Jun 1856
Proceedings returned and confirmed
I have &c R P Douglas AAG
Officer Commanding at Brighton
4LD Private James McDonald

p. 40
Horse Guards 15 July 1856
Sir
I have the honor to acquaint you in reply to the enclosed application for the trial of the men named in the margin, that the Commander in Chief is pleased to approve of these prisoners being arraigned before a Regimental Court Martial, for absence without leave of their Commanding Officer
I have &c R P Douglas AAG
Officer Commanding at Brighton
4LD Private J Wickham and
4LD Private J [Jockey/Tockess?] Thomas Lockey, 2197, deserted 19 September 1856 Brighton

p. 42
Horse Guards 16 July 1856
Proceedings returned, confirmed.
In the case of Derby marking with Letter D remitted by FM Commanding in Chief, who is pleased to remark for the future evidence of the President that space should be left on the left on the last page for the remarks of the confirming officer
I have &c W F Horster DAG
Officer Commanding at Brighton 15 July 1856
4LD Private J Derby
4LD Private J Baker

p. 44
Horse Guards 19 July 1856
Sir
In reply to the enclosed application of the 15th Inst for the trial of the man named in the margin, I have the honor to acquaint you, that HRH The General Commanding in Chief is pleased to approve of the trial of this prisoner by Regimental Court Martial, for absence without leave from the 9th to the 26th June 1856
I have &c R P Douglas AAG
Officer Commanding at Brighton
4LD Private Wm Stacey

p. 112
Horse Guards 29 Aug 1856
Usual letter for the re-assembling of the Court
I have &c J M Pipon AAG
Officer Commanding at Brighton
Sealed package addressed to the President of the Court
4LD Private J Downey [Samuel Downer?]
Horse Guards 29 Aug 1856
The Court will re-assemble to revise its sentence of stoppages, in which the articles should be specified for which the Prisoner is placed under stoppages, in accordance with the Circular Memorandum of 20 Nov 1855
W H Forster DAG
Bt Major Brown 4LD President

p. 184
Horse Guards 10 Oct 1856
Sir
The Proceedings of the District Courts Martial upon the soldiers named in the margin having mis-carried in the Post Office, I am instructed by His Royal Highness the General Commanding in Chief to acquaint you that the men are to be released from confinement, and that no record of their conviction is to be made against their names until if found, the Proceedings be duly confirmed
I have &c GA Wetherall AG
M General Sir H Barnard KCB Dover
Including 4 Lt Drns Private L Downie

p. 191
Horse Guards 16 Oct 1856
Sir,
With reference to previous correspondence I have the honor to transmit to you the accompanying Proceedings of District Courts Martials as per margin for your confirmation
I have &c R P Douglas AAG
M General Sir H Barnard KCB Sandgate Kent
Including 4 Lt Dns Saml Downer

p. 197
Horse Guards 21 Oct 1856
Sir
With reference to a Descriptive Return of the man named in the margin, dated 17th Inst. received at this Office, I have the honor to acquaint you that His Royal Highness the General Commanding in Chef does not consider varicose veins with which this soldier is stated to be suffering from, a sufficient reason for his discharge, and is accordingly pleased to direct that a charge of desertion be prepared against him
I have &c R P Douglas AAG
Officer Commanding at Brighton
4LD George Parcer or Purter...
Volume index says Purcer - should be John G Purser, deserted 1854, discharged Nov 1856

p. 323
Horse Guards 17 January 1857
Immediate
Memorandum for the Quarter Master General
It is requested, that a route may be sent (by this night's post) to the Officer Commanding the 4th Light Dns at Brighton, for the march of a witness or witnesses thence, to Cork, to prove, before a Court Martial, the enlistment into the 4th Light Dragoons of Private James Barnett, 36 Regt, when in a state of desertion from the latter Corps
R P Douglas AAG

p. 325
Horse Guards 17 January 1857
Sir
Private James Barnett of the depot 36 Regiment who has surrendered himself as a deserter from that Corps, whilst serving in the 4th Light Dragoons, being about to be brought to trial, before a District Court Martial, at Cork, upon three charges:
1st For having deserted from a detachment of the depot 36 Regiment stationed at Ashton under Lyne, on or about the 16th December 1854, and for not having returned until brought back, under escort, to Cork, on the 5 January 1857. 2nd For having lost or made away with certain articles of necessories.
3rd.For having whilst in a state of desertion from the depot 36 Regiment, enlisted into the 4th Light Dragoons at or about the _______ [blank] under the name of _______ [blank] and for having, by said enlistment, fraudulently obtained a Bounty (or a Bounty and FreeKit, as the case may be), amounting to the sum of _________ [blank] or thereabouts. You will therefore be pleased to cause the necessary steps to be taken for the early attendance at Cork, of a witness or witnesses belonging to the Regiment under your command, to prove, before a Court Martial, the proposed third charge against the prisoner, which you will be pleased to complete and transmit it when completed, to the Officer Commanding the 36 Depot at Cork.
A route for the march of the evidence in question will be transmitted to you, by the Quarter Master General
I have &c R P Douglas AAG
Officer Commanding 4th Light Dragoons at Brighton

p. 345
Horse Guards 30 Jany 1857
Sir
By direction of HRH the General Commanding in Chief I have the honor to desire that you will be pleased to order Serjeant Major John Barber of the 4th Lt Dragoons to attend at Aldershot Camp on the 3 Proximo in order to give evidence at the trial by Court Martial of Private David Prain of the Scots Fusilier Guards
I have &c R P Douglas AAG
Officer Commanding at Brighton




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Updated 19th April 2023