Letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Innes to Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm.
My dear Sir,
When I received the order of the Commander-in-Chief, appointing Lieutenant Maitland to command the first party ordered to serve as marines on board the Fox frigate, I was waited upon by Captain Yard and four subalterns of the Madras European regiment, (in the name of the corps,) requesting I would nominate any subaltern in the regiment to go in the room of Lieutenant Maitland (who was always sick at sea), or permit one to volunteer his services.
I accordingly showed the deputation my instructions and orders, from which I had not authority to deviate; but offered to write to the Commander-in-Chief for his permission, which they would not accede to. I at the same time assured the gentlemen, the Honourable the Governor in Council, and officer commanding the army in chief, were ready to forget and forgive every thing that had taken place; and that I would have much pleasure in accepting and forwarding any apology, 'however slight,' which Lieutenants D. Forbes and Maitland might send me; and did not entertain a doubt but should be able to get Lieutenant Maitland restored to his quarter-mastership, and Lieutenant D. Forbes continued with the regiment. They, notwithstanding, persisted in making no apology, and the subject was dropped, to my great regret.
(Signed) "J. INNES."
"Masulipatam, 22d July, 1809."
Abstract of the Evidence of Captain Andrews of
the Honourable Company's European Regiment,
and Captain Kelly of the 1st Battalion 19th
Infantry, which is corroborated by several other
Officers of the Garrison.