“It is some alleviation to our afflictions to be enabled to state, that the origin of the fire is in no way attributable to the troops; a pleasing part of my duty to bear testimony to the cool and subordinate conduct of both officers and men under my command,—the former affording me every aid which so critical and trying an occasion demanded, and none more so than Major M‘Gregor, to whose collected counsel and manly example, throughout this agonizing scene of distress, I feel greatly indebted.
“I have, &c.
(Signed) “R. B. Fearon,
“Lieut.-Colonel comdg 31st Foot.
“To the Adjutant-General,
“Horse-Guards, London.”
“Horse-Guards, 7th March, 1825.
“Sir,
“His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief has received, with sentiments of the deepest concern, your letter of the 4th instant, communicating the awful and afflicting calamity which has befallen the right wing of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, embarked on board the Honorable Company’s ship ‘Kent.’
“I am at the same time to observe, that if anything could alleviate the measure of His Royal Highness’s regret at the loss of the many valuable lives which have perished on this melancholy occasion, it would be the satisfaction experienced by the Commander-in-Chief at the safety of so large a proportion of the detachment, and which, by the happy interposition of Divine Providence, aided by your own collected firmness, and the united discipline and courage of Major M‘Gregor and the officers and men under your command, have been preserved for the future service of their country.
“His Royal Highness commands me to add, that he appreciates in the fullest manner the heroic and humane assistance afforded to you by the master of the ‘Cambria’ brig; and that it will afford His Royal Highness the greatest satisfaction to bear testimony to it in any manner most calculated to advance the interests, or to do credit to the conduct, of this individual.
“Arrangements have been made by the Quarter-Master-General for the transport of the detachment under your command by sea to Chatham, as soon as it is possible to obtain the necessary vessels from the Navy Board for that purpose; and I have further to acquaint you, that immediate measures will be taken for sending down to you, by the quickest inland carriage, the most essential articles of supply and equipment; and that the Commander-in-Chief will contribute, by every means in his power, to the restoration of your comforts, and the remuneration for the losses sustained by your officers and men, consistently with the regulations of the service.
“I have the honor to be, &c.
(Signed) “Henry Torrens,
“Adjutant-General.