Trial of Captain Thomas Atchison by a General Court Martial, at Malta (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1825 edition. Excerpt: ... The above conduct being highly subversive of military discipline, and holding forth a most dangerous example to the British army. (Signed) GEORGE RAITT, D. A. G. Lieutenant-Colonel Raitt, Deputy-Adjutant General, appears as prosecutor, and requests the Officiating Judge Advocate may be permitted to read his Statement, in consequence of indisposition. STATEMENT. Mr. President and Gentlemen, The duty of Prosecutor in support of the charge of which the Prisoner is arraigned having devolved upon me, in my official situation, I proceed to narrate to the Court, as briefly as may be, the circumstances out of which the charge against the Prisoner has arisen, in regard to whom the Court must rest assured that I am not actuated by any feelings of a personal nature;--on the contrary, I regret to see him, as I always must regret to see any officer, placed in his present situation. It has'been the custom in this island that salutes should be fired from various parts of the public works on certain festivals celebrated by the inhabitants;--and these salutes, since British forces have been stationed in Malta, have been invariably fired by the Royal Artillery, under orders issued by the General commanding, to whom previous application is made by the civil government. On the 4th of August last year, a letter was addressed, as customary, by the Acting Chief Secretary to Government to the Military Secretary, Stating that application had been made to Government for salutes from Castle St. Angelo and St. Michael's Tower on the 9th and 10th of that month, which His Honour the Lieut. Governor had been pleased to grant on the 9th at noon, and on the day following at half past ten in the forenoon and also in the evening; and which His Honour required should be...