THE LATE PRINCE IMPERIAL.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 899, 19 September 1879, Page 2

THE LATE PRINCE IMPERIAL.

In the House of Lords on June 23rd, the Duke of Cambridge expressed regret at the death of the Prince Imperial. His Royal Highness said — Before the business in this House commences today, lam very anxious to make a short statement with reference to the sad and painful circumstances which we have all been deploring within the last few dwys. Upon that subject there will be, I am sure, but one feeling— of sympathy, with the illustrious mother who has lost so much in losing her son — (hear, .hew)— and for deep respect for the gallantry of the young man who unfortunately has come to this, I may say, untimely end. There has been a great doubt as to the circumstances under which the Prince went to South Africa. . I think it is much to be regretted that that doubt should remain for a single moment longer than I can avoid its being in doubt ; and then it seems to me that I shall only be doing my duty, and that I should be neglecting it if i did not now read to your Lordship the two letters which the unfortunate Prince took out with him as letters of introduction to Sir Bartle Frere and Lord Chelmsford, written by myself, each of those being dated the 25th February. They are private letters, and these explain the only terms upon which the Prince attached himself to the army in Zululand. The letters run thus : — (Private) February 25, 1879. My Dear Chelmßford — This letter will be presented to you by the Prince Imperial, who was going out on his own account to see as much as he oan of the coming cam* paign in Zululand. He is extremely anxious to go out, and wanted to be 'employed in our army ; but the Government did not consider that this could be sanctioned, but have sanctioned my writing to you and to Sir Bartle Frere to say that if you can show him kindness, and render him assistance to see as much as he can with the columns in the field, I hope you will do so. He is a fine young fellow, full of spirit and pluck, and having many old cadet friends in the Artillery, he will doubtless find no difficulty in getting on } and if you can help him in any other way, pray do so. I My only anxiety on hia account would be that he is too plucky and go-ahead.— l remain, .my dear Chelmsford, your moat sincerely. George. (Private) . February, 25, 1879. My Dear Sir B, Frere — lam anxious to make you acquainted with the Prince Imperial, who is about to proceed to Natal by to-morrow's packet to see as much as he can of the coming campaign in Zululand, in the capacity of a spectator. He was anxious to serve in our army, having been a cadet at Woolwich, but the Government did not think this could be sanctioned. But no objection is made to his going out on his own account, and I am permitted to introduce him to you and to Lord Chelmsford, in the hope, and with my personal request, that lyem will give him every help in your power to enable him to see what he can. I have written to Chelmsford to the same effect. He is a charming young man, full of spirit and enersry, speaking English admirably, and the more you see of him the more you will like him. He has many young friends in the Artillery, so I doubt not, with your and Chelmsford's kind assistance, he will fet on well enough. — I remain, my dear ir Bartle, yours most sincerely. George. (Hear, hear.) All I can say is, that after I have read these letters everybody must feel that, as far as the authorities at home have been concerned, there has been nothing done to place this unfortunate Prince in any difficult position, such as that which has brought about the unfortunate result we all deplore. — (Hear, hear.) We all deplore it — there is not, indeed, a man, woman, or child in this country who does not sensibly and deeply deplore what has occurred ; but certainly, as far as the authorities here are concerned, I feel nothing has i been done to produce such a catastrophe as that "which we all now mourn. I have already said how deeply I sympathise with the bereaved mother, and I feel sure that your Lordships Bhare in this feeling.— (Hear, hear.)