d to. The Queen is even now quite ignorant as to
the reasons and motives which led to his selection in preference to
those other names, and Mr V. Smith will see at once that, were the
Queen inclined to object to it, she could not _now_ do so without
inflicting a deep, personal injury on a public man, for whose personal
qualities and talents the Queen has a high regard.

She accordingly approves the recommendation, but must repeat her
regret that no opportunity had been given to her to discuss the
propriety of it with her Ministers previous to the intention of the
recommendation becoming known to all concerned in it.

[Pageheading: DEATH OF LORD RAGLAN]

_General Simpson to Lord Panmure._[61]
[_Telegram._]

_29th June 1855._
(8.30 A.M.)

Lord Raglan had been going on favourably until four in the afternoon
yesterday, when very serious symptoms made their appearance.
Difficulty of breathing was experienced, which gradually increased.
Up to five o'clock he was conscious, and from this time his strength
declined almost imperceptibly until twenty-five minutes before nine,
when he died. I have assumed the command, as Sir George Brown is too
ill on board ship.

[Footnote 61: On the 18th of June, the fortieth anniversary of
Waterloo, a combined attack by the English on the Redan, and
the French on the Malakhoff, was repulsed with heavy losses.
The scheme was that of Pelissier, and Lord Raglan acquiesced
against his better judgment. The result depressed him greatly;
he was attacked with cholera, and died on the 28th.]

_Queen Victoria to General Simpson._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _30th June 1855_.

Not being aware whether Sir George Brown is well enough by this
time to assume the command of the Army, the Queen writes to General
Simpson, as the Chief of his Staff, to express to him, and _through_
him to the Army, her deep and _heartfelt grief_ at the irreparable
loss of their gallant and excellent Commander, Lord Raglan, which has
cast a gloom over us all, as it must do over the whole Army.

But, at the same time, the Queen wishes to express her earnest hope
and confident trust that every one will more than ever now do their
duty, as they have hitherto so nobly done, and that she may continue
to be as proud of her beloved Army as she has been, though their brave
Chief who led them so often to victory and to glory, has been taken
from them.

Most grievous and most truly melancholy it