trying and critical time were most valuable.
On behalf of the battalion he offers the late Captain Maitland's
relatives and brother-officers his deepest sympathy.

XXIV.

5/3/00 (4).

THE QUEEN'S MESSAGE RE RELIEF OF LADYSMITH.

The following telegram, received by the Commander-in-Chief on the
relief of Ladysmith from Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen, is
published for information of all ranks:--

'Thank God for news you have telegraphed to me. Congratulate you with
all my heart.--V.R.I.'

XXV.

_Ladysmith, 5/3/00_ (3).

THE QUEEN'S MESSAGE--'MY BRAVE IRISH.'

The Commanding Officer has much pleasure in publishing for the
information of all ranks, the following message from Her Majesty the
Queen, to the 5th Brigade, which was recently received by the G.O.C.
in Chief in Natal.

_'To General Buller, Natal._

'I have heard with the deepest concern of the heavy losses sustained
by my brave Irish soldiers. I desire to express my admiration of the
splendid fighting qualities which they have exhibited throughout these
trying operations.--V.R.I.'

THE FOLLOWING REPLY WAS SENT BY SIR REDVERS BULLER:--

'Sir Redvers Buller has, on the part of the Irish Brigade, to thank
the Queen for her gracious telegram of sympathy and encouragement.'

XXVI.

5/3/00 (5).

LETTER TO GORDON HIGHLANDERS, RE CAPTAIN MAITLAND.

The Commanding Officer has, on behalf of the battalion, forwarded the
following letter to the Officer Commanding the 2nd Gordon Highlanders.

'_Ladysmith, 5/3/00._

'DEAR MAJOR SCOTT,--

'On behalf of myself and the officers of the battalion, I write to
offer you all our very deepest sympathy in the severe loss your
battalion has sustained by the death of Captain Maitland.

'I find it hard to adequately express to you how very deeply the whole
of my battalion laments his loss, and I know I am only expressing the
sentiments of all ranks when I assure you that his memory will ever be
cherished in the battalion.

'A better or more conscientious officer I have never had under my
command. We would all esteem it a very great favour if you could send
us a photograph of our late dear comrade, and might I also so far
trespass on your kindness, as to ask for one for his company (G) as
well, which I need hardly say will be highly prized by them.

'Yours, &c.