Saturday March 7 1891

THE LATE DISTURBANCE OF ARTILLERY MEN

The following letter, addressed to Mr. J H Bowen, the magistrates clerk, was handed to the magistrates at the termination of their sitting on Tuesday:

"Horse Guards, War Office, 24th February 1891

Sir

I have the honour to inform you that H.R.H the Commander-in-Chief has now considered the proceedings of the Military Court of Enquiry which assembled to investigate the disturbance of the 24th ult. His Royal Highness finds that the primary cause of the disturbance was an error of judgement on the part of the officer who ordered out the piquet of the Royal Artillery. The men of the piquet, under the impression that their comrades had been ill-treated, became excited, broke away from control, and assaulted the passers-by. His Royal Highness much regrets this behaviour, and the more so as it has been found impossible to identify the principle offenders, but he is convinced that it was due to a momentary impulse, which need not give any cause for fearing that good discipline, which has always prevailed in these batteries of Royal Artillery, will not be fully maintained in the future. As a proof that this view is generally entertained, it is satisfactory to His Royal Highness to observe from the evidence given by the mayor of Weymouth, the superintendent of police and the Town clerk of the Borough, that perfect good feeling has not ceased to exist between the townspeople of Weymouth and the military - a state of affairs which is hoped will continue - I have the honour to be, Sir

Your obedient servant, REDVERS BULLER"

Sergeant Major Squirrel