'History of the Indian Navy. (1613-1863).' [‎546] (565/622)

HISTORY OF THE INDIAN NAVY.
points connected with the abolition of the Service. The period
of five years for which Commanders-in-chief were appointed,
expired on the 7th of July, so it was understood that he would
not return. Commodore Wellesley, the ^last, and in many
respects, the best, of the Commanders-in-chief of the Indian
Navy, quitted Bombay for England to the regret of the Service.
His incumbency had been an eventful one, and the Mutiny in
India entailed a considerable expansion of the Service ; but
Commodore Weilesley and the officers under his command w T ere
equal to the occasion, and there was no sign of weakness under
the unusual strain. The success which attended the adminis
tration of the departing Commander-in-chief was, in no small
measure, due to a happy admixture of firmness, tempered with
consideration for the feelings of those under his command, and
he infused a high tone among the officers, who responded with
loyalty to the requirements of their chief.
The following Order was published by the Governor in
Council: " Bombay Castle, the 10th of September,1862. No. 144.
—The period of service of Commodore George Wellesley, C.B.,
having expired on the 7th of July, Captain James Frushard, of
H.M.'s Indian Navy, is appointed Commodore commanding
H.M.'s Indian Navy from that date and until further orders.
The Hon. the Governor in Council, in notifying to the Service
the termination of Commodore Wellesley's command, desires that
officer to accept the cordial thanks of Government for the
admirable judgment and disinterested zeal with which, during
the five years of his command, he has discharged the duties of
Commodore and Commander-in-chief of the Indian Navy, and
continually afforded to Government the advantage of his
experience and advice on the numerous subjects on which
he has been consulted. During Commodore Wellesley's tour ot
command the Indian Navy was constantly employed, especially
in the late war with China. At the close of that struggle^the
whole Naval force, under Rear-Admiral Sir J. Hope, K.C.B.,
including seven ships of the Indian Navy, received the marked
commendation of the Lords of the Admiralty. Although in
this Service Commodore Wellesley had no personal share, the
Indian Navy felt then, as on all occasions, the influence of his
just and impartial command, and its discipline, and, therefore,
the credit it won, was in no small degree due to the admirable
spirit of which Commodore Wellesley afforded to every officer
and man so distinguished an example. His Excellency in
Council takes this opportunity of directing the publication of
the following letter, addressed by Commodore Wellesley to
Captain Frushard, the senior officer of H.M.'s Indian Navy :
'London, the 3rd of July, 1862. Sir, The period of my
service as Commander-in-chief of H.M's Indian Navy will
expire on the 7th instant, and I have received intimation from
Her Majesty's Secretary of State that I shall not be required to