Page:The invasion of the Crimea Vol. 9.djvu/315

 ILLNESS OF THE ENGLISH COMMANDER. 285 His ailment was probably faintness ; for Dr chap. Prendercast advised him to lie down. He did not !_ His illuesa. feel equal to the effort of appearing at his dinner- table; but the doctor's report of his state was favourable. The next day, the 27th, Lord Raglan's state not having improved, it was thought right to apprise the Home Government by telegraph that he was ill ; but in the evening, a more favourable account was despatched. Lord Raglan passed a tranquil night, and at the consultation which took place next morning, the 28th, between Dr Prendergast and two of our army surgeons, it was thought — at least by these last — that Lord Raglan was ' much better ' ; and a telegram to that effect was drawn up ; but afterwards Dr Prendergast caused it to be modi- fied, and the message sent home reported tbat Lord Raglan had passed a tranquil night, and was no worse.( 2 ) At about half-past three in the afternoon, Lord Raglan's servant came to Dr Prendergast an- nouncing that his master was not so well as he had seemed to be a few moments before, and the doctor returning soon found that an alteration for the worse had taken place, though still he appre- hended no immediate danger. At half - past four o'clock, a sudden change came over Lord Raglan, and he was perceived to be sinking. General Airey's affection for hi& Chief was ms faintly deep, and at this dreadful moment strained wordsi