[These materials on the case of Lt. Kennedy were adapted by GPL, with permission of the author, from the latter's course website, which is no longer available online.]
Lt. R. C. Kennedy to Col. Stock, Adjudant General of the Army
Camp Neemuch,
15th October, 1860.
Sir,
I have this day seen in Regimental Orders my name struck off the strength of the Bombay Army. I have the honor most respectfully to request the favor of your obtaining from His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief's permission to assemble a court of Enquiry to investigate my case, as I have been removed from the Army without having had the opportunity of defending myself from the accusations made against me by malicious enemies, and as I am not aware that I have done anything derogatory or unbecoming the conduct of an Officer and a Gentleman.
I earnestly beg this favor may be accorded me. I propose starting for Bombay immediately, and will do myself the honor of waiting on you for a reply to the application.
I have served in the Indian Army nearly thirteen years, and find myself now turned adrift without any means of procuring a livelihood, and without having been condemned by a military tribunal.
When in Bombay in March last, the Adjudant General (then Colonel Green) made enquiries regarding my conduct, and I was permitted to rejoin my Regiment, a distance of upwards 500 miles from the Presidency, consequently I concluded my case was settled satisfactory, or I would not have incurred the expense of so long a journey.
I have also, I beg leave to represent, since I rejoined my Regiment, been under suspension and deprived of my Troop and allowances, as well as the Interpretership of the Regiment which my having passed in the languages entitled me to, moreover I would remark that being under suspension without the sentence of a Court Martial, appears an anomaly and I think a proceeding not usual in the Army. I may be wrong in saying so, and I beg leave to apologize should I be in error; the pecuniary loss to me during five months suspension is considerable. I trust I may be pardoned thus troubling you, but as the loss of my Commission is serious affair, I hope I may be pardoned, and that H.E. the Commander-in-Chief will see fit to have my case inquired into--
I have,&c,
R.C.KENNEDY.
Last modified 8 January 2024