THE DUKE OF CLARENCE AND SIR EDWARD COD RI NGTON.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."]
Sin,—In the Spectator of February 27th I observe that my friend Mr. Shuckburgh recalls the famous story of " Go it, Ned !" in connection with the Duke of Clarence's despatch to Sir Edward Codrington after the battle of Navarino. Mr. Shuckburgh speaks of the story as having " often been told, I know not with what truth." During my Head-Mastership at Harrow I was intimately acquainted with Lady Bourchier, daughter and biographer of Sir Edward, and with General Sir William Codrington, his elder son. They have both, not once but repeatedly, assured me that there was absolutely no foundation for the story. In particular, I remember Sir William speaking to me on the subject one summer at Miirren. He said, in substance, that he had always himself contradicted the story whenever it reappeared; that he was sure it would often reappear after his death; and that, in such a case, he hoped I would again contradict it on his authority. In fulfilment of that charge I now venture to trouble you with this letter.—I am, Sir, &c., This note, by some accident in the Pest Office, has been to Calcutta and back before reaching us.—ED. Spectator.]
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