832 
Decent historical notes. 
Another extract from a letter of a brother officer to a friend in 
Jerusalem,, dated Jaffa,, 28th January , 1841, summarises the prominent 
features of General MichelFs character :— 
“ There never was a better soldier than Edward Michell, and few better men. 
As a public servant, and in loyalty, moderation, and gentleness of character, he 
was a model to all. Just and considerate to all below him, and inspiring con¬ 
fidence by his talent, his disinterestedness, and his sense of duty, he commanded 
the good-will of all. He was at the same time remarkably energetic in character; 
a quality which in him was produced by a clear perception of circumstances—of 
results that were possible and useful, and of the just and proper means to be 
employed to attain them. God rest him! There are many that will weep for 
him, for he was beloved by everyone that knew him, and all will cherish his 
memory. To me his death creates a void that can never be filled. 
He was also illustrious by his services.” 
N.B.—The war services of General Michell may be stated briefly as 
follows:— 
“ Commanded a guerilla division in 1810 in the Sierra de Ronda; was present 
at the capture of Ronda, combats of El Brosque and of Bornos, and night attack 
and capture of Arcos. Commanded the artillery with the force occupying Tarifa 
in 1810-11-12, and was engaged in all the affairs and operations at Terifa, Vejer, 
Casas Yiejas, Alcala, Medina Sidonia, and the battle of Barossa. He is specially 
mentioned by Napier for his skilful handling of the artillery at the final defence of 
Tarifa in December 1811. In 1812 he was present at the capture of the Salamanca 
forts, the battle of Salamanca, and the combat of Castrejon. He served in the 
Netherlands from December 1813 to May 1814, at the capture of Merxem, bombard¬ 
ment of Antwerp, and night attack on Bergen-op-Zoom. He distinguished himself 
several times—on one occasion extracting the fuze of a live shell which had fallen 
into an ammunition wagon. He conducted a column in the assault on Bergen-op- 
Zoom, and was severely wounded. He served as British Commissioner with the 
Spanish armies from August 1839 to November 1840. In November 1840 he 
was appointed, as Brigadier-General, to the command of the British forces in 
Syria, and was present at the action of Medjdel on the 15th January 1841. 
(Vide “Kane’s List.”) 
