The Attack on Captain SELBY - Cumberland and Westmorland Newspaper Transcriptions

The Maryport Advertiser

25 March, 1882

The Attack on Captain SELBY

The Maryport Advertiser - 25 March, 1882

THE ATTACK ON CAPTAIN SELBY.
      Correspondence respecting the attack on Captain SELBY and GRENFELL whereby the former lost his life, has been issued. Earl DUFFERIN first informed Earl GRANVILLE of the circumstance by telegraph, and afterwards furnished a detailed account of the attack supplied by Captain GRENFELL, together with the steps taken by him to secure the apprehension of the perpetrators . Earl DUFFERIN expresses the belief that the Albanians were irritated at their flocks being disturbed by the noise of guns and fanaticism. In concluding this despatch, Earl DUFFERIN says, "I cannot help calling your Lordship's attention to the courage and forbearance exhibited by both Captain SELBY and by Captain GRENFELL under the most trying circumstances.
     Although Captain SELBY was armed at the time he was attacked, and might easily have shot his adversary, he deliberately put his gun down on the ground, in order to convince the man that he meant him no harm. Captain GRENFELL also envinced equal patience, for he, too, could easily have shot either of the assailants. Even at the time when Captain SELBY was being overwhelmed with blows, he kept calling to Captain GREFELL not to fire. The pluck and self reliance of these officers during the events which followed were equally noteworthy."
     Earl GRANVILLE replied: - "Her Majesty's Government leave the matter with confidence in your hands, convinced that you will take the most effective steps for obtaining due punishment of the criminals."
     Subsequently, Earl DUFFERIN reported to Earl GRANVILLE the receipt of a communication from the Porte, expressing regret at the attack, and intimating that certain arrests had been made and that justice would follow in due course.
     A description of the funeral of Captain SELBY is included, and appreciation is expressed by the Foreign Office of Consul TRENCH's action.
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