Irish Times of the 5th of February 1892:
“Devlin – February 3rd., at his residence, 8 Connaught Terrace, Garville Road, Rathgar, James Devlin, Esq., late Chief Clerk, Adjutant-General’s Department, Dublin Castle, aged 58 years. The Funeral will leave at 10 o’clock tomorrow (Saturday) morning for Glasnevin Cemetery, R.I.P.
“We deeply regret to see announced in our obituary columns the death of Mr James Devlin, late of the Adjutant-General’s Department at Dublin.
He was one of the survivors of the memorable charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava, in which he was severely wounded and for which he was awarded, in addition to the Crimean medal with three clasps, and the Turkish medal, the “Medal for Distinguished Conduct in the Field.” He was a general favourite, and will be deeply missed.”
Broad Arrow of the 13th February 1892:
“4th Queen’s Own Hussars – We regret to announce the death on the 3rd. inst. at Dublin, of Mr James Salamander Devlin, late of this regiment.
He was born at sea, some 58 years ago, aboard the gunboat “Salamander” and according to the usual custom of those born at sea, was named after the ship. At 19 he joined the 4th Light Dragoons and rode in the charge at Balaklava. This was his only action, for his sword hand was nearly severed with a sabre cut and he also received a bullet in the left shoulder. The bullet was extracted, and when, a few years ago, inflammation set in, the wound re-opened and did not close until a piece of his jacket came out, having been there for twenty-nine years.
He was awarded the Crimean medal with three clasps, the Turkish medal and the medal for distinguished conduct in the field.
He had occupied for several years past the position of Chief Clerk in the Adjutant-General’s Department in Dublin, and was a general favourite in the office, as indeed, with all who knew him.
On Saturday, the funeral took place, the band and a firing party of the 3rd King’s Own Hussars being present on behalf of the 4th Queen’s Own Hussars, now stationed at Colchester. Amongst the many tributes of affection and sympathy may be mentioned a beautiful wreath sent by the officers of the 4th Hussars.”
Irish Times of the 8th of February 1892:
“One of the Six Hundred.” – On Saturday last the remains of Mr James Devlin were laid in their last resting place in Glasnevin Cemetery. The sad ceremony was made more impressive by the presence of the band of the 3rd King’s Own Hussars, on behalf of the 4th Queen’s Own Hussars (late Light Dragoons) the deceased’s old regiment, who were now stationed at Colchester.
Amongst the many tributes of affection and sympathy may be mentioned a beautiful wreath sent by the officers of the 4th, as well as those sent by Mrs Sheeran, Major Gorman, Major Grace, and Miss Cort.
The coffin, which was of solid oak, bore on its breast plate the following inscription: ‘James Devlin. Died 3rd February 1892. Aged 58 years. R.I.P.’ The chief mourners were William Francis Devlin (son) Joseph H. Sheeran (brother-in-law) and James W. Dawson (nephew)…
After the recital of prayers by the Revd. The usual volleys were fired, J. Coffey, and J. Duane, Q.G.C., and thus honour was fully accorded to as gallant a soldier as ever drew sabre for his Queen and country.”
From The History of the Roman Catholic Cemeteries of Dublin (William Fitzpatrick, 1900):
“A group of veterans, some of whom bore scars, attended in February of 1892 the burial of James Devlin, late of the Adjutant General’s Office, one of the survivors of the ‘Six Hundred’ in the Cavalry Charge at Balaklava. That he should have escaped what Tennyson called the ‘The mouth of Hell’, and nearly 40 years after found a grave in the peaceful seclusion of Glasnevin Cemetery, was a blessing which his family gratefully recognised.”
