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HOUSE OF COMMONS.

Tuesday, Jan. 24.

Mr Whitbread begged leave to ask, why, in the Extraordinary Gazette, containing an account of the proceedings of the army under Sir John Moore, and of the death of Sir John, the public were not favoured with the last dispatch of that gallant and lamented officer, of which, it was said, Ministers were in possession?

Lord Castlereagh said, there certainly was no wish to conceal from the public any part of the opinion of that gallant officer as to the situation of affairs in Spain. The communication alluded to was not such as could be considered official. It was rather a confidential communication to Ministers, of which they were to publish such part as might, in their opinion, be advisable.

Gen. Stewart said, he felt it his duty now to state what had been communicated to him by the gallant and lamented offices alluded to. He sent for him previous to his setting out on his return home, and explain ed to him that he had not time to write so fully as he wished, but that he should send by him such account as he could frame at the moment, in the way of a private and confidential communication, leaving it to Ministers to publish such parts of it as they thought expedient; observing, at the time, that if he sent an officer home without any written communication, it might appear strange in the eyes of the public. He (Gen. Stewart) was satisfied the communication would, if published, do as much credit to the gallant officer, as it would afford satisfaction to the country. He hoped, therefore, his noble Relation would see no impropriety in publishing, if not the whole, the greater part of it, as he was certain it must, both to the army and to the country, afford the highest satisfaction.

Lord Castlereagh assured the House, that it was his most anxious wish to comply with any thing which could have formed a wish of the gallant officer now no more, and as he now understood it to have been the wish of that gallant officer that his opinion should be known, the communication should be published as far as could be done consistently with propriety and expediency. Wednesday, Jan. 25.

THE BRITISH ARMY IN SPAIN.

Lord Castlereagh. "Sir, I rise to call the attention of the House to a subject at once most afflicting and most grateful, a subject which must appeal most powerfully to the feelings of the House. Seldom, indeed, has an occasion of any public gratulation occurred but what it has been mixed with subjects of a contrary nature--seldom have we had to

congratulate ourselves upon a victory which maintained or augmented the national glo ry, but that, at the same time, we have had to lament the loss of, at least, some of those by whom such glory has been atchieved.→→ It is in this manner that nations participate the common lot of humanity, and that in our aggregate, as in our individual capacity, unmixed good, unalloyed prosperity, is not the lot of man, We have now to lament an individual, who united all the qualities which could either endear man to man, or the hero to his country.-One consolation, however, is not wanting, and this is to be found in the splendour of the victory; in those brilliant circumstances of heroism and success which accompanied, and, as it were, crowned his fate. It is in the nature of things, Sir, that success is in some degree necessary to human glory; and great as Sir John Moore might have been, glorious as might have been his fall, his glory would have wanted its radiance, had not Fortune lent her light-had not Victory waved her angel wings, and hovered over her dying child. I will not hesitate to say, that in the long annals of our country, from its first civilization to the present moment, never has there occurred an action, never has there been a Commander, to whom the national gratitude was more due. Wounded early in the action, and with the certainty of his approaching dissolution, he yet retained his native magnanimity of mind, he yet retained his sense of duty, and like the illustrious Roman on record, who dying enrobed himself in his purple, that he might die an Emperor, it may be said of our lamented General, that he died in command-died with no other feelings than those of his duty as Commander in Chief. The life of Sir John Moore, tho' short in duration, was ample enough for his glory; his country may have cause to lament his early death, but he has lost nothing by it himself. He had filled up the circle of his glory-he had traversed his splendid orbit. I will not diminish the due effect of his splendid actions by wearying the House with a detail of them; but there are one or two points to which I feel it my duty to call more peculiar attention. The first point is, that after a march, the most arduous, this illustrious General assembled his army at Salamanca, and assembled them in a manner, whether as to discipline, to equipment, to the health and spirits of his men, which no one, poessed of all the circumstances of that march, could have conceived to have been possible. The army, then at Salamanca, to use his own expressions, more resembled an army on parade, than a body of men harassed by a long march through countries totally unsuited

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either for the progress or subsistence of the army. The second point is the retreat he made, when retreat became necessary, and I will most absolutely take upon myself to say, that such a retreat is without parallel. Recall, Sir, to your mind, some of the circumstances, as they are given in the official narrative; an army inferior in numbers, harassed through a long line of march by the overwhelming squadrons of a superior enemy, with not a moment of respite either from fighting or marching, the physical strength of our soldiers exhausted, and nothing remaining but their invincible firmness of mind-under these circumstances, Sir, imagine our army to have arrived at Corunna, and to have gained the point of embarkation, when the enemy poured down upon them, and compelled them to a conAict under every possible circumstance of disadvantage, and against an infinite superiority of force, and half of our own army not in a state of battle.-Yet, under all these circumstances, so complete was our triumph, so glorious was our victory, that not a wounded man, not a single piece of artillery, was left behind. I will not press farther upon the attention of the House, but conclude by moving,

"That an humble Address be presented to his Majesty, that he would be graciously pleased to order that a Monument be erected in the Cathedral Church of St Paul's to Sir John Moore, who, after an honourable life in the service of his country, was killed by a cannon ball at Corun na, where, by judicious arrangements, and the most resolute courage, he repulsed a superior enemy, and effected the re-embarkation of the army under his command.”

Lord H. Petty expressed his perfect concurrence in the motion, and reprobated, in eloquent terms, the conduct of some minis terial papers, which consulting the suppo sed defence of its patrons, had imputed the total failure of the expedition to the incapacity of Sir John Moore. This was to snatch the merited laurels from the grave of the dead.

The motion was then carried unanimously; as were, immediately afterwards, other motions of the Noble Lords, for the thanks of the House to General Sir D. Baird, and all the other generals and officers engaged in the battle of Corunna, and of high approbation of the conduct of the non-commissioned officers and privates of the army, for the valour displayed by them on that day.

Lord Castlereagh then said, that as great part of the glory and splendour of the transaction was owing to the spirit, activity, zeal, and enterprize of the navy, he should move the thanks of the House to

Rear Admiral De Courcy and Rear-Admiral Sir S. Hood, and the officers under their command, for their exertions in aiding the enterprize of our troops at Corunna.

Also an acknowledgment to the noncommissioned officers and seamen, of the approbation of the House on the same oc

casion.

Both resolutions were agreed to nem. con.

BATTIE OF VIMIERA.

Lord Castlereagh rose, nd made his motion for thanks to Sir Arthur Wellesley, and the officers and men under his comę、 mand, for the brilliant victory they had obtained at the battle of Vimiera.

This gave rise to a debate of considerable length, Mr Whitbread moved as an amendment, that Sir H. Burrard be included in the vote of thanks.

General Stewart paid a high compliment to the distinguished merit of Sir A. Wellesley; and, in confirmation of his opinion, stated the sentiments of a late gallant friend of his, Gen. Anstruther, a man for whom he had entertained the sincerest love and affection, and who had promised to become one of the brightest ornaments of the, British army. That gallant officer, not long before his death, had told him that it was impossible to conceive any human exertion greater than that used by Sir A. Wellesley during the whole of the campaigns in Portugal; that no difficulty arose which that illustrious General was not able to obviate; and that he wielded the military machine with as much ease as the most skilful mechanic managed the instru'ments of his trade.

Mr Adam concurred in the general praise of Sir A. Wellesley, and trusted that his Hon. Friend would be prevailed upon to withdraw his amendment. He said it was impossible for him to speak on this question without considerable emotion, as thanks were to follow, among others, to a person in whom he felt the deepest interest; he meant General Fergusson, whom he con-1 sidered not merely as a friend, but as a son, the companion and friend of his sons, who were fighting the battles of their country. That he felt for him a truly parental affection; and he knew, from the best authority, that Sir A. Wellesley had said, that the intrepid gallantry and conduct with which General Fergusson had led on his troops to the charge, was the finest thing he had ever seen in his military

service.

Mr Whitbread acquiesced in the suggestion of his Hon. Friend, and withdrew the amendment.

The following questions were then put by the Speaker:

That the thanks of the House be given

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to Sir A. Wellesley, for his conduct in the battles of the 17th and 21st August:

That the thanks be given to Majors-Ge neral Spencer, Hill, and Fergusson, and Brigadiers-Gen. Nightingale, Bowes, and Fane:

That the thanks be given to the noncommissioned officers and soldiers who acted in that engagement.

All of which questions passed, with the single dissentient voice of Lord Folkstone.

INCREASE OF THE ARMY.

Lord Castlereagh again rose, to submit his plan for the increase of the regular army to the consideration of the House. The measures adopted by Parliament towards the close of the sessions of 1807, were those he meant now to propose, namely, to avail himself of the spirit and zeal of the regular militia in volunteering into the line, which had been attended with the most beneficial consequences. We had now so far profited by experience, to feel a confidence that we might always rely u pon the spirit of the militia on such occasions: Out of 28,000, which were permit

ted to volunteer from the militia into the line, more than 27,000 actually did volunteer within the space of twelve months. Many of them had since participated in the glorious battles of Vimiera and Corunna; and there were doubtless many privates now in the militia panting to distinguish themselves against the enemy. Upon the last occasion, the deficiency which had been produced in the militia had been speedily supplied. Within six months not less than 41,000 men were raised in Great Britain and Ireland, and had actually joined their head-quarters. This certainly was a heavy pressure upon the country at that time. The additional proposed pressure should not, however, be laid on the nation, except in the case of obvious necessity The extent to which he now proposed to limit the volunteering would be, that no regiment of militia should be reduced to less than three-fifths of its present force; and instead of 36,000 men to be raised in England, he should propose only 24,000. He apprehended that it would be impossible to get rid of the ballot altogether; but still an effort might be made to obtain men by a milder process. He should propose that a great part of the expence of raising the men should be defrayed, not by the counties, but by the public. That the public should pay a bounty for enlisting-about ten guineas. If after this the country should be compelled to have recourse to a ballot he should propose that the bounty of ter. seas should be given to the balloted assist him in procuring a sula

stitute. He was very sanguine in believing, that by this means a sufficient number of men might be got, without any material or very sensible pressure upon the country, and concluded with moving, that leave be given to bring in a bill to allow a certain number of the militia to enter into the regular army.

Mr Tierney, Sir T. Turton, Lord Milton, and other Gentlemen, opposed the measure, on the ground of not knowing for what purpose additional forces could now be wanted; and that if raised, they ought not to be trusted to the disposal of the present Ministers.

The question being put the House divided: For the motion 77-Against it 26Majority 51.

The bill was then read a first time.

Friday, Jan. 27.

The Speaker rose, and, in a most solemn and impressive manner, addressing Sir Arthur Wellesley, conveyed the unanimous thanks of the House for his prowess, skill, and gallantry, in the battles of the 17th and 21st August, in Portugal.

Sir Arthur Wellesley, in a very feeling manner, returned his thanks to the House, and next to the Speaker, for the very handsome manner in which he conveyed the thanks of the House to him.

Sir John Anstruther, in a speech of some length, but almost inaudible, suggested to the House the propriety of erecting a monument to the late Gen. Anstruther.

Lord Castlereagh passed an eloquent eulogium on the very eminent services of that gallant and unfortunate officer, but said it was not usual for Parliament to vote a monument to any military officer who had not died in battle.

Sir Arthur Wellesley bore testimony to the eminent advantages he derived from that brave officer's services in Portugal.

After a few words from Sir James Pulteney, to the same effect, the subject dropped.

THE DUKE OF YORK.

Mr Wardle rose to make a motion which went to arraign the conduct of the Commander in Chief of the army. He felt conscious that he was actuated by no motives of private or personal hostility, but only by an ardent zeal for the welfare of his country, and by an honest wish to rescue the interests of the army from a power which had long abused them to the worst of purposes. It was well known that there had been established what was called a Half-pay Fund, and that this arose from the money derived from the sale of commissions which were falling in from time to time. The Com

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mander in Chief was besides empowered to apply the money arising from the sale of commissions to the increase of the Compassionate Fund, for the assistance of the widows and children of officers. Now, he should be able to prove, that commissions had been sold, and that the money had been applied to far different purposes from those to which they ought to have been devoted. He must allude to another establishment, which took place in 1803, when his Royal Highness took a house in Gloucester Place, in which a lady, of the name of Clarke, took up her residence (expressions of disapprobation from several Members,) with a splendid establishment; he should have frequent occasion to notice this lady. The first misapplication of money arising from the sale of commissions, which he should mention, related to a Capt. Tonyn, a meritorious officer, apppointed to the Majority of the 31st regiment. Capt. Tonyn was introduced by a Captain Huxley Sandon to Mrs Clarke, and an agreement was entered into, that, on being promoted to this Majority, he should pay her the sum of 5001. This sum was to be lodged in the hands of a Mr Donovan, an accoucheur, in Charles Street. It was paid into the hands of Mrs Clarke, and the Majority was obtained by Capt. Tonyn. He should be able to prove, that this very sum of money could be traced to Mr Burkitt, a jeweller, as part payment for a service of plate to Mrs Clarke, and that the remainder of the money was paid by the Duke of York. The second case took place on an exchange between Lieut.-Col. Rooke and Lieut Col, Knight. It was agreed, in order to procure the exchange at the Duke's office, that Mrs Clarke should receive 2001. About this time Mrs Clarke was anxious to go to the country, and a sum of money was very convenient. It was to be conjectured that she told his Royal Highness how she could get the money, and accordingly the exchange was acceded to. He would not have brought forward these charges, were he not certain that he should be able to establish them, by the fullest evidence, before a Committee.--He should now notice a case, which shewed how difficult is was for officers to obtain exchanges on other occasions. This related to a Major Macdonald and a Major Sinclair, both meritorious officers. They were out of health, and the former was ordered to the West Indies, which he had reason to believe would prove fatal to him, while Major Sinclair wished to go, think ing that climate would be more favourable to him. They attempted, therefore, to procure an exchange, but in vain, and they both fell victims; but they had applied to no mistress, and employed no bribe. The

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next instance was Major John Shaw, who wished to be appointed Deputy BarrackMaster at the Cape of Good Hope. He happened to be no favourite with the Duke; however, he was introduced to Mrs Clarke, and consented to give her the sum of 10001. on condition of obtaining the appointment. In consequence, he obtained the appointment in April 1808, having paid down 200!. to Mrs. Clarke, and afterwards sent her 3001. more, through a relation of his. Clarke, however, applied in vain by letter for the remaining 5001. and in consequence complained most bitterly to the Commander in Chief, who put Major Shaw on halfpay. He had in his pocket the various letters which passed, and one in particular from Mrs Shaw, who threatened to expose the whole affair. He knew of no other reason for this officer being reduced to halfpay. Another case, a Lieut.-Col. French wished to be employed in raising a levy, and for this purpose he was introduced to Mrs Clarke by Captain Sandon. It was stipulated that she should have a given sum out of the bounty for raising each man, and also out of the sums received for commissions, The agreement being made, Mrs Clarke sent Col. French to the War Office, and the levy was set on foot. In consequence she received 5001. through the hands of a Mr Cockayne, a solicitor. The prices of the commissions for officers for this levy were also fixed much below the regulation prices, namely, for a Majority 9001. for a Captaincy 600l. and so in proportion for the subaltern officers; whilst the regulation prices were, for a Majority 24001. for a Captaincy 16001. and so in proportion.

The next case that he should bring forward was of a still more pointed nature, and bore on the Commander in Chief alone. He was prepared to prove that the Commander in Chief was to have had a loan to a considerable amount from Col. French, or his agent, on condition of successfully using his influence to procure for Colonel French a large arrear due to him from Government, for the very levy of which he had already spoken. His Royal Highness did use his influence, but did not succeed, and did not receive his loan; and it was a fact, that at that moment there was due from Government to Col. French no less a sum than 3000l. He believed the House had now heard enough of Mrs Clarke.The last case he should mention was that of a Captain Maling, appointed Captain in the African corps, commanded by Colonel Gordon, the Duke of York's Secretary.Capt. Maling might be an unexceptionable officer. He had had the good fortune, however, to have been a clerk in Mr Green.

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wood's office, and had been made an Ensign, while he was yet at the desk. The facts which he had produced, and others might have been added, appeared to him sufficient to prove the necessity of going into a Committee. He would only add one circumstance there was actually a public office in the city of London, where commissions are exposed to sale at reduced rates. He had heard the persons belonging to it declare, that they were employed by the present favourite, Mrs Carey. He was also inform. ed, that places of all descriptions were to be sold there (a laugh,) for the private be nefit of two persons high in the Govern ment. He concluded with moving,"That a Committee be appointed to in vestigate the conduct of his Royal Highness the Duke of York, with regard to purchases, exchanges, and appointments to commisions in the army." ""

Sir F. Burdett seconded the motion.

The Secretary at War said, he did not rise to give any opposition to the motion: The Hon. Gentleman who made it, had, in a very candid manner, brought forward facts of the most important kind, and in their consequences most serious and weighty. He conceived the House would readily acquiesce in going into an inquiry of the alleged facts. He was certain the illustrious personage concerned in them was ready to go into a full investigation of these charges. As to the half pay list, he had stated, on former occasions, that it had been most extensively and materially benefited by the Commander in Chief, who had voluntarily resigned a very extensive patronage, in order that the sale of the commissions might be brought in aid of the Compassionate Fund, by which that fund had been greatly increased. With respect to the Barrack Department, it was not within the patronage of his Royal Highness the Duke of York. He wished also to observe, that the manner in which the army had been fitted out, which was lately sent to Portugal, was a very striking mark of the superior military talents of the Duke of York, and a strong proof of his great attention to and regard for that army, and of course militated against the truth of char ges, which, if founded in truth, must strike at its discipline, and, through that, at its very existence. His Right Hon. Friend near him (Sir A. Wellesley,) who had so lately commanded that army, would readily tell the state in which he found it. He thought it necessary to make these few observations as to what he knew of the conduct of the illustrious personage in ques

tion.

Sir A. Wellesley rejoiced sincerely that certain charges had been brought forward

on which a Committee might judge. His Right Hon. Friend had said that he was able to speak as to his knowledge of the army he had lately commanded. He could also answer, that it had fallen to his lot to know particularly how promotions were made, and that such an advancement in the army never took place, without the names being produced, by whom recommended, and the sums ascertained which were paid for the same.

With respect to the removal of the De puty Barrack-Master-General at the Cape of Good Hope, he believed, and indeed knew, it was a case that frequently occurred, and that Staff Officers, not on full pay at the time they were appointed, must go on half pay. As to the case of the two officers, Majors Macdonald and Sinclair, he thought it would be putting the Commander in Chief into a very invidious predicament, if, because he would not consent to any particular exchange, to suit the private convenience of two individuals, that he should, therefore, be liable to the charge of their deaths. He coincided perfectly with the Secretary at War, and should deem himself greatly deficient in duty, should he omit to speak of the state of the army so lately under his command in Portugal, and whose gallant atchievements had so recently received the thanks of the House. He really believed there never had been an army in a higher state of discipline, from the Staff down to the meanest soldier in the ranks. He thought so much from him was due to the Commander in Chief, to whose unremitting zeal and assiduity, the high state of discipline which our army could now boast was certainly to be attributed.

Mr Yorke believed there was never a charge of greater magnitude brought be fore the House. He was sorry to observe, it had lately been the misfortune of this country to have been inundated with the most shameful and atrocious libels against this illustrious character, and others of his August Family. He had viewed with the deepest concern the continued and repeated current of scurrility which had been poured forth against various branches of the Royal Family; and he could not, from the whole complexion of it, consider it in any other light than as a vile conspiracy against the illustrious House of Brunswick. (Hear,hear, from all parts of the House.) It was thought that the jacobinical spirit which some years ago pervaded this country, was in a great degree annihilated. He believed, however, that where a spirit of jacobinism had once taken root, it would never be wholly subdued or eradicated; and when he reflected on the infamous libels which had lately appeared, he could not but con

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