HC Deb 01 February 1809 vol 12 cc262-3

Brigadier-General Henry Fane being come to the house, the Speaker acquainted him, that the house had, upon Wednesday last, resolved. That the Thanks of this House be given to him, for his skilful and gallant exertions against the enemy in the battles of Roleia and Vimiera, by which he reflected so much lustre on his majesty's arms; and the Speaker gave him the Thanks of the house accordingly, as followeth:

" Brig. Gen. Fane; Upon the late Expedition to Portugal, it was your fortune to hold a distinguished command in the British army which repeatedly gave battle to the forces of France. The event of such conflicts could not be doubtful; British valour and discipline triumphed; and those who commanded and directed their exertions were covered with glory.—Whenever the battles of Roleia and Vimiera shall be named (and they will be long and often named with exultation), your heart may glow with the conscious and honourable pride, that your sword upon those days was not drawn in vain; and although that gallant and accomplished officer, who, placed by your side, jointly with you, sustained the brunt of the day at Vimiera, has since been unhappily swept away by the course of human events beyond the reach of our Thanks, his brave brethren in arms may rest assured, that the name of general Anstruther will live, not unhonoured, in the sad and grateful remembrance of his country.—But, sir, in what concerns your exploits in Portugal, my present duty stops here; and I am, in the first place, to deliver to you the Thanks of this House, in the name of the Commons of this United Kingdom, for your skilful and gallant exertions against the enemy in the battles of Roleia and Vimiera, by which you reflected so much lustre on his majesty's arms."

Upon which Brigadier-General Fane said, "Mr. Speaker; Although I am unable to express, in adequate language, the very high sense I entertain of the honour conferred upon me, upon the present occasion, yet I trust the house will do me the justice to believe that I feel it as I ought. To you, sir, I have to offer my warmest thanks for the very flattering manner in which you have communicated the Vote of the House."