§ Major-General Ferguson being come to the house, the Speaker acquainted him, that the house had, upon the 25th of January 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, viz.
§ "Major-General Ferguson; Amongst the many high privileges enjoyed under this free constitution, it is of great public advantage, that they who serve their country in the field, may also maintain its rights and assist its councils in the Senate; and this house beholds at all times with peculiar pride and satisfaction those gal- 365 lant officers, who, returning from foreign wars to resume their duties in this place, appear again amongst us with increased reputation and honour. Whenever the fleets and armies of this country go forth, the nation unremittingly contemplates the progress of their operations; and, looking with anxious hope for a victorious result, it nevertheless confidently expects that, in every event, each of its military leaders will not fail to combine, with a ready skill in the arts of modern warfare, the firm and undaunted courage of his ancestors. These hopes and these expectations you have not disappointed upon the late-expedition to Portugal: and your country will long remember with admiration, your intrepid conduct in the battle of Roleia, and your signal display of judgment and valour in the battle of Vimiera. These exploits have obtained for you the Thanks of Parliament, which you will receive not more as the tribute of its gratitude, than as a mark and note of the further services which it expects at your hands. I do, therefore, in the name and by the command of the Commons of this united kingdom, thank you 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 major-gen, Ferguson said,
"Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to return my warmest acknowledgements for the high and distinguished honour which this house has been pleased to confer on me.— Having ever considered that the greatest reward which a soldier can attain is the approbation of his country, the Thanks of this house must be received by me with gratitude and pride. I am well aware, however, that I owe this honour not to my own merit, but to my singular good fortune, in commanding such officers and such men as were placed under my immediate orders, and in being myself under the guidance of a general, whose talents, decision, and bravery, justly secured to him the confidence of every man in his army.—Could any thing in my mind enhance the value of the Thanks of this house, it would be the very handsome (but too flattering) manner in which you, sir, have been pleased to communicate them."