Mr. Ponsonbywished the noble lord, opposite, to inform him, whether it was his intention to lay before the house a return of the loss sustained by the British Army in Spain, during the late expedition to that country. Such a document was necessary before he proceeded with the motion, of which he had given notice, relative to the mode in? which the war in that country had been conducted. If the noble lord did intend 204 to produce this return, he trusted it would be done previous to the day for which his notice stood, and he should feel obliged to him to mention about what time he thought it would be in his power to do so. If he had not this intention, it would be his duty to move the house for that purpose.
Lord Castlereaghsaid, there could be no objection to laying this return before the house, but as it had not yet been fully made to government, he could not possibly condescend upon any particular day.
General Stewartrose to do away an impression of a very unpleasant nature, which had been made on the public. It had been stated, and was very generally believed, that our loss in Spain amounted to 8 or 9,000 men. He could take upon himself to state, that it did not exceed half that number.
General Stewart.During the whole campaign—from the first moment the British army entered Spain till their final embarkation at Corunna. (Loud and repeated cheers.)