§ Sir Arthur Wellesleybeing 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 the distinguished valour, ability and conduct, displayed by him on the 17th and 21st of August last in Portugal, on the latter of which days he obtained at Vimiera over the army of the enemy a signal victory, honourable and glorious to the British arms.
§ The Speakergave him the Thanks of the house accordingly as followeth, viz.
"Lieut. general sir Arthur Wellesley; After the events of the last year, it was impossible that parliament should re-assemble without directing its earliest attention to the services of the British army in Portugal; and, amidst the contending opinions which have prevailed upon other questions, the public voice has been loud and general in admiration of your splendid achievements.— It is your praise to have inspired your troops with unshaken confidence and unbounded ardour; to have commanded, not the obedience alone but the hearts and affections of your companions in arms; and, having planned your operations with the skill and promptitude which have so eminently charac- 178 terized all your former exertions, you have again led the armies of your country to battle, with the seme deliberate valour, and triumphant success, which have long since rendered your name illustrious in the remotest parts of this empire. Military glory has ever been clear to this nation; and great military exploits in the field or upon the ocean, have their sure reward in royal favour, and the gratitude of parliament. It is therefore, with the highest satisfaction, that, in this fresh instance, I now proceed to deliver to you the Thanks of this house; and I do now accordingly, by the command, and in the name of the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, thank you for the distinguished valour, ability, and conduct, displayed by you on the 17th and 21st of August last in Portugal, on the latter of which days you obtained at Vimiera over the army of the enemy a signal victory, honourable and glorious to the British arms"