HC Deb 24 June 1811 vol 20 cc745-6
The Chancellor of the Exchequer

rose to move for public Monuments to the memory of major-general Mackenzie and brigadier-general Lang-worth, who fell at the battle of Talavera. He was extremely concerned, that he was so misconceived on Friday as to be understood to mean sir W. Myers in his notice. Although he was as sensible as any man of the gallantry of sir W. Myers, who fell at the glorious, battle of Albuera, yet the House would see that it was necessary to draw a line somewhere, and that a person must have arrived at a certain military rank before such an honour was paid to his memory. Major-general Mackenzie and brigadier-general Langworth were of that rank, and he took some shame to himself for not having proposed it before. The fact was that when he moved the vote of thanks on the former occasion, it was the first time he had ever made a similar motion, and he did not then know that even the rank of major-general was sufficient to have such a public honour bestowed; but upon enquiry he found that it was usual. After touching shortly on the merits of general Mackenzie, which were eminently displayed in the command of the advanced guard of Talavera; and also after bestowing commendations on brigadier-general Langworth, an officer in the German Legion, he concluded by moving "That an humble Address be presented to his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, that he will be graciously pleased to give directions that Monuments be erected in the cathedral church of St. Paul, London, to the memory of major-general Mackenzie and brigadier-general Langworth, who fell on the 28th day of July 1809, in the glorious battle at Talavera de la Reyna; and to assure his Royal Highness that this House will make good the expense attending the same."—Agreed to, nem. con.

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