§ Major general the hon. Galbraith Lowry Cole being come to the House, the Speaker acquainted him, that the House had, upon the 7th of June, in the last session, resolved, That the Thanks of this House be given to him for his distinguished exertions on the 16th of May last, in the glorious battle at Albuera, which terminated in the signal defeat of the enemy's forces; and
§ The Speakergave him the Thanks of the House accordingly, as followeth:
493 "Major General Cole; after your long absence upon military service, we cannot behold your return amongst us" without calling to mind the memorable events which have signalized the arms of this country in modern times, and in which, you have borne a distinguished part.—In the annals of our military history, the, plains of Maida can never be forgotten; where British valour and the steadiness of British discipline routed the veteran troops of France, and humbled the pride of a presumptuous enemy; and we cannot forget, that in the history of that day, your name stands inrolled amongst those whose gallantry bore the brunt of the contest, and decided its issue. Pursuing the same career of honour, and toiling onwards in the fields of war, you have again claimed our admiration and gratitude by your distinguished exertions in the hard-fought battle of Albuera: for the commander in chief of the allied armies upon that day has given us his recorded testimony, that, by your experienced eye, and judicious valour, the triumph of the day was completed; when you were seen leading on your troops to the charge, and although yourself amongst the wounded, yet fore-most amongst the victorious.—These deeds of glory lose not their reward with a great and warlike nation. I therefore do now, in the name, and by the command, of the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, deliver to you their unanimous Thanks for your distinguished exertions in the glorious battle of Albuera."
Upon which Major General Cole said,
"Sir; to be considered by this House as deserving their Thanks, is certainly highly gratifying to my feelings; but I should ill deserve the honour conferred on me, or the situation I hold, were I to take that merit to myself, which is unquestionably due to the unconquerable spirit and gallantry of the troops it was my good fortune to command on that memorable day. To them, and to them alone, thanks are due. I beg the House however will do me the justice to believe, I am fully sensible of the honour conferred on me; and I have to regret my inability to express my obligation to you, Sir, for the handsome and flattering terms in which you have been pleased to convey them."
§ Ordered, nem. con. That what has been now said by Mr. Speaker in giving the Thanks of this House to major general Cole, together with his Answer thereto, be printed in the Votes of this day.