HC Deb 10 February 1812 vol 21 cc707-13
The Chancellor of the Exchequer

rose and said: Sir; in consequence of the notice which I gave a few days ago, I rise to call the attention of the House to a subject well deserving its distinguished notice, the conduct of lord Wellington and the troops tinder his orders, at the late capture of the important fortress of Ciudad Rodrigo, and of suggesting to it the propriety of marking this achievement with its warmest thanks and most sincere approbation. Although some doubt may be entertained, whether the consummate skill, industry, adroitness, and judgment of the commander in chief, or the energy, gallantry, and zeal of the forces have reflected the greatest honour on British arras; yet I am persuaded there will be no difference of opinion in according that these two circumstances united, cast a splendour round the laurels of the allied troops, which will fully entitle them on this occasion to that proud distinction which they have frequently received before from parliament, and will raise for them claims to new distinctions, if I may so express myself, to add yet further lustre to the brilliancy of their glory. I believe that the precedents are rare (perhaps this is the only one), in which an enterprise of this kind has been made the subject of particular pot ice by the House, but. I am confident the House will feel that there are on this occasion circumstances of such a nature as to render the propriety of it obvious, and even to justify a Vote of Thanks, had it been a solitary instance in which they had been conferred.

The House is doubtless aware of the transactions which occurred during the short period which was occupied in performing this brilliant exploit, and therefore I will only notice them generally. On the 8th January, lord Wellington completely invested, and on the same day broke ground, before the city. The French, in the time in which they occupied the fortress, had employed themselves in making considerable and important additions to its strength—they had erected several new redoubts, particularly on the hill of St. Francisco, connected with the place by a chain of convents, fortified by palisadoes and other judicious means of defence. By this circumstance the approach to the place by a besieging army was rendered much more difficult; but lord Wellington immediately commenced operations by a successful attack upon San Francisco, by a body of troops headed by lieut. col. Colville, and the first parallel having been thus commenced, the place itself was converted into a redoubt. From the 9th to the 13th January the operations were continued, and on the night of the last mentioned day, the convent of Santa Cruz, which communicated with the body of the fortress, was taken by surprise by general Graham—thus protecting most effectually the right wing of the allied army. On the 14th the convent of San Francisco was attacked, captured by lieut. col. Colville, and the suburbs entered and taken possession of by the British troops. From the 15th to the 19th the works were continued, and the second parallel was completed. The batteries during this period bad throughout kept up a warm fire, and had made a considerable impression on the walls, in which two breaches had been opened, conceived by the enterprising commander in chief to be at that time practicable, although such regular approaches towards; the city had not yet been made, as are usual in undertakings of this arduous nature. Lord Wellington, with the assistance of his generals, deemed an assault advisable—and taking into view the situation of both armies, the means of attack possessed by the one, and the means of defence and annoyance by the other, determined that the assault should be made after nightfall on the 19th of January. The attempt was made by the allied troops in five columns: the two right columns were led by lieut. col. O'Toole, and major Ridge; the third was formed of major- general M'Kinnon's division. The fourth column, under major-general Craufurd, was directed to make an attack on the breaches to the left; and general Pack's brigade formed the fifth. All these operations succeeded, and one of them beyond expectation, general Pack having converted the false attack he was directed to make into a successful enterprise, and by his vigorous proceedings taking prisoners all who ventured to resist his progress. Thus in less than half an hour from the commencement of the assault, the British army, with undaunted intrepidity, forced its way into the centre of the city, and reduced the enemy to the necessity of surrendering a fortress he had vainly attempted with his utmost exertions to retain.

Unfortunately for the country, but more especially for the army, general M'Kinnon, in leading on that portion of the forces placed under his orders, was killed by the accidental explosion of a magazine he was approaching; and I am certain that the House will not hesitate a moment in concurring with me in thinking, that this unhappy loss should be followed by that mark of respect, affection and gratitude unquestionably due to the remains of an officer so gallant and experienced in the field of battle, and so amiable and virtuous in his private circle. I shall therefore propose, that a Monument be erected to his memory.—General Craufurd also was severely wounded, and, according to the dispatch of lord Wellington, the service, to the honour of which he has so much contributed, may be long deprived of his example and assistance. In the list of the wounded I am likewise sorry to include the name of major-general Vandeleur.

These transactions, it will be obvious to common observation, as I stated in the opening, are marked with distinguished and almost singular merits: I say it will be obvious to common observation, because persons unacquainted, like myself, with military tactics, will find themselves greatly assisted in appreciating the value of this signal triumph, by having an opportunity to compare these proceedings with those of a similar attack directed against the same place; and the House and the country, upon the present occasion, possess the peculiar advantage of forming a contrast most decidedly in favour of our gallant army. Lord Wellington, it will be recollected, invested Ciudad Rodrigo after it had been most materially strengthened by all the military skill which the French engineers are acknowledged to possess, on the 8th January, and on the 19th January the British army took possession, having been engaged only twelve days in commencing and completing their works, and in accomplishing their glorious project. What is the fact with regard to the French army, when it sat down before the same place, not deficient in any of the ordinary means of attack, and by far more numerous than the allied army? It is true, that the garrison, on the present occasion, was smaller in number, but far superior in discipline, being composed of the most experienced and tried soldiers of the French army, among whom were engineers, who, with consummate skill and ability, directed the employment of every means of resistance that could be devised. Marsha) Massena sat down before the place on the 11th of June, 1810, broke ground on the 15th, opened his fire on the 24th, and the place did not surrender until the 10th July, comprehending a space of thirty day employed by the French, in investing, attacking, and obtaining the same fortress, which subsequently, much improved and strengthened, yielded to British intrepidity after a siege of only twelve days. The facts, as simply detailed, give to the House a much more just impression of the almost unexampled courage and ability displayed in this achievement, than any language of mine can possibly convey. I believe there is scarcely a gentleman in the House who has not had some opportunity, by means of private communications from those who were eye witnesses of the scene, of properly estimating this brilliant conquest, in which every local circumstance was taken advantage of by the general, and his judicious views seconded by the zealous support and determined gallantry of those whom he commanded.

I know not if it be necessary for me to submit to the House any further observations upon this subject, being satisfied that the impression upon the mind of every honourable member will be so strong, that it will be in vain for me to attempt to add to it. I am sure that the House will concur with me in opinion, that the present case fully deserves that distinguished mark of approbation which parliament is always happy to be enabled by events, to confer upon the gallant defenders of their country and their allies. I shall therefore content myself with moving," That the Thanks of this House be given to general lord viscount Wellington, for the skill, decision, indefatigable exertions, and consummate judgment manifested by him in the recent siege of Ciudad Rodrigo, by which that important fortress has been wrested from the enemy in the short space of eleven days."

General Tarleton

seconded the motion, and begged to add a few expressions of admiration, flowing, not merely from his lips, but dictated by his heart. It was impossible, he said, to add any thing, by brilliancy of description, to the lustre of the late transaction; but as the oldest general in that House, he wished to point out in it some characteristic marks of British gallantry. Whether the skill of the commander in chief, or the bravery of his troops were referred to, he defied any nation to produce an example of similar splendour, of troops so steady within arms, or so silent in attacks made under cover of the night. If the leader of any of our columns were disabled, the efforts of his troops were not relaxed. When what was technically called "the forlorn hope" was to be formed for the purpose of the assault, instead of 350 volunteers, which were required, no less than 700 men instantly offered themselves from only two regiments. He would not waste the time of the House by further dilation, since it was impossible for the genius, the eloquence, the research, or the memory, of all its members to produce an achievement, whose glory at all equalled the splendour of the capture of Ciudad Rodrigo.

Mr. C. Adams

made a single observation, in which he suggested the propriety of conferring some additional mark of gratitude on lord Wellington.

Sir H. Montgomery

was proceeding to notice some misrepresentation of what he had staled on the question of voting thanks to lord Minto, when he was interrupted by the Speaker, who informed him that such a subject was wholly irrelevant to the matter before the House.

Mr. Biddulph

observed, that what he was about to remark might be irrelevant also, but he could not help inquiring why ministers had not proposed a Vote of Thanks to general Hill, for the defeat of general Girard, at Merida?

Mr. Arbuthnot

was anxious that the name of major Napier should not be for- gotten among the list of those who had signally distinguished themselves. He was one of three brothers who had received among them eleven wounds. The late Sir John Moore had expressed his high opinion of this brave officer, who bad served and suffered in his country's cause as much as any man in the army.

General Loft

paid a high compliment to the talents of lord Wellington, in whom the army had perfect confidence, whether he was acting on the defensive, or leading his troops to the attack. Another reason which induced him to concur in this vote was, the incitement it would be to young men yet undetermined to commence a career of glory in the army, when they held in prospect the honourable reward which was now bestowed.

The Vote of Thanks to lord Wellington was then passed, nem. con. as were also the following.

Resolved, nem. con." 2. That the thanks of this House, be given to lieut. general Thomas Graham, second in command, to lieut. general Thomas Picton, major-general the hon. Charles Colville, major-general Robert Craufurd, major-general John Vandeleur, and to colonel Dennis Pack, brigadier-general in the Portuguese service, for their distinguished exertions-during the recent siege of Ciudad Rodrigo, which was gloriously terminated by the successful assault of that important fortress upon the evening of the 19th of January last. 3. To the officers of the British and Portuguese forces who so nobly led the allied troops to the assault of Ciudad Rodrigo upon the evening of the 19th of January last, and brought the siege to a speedy and successful termination by exertions of the most signal valour and intelligence. 4. To the officers belonging to the corps of royal engineers, and to the officers belonging to the royal artillery and Portuguese artillery, serving under the command of lord viscount Wellington at the recent seige of Ciudad Rodrigo, for the professional ability and indefatigable zeal displayed by them throughout the operation. 5. That this House doth roost highly acknowledge and approve of the distinguished bravery, zeal, and discipline so conspicuously displayed by the non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the British and Portuguese forces employed in the glorious assault of Ciudad Rodrigo upon-the evening of the 19th of January last. 6. That this House doth highly acknow- ledge and approve of the good conduct, spirit of enterprize, patience and perseverance manifested by the other general officers, officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers belonging to the British and Portuguese forces which served under the command of general lord viscount Wellington in the recent siege of Ciudad Rodrigo."

Ordered, That Mr. Speaker do signify the said Resolutions to general lord viscount Wellington; and that lord viscount Wellington be desired to signify the same to the generals commanding the allied armies at the late siege and capture of Ciudad Rodrigo.

Resolved, nan. con. That an humble Address be presented to his royal highness the Prince Regent, That he will be graciously pleased to give directions, that a monument be erected in the Cathedral Church of St. Paul London, to the memory of major-general Henry Mackinnon, who fell gloriously on the 19th of January last in the assault of Ciudad Rodrigo, by which that fortress was wrested from the possession of the enemy; and to assure his Royal Highness that this House will make good the expence attending the same.