§ The Speaker acquainted the House, that he had received from Vice Admiral Albemarle Bertie the following Letter, in return to the Thanks of the House:
§ Hill, near Southampton,
§ January 19th, 1812.
§ "Sir;
§ "I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 14th instant, communicating to me, in the name and by the command of the Commons of the united kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, their unanimous Vote of Thanks for my cordial co-operation with his majesty's land forces in the reduction of the Island of Mauritius: and also the Vote of Thanks to commodore Josias Rowley and the several captains and officers employed in the late operations in the eastern seas, for their skilful, gallant, and meritorious 235 exertions, requesting me to transmit the same to them—Also transmitting to me the unanimous Resolution of the House, highly approving and acknowledging the services of the seamen and royal marines serving on board his majesty's ships employed in the late operations, and desiring the captains of the several ships to thank them for their gallant behaviour—I have the honour to request that you will be pleased to signify to the Commons of the united kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, my grateful estimation of the honour conferred by this high and distinguished mark of their approval of my conduct, as well as that of commodore Josias Rowley, and the several captains and officers, seamen and royal marines employed and serving under my command during the late operations in the eastern seas. I have the honour to be, Sir, &c. ALBEMARLE BERTIE, Vice Admiral."