HC Deb 09 March 1813 vol 24 cc1191-3

Lieut. General Sir Stapleton Cotton being come to the House, Mr. Speaker acquainted him, that the House had, upon the 3d of December last resolved, that the Thanks of the House be given to him, for his distinguished exertions in the battle of Salamanca upon the 22d of July last, which terminated in a glorious and decisive victory over the enemy's army; and Mr. Speaker gave him the Thanks of the House accordingly, as followeth:

"Lieut. General Sir Stapleton Cotton; In this interval between the active seasons of war, your proper sphere of duty is within these walls; and we hail with pride and pleasure your return amongst us, bringing with you fresh marks of royal favour, the just reward of fresh services and triumphs.

"Descended from a long line of ancestors, whose names are recorded in the earliest ages of our history, and characterised with those qualities of prudence, generosity, and valour, which have laid the foundations of English greatness, your race has exhibited many a model of that splendid worth which dignifies the gentlemen of England, always prompt to discharge the laborious duties of civil life, and never slow to take up arms at the call of their country. Such, in an eminent degree, was that venerated person from whom you have immediately derived your own hereditary honours, endeared by his active virtues to the public men of his own times, not unknown to some who still sit amongst us, and ever remembered by myself with the sincerest sentiments of respect and affection.

"But, Sir, when the path of early life lay open to your choice, the then warlike state of the world called forth a congenial spirit, and your military ardour led you to encounter the toils and dangers of war in distant climates. Trained in the same camps, and animated by the same love of glory, as the great captain who now commands our armies, and fills the world with his renown, you have bravely followed his brilliant career, and shared in his unexampled triumphs. Renouncing the charms of ease, and the seat of your ancestors, you have gallantly gone forth to the tented fields of Portugal and Spain; and, having reaped the harvest of our thanks for your achievements in the battle of Talavera, you now stand before us crowned with the never-fading laurels of Salamanca: your squadrons, upon that memorable day, overthrowing the enemy's embattled ranks, laid open the road to victory; and the work which your gallantry had commenced, your triumphant perseverance completed.

"These heroic exploits have again entitled you to the public gratitude; and I do now in the name and by the command of the Commons of Great Britain and Ireland in parliament assembled, deliver to you their unanimous Thanks for your distinguished exertions in the battle of Salamanca, on the 22d of July last, which terminated in a glorious and decisive victory over the enemy's army."

Upon which Lieut. General Sir Stapleton Cotton said:

"Mr. Speaker; I cannot express how much I feel gratified and honoured by the vote of thanks which has been passed by this House, and conveyed to me by you, Sir, in so flattering a manner; I am indebted to the discipline and bravery of the troops I have the honour to command for this most distinguished reward.

"In zeal for the service, and attachment to my king and country, I yield to no man; my feeble efforts shall ever be exerted to render myself worthy of the very great honour which has been conferred upon me."

Ordered, nem. con. That what has been now said by Mr. Speaker, in giving the Thanks of this House to Lieut. General Sir Stapleton Cotton, together with his Answer thereto, be printed in the Votes of this day.