§ Mr. Speaker acquainted the House, that he had received from lieut, general the hon. John Abercromby, the following letter, in return to the thanks of this House, signified to him by Mr. Speaker, in obedience to their commands of the 10th of January 1812.
§ "Bombay, 1st Nov. 1812.
§ "Sir; I do myself the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 14th of January last, conveying to roe the unanimous Thanks of the Commons of the United Kingdom for the conquest of the island of Mauritius, and desiring me to communicate to major general Warde, and to the officers, non-commissioned officers, and private, soldiers employed on that occasion, the high sense 43 entertained of their gallant and meritorious exertions.
§ "The leading wish of my heart has been to devote myself to the service of my country; and I beg you, Sir, to assure the House of Commons that I receive this distinguished mark of its approbation with the liveliest emotions of pride and gratitude; for a British soldier must ever consider the applause of his country to be the highest reward that can be bestowed upon him.
§ "I have had the greatest satisfaction in communicating to major general Warde, and to the gallant army I had the good fortune to command, the resolutions of the House of Commons, in approbation of their professional skill, discipline, and bravery; and I can venture to assure you, Sir, that they will be deeply impressed with a sense of the distinguished honour which has been conferred upon them.
§ "Allow me, Sir, to express my obligations to you for the very flattering terms in which you have been pleased to add to the high gratification I derive from the Thanks of the honourable House, by the offer of your personal congratulations. I have the honour to be, &c.
§ "JOHN ABERCROMBY
§ "Lieutenant General."
§ "To the right hon. Charles Abbot, Speaker of the House of Commons, &c. &c. &c."
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer moved the usual Grand Committees for Religion, Trade, and Justice.
§ The usual Standing Orders of the House were also read, and agreed to.
§ Lord Compton brought up the Report of the Address; which was read and agreed to.
§ Upon the motion of lord Castlereagh, it was ordered that it be presented to his royal highness the Prince Regent by the whole House.