§
The Speaker communicated to the House a letter from Sir Robert Stopford, in acknowledgment of the resolution of thanks voted by the House on the 5th of February. The letter of Sir Robert Stopford was read as follows:—
Her Majesty's ship, Princess Charlotte.
Malta Harbour, March 11, 1841.
Sir—I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 8th ultimo, transmitting the unanimous resolution of the House of Commons, giving the thanks of the House to myself, Commodore Sir Charles Napier, and the officers, seamen, and marines under my command, as well as to the officers and seamen of the allied forces, for the late operations on the coast of Syria, terminating in the successful and decisive attack on the batteries and fortress of Acre on the 3rd day of November, 1840.
Having had the good fortune, during a long naval career, of being placed in situations and circumstances under which I frequently had the distinguished honour of receiving the thanks of both Houses of Parliament, it is particularly gratifying to me now, at the close of my career, to be again thus honoured.
I beg leave to assure you, Sir, that I am deeply sensible of the flattering terms in which you have been pleased to convey to me the thanks of the House of Commons, of which I shall ever retain the most grateful remembrance.
I have transmitted to Rear-Admiral Baron de Bandeira and to Admiral Sir Baldwin Wake Walker the resolutions of the House of Commons, which I shall also communicate to Major-General Sir Charles Frederick (Felix) Smith, who is now in England.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
(Signed) "ROBERT STOPFORD, Admiral.
P. S. Having just learnt the arrival of Sir Charles F. Smith at Gibraltar, I shall send the thanks of the House of Commons to the major-general at Gibraltar.
§ To be inserted in the Journals.