Sitting of 2 May 1811

ANSWER OF GENERAL GRAHAM TO THE VOTE OF THANKS.
The Speaker acquainted the House, that he had received from Lieutenant-General Thomas Graham the following Letter, in return to the Thanks of this House, signified to him by Mr. Speaker; in obedience to their commands of the 28th day of March last.
"Isla de Leon, 15th April.1811.
"Sir; I had yesterday the honour of receiving your Letter, conveying to me the unanimous Votes of Thanks of the House of Commons to me, to Brigadier-General Dilkes, and to the Officers, Non Commissioned Officers, and Private Soldiers of the Division under my command on the 5th ult. in the action of Barrosa. "The House will readily believe, that the noble spirit displayed on that occasion by these brave men springs from the honourable principle of loyal and devoted attachment to their Sovereign and to their country; and that therefore they receive as a most flattering reward, this distinguished testimony of the approbation and applause of the representatives of the people
"Though I am myself conscious that the signal success of that day is entirely due to the combination of discipline and
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bravery of the troops whom I had the good fortune to command, yet it would ill become me to disguise my feelings on this occasion; for I well know the inestimable value of those Thanks to a Soldier.
"I have formerly often heard you, Sir, eloquently and impressively deliver the Thanks of the House to Officers present, and never without an anxious wish that I might one day receive this most enviable mark of my Country's regard: this honest ambition is now fully gratified; and I am more than ever bound to try to merit the good opinion of the House.
"I trust, Sir, you will, on my own part, and on that of my gallant comrades, assure the House of these our grateful feelings.
"Permit me, Sir, to request that you will accept my sincerest thanks for the most kind and flattering expressions with which you have accompanied the Resolutions of the House, and that you will be assured of the high regard with which I have the honour to be, Sir, &c. THOMAS GRAHAM, Lieutenant-General."