' '1 ' '
THE LIBRARY
OF
THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES
IMK
POLITICAL ^FEMENTO;
OR,
EXTHA( i S FROM VUK SI'HI'CHKS,
Durni^: thr I.nsl Sic )'. .p-v,
\ iiLM)i;i.i) (li iiic ^](><] uisii\(.risii;:i MiMi;r.!;s
(JK JiOI!!
IIOLSES OF FARLIAMFN'F,
ON I Hi;
roLKi , ( >\i)['(r. JM) rnoii.n:].}: iii:->rj:i
OF 'J I IK HJi:.
liV A PAKLIAMIA'J'AHV Klll'OiriT.K
.\ ]n, 110.!
I 1 J-. tllHll)ll (i ll( IjIvI iJl ,.( 's I; 111 tilt 11 v\a\ .
A uuimiiit |)a:iNi'tli ere In i.ii tht in i .
A litilr iiKinif lit i|(i-ii( rli t , c!; lav :
'^.Kiii will lii< lt>cii)ii^ swci |) Mii'iru'i 'lu -, tile M v^.' .
Tlir \\ I t iiin-t (jw II iiir Sf .:Ui -I |- .-l" ;.,i- W ... .1.
Ail ' S|),ii;i ' how x;,i| w 'il Im 1'i\ II .' . .-.i :-.l '\ .
\Vlii :i xiHi - (i.uil s \ iiliiii ( . \^ iiii I:, - \\ i'.j J- imli!'. i li.
\llil tii I'l vll.llt \i''\\ liiN snll 111 ( 1..UU- |.' I i.:,l. - .;i.l
(H 11. Ill f I \Ki I II - " ,
'>r i!i.(\ I i,'i\f .idv cntni ni, , ;'um-\ - ..: .
\irl v;i, Ti, ;i 1,.,M li u.d L, tlir auhil r .1
i " .1 liiilf^ ii;lnrily r.oni ..ii\j'.i> I 'p ,
i; litiii^ LifSi'inl it ..11 11. . ..I s.i 'IV , ,.i'.
\iiM |i.':iilin.: r.uii'|.i , 111, -in.' .1' 'Im I I.'
< 'M ~>(..i;;i - ;!,',.ii|ci ii ..i<. i . i c ..,l:i,<-, imri .!,
^^ I ' ki.mI!.i :.' Hall. ;> Inn; ,, . .1 f!i. .i i, .nl,
\ i.'l I .1 nr, w nil c-l,ii 1 ',1 111 1 . ,1 lA \\ 111. V 1 li II
II ii . 1 li' II .ii.i I ,-\ . ( , .; , iki - u in :;i i V i'.
'1 ii I, Vi - 1 i),N 111 I )(i N .;i)i>; i; :. h.--,
LcnDon :
'' : i-ii ID H V Mi>M!'-. I o\(. \i AN, in I' - 1. in
MtinN. I'MKHNOvji K l(()\v ; AND M! -H . I
H N . WD ' O. Ol.D Hi '\ ') ' K 1- ( ;
. II \ :
JS
VINDICATION.
isi Enroll V
Ol' 111 K
JlKJllT HON. SPJ:NC]:R l'i:R(:f:\^AL,
WiKiSK MMKKOL'-
rir, Lie AND rUI\ATI, XlKll'I.S
Mtl, KKKSH IN niK R] ,( () l,l.i;( I'lON ()^lll-^ I. AMKN I jx;
OIN I UV ;
.Nl) 1(> WIlO'-i; W |Nl-; AM) ri.KM.X l.lt IN. ADIllUl N(K
Willi II! AT oy \\\^ ( oiiKAT, ri:s)
lO I III-
J'K IN( iri.i >> (F Ills (.IM.AI IM{i:i)l.( I ^st)|{ AM) .MODKr.,
i HI-; r!{i>i;N I ii aim'v posinti oi' ai taiii-, in
i;i KOI'K 1^ ( IIIKI l.\ AI'IUIIU I AHI K,
.1 III-, I.I r J I J \ O 1 r .M !. Is H I \' 1 Kl.\ 1 I A I lA
! \->(;u 1 LI I) )'. V
77//': ( oMl'ILlJi'.
. ,
\r. n -
I 1 '
5{
k: : m
4'
\ .. -
'^^'
^
~\vi'-
i\ rii()i)ij(]'ri()\
I'l'blicitv is one of those essential quali-
ties ot the British Constitution which ma-
terially tlistinguisli it fruni that of most
other nations. It is this which in a ^"reat
measure c-onnnunicates, even to the people
at lar^c, that rnanU' t'rankness which is so
estimahlc a trait in the national character.
Tn tlic suspitit)ns and the jealousies that are
nj^e[)arable Irom .secrc^t proceedings of state,
wc arc in l'ai<iland strauiicrs ; and the mean-
est [x-asant in t!ic land has the op[)ortunitv
atlordcd hnn ol knowing the internal [lo-
!it!cs (! his countrN , as well as the pait
'vxhicii Mi(" ).- lakini:- in the n'ueral airair->
(^t th<: world. Il cannot he denied tli:;l
'i"r<- arc nu^'Mu ciin'nco attcnd;iiit en tlic
VI INTRODUCTION.
openness of the British councils ; but all
who have duly considered the subject must
acknowledge that those inconveniences are
greatly overbalanced by the advantages
which result from it.
Of that publicity which contributes so
justly towards the patriotism of Englishmen,
the freedom of access to the two Houses ol
Parliament, and the means which we
thereby enjoy, on all questions of important
interest, of ascertaining the sentiments of
our immediate representatives, as well as
those of the hereditary counsellors of the
Crown, form a principal feature. Within
the last twenty or thirty years, the value
of these facihties has been much increased
by the implied permission tl\at has been
given to the regular and undisguised pub-
lication of the d(^bates in both Houses. It
may be truly said ot the Reports of those
debates, that tlicy furnish us with a por-
trait, singularly faithful in its resemblance,
of the nfmd of every cinineiit pubhc man
in the country. iOrrors ot an iusignifi( ant
nature may occur in them ; i)ut it would br
l.\ IKODLCTION,
VU
a.'", imiust th'TU'c to Ini'cv that \hcv arc not
^(ncrally autlu'iitic, as it u'ou'ul be absurd
to declare' that a mirror does not rellcct a
tiiie ii'KiL!;*' bi'eausc its surfa("e niav have
shii."!it :iiul riirc dc\iations troni the plane,
(w tliat the eart'i is n(;t globidar, l;e(:aiise
\\ic rotmidit\ ot i:^ firni is ucca-^ionally
ir!!erriipted b\ the eoinparauvelv- tritliri^
:i;e<jiialities dI liills aiid \al!:e<.
These fu'ports, ho\vev(T, are vcrv vo-
luminous; and tiie eompi'/er ol the tollowin;^
'^het^ts conceived that his humble inciustrv
could not be (^Aercl^cd more adveintaiicously
tor the coiiiininiitN', tiiaii b\- e\t.raeli;ii'- and
combimnLi," such })as.^ai:c\s as would exhibit,
in a C(Miipri-he:!- !\ e torm, the (.pinions and
'xj)eetat!(j!is ol [)uh!;-: men, with rcLL'ard to
public measures, duritiL!," t!ie last .six xcars.
lie has conlnicd his labours witliin that
period, because, although much u^etul in-
.stru(tion mi*iht be deri\('d from a icorc
twlensuc rclro>peei, \rt, utKpicstionabb ,
l!.e >i.ace ot" time allu'jod to >utlicu'ntK
abounds with lesson, ot t'iC hiLilic^t [Tac-
tual ut I ! i; \ .
Vlll INTRODUCTION.
During Ihal period, at least, the war has
been single in its characier. It has been
the contest of freedom wiia ::iavery of the
oppressed with the oppressor of the true
and legitimate rights of man with the arro-
gant and presumptuous pretensions of a
despot. It is fitting, therefore, that Eng-
lishmen, to whom freedom to whom re-
sistance against oppression to whom the
true and legitimate rights of man are dear,
should have their attention recalled to the
sentiments, on those subjects, of individuals
whom thev have been accustomed to regard
as their guides in public ditlicultj and dan-
ger, that they may recollect, and impress
on their minds, and on the minds of theii
children, by whom those sacred considera-
tions have been occasionally deserted bv
whom they have been unceasingly main-
tained.
The crisis which England has just passed,
was one of no ordinary magnitude. Om
objects vv-erc^ not, as in former instances, th(^
possession of a sugar island, or the enjoy
jjicnt of an uninterrupted conunerce in fui>
INTRODUCTION.
IX
l!\(Tv tliinii" dear to us as individuals, cvt'iv'
ihiu^" Naluablc to us as a nation, was at
stako. l\{>j)ubli('an I'rancc, it is true, was
no more; but the spiril i)y wluch ^>he liiid
been aiuniated bad parsed into the bod\ oi
liu absolute nionarelu', and bad lost nothin*^
o! i!ie ^i()lence and t'li' danger ot' its eha-
raeter in the transnii^'ration.
I nder sueh eirennistanees, one would
ha\(: thoughi that tlie usual vigilanee ol"
jxditieal opposition might have somewhat
relaxetl, and that it no as'^ista.nee w ere
otiered b\ the j)arty out nC power to tlie
parl\ in power, at least as lew imj)edinuMits
a^ possible would \)c thrown in tlu! wav oi
the successful termination u! a struggle, il'.e
!:n--ueecvstul termination ol which nui-t
liavc involved all parties ni general d.c--t:ii<--
tiori. ])iit no ! Inlluenced bv .sonic unac-
coiiiilable uuatuation, manv ol (;ur j)ubli'
in'n, ha\ nig at a lormei' period bei-n the
cni hnsiastic advocates ol li cent ions nc.>^-. w I uti
iha! l:<cntiousne^s was in a\ ow ed ho>tilil ^
io liieir coiiiiti'v. now looked m^cii.^ibl \- on
he rdurt^ (ii lih'jri\. wlicn 1,'\ t he:'.' oi -mii; r'
X INTRODUCTION,
those efforts were applauded and encouragedo
The genial warmth of true freedom in Spain
and Portugal was unjherished by those
who, but a few years before, had madJy
admired the delusive splendour of that fatal
conflagration, which, luning destrojed all
that was estiuiable ana venerable in France,,
threatened to extend its ravages over the
whole earth.
It will be said, and it will be said with
truth, that most of these individuals pro-
fessed themselves to be very friendly to the
cause of the Peninsula. Let the following
pages show how their inendship was mani-
fested. Every thing which the British
government did for that cause was con-
demned ; every tiling which the British
government proposed io do for that cause
was deprecated. If aid was afforded to the
Beninsular natioriS in the sliape of money,
the dilapidated state of our resources, and
their ir}ade<;uacy to so imj)roNident an ex-
penditure, were patlictically kur.ented. Jf
our brave soldiers were sent to tb.eir assist-
ance, jNlinisters v/ere sneeringly a-rked, if
IXTUUDL'( TION.
Xl
[hev tlKuiiiht (iH^it [jritairi couKl i-opc w'uii
I'raiicc as a inilltary powcM*. i):! our gal-
lant arniv afliit^vc a virU)r\ r 'iiicir valour
was praibCvi, !uit ihcir laiin^ls were dcelarrc!
to be barren. \\ as our iniiuoruil coin-
inatitk'r iiuUk'L'cl, \'. il!i a Viow to ullcrw'/r
operations, to nial.c a tcinporars' rot real :
It was louilU de'.'!ar(\i t'lat tiio })ri\''ninp-
tuous tln'cat oi" t!ie I'rench vuliure, tiiat Ik-
would drixt.' tlic i'ritisli lcoj)a.rds into tli'^
<ea, was about to he a(,:coni[)lislie(.l. \\\^
wore told that the honourable anJ. ehi\aIroiis
teclin<i b\' which men ni private lit(^ ' 'il:^-
to be actuated, had nothniLi' to do \k i['.\
nations, whose dut\' it wa^ to ado[U a n.- :\-
cautious and c::lcu!;;tiiiji; jxdicw 'I !ie \i.-
eal)iilar\' ot rejiroacli \s a - rxhau'^ed on ]'
M;i)C-t\'> ( i{)\ crnment , wlio wcm'' ( !;:n\.v -
t'T;^(i| ;is t!ic nio->t iMcliicK'Ht ^i i:\. {{ r- lea;
had e\(a'h('Id the rci:i> ol statr, aiai \\':c
ni a to!ic ol ari<)t:anc<-, a^ o!!c:i>i\c tl: ;,
a-- It ha^. Mnce j)i'o\;'(! ; id:ruK>:c;, we; Jmo-
i")i!M(cd lo b'- obstmatclc rcr"v"\ f! .ii ' ,11 a
nil.') irret ra'\ abic rum. \ -av an. r \-a-:.
ti.i'cuij !'. all thr viia^-itudf- i; a ( .!i:i.c; '!.
Xll JilTRODUCTlOJN.
most generous, but the most tremendous
in which England was ever engaged, ridi-
cule, misrepresentation, menace, and pre-
diction, were the weapons used by the
party against sound argument, and the dic-
tates of a noble and determined spirit.
Buonaparte that Juggernaut of the West-
ern Hemisphere that foul idol, besmeared
with the blood of millions of victims was
with many of them an object of enthu-
siastic admiration. In their perverted imagi-
nations, he was invested wdth the divine
attributes of omniscience and omnipotence.
It is difficult temperately to speak of such
opinions and such conduct. Every generous
and patriotic feeling is excited in their
reprobation.
On the contrary, it is impossible to re-
collect the measures of the present Admi-
nistration, and of the administration at the
head of which was that virtuous, public-
spirited, and nniversally-beloved individual,
of whose services the hand of an assassin
deprived his country, ere, in the consiinima-
iNTKODL'( TIOV
Xlll
iion ot the hopes eht-risiunl in his warm
and loyal breast, he couKl cxperu-nce the
hi;^!iest reward ot which buch a n 'tiire \'vas
capa'ile it is iin^osM!'!;- to rcllect cni the
mighty (rniic-uhies w iiieli t!'.r\- have liad to
eneountei- without, a ioc not on!\' ot un-
exampled phjsical .strt'riu,th, but v.ho^e ex-
traordmarv earcer ot sueecss had idmost.
'naM< (1 him to tiinmph over the human
mind, and to render dou])tlul the et(M"nal
and imrmitable j)rinei])les (4 justiee and
honour within, t'le (;om[)heatcd eml)ar-
rassmcnts arisinj^; irom sta^inated trad(\ sear-
city, and the ln-'Stilit\ ot rixals, wlio,
h()ue\(M- itieompetont to ;ii-o:it atlair^, \\er.'.'.
sutiU'ientU dexterous m sn/ino' on matters
ct a subordinate na'iiu'e, and conNcri m;"
th(':ii into the mear,.-, ot p'"^'y '>iit trasinw-
amiovancc it is nnpossd)le to (:ont(Mn[)lato
the t'rmne.^s with w'.ieh, under sueh ar-
duoiib auvl unprcc'cucntcd eircum.stanix's,
tlicy niamtaineii iho .s\ -1(^11 ot p()Iic\- on
\!nc!i tlirv had sm wi:'ly resohcil, n".
daun;'.<l bv oxte'ard 'n' internal op!)OMti'Hi,
ihcir attention stcadibv iixed on Hie ;_!>'. :"Us
i':"al to wb.je.'i tiuii' c derts lia\t'at len^tli
XiV INTRODUCTIOX.
happily brought them, without sentiments
of the highest admiration and respect. It
is not the pilot who in fair weather and
smooth water guides the vessel entrusted to
his charge, that claims any large portion ot
our applause and gratitude; it is he vvdio, in
storms and in darkness, lashes himself to
the helm, and, undismayed by the perils
which surround him by the furious waves
without, or by the insidious leak within
conducts his gallant bark in safety to her
destined port.
What a contrast is presented between the
existing situation of Engkuid, and that to
which she would have been reduced, had
the counsels of the Opposition unfortunately
prevailed !
She ic now on the pinnacle of national
glory. Her fidelity towards her Peninsular
allies nreser\ed inviolate, she has bravely
rescued them from the grasp of a ruthless
usurper. By her ijlone v/as kept alive that
hpark of resistance to tyranny, which at
Icnp'th burst into flame, and consumed the
INTRODUCTION'. :-:v
vwcr ot" her incxoraKle too. : \]c I::i<> ])cvn
the star thai ha'^ li\\ fiio ( 'utitiri-'iiul iialioos
to lh(,' rtHlomptioi-; ';l Miiropo. V\ an iini-
talion ot' her ina<:na:ii;/;()i)S (\ap.i^>i'\ ihat
}ioriiblo niiliuir\' (ir^poli-m. no!, loss op-
pros>i\c' to Franoo ihau ciiiiMirroiis to other
countries, lias heeii overt iirneti ; and a nm-
(lerate and K-^itirna'i' ai:lh(n"it\ ha< hccMi
restorech In^tcialot {\\r lc\ci\^\i rest ot ail
armed tiaiee, a peaee lia^ heeti established,
vvhieh ])roinLses, when the swell that is
the natiu'al consefjuerice ot the Ir.t'^ \ io!(Mit
teni[ie-l has subsidtHh rej^)' 'e no !< -s ]ier-
inanenl lliun protonnd. IhiO eonmieree ot'
theeountr\', lon^' pent uj) l)v the c^ptMation
ot that s\steni so ntteriv destro\(\1, is no\\-
;]o\\ infT torth m a thiou^and various ehaiui(ds,
and lier niamilaetun^s are rapidh' ditt'usinij;
llieinselves o\cv continental Ilurope. TIh*
rev(MHie, in consecpienee, is th)uri>hin<i; he-
Yond jireeedent, arul atl'orils the ee["tain
])rospeet ot a sp(\'(h; and ini])ortaiit redne-
tion ot tho-e burdens to w hic-h the people*
ha\(^ hi.iuTto (lie(^rtullv submitted in con-
sideration ot their nec^'ssilx. 'I h(K->e ( ner-
^'(s, wiiieh tor so man\' \c"ars ha\e distin-
XYl INTRODUCTlOxN.
guishcd Great Britain in the field and on
the ocean, are about to be directed to other
objects to science ^to literature to the
fine arts to all those liberal and enlight-
ened pursuits, in which the expectation of
long and uninterrupted tranquillity can per-
mit a great nation to indulge. All is hope
and happiness !
In what condition would she novsr have
been, had the prematurely pacific, the
tamely-acquiescent, the resource-husband-
ing policy been adopted ? Her armies would
long since have been withdrawn from the
Peninsula, and the brave Spaniards and
Portuguese would have been left to their
fate. Appalled at their discomfiture and
subjugation, the other nations of the Con-
tinent would have shrunk from any gene-
rous and powerful eflbit too happy if
allowed to remain in the tranquil possession
of their respective governments and terri-
tories. With Buonaparte wc should have
made a peace with Buonaparte, his vic-
torious troops released from other occu-
lXTl!ODrCTIO\
XV 1 1
j'.'ttior); ami fiini'^cll i\ic n\:\stcv oi {\\c whole
roast ot i'uro[H\ ai:J ol ani[)lo oj)[)Oi"t.ti-
?ii(icii, tluToloro, or 'jr;\inr.j^i- a I'.asa! lorrc
ol irrosisliblo slroiiLlth ! I nlr>^ uc had
cli()s(Mi innnt'chatclv to suhniit to th(^ co;i-
(jp ror, w t* must ha\c' inai itainrd i:a\, il
])()>si()l^\ ^\o niu.-L havo auiiincnted our
(laval and !'iii!itar\' ciiuipnicut--. ihii in v.uii.
In \aln, t(.(), ^lu)uld \\\^ ironi dnu^ to tuuo
have fiunihU (Midcas ourrd to sootlu* the irri-
tahditx of our ox-er-powertid neighbour hv
the [)re.S(Mil ot a eolonv, or the ahandon-
nient of a niarit'uiie ri'dit. (V/.r trade would.
JKiNo he(Mi _L:r:'ahi:dl\ annihilated hv his
eoinuiereial edicts and re<j uhitions. Oun
irieans ot" resi-^tanct- would ]\.\\c ])('(Mi in-
^(nsil)|\, hill eertamh dinuiushiech ()ur
\\ Iiole statc^ would liavi' hcM-n ' eahinn\!,
erihbd, eonlind hound up in ^ancv (h)uht-
and tears." 'ihe (\itast ro|''ie ol tlii-> di^reiai
trau'edv woulil idtiniatcU liave h(\ni {\c-
vel()|>ed. I!\!n'\ tiniiLl" pr( nar-'d, ;n!\ necur-
reiicc, liowevfM- insiop.iti'ant, would ha\<"
ser\fd a.^ a pretext tor renew in.;; l;o:.Ii'e'
and ihif.rland old lhi<d;uil :i.-sa:!'"d n .ill
XVlll INTRODUCTION.
sides, would not have been able, even by
the sacrifice of the hcaifs blood of all those
of her sons who prefer death to slavery, to
save lies self from a foreign yoke. ^Ali would
have been desolation and despair !
Such is the difference between that which
we are, and that which Vvc might have
been. Let us forgive those who would
have reahzed the latter description, but let
lis NOT FORGET tllCm.
The extracts in the following volume are
principaily limited to the topics connected
with the war in the Peninsula, with the
expedii:ncy and practicability at various pe-
riods of peace with France, and (in later
times) with the co-operation of Sweden,
and the other confederated powers of the
Continent , occasionally, however, admit-
ting observations on diflcreMt subjects, the
bearing oi which on the miiin questioi; is
INTRODUCTION
x;x
sutllciciitK obvio::^. 'I'll!.' work whicli lias
\)rcn (M)iisult('(l t)ii the orca^iot' !> (Ik^ Par-
lianieiUarv Ixc^^i'i^tcr, (\>ii(lur!-r,l 1a ^'r. Han-
sard, a publicat iuii ol" uiiriN ailed copious-
]ic>s and accuracw
Tin fi/Ihiiij}^; arc the Kay's of t'l' iNIr.Mr.Eis './
l-ul!i IIousKS tj l\\K[.'.\Mr.\-r. <xtr^u.!- Jr<nn
U'/in.^c Speeches ii'i/i tc Jijiaid in alhhatctical and
cJironoloiricdl order.
Earl of Aberdeen.
Lord iVuckkmd.
My. B.uikcs.
luirl Batlmrst..
INIr, Bennct.
Viscount Bernard.
Mr. IM.iclitord.
f.ord 15orin_L;doii.
Mr. Br;ind.
Mr. BrouL^lunn.
Lord I^rownlow.
M,ir(|ui-. ot j>uckin_[^]iam.
r.arl ot l)Uckinij:]i.ini>liIre.
Sir I'r.mel^ Burtlett .
Mr. Cileniit.
Mr. ('..uHiinii'.
\'bcount C'AsdcrcaL:,!^,
XXU LIST OF NAMES.
Earl of Clare.
Viscount Clive.
Lord Cochrane.
Mr. Cur wen.
Earl Ba^ nley.
Earl t^f Desart.
Colonel Dillon,
Earl of Donoughmore.
Marquis of Downshire.
Lord Eldon,
Lord Erskine.
Mr. Eyre.
General Eerguson.
Mr. Maurice Fitzgerald.
Sir Frederic Flood.
Mr. Leslie Foster,
Mr. Freeman de.
Mr. Fuller.
Earl of Galloway.
Earl of Gla;su;ovv.
Mr. Charles Grant. ^
Lord Grenvilic.
Earl Grey.
Viscount Grimston.
Eari Grosvonor.
Viscount llaiiiilton.
Lord Arcliib.ild Iiamilton
Earl ll:irr(nvby.
Mr. iiibbLTt.
M'-T OF SAM".-,.
Win
LrrJ lloll.dhl.
Mr. 1 lutcliin M)n.
V;>cc)anl jo .1\ r.
Mr. l.,u,:l,v.
M. r ,iii^ ol r..i! s.!owiu'.
I'll (/t' l.-ui'lcreljlc.
l.vA .'f !, r;v.;.!.
1 til (.. i. , :^*>)iii.
M'.'. 1 .r. ^Iiiiii^loii. .
Mr. Ma' [hi:\v AIo;,t.)o-u.
\ i^C(;unt Mnuiitjoy.
l^arl Mii'gra-.r.
Sii- John Nowjvtrt.
Duke ot X.^rrulk.
(i.ipLiiii P.irkvM-.
Mr. Ikci.
Mr. I\Ti.;V.ik
Ml-. P(nM uiby.
^li. K Sir.soii.
Mr. R(; ..
l.ui-il SiiciiioKk
,Mr. .Sli , iii.ui.
( (;l(ilU'l ,^llij)I.'\ .
\'i>cuLiiir S'p, iiiii ;uili.
^li'. \\'ii;!.iin hu.iiii.
i u'l Si aiihojK'.
XXIV LIST OF NAMLS,
Mr. Stephen. "*""
Earl of Suffolk.
Mr. Sullivan,
General I'arleton.
Earl Temple.*
Mr, Tierney,
' Mr. Ti2;he.
Sir Thomas Turton.
Mr. Vansittart.
Mr. Vernon.
Mr. J. W. Ward.
Marquis Wellcsley.
Mr. Welleslcy.
Earl of Westmoreland.
Mr. Whitbrcad.
Mr. Wilber force. *,
Mr. Wortley.
Mr. Yorke.
The present Marquis of Buckingtiair.
n\K
VOIATICAL AIF.MFATO
EARL OF AI]]'R])}:I:N.
r,hrua>,i IJ, lsii,_0/i /,(,,/,/:- !'. .7'.'.'
" I'liH lii:j:ii ,111(1 ^aliani ^;lillt "t' ti:t* Sf n::'!i
ii:iti'^n ^tiil cM-ti'd ; llu.' (ictn minrd ii;/iU-'l llu'V
f'lU'c to tiu'ii' in\ adcrs C(^iUimK'(l iii uii! !!:l;in'^ll('^l
\:L;'')ur; ilu- ardciu (lc>;io ni' mainiaiii!;;,;- Iik ii'
I'Ih'Mv rcin.aiiK'd iii unabati'd tnn-c. d'lic ^.-uTc'ci
thtiiu- ol l;bi.'il\- aiid iiidrjjcndt'iM' I:ad bccii, it
w a-^ tii'C, p:irtlady ( d.)M,aiicd, l)iit it >nil cont iinird
It) bill 11 ; and he hoprd and bt'!it'\a'd it w a^ i;;'\-i r
to ])C cxtiiiL^aii-hitl by t!;c >)^)|l;c,v^:olK-, (,;' [],^
c'luniN ."
'With u'^-ard to l^)ltl:^aI, thr c'.iararUT cf
!:ic\var iii ihal comitrx' \",a^')|' a r,;,ic'i <'i(';.;(.'r
]naL;,iiil ink", and of a much soiiiuK'i' coiujiK'xmii,
It u^avc u> unML ica^oii lor coiu^ri.tidat .ml;' o;i;-
^clv t.^ on tl!'. i.'W'iiN that liavl j)a>^ui. a;i<l ai/oid.
cd lU inaiiv ua'ounds ot' hoj)c \\,, ti;ou' v.I.a'Ii
vcic to oonu. Wdiat liad alrt.\id\- oc iiind
tin if, had brcu ot' the i^TiMlcst adwiMauc lo ;;.c
oimiion caiiM'. and !kuI dioiic t he hi_:i;v -. in all
. our u-alLinl aini\ and i!> biasc ami r>k]U;d
2 EARL OF ABERDEI'X.
commancler. If he were to i)e asked what we
bad done by our campaign in that country, he
would answer, that W'e liad witlidrawn a nume-
rous and formidable army from the country of
Spain, commanded by one of the most eminent
and most fortunate of the Generals in the service
of France ; that we had baflied the first attack of
that powerful army so commanded, and gained
a glorious triumph; that we had preserved from
the invaders the capital, and a large j^ortion of
the country of Poitugal ; that^e still j)resented
to them the formidable front of defiance, and
held them in a state of disgraceful inaciivity ! =
If tlieir Lordships recollected the various gloomy
predictions of ill-success Avhich liad been deli-
vered in th.e course of last Session, it must be
admitted, that the result of the last operations
in Portugal had surpassed even the general hopes.
"What we had still to do depended on future oc-
currences. They might expect, on this subject,
a repetition of all those mclancholv j^rognostics
and foiebodings a\ Inch they liad pJieady hcaid;
but he was ready to say, that instead of giving
in to such prognostics, he should much rath.er ad-
here to the ho{)es derived from the accounts of
our brave commander, Lord A^'ellingioii. liimself,
and the expectations and higii spiiits of his
whole army. Ilowewr he miglit be induced to
pay every respect to the wisdom, tLe talents,
TAR I. or A :; k!/i i: v
',] (i li U--iii,:it nl (itllCr> Wll't c U ul ' '.; ;:t '.l L' i : f'il]:V
('; .,:.):;^ cii t!iii jioiur, lic mu-^l \)c p; iinirtui lo
Ml. . iIl^t -i ;( Ml j; (lt)i;i;; ^ oi ! ;,c n : : , i\ i; -. - i i -i;ch
' 'jiiT: Mil , ;i,t't\';' ilie Tailir. ^' i 'f I'l .lir.c r p: . i!:c* i./!is,
;i;^l iiDoii :i;;\' i'.i\i\v\u\: <>\ w ii:,; h.i;l ;i!ri,':tci v
].:i -i'M. 'i'l (Minr.iic*, t .\'i('!'''i c, lo.'iii'nd cvv.y
;i -^i^l.:;'!' o ! , o ii iHoii^ ui' t';i' I'lmi;;! -u'.i w\>,
iu' 11 iiitt i.;!v <i, ii^.'t, (i\]\\- -^oiini! ])');U'N, liut {\)C
l!i<'-l I'tKl'Ui i! i,.i(!. I m' ';.';!. ' ilV \\\C t.'"-t Mile-
( 4 )
LORD auci5:land.
January 27, 1808. On putting several Questions to
Ministers respecting the Orders in Council.
*' He shuddered at the state of policy upon
wliich this country was proceeding to act. Nei-
ther could he hide from his contemplation the
danger of that precipice, to the verge of which
it was so lamentably and so rapidly advancing,"
January 26, 1809. In the Debate on the Address on the
Answer returned to the Overtures from Erf urth,
" In answer to the loud and repeated assertion,
that the cause of Spain was not yet at an end,
he was aware that the popular delusion on that
subject was not yet at an end ; nevertlieless, he
would not hesitate to avow his opinion, that
'what we called the Spanish cause was lost, for
the present at least ; and without any rational
hope that it could be soon revived."
( ^ )
MR. BANKES.
ManJi 9, ISIO. /)/ tlu- Dclxitt' cm takinq the Furtv^u^si
Troi'ps iiiti) J'nti^h Poij.
" IIk hinu'iUcd the ^t.iU ofdillicultv an<l cni-
baria^^iiKMit in wliirii the llc>u-,c \\a^ placed by
thi.^ !!i()ii()ii; but thai ^tate v, as owing to the
conduct of AJ ini>tcrs."
' lie could never persuade himself to assent
to such a motion ; and, aniouL;" mraiv other rea-
:50ns, for these two, that weie ob\'iou.> Uv^t^
tlial ue liad not a milhiai ot" ni(Hie\' to spaie ;
and. secondlv, Uiat if \re e\en had, this was not
tiu' wa\' ill w h.icli we oe.^ht to dl^j)o^(,' ol' it. l''or
an\- efficient purpo-e d' \\'ai', he ie.dl\- behevetl
ih il :") t "in Hi il.^!) >o'.(lu'rN wandd be of more uic
than :'(>,uc,0 I'ortU'j,i:e->e ; and w]i\- then should
the ciiunlrx' \)C burdriU'il lor the support ol'
b\\>.-\\ ,1 force: lie N'rrv much d.ouhted v.liethcr
oui conduct toward-^ botii liie" Spaiiiart!-, and
1*0! ! e. ^a<.--c, was not cah uialed to induce an oj)i -
n;>M a I !<!!'; tl.o-e pt ')j)lr, that i-\ er\ ihiiii;- was
to i)'(',.;ie !''-! to'in. and iK tinna' b\ them. It
\', m;! ! ni-oltab'^ ':i\ e be 'ii b; Iter it' not a ^!nLj;lc
il: ;; ;>li rcLi'aina.r ii:-! Ik-'u ;' : . I 'a- 1 en.-uiu ia,
aid thai nua..~'':..d !i'*.ai : .a:, n o.- c\cile lh?'>e
6 M\i. BANKE.-:.
I'Coplc l:> filiuggle for tlicniselvc.-j tban to laiifc
AO niiu-ji dT the 5liii(^g!c into our own li.inch."
'"riu; ciiciny were now, perhaps, in the po.).se,^-
?inn of Cathz; \vhi<li. in faet, escapcrl ininiediate
rapture only through an accident, .lil the ci!-
culations of Ministers had been cUsappointed ,
all their })rtdietion:> \ver(^ falsified."
*' In fact, nolliing that Ministers promised
was fuUillcd nothing they si)eculated upon was
successful ; and was it then possible, that the
Conuifittee, with such uniplc and recent expe-
rience, could consent to invest J^linisters with
the means of engaging in any fartlRT hopeless
speculations? That which we hud learnt from
])ast experience, we should now adopt prospec-
tively for our future policy. It appeared to
him quite romantic to expet:t, that a British ar-
my of ^0 or 'J5,000 men, c\ en with whatc\'er
co-operation Portugal could give, would be able
to maintain a war on the Spanish Peninsula as
principals against France. He should, tlierc-
fore, recommend to the Committee and to his
JMajesty's Ministers, to husband the resources of
the countiy i\n- our own defence; and, look-
ing upon that as the soimdest line of policy, he
felt himself bound to oppose the motion.*'
:iIU. D.\SKL?^ 7
}f(U-cIi 13, I. si \.0n th.c S'i-rj ]-:^ttnHitci\
*\V\\vn it \\a^ (H)i!i.'Klci'cil liow imicli tliere
"A'a^ ol' ii'-.uuic'c in iiatiunal wx-allli, it iiui^t be
l('lt, tli.it it" our fxpcn^c^ continued to iuLTca^iC,
a> in [\\c [)ic^cnt cellmates lie perceived tlicv dnl
to the anio'int ;!' hctwci n one and two niilliuu^,
(air tinanec--. would at la-.l be found wi.ik. ilc
ui.-.lad the ll()U^e to be on ihcir L' uai\l ai^^'ainit
dilai'idatMiL;- the le-tJUiccb ol' the nation.''
June 2.^. \^\:'..In tlw D,]ilc ii the Rcjuni (ftJie Com-
niiltcc cj ^''I'pl'j, rt.^'pcvtuig the Tuiitij u-Jk SusLdtn,
" Hi^own general \iew of the kite treat\' with
SwetU'n was, that it of all others wa'^ the treaty
ior 'Aliieii I his ( ountiw was to pay the in(>st, and
to ie( ei\i' 1 lie least."
' 1 1 uas ;i L^eneral fault in tlie tre;ity, that no
mention was made ot ti-e mode or tnne ol coiii-
ineneiiiL'; t lie e;iinpa,Lin ; though it was exeeed-
inL;l\ maleiial tliat Mieh a l)o{|\- ot troops, unde\
.su h : eon.niandera.s t lie ( low 11 1 hi nee ot >\'. eden,
ijhi ".ild 1: iv-e h> I'll einphe ;(1 at tiie \ ia\ hej^i iiiiiii!;'
(if 1 la' ear.e> J' u, ami not now, w In n I he aft,'.ir>
of t'ie A i:i-^ we.e h! .! st,,:e >o de| >loi ,ihle.'
' Ih.' woMu! a-h, >'. hcliier S\\id.<;ii was a pvirty
5 ME. BAXKES.
Ui ilic present armistice? li siie was, wltcthc?
1 he |);i\ nirut of the nimitbl}" siibsiciy was to go
on (iming the i:essalien of hostilities ; and, if this
aririi'>ri(e ended in a continental peace, what
-reps wejc take)\ to provide a reciprocation of
interests '' He nnglit appear to the Noble Lord
(Lord Castlereagh) to be talking absurdly, but
he knewMiot himself where the absurdit}' lay.''
*' As to the (juestion of subsidy, it was so
much the fasliion for all parties in the House to
be careless about money matters, that he should
merely say, it was an improvident contract to
risk so large a sum of money without an equiva-
lent. His own opinion, both in the late and
in the present war, w^as decidedly against such
treaties of money. This country was always
eager and anxious to furnish its money as long
as any other country was ready to take it : yet
all our bargains of this sort were only so many
memorials of money foolishly and idly ex-
pended."
"'If the continental system should be renewed,
which was by no means impossible, perhaps
wot improbable, Sweden might be, in such
case, as she iiad been before, compelled to yiekl
to it; and he knew" not why we should suppose
that Sweden would now be more able to make
an effectual resistance against it than she v/a.>
before.'"'
( r- )
EARL BATHIRST.
Motiniijul a Cojum'tti c on thr ( oii'lnd nj' tin' fl'iii in thr
J'ciiinsula.
' L"i;d ^V\'li!not()ll w ;o ^ati^^ll(l with t!n' con -
(liu.'i i)t' Ad minimi rat inn diii iiiLi,' the \d-,t cainpaii;,;!.
'i i> (!cc!aratMMi had not hccii sought for l)y M;-
jii^Icis; hut it \\;i^ a^ohl^ta^y con:iiuiii!cati(jii
made hv I.oid WcUin^ton oil that suhjcct.'
* Tiic Xohlc Mai(|U!-i had in j)arts ut' hi-*
:|ici'rh maintained, that nothinii; cdlcctivc could
[ e considcrctl to liavc hccn done, except the
J'reneh had ht'en entirely deprived of the inilitaiy
]M)^^(^>;, ai of Spain; that, hfcawse the I'nemy
had not heen (hi\en out ol the OMuntiN', the re-
i-ult ot' llie eanipaiL^n iiad hi a ii nui;-atorv. Dai
tlic^e >eutMnent:5 aceoial wiili iho-.e the Xohle
.^huqul^ had Inin.-i U deli\ ci ed 'wi. ISir/. when he
m.'.iiitalncd, that it'the cam[)aiun were innoothe:
lespect u-etuh it tended to create adi\(a^ion lu
hi\'oui- ot' tlioM' Countries (ll^po-^ed to thiow oh
tiie doiMUoon ol' Trance; il tended to ioum- a
ipM it of rc^:-tanoe ;n c ainti le.s ahead\- ^uh luxat-
ed to ihat powai. and iMn>ta|U( lit ]\' niiiOit he
Vi"duct;\c ol' the uaaier.d rcann'e^tata mi ot" an
10 A!IL BAiniu-r.
independent spirit agam.xt the Ligg-rc-joiou ul" litc
coininon eneni} ? But was it noticing that t\\c
soutli of Spain blioidd liavv been eleared of tlic
Fieneb ? Wcvc ihc sueccsscs of Badajoz and
Ciudad llodrigo o^ no eonse(|ucnce? SoniethiiJn
l]ad jjeen etfectedj if the views of England now
wvve wliat the Noble jMarquis liad powerfidiy
deseribcd tliem to be at the beginning of the wai"
in Spain first, to create a diversion in favour of
our allies ; secondly, to encourage resistance in
other countries, by she^vingits effects in Spain;
and, thirdly, to prevent the commercial and mi-
litary means of that country from falling into
the hands of our enemy. Tliose had been the
views of England tliose were the views of the
present Government ; and those views had been
forwarded by the last campaign.''
Noiemher S, IS 13. On mov'tng the TJianlis of Oie House
to the Marquis of ffelUngtun, fur the Victories of tlie
Pyrenees, ^'C.
'' In thus revicwingour successes in the Penin-
sula, he could not but recal to theii- Lordships'
recollection the share tliat Britain liad had in
brinii'inir about the ii'lorious e\ents that had (jc-
curred in Europe, and wliich at length opened
a prospect of its attaining that independence
J A HI. r.AXllLK-
] ]
v.li.r^ h;i(I liccii >(i liiiio; ;iiul anxiously hv-kcd
r'lir. Itiirs coiiiitrv had in owe rcspr. t (m;i':ii-
iiakil n\'>vv than iinDtlicr tc the ^lonons I'C^ult-.
tiiar had at kaiL^-th hceii achit'\ctl. it ua> not i'
niiu'li ni the cxtoit <t" our fxcatK^n^. iov thcx*
liad been etiiialled hy Dtiier^, ;niil l)\ one eonn-
t! V exv-eec!ed ; it wa.^ not vi > nuieii m the --kdl i :
air oi'tii'er.s and the L:':dhintrv ofoui trodp-, l.aa
atier t he s[dc. lai'al \ iotoi'ies that liad !-; vMi uta ni iy
< liMuied. H c eoaid o:'.i\- sa\' tliat the exphat^
' ;"our.)Wn. ^ical C"aj)ta!n had not heen -'ufpa-^ed ;
ir \va.> not in tiie ex tent ot'our pii\'alions, Ini in
th:> ie>[)t'et. (iod he th;inke(h \\ e had Ijeeu
.^aN'Ci: iVoni the sad pre-eniinenee ; but it \\a> ;n
our pei:ie\erancc in the contest in tlie Penin;^ida,
under e\er\' cireunl^t.lnce, however nntavour-
;i!i'e; in the pei't!n;icit\" witli wliich we per^i>tcd
m n.aiiuta.muiu- i-\a-n a ennu'r I'f" i', until entaini-
sLiuee-) led to na'ie ; u-piei> uis e\ ei.t-, andlhe;;'-
b\" hMld'ii.:,- out a e'iea;- and bii^^-ht llan;e ;. ^ .A
the (laik!'e^> ti^it o\\ ; -pr(.;al tile raitifus ol' i'u-
mpca tli.it ^OMii ro^^- into a pi!!a: oi' lire to 1 i;; !
tiieui on their way to seeuiitw indepei'.d.er.ec.
u4.id peace."'
( l^
MR. EEN^sETT.
,7une 23j 1S13. In the Debate on tlw Anny Exifuoi-
dlnaries.
*' He took the opportuiiitv to animadvert
upon the further prosecution, of the war in the
Peninsula, which tended but to plunge iIhs
country into augmented expenditure and difficul-
ties. He begged leave to ask the Noble Lord
oppo-iitc, what were the expectations of succervs
which he entertained ? What was the prospect
of success which presented itself? And was the
war to be prosecuted by exhausting the lieart's
blood of Great Britain, under the delusive hope
that the Spaniards might look for ultimate suc-
cess, because they had been occupied for three
hundred years in effecting the exjralslon of the
Moors ! "
*' He must enter his protest against the prose-
cution of a war, which would vv^rench lUe last
shilling from the pockets of the poor, and plunge
every family in tite countiy into distress. The
success of this war was, to say the !r-a.st. proble-
matical; the ruin and loss certain and drcLidfijl.''
( IJ )
VISCOUNT BERNARD.
J:i:iVr.:j J.i, ISIO. On hmviii'^- (Jic JihlfCSS.
' Will r I. (.'nii'lrc^ wcvc >iiikinu\ cither b\' tlicir
<i\\ 11 \vci.;',t, (;] \'. fic luiilcd (hns'ii by the rude
ij.uu! i<\' jiou'cT, tliJs eoiintiA' iiad delinl ihc in-
Mi l-^ (t' ai,i!;i:inn, and had ri'inaiiicd iininjin-ed
amidst tiio calainilou^ dt'Milation ol' the Conti-
lit lit. lli^ Maje>t\*5 .-AUtiincp.ts on the Spani-^h
war were ^iiittd to his (h<^'nity. ^\d^lle tluiL
bra'^e and martial people fought with the spirit
and per-evciance of iVeeincn, he chd not >taiid
aloot ; lie otlered his aid to their first exertions.
In the da\ of their dilheulties, lie wonhl not
\s i'l.d'.aw that aid which he had utfcied to their
c,:i'\ caube."
( u )
MR. BLACIIFORD.
rebmary 23, ISQS.lii the D chafe on Mr. fVhlthread's
Besolutiovs respecting the proffered Midiailon of Russia
and Austria,
" Give him much scK^ncr tlie inllexibie rirm-
ness, tiie pei-.severiHg fortitude, of the men who
now guided the destinies of the nation, than the
])usilhi.nimous precaution of those who woukl
seek for comfort and ease at thie expense of
honour and security. Freshi aggressions called
only for fresh resistance, and n^orc dctennined
resolution. Such, at 1ea>,t, he trusted were the
sentiments with which his Majesty's Ministers
were nerved : and that he mi^ht venture to sa\'
of tliem, what the poet :said of the resolute and
JH>t
'.>' fractus illabnfnr oibi-^,
hnpavidum fcrient iniii,T;."
15 )
LORD LORINGDON.
Til vi- h\ U,,y;.l }!;;J,iic-. tlir Vnnrc Kc-
;^uir. ill \v\]''.\]j; li'il ii"r!- ij:!- liiN.il ll'u!i-
iir-s's 1.; t r : ' 1 li.' 1 ) :kr i-l' Yii k) was act lu.t^-ci
' '. i !.. I'll: rst ar.d 'iio-.r jial nolir inul i\ a >, In- w ;:-
.1! (kitN la.iiiul to laii(\c-; aiid in his rcjiiscac nca.;
was sat: I'ud. Imwa \ci- lluic n,i'_!,!,t. l;r -ciiu-
a!o! tiiii:;-;,' (. \|)ia v^,;()ii^ n', []]( ]i-;t(.i, tiiat tlu^
'Iia't (.i' l,;^ l[(i\ai 1 Ii j,l;.i(. ^s \v,i^ to I'o'.ir. an
Ai!:;i;ii.-n;-.: loll i,\\ a lair, a ii!)Ci'al, aral a broad
I'a-:^. 'IJa- nn.'la.ncho! \- i.^^wc wais a;rrad\
L'.iowii, ai;d l cdaiki-t and ni^sl L,'o.in\ pio--
['C ;- i;ow ^iiiiouiiiUa! i:s. I)ai.^ci> j)ia-.-;d
liji' n i:^ on t \ a i \ sidca w liil>? t he niiaii- ol" a\ crt-
:i:^' llir ;ii:n w iiicdi nicnai^ d tlu' (aaiiitix \\(.rc
'. J t n( (1. 1 1 was a sLd))va'L oi" \ it.d nr, noi taiiia;
to \\]c people; and, tlu i( toio. liowavcr irclilc
". ; c iV' !t n.^ulil li(a \\c u-\\ ii to hr Ins dutv to
;: '-' an atiinipt to a\crl Ino dan^'tis w iii. ii
t' ;. ca'.ciajd n.-5."
i6 LORD liOKINGpON.
March 19 i 1812. On viod fig an Address to fJie Prhice
Regent for a)i effideni Ad)ninistraiion,
'' The motion was founded on the deep sense
he entertained of the akirming evils whieh
threatened tlie safety of the nation whieh were
every day more and more devi^lopini; thein-
.ielves and the imperative necessity of oh tain-
ing an efficient Administration capahle of avert-
in"" them/'
( '7 )
.MR. RPvAXD.
Jaiinmij 2.;, I.'-IO. In the D'lnitc cm tlic Aildraii.
'' W'l nr ilic ;it!;iiis rif^ny cinmtrv likely to be
tLt*e-ii(!t'(l Willi ^iiccc-', wlicii plaiincil and cxc-
ciitdl 1)\ Mich Ministers' He insisted ui)on it,
that it was a want ot' ])nlie\' to send tiT)oi.)s to
Sjiaiii, where they mu-t e'nto!ni to ne\'> habits
of liviiii;-, and w'.iere ilu re wa.s not th.c lea- (. hnpc
of idlMuatc ->ucre>s. \\'la;never A^'e .sueeeedc!
bv land a.Li'ainst the I'reneh, thev were in an iso-
lated situation, where tlieir elncf had no naai::
"i I'eiid'ori oil:- thcin ; but into Spam i:c . oul'.l .::.
Ill- j)'aM>uu- \i'i\[v his K"j;ion'>. and c 'n.ovi u-> . .-
( 13 )
MR. BROUGHAM.
May 26, 1S12. 0?t moving for an Account of the Dutiei-
collected in the London Docks.
" He iindrrstoodj and he believed his infor-
mation to be correct, that the same vigorous and
efficient rTovernnient that had 2:uided the Coun-
ci'is of the country during the last week, pos-
sessed again the confidence of the Prince Re-
gent, and expected to regain the confidence of
the House of Commons ! If this was true, and
his Royal Highness was determined to continue
liis confidence to those persons, it really became,
a matter of much alarm/'
( 11^
LORD BROWNLOW.
Janumy J, K^IJ. On sccoiidin^- the .-idlies-,.
" The aO'.iirs ot' tlic PcniiiMila \'. (. ro .lic-cr:;:^'-.
i:i spite (jf M mic ^lIctc^-c^ \^l)'ull !i:i'l inn i.!)-
tairitnl lv t':c ciuiii'. ; tiic aiiiour ot' the people
\'.".is more N-iii-oroiis and a[)[)arcnt, then' spiiit
iuirnt n.ore biiL'lit, antl their rc^i'stanc'c \'.'.is
.slronuer tiian ever. The ennsuniniatc ahhnv
(!iN[)lave(l ()V Lord W'eUiiigtun in the condiiet ol
t lie eanipai^^n in l^)l^n^al, eon Id not be too high-
ly praised ; and the atlairs ot" th.e J'enin.snl.i i^^ave
Uo(j(! hope that Spam \vo;dd \c't ^liake <>t\' licv
Ui\'adei>, and hefauuc a tirni and pov\'i rt'ul ;d!\'.
11 \ tiie - line pidieion > >\ >tun I.^': tni^'al had bt en
-a\ed, and hei aiir.ies liad luuv n^en into a lor-
jiiuLdde haiiiei' a^am-^t the eiiemv. It niii'-.':':
11' )t he to,) nnieh to hope, tliat the example .-iet \ v
V.:c hiave people ol' the reniii^uia, '.'.'.'n.'.d p-^,-
duec it>^ eh'e-ot oii ]Vrj]c <i:^f^nt n:il.:'
C '2
( ':o )
MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.
June 18, IBl.i. In fhe Debate on the Address to the
Prince Regent on the Treaty idth Sn-eden.
*' The present had, 1)y some very unaccount-
able means, obtained the name of the new era.
In some points of view, and those were truly
affectinp;, it m.ight well lay claim to that title.''
*' It was a new era when we gave our confi-
dence to one wh.o had proved himself a Frencli-
man in every sense of the word, and who had
shewn, in every transaction, tliat while lie pro-
fessed himself attached to Swedish interes!"^; he
sought the oTatification of his own peculiar
wishes, and his own seHi>h motives/'
" The o!>portunity of saving Europe h-j.)
passed by.'*
( '-''
EAIU, or BLXKINGHAMSHIRE.
ftljruarii 2 J, ]>\o. /// (ht Dthntt un iliv Cur,ii.iitlun ulth
' Hi: v;;is ot' (.]):ni<.ii lluit M iinstcii had a <lit-
Vi ul' Li'. line to pluv, but tli;it it ua- iiKl;sj)cnsaMc
lliat tiiv\- should lujt \)c inipt'dcd in their pro-
ceediuLC^. The Port u^uese eainpaiij^n iii'^-ht ter-
minate well, or ill ; Ir.it it v/a>: a elann ou Bri-
tish honour, that Poitu^'al should not he desert-
ed: \'-e hail aeecj)t;d fVoi^i i!:'; Piince the ri<^-ht
oi it>. protect ii m, and n(' fould not tlui>\\' (jlhtlic
re sp' ii;5ih.Iit\- uialer whieh \vt' had put ()UI'^Ll\a^.
w'-'lru;! p v'.ul; lh;il w e had tleiie our utuiojt,
1 ' !.{'> OUI '.Ul>/'
( 22 )
SIR FRANCIS BURDETT.
April 11, 1808. On the third reading of the Offices in
Reversion Bill.
"^ Was it possible we could cast our eyes over
the map of Europe, or the page of its history, for
the last fifteen years, and still be advocating
despotism, and putting our trust in standing
armies ?"
May 2, 1808. On the second reading of the Local Militia
Bill.
'' We had seen all the nations of Europe,
with armies composed as ours were, fall before
France."
''He lamented that every thing that was done
by the British Government was calculated to
give an idea that the nation was hastening to its
fate."
*' There Mas nothing but vacillation in our
Councils. In the present Administration, no-
thin"" was broui-ht forward but measures of mere
temporary convenience, and inunediate practical
SIR 1 KANCIS lUKDE i r
^2i
[lolii \, incisure^ th;it ^tiiiiipctl llicir ULitLors as
Mini' join ii(.'\ nun. There u as not liiiij; like tlio^c
<;reaL |)i i!ui[)!c-> \)\ which natinn^ ;Joiie coultl
fliiiu i.>h. and tioni which no counli y eNer ilcparted
^\ ith(jut in\'o!\inL:' iN own i iiin.''
J'niuary 3 1, ISOf). /// (Jic Dtbute on ifuj-ldditss on tJic
.'liu<ii\y )( tr.nnd to the Ovtrtnrtsjrum Eijuith.
" Iff ft!t no |)lcasnrc in leeaUing- to tlie recol-
lection ot" the lionse the calanulies and bnrdens
under which the j)eo[jle of this country groaned.
l\c did not wish them to look back at what was
^:l^t, hut with the recollection ot' pa^t occur-
; nces Ml theii' minds, to look forward to what
\-ct rci)iainc-d, and to con.^ider well, that a conti-
nuance in similar courses might ultimately proxc
I ',tai lo tins land. \\ hatc\ir were the merits ot
I! lonaparte, which uniiucstionahly would not he
fairly discussed in that IIt)U>c. it would at least
be allowad, that he knew,' the best means ot'
accomj)li>]iing tlie (;l))ect lie had in view. Hav-
ing, then, received t'roui him a taunt as to an
uhjuotected part of our dondnions, let u> take the
huit. and b} an act ol'<uir own, render a rcpeti-
t.on of the taunt unnece>^ary. It had been s.iid,
*:atleat a tool in a mcjrtar \vith a pcsilc, lie
2-i
SIR FRAXCLS tL'RDZTT
would never quith'- f'/ily : v, e ijad been beat in
a mortur kr nianv \-ear-, Imt what had wi: CiOt
I lit ('iis::^race r If we were to a5^^^t the Spa-
ih.ich, it was the claty of Mmisters to -ee that
ri.rre was a rational iiope of attaining our end.
In ]j'- opinioii, there wa- not any -uoh rational
expecr..;'ion,""
He confes-ed i.fe si:ou]'-i prefer to tl
,e aniend.
n-^ent now pro; osed. an address to his M;de^ry,
req'iesting that he would order an inquiry into
tlio crricvance- of which the public hiad to con>
p/;ain; and thaf, as an eame-t of tiie reforma-
tion of aljuses, he w^udd disrni^> his p^re-ent
.Mirai.-ters from h':-. [^resenre and councils. Tl^iC
House wa^ called on tor an addre-s of thank-.
He. fhr one, had, no th;:.nks to beito'.'/; Kmcrs
^ve;c too n.uci; exj;0-,ed tO' have adulation ])Ourcd
juto their ear. It was ti e cau^e of the o\ f-r-
tjuri-.v of t^onianv of the tiiiones of Euro[c.
^\'e liad not heard tliat any of the Kine-s who
]]-:(} of late ye;,rs f:hl':n ni,dcr the dominion of
I' Ufa::: [an t(-. ^^e^e m vant of cunrder-. Jt was
ft that the Kia:{ dt Plniii'-.d shaulrl oo'^asioiiallv
] e:ir the truth fron, hi^ Coni;.a-ns. and no better
opporT;.,;.ry t'r^n tiie laa-ri^t e^idd po djlv pie-
sen" i^selil d'le ScT': vtjTv r,f Statu iiad obifcted
to ti.e id' , f;r>hi- hcM aj- a ^'nkiu'^ c-untr;. }]^
fMr. (lanviin^^ Dii^n-^ \,c lida^^ ia;t tae ooaativ'
n:^^ sd^kiu':. He (^ir ra.ncii Uurdett^; wa^ u]
SITw FRANCIS LLKDF.TI.
inat opinion; and tlicrc \\a> loo iniuh L:;r()uiul
to hclicvc it would >ink ^till lower, il" a icl\)ini
'i;d not >i)Ci'dily take place."
Jr.:nviJ .'.', ISIO. /// tJu Di'.jlc oil. tlu'R^l'Vt of l' <
'' \\']icn tiie\- consiilcrrd t!ic exti'nt and ua-
ac i'\' tlie t'alliiri'-. abroad, llie cai!neii)u-^ in-
,i:.;c- (jf o|l^tlna^v, latiiity. and incajiabilil y al
lionie, that had .stiL;-niati^ed the .^hort period of
tin)e ^ince tluir la>t nuttiiiL'; in that place; and
when tlicv coni|)are(.l with that con^idiTatioii,
the confi(len< c that tl^e niajority cl" that A^seni*
hiv were still willinsj^ to repose in the author^ oT
cur (!i->.;a'acc's, it did appear to liim astonrshiiur>
how a)U' w c-ll-ineanin'.': ntiCctinL:; man could
douhl that there w.o- ^onuIiiinL^ in our s\Nt(iii
TMilicalK NV'rouLi^. With r(^pc^t to the lc;;di!iL';
niplaints niacie a!:;ai!i->l tlk' prc^Lii! .Mmi>!c!>,
never were men iii sucii a -^tate ot -ell ahandon-
iiaait; th.cv had noliiinL!,- to sa\- tor tht'nl^eU^-,
md could liave conruk'nce in -loi liuiu; hni mi that,
\s-.eml)l\a m \v'hich there ^tiancd to [,e a m\>tc-
ou^ sonu 1 hiiiLj^ that mi^'ht |u-.lii\ the nio>! cul-
.ihle m e\[)ectat ions the mo>t cxt i a\ at^ant, u'lt
Illy "l" iin[)uint\', hut ot j)ioteet loii. 'J tii> \\c.
1 I ' ,s:\ out ot" any sciitiment of pei^onal
26 SIR FRANCIS BURDETT.
asperity to the Gentlemen composing the pre-
sent Administration, and the principle of it,
which without a reform it mqst have in com-
mon with every future Administration : he spoke
not against this inchvidual or that, or in favour
of this or that party. If Gentlemen at this very
awf'il crisis felt alarm, because the conduct of
public affairs was entrusted to the present Minis-
ters, and thought that their apprehensions for the
public safety could be removed only by the ap-
pointment of other men in their stead, more
able, more experienced, or more honest, how
should he (Sir Francis) feel alarmed, when he
could derive no one hope for the public benelit
from any such change ? Change of men would
do nothing, could do nothing, while they would
be necessarily obliged to act up to that fatal sys-
tem in which all our real danger lay. Ministers
were but the instruments in the hands of that
pernicious system ; and while they were its pas-
sive instruments, they must work its destructive
will. To him, therefore, it was idle to talk of a
change of tools ; it was to the design and nature
of the work itself that he objected ; and while he
thought that big with peril to the Constitution,
perhaps the less skilful and adroit the work-
manship the better."
SIR ruAXCis i;lrdi.tt.
I\h'-U'iri 22, 181 J. //( tJw Dt})atc on '^Kudlir^ an Jr.-
niut-!j to the JUari (f IVciUti'^ton .
'Iftlic ho})C wliich existed with ic;i)eet to
tlie issue of the content in the Peiiin-iiLi weic
:i^ thitterinp^ as, in his (.)pinic)n. t!.c de-^pondt iiey
^va^ just it the achievements dwelt upon witli
-^ueh emphasis luid heen as rne;it ;i'. i:i \,\>
I'pmion, thcv M'err unimpcirant ii tl'.c state of
t!;c enuntr\- ^\as as tl(JUli^!;in^ as ii wa-, de-
pits^ed. ;ind, in \\\> o])inion. ahno-^t ho])tless
^tid lie shouUI oppose the nujtion, \\ iiile Cio\ em-
inent po^5e>sed otlier funds from whii.h the
urant nii^ht with more propriety he deiixed
t"iinds from which pensions, and adowanec-
w ere issued, unlit to meet the puhlie eye/'
Jii-'i 28, IS I J. On nioviug to (ul'lres.^ tfic ProuL Rc'^i-),t
on the Slate ut tiw yatiun.
'' AlthouLi;!! tlie prol)ahility of ,-<ueee->s in the
(untlict of tiie Peninsula mii^hl he i;-reater than
in the eonnnencement of the eani{)aiL;-n, he
could nut help thmkinu;, that the countrv was
-urioundcd b\- nu'TO iuimaicnt danixers, t'<'!eii;-n
28 SIR FRANCIS BURDETT.
and domestic, than had tlxjeatcned it at any for-
mer period."
'^ He wislied to state his opinion with respect
to the late overtures by France for peace, be-
cause, on a former night, he had failed in catch-
ing the eye of the Speaker. The refusal was
made by this Government, on the ground of a
subsisting treaty between George the Third and
Ferdinand the Seventh. It was an absurdity to
imagine that such a contract couh], under tlic
present circumstances, exist. Ferdinand was
not in a situation to make or execute it ; he was
not King of Spain, in the usual acc( ptation of
the words, and had resigned his hereditary right
of succession to the crown. The ground of re-
fusal turned out to be a mere flimsy pretence ;
or, supposing such a treaty did or could exist,
one Administration was not bound to fulfd the
engagements of another; each was responsible
for its own acts 5 and it w^as of little importance
whether Ferdinand or Joseph were the King of
Spain. If, hou'cvcr, situated as this nation was
previous to the breaking out of the new war,
which Russia had been rash enough to com-
mence, the oiler made by France had been re-
peated to any miprirtial man, lie was convinced
that he wcjuki have thougiii, that we couid not
hu\e done beiuT ihan clusc with iiic piopo.^al,
is it would be a fortunate opportunity of gciting-
SIU rUAXCIS BURDI IT.
^-^9
(\\t o[ ouv (lilTicultics and cmljai rLls^llK'nts. Tin-
r;ui!i w.i^, ii't that wc were lii;liliiii_!,- in tl;c
l\"iiinsiil,i !*'r Fcrdiiiand, but tor (iur^cU c-. ; aiul
the real (jiie^tidu wa>>, wlu'ther \vc wcie to la_\
( laini t() the crf)\\'n of S[)>,in ? 'J'hc ir<i-t -^an-
i;u:i'a- Ii(*[KS were iiuhil^aal ;is to tlir i->;!e n[ lliC
\eai'_iii-l coinniencet! in the iinith. I'or h.;- ov.n
part, iie e'uihl not (ajiieur in the I'eliel' h<.ki okI
.:i nv'.. -jKij ei -, that liuonaparte, \\'::-j a want ol'
\ ~: 'ii-. wouUl he e'Taj^eiled to \v;l!ith':i\\'.
:\w' w. :;^- h.!:i;-elt" nc>thin_;- ot" nuht:;ry ta(;tiv'>, he
' aid not lielj) hehevinu-, tliat llie Ihaiperor of
i:ie Tuih/h, a{'ter all hiS cxjKi'!ene<,', \\a)u!d \)C as
\\\l\ .;v,are of ihe (hinn'crs lie wa-^ e\|V)sed 'o as
th.c \'.!':r;i ol" ne\v.->[Kij)i.;s, oi" ewna^ h'-. .M;ij -
M'::-.:^Vi-<. Scc'i;c; \\ 1 o \v:i-, a', tlic liead ji
i' ici-;. ada';-, and that the t'Ao "S^hlc Lor*!-: ..,;-
; '-.ite ^h(;!d- r',.^t Itai .-'Ldi a:;d I'.dri^erNf ai^ AiJc
':i,'". (. : ho ['I .1 Ma)_; < d < ' ii c .\ peilit io;:sj he- eo^ a -
.ncd .i-!i?de hc^pe oj' their oue.e-^s aL;-iin-.( liuo-
a joaite, ;.> he s!ioid(l ot" the ^neees^ '{ a el;;;*]
lua-ed al (.h'.^> ui'h t!:^ cdebut.d Pi.ihi-
d' : '. .
50 SIR FRANCIS BURDETT.
December 3, IS 12. On the Motion for Tlmiks to hard
Wellington; for the Victory of Salamanca,
" Far was be from wishing invidiously to de-
tract from the merits of men who had devoted
their exertions to the service of their country, or
to withhold from them any recompence which
it was in the power of the House to bestow ; but
when he heard it stated, that the victory gained
over the French forces in Spain, was more im-
portant in its consequences than any which had
been achieved in former times, and that the vic-
tory of Salamanca v.^as equal to that of the Duke
of Marlborough at the battle of Blenheim, in
which the enemy lost 20.000 men, had their Ge-
neral, Marshal Tallird, taken, and thirty or forty-
squadrons driven into the Rhine ; and to other
great battles, which had completely changed the
aspect of the whole affairs of Europe, though
not desirous cf imdervaluing the merits of tlic
great General whose achievements wciv meant to
be extolled, and whose character and ahiiitv no
man could more sincerely admire than he did,
yet he could not sutler sucli delusions to go forth
uncontradicted ; the more esj)ecially, when he
considered that they were calculated to plunge
the country, under the direction of the same per-
ilous, still more deeply in a destructi\e and
sill FRANCIS nCKDI, 1 f.
.SI
. I'.t'is war. lie contiiidetl, th;;l after tlic-c
I'c.ivtcd and ox'crjjraised \ict'U ii-^, \','v wcic slid
,> t.iV troin Dur object a> c\vv.'
' I. iidtT all tlk- ciriaiMi^taiiCL's of the cnnte-*",
it aji[>eaied to him, c\e;i ujxjii the Miiii^ti\ ^
own .^'lewiiii;-, lliat we were uiiahle to find ^uih-
eiMit means to ^uppoit the e.'impaiLrn ; and that
at'ter I.oi d \\\lliiio-t()ir.^ ict : fat, he had onl_\ the
t 'A o I'.atrc-M'S ol'Cindad Kodii_i->.) ami Ilathijo/
iil* !'i l.'.Mi as ihi' l"Mi'.t> ot' hi^. eam[)ai^;n in
"^,1111. What I \s ere \sa- to he Kitisfud, at'ter all
'Ik' >[dei;did vietories that had heiai ga;ni-d in
the t-our^e of t lie pre-^ent camj)aign, al'ter tlie cx-
haaisted state to \\hi(di the IVeiu'h troops had
hrcn iiahieccl by their incursk)ii into Rnssia, ar,d
Tiaae j^ai tienlarUa alter tlic uioiions, in^.{^"i tant,
;:nd nii[):.ralleleil N'ietorv (d" Salamama. solii^^h'y
adv'an tau'con > in iti CimM't^iK luc ^ to the l;ciu': d
afiaa^ < i' t! r IViiai-^ula, ware \'. c to he -.ati^lied
V. ;th ;' letreat- Were wc n.;t to fakr a l\,,:i;.;j':
(.1 all those <:;rai iiyin;;- and elu'eiii'-L^ e'',M,>-ii
iiicc>- ^\ele\veto >utrci tl' I'lriu-h tvi.iM-
ttRa-(.\tT fio-n the c-flVcts (d'tluar d-o. ):'ifitn;e
anal (. \liau-ll"n, and to wait until thr tide <;
-j.M'il [Mrinne, v. Inch had ;.t,tiaidLd i:-, il--,-, ^d
haeh <;n it-^ -onr( r ' I: .-; enud to Ifr: that -ue'i
j ! :.j)!;viti(,ii- wcie total';. inconM-tent witli fh-
^h\ ion ^ 1 nle-- of common -<eioe :ind i^.s-^a, . ai
\ 1 1, w!:;ae no\^/ wus ih Ahinpi.- "f \\caijn
32 SIR FRANCIS BURDETT.
In what direction were we to look for the glo-
rious results of the campaign? In what manner
was the diminution of the French power in
Spain evinced?"
'^ There must be bhime somewhere ; and some
defect existed, which called loudly for inquiry.
It was somewhat extraordinary, as well as mor-
tifying, that after all the means wliich had been
placed in the liands of his IM^ijcsty's Ministers,
and the liberality with which those means had
been dispensed in the course of the Spanish
war, the country had not reaped some of the
fruits of the great victories, some of the benefits
of tlie exertions wliich had been detailed. No-
thmg, however, seemed to have resulted from all
these advantages but calamity and distress;
which gave rise to th.e natural proposition, that
cither Lord Wellington was not entitled to the
praise wliich the House was called upon to
bestow, or that the fault of our failure was attri-
butable to the gross negligence and imbecility
of the ^Ministers of tlie Crown. He could not
see how the-y could get rid of this dilemma. It
wa-.; not, liowever, for the ])urpose of going at
leri'jh into these topics that he now rose ; all
he vsi^hc'ii to no *.'Ms, to j)rotest against tlic s^^s-
tem of ('elusiov. viiich IukI In-va observed bv his
^lujestv's (j.'-\er\r.ii("nL for tlie last nijute'-ii
\ c;^YS, sixteen of tiieru >.-KJcr his owv, ch^xr: a-
SI II IKA \C IS ]!l :U>! I T.
',',11, ;ir.(i to ^^hi(ll the Xi'hlc Lo!il\ (I.crci
( ',t>Lc!f.i^li'-'^ .spct'cli loi nu'd ;i si'tjiu 1, I ii t \ c: \
^jiCi'cll w hl.'il li;i(! \)cc\\ i!l'1,\(!1(I (ill ofi a-, ( i;;s
-Ml! ilar t' ' t !;{.' prc^i ii', [lie ^anic j m n^jjcct-, ( )I si,c-
'(.5^ \'. i^'l\' lu'!(l (ill;, I'm' >.i!;K' ji:i!':Li;'\ T.l'S \\\'iC
pa-^t'd M[)i)ii fniiiuiandri >. tiu- sairf p,.r,v ux ; it'^
iipDU M!lli^U'iS tl.t 111^; l\ ( -. ; ciKiii!?; ,.l\\a\-> :')
tiivij'j Miiit!iu_ lit, ar.d (.\iii':i!:/u tl tocaiiv"4'^' lii^'ii
ii'.Dic (Ka'tjl\- ill c'\"ciot_ ;.;.(! ^,\;:r. ()'i;.: ;.!.:{
::\nu: li' niijw,! t lUi;! ic^ MMuiii uriair i.'T ;i,.' (ii--
' i;>~-i()!i ot ! M; ^r N'.ihjrcN. vvliaM \\c iii^'/ w i-ik'd
') ,[V'i[i\. a- Ik- was \ iT\" iii; \\ i ; 1 iii'^' [n (;.->-(.i!t
iroiii aii\' \'oti' ot' lliaiii-s or gratitiu'c wdiicd
tiiiiiht l)c proposed to i\]c picsi'iit c:)ri:ri;ind !
in till- PciiitiMiia. Jlv' C(ai!d no' hc'p tfiiiikjur,
l!o\' >'\rr. that it wouhl ha\c b^ i r. iictLi'/ :i" t'v.:
lint'^tioM ii.id ii(jt i)ccn hroii<_>ht toiward cpi:'*; -.o
cai,\,aiid th.it taiic rai'jht h ivc ivcii ;!llo\'. ."j to
LV I i\i',) <i. :>.{ i!i!ii:ii\' ,!;'; 1 : '' i^L'. ;- 1 (('nilflC
1 ihc ( ail) ji.a.'uai, h-l'iaa' ;ii(/ J 'oii.-o \ ltv caiicd
upon to [[Wi- ihiii' \i tr->. i ':r .W ])\r L'lrd. ;ii
; he p'eautiuic of Ills s ii ;.|';i^a |. -a ); , ! [\)t rr. jicK'
coiitiiifd liMii-eal to S'pai;!, f;i;l !:ui tra,\al(' out
' tin > roll y-,', and hail t:d-.L n ' ;a. 1 i^ . i:/ ' K'>;a !,
\.du laa ill t iia (i( -' i !i>_ ' a ai d ; i < ai t v.'n X > l.Wi.^:
liundrcd n.' 'ii aiiid :j ''-aii 'j ^, .. ' ,;i ;aa :;
ol Morrow, ar.d ::i !.... *..\a-' a ^al aa.-
iraai-a' tra.'h of liii^-aaa t'la':-!;', ' - ' . 'V
a 'Uics gl coii^iatuiatio!!, m \ s* >.. ,_ - ;,; i .. . ' [\\
34 SIR. FRANCIS BURDETT,
pride and gratitude. lie l)ad calletl tlie atten-
tion of the House to the (Hlliculties witli which
the lunperor of the Frencli was siinouuded in
liis endeavours to reacli winter (juartcrs, and
that he had considered as a matter of great
triumph on the part of tlie Emperor of Russia.
AVoidd he be equally inclined to consider it a
matter of triumph, if jiuonaparte should extri-
cate himself from these perils, wliich, in liis
opinion, was more tiraii probable ; and, ai'ter
luiving- found good winter quarters, return to
tlie contest, witli renovated ardour, in the spring}
Could he believe it possible, that Russia coui'd
Ci ritinue sucii a contest, and undergo a repeti-
tion of similar dreadful experiments and sacri-
liees ? Supposing he inarclied to Petersburgh,
rviiich seemed to be his ultimate intention, would
the same mode of defence as at ^Moscow be
adopted ? Could Russia burn anotlier Moscow
to prevent its occupation bv the eiiemv? Would
she burn Petersburgh too? The Russian Gene-
ral Kutusow, s.peal;ingo( the battle of Borodino,
s.iiil, tliat he flid not follow up tiic results of
tiu battle, b<\'ausc he j-iiould, in that case, risk
both ins own nriny and the safety of Pvloseow.
The event of ihe capture of aIosco-nV dif!, not-
withs^-auding, take place. IJe, tor one, could
not greatly admiie the magnanimity of burning
hit, the preserv.ilion of whicii ought to have
!>;.( II luu_;:it t'U' ; wov could Ik: ^rr tlu; bliiiiii;^'
.:i\;Ctcr "F till.' I-",!i;j)rror .\U'\:iii(Kj . w l.u \\\f>
:,.>;. iiLc the ]'j.',j>t'!i;i- ol' tliv' l-'ivi'.ijli, ])( -uii;iil\
.;i:;l; 111,': "i f"'-' lUi'-'-V-'is (>!' the war. IK'CoiiUi
1)')* ~iM(!i;c the emu K'lin:i win ii arc^i in h.i>
liiir.h, (Ml \ icu ill!;- all t.n^c i.liiiiL;>, d' liiC utter
.'iiijic vhi'itN ot' the le.i^j)ei()r < r ]iii>^ia leeliui^
ail} e\uiL,a''ai \'. l;ate\-ei . On t::e eon! 1:^1 v, he
thoMiJit to.it unlort liuate '.laiis-idnal leai-! he o[j-
iaa^-ld h\ a A lew oi' : he o .a paia'ole eaiainitics to
\'v h;eh iii.i.-L'.l aial !i:- jnojilc had. hceu. and were
i,hL!\ -tdl liiithc'i' to be, exposeil."'
J)<<>:nhii 7. I^IJ. On nti.v'nrj tn (hj'i r the Cyiui t' 1,
i I' (lal ni/t w ;-;. to iiiah : \ alia' th.c ^-^a \ :ee^
i' l/a-.l Willo ^-oii. hu: tiu- \ ;e-M.a'> ho h.:d
aaied iii .S[)a!n. eel n i\aj of the eharieicaa-,; .e >
!aoii {[,>'.:' uisled tiio'e '.t'tiie l)io-.e<il' Ahol-
)a!!:ah. d he ad\ aiilaea'S \'. .la'h th.it (jenoi.,1
and. i;o letaiiiod; \ti. it \'.a^raa_ ui:':i alte:
( d' I ;-i\ ( hatrlo 1 .1' Ihc iiiK on, li.al I'.o liana nt
oaoi'.d ho ^;!\ieo>. X"'., in t la' Pt na,-a'a
! 11,-. en ' \>-- I \ ;di, .: :al h\ lo.ij, ; .;, naa; Ii
' '- M lit juo; (a W ell oo_ 'on, la;i I ho '
a to do.ion I t:e-. hat ill ^ i.ion i: '! n
a ! 'a-a: a""aMi : and ' a ,1 ' '
56 SIR FRANCIS BURDETT.
co the fortresses ^vllich he had won, a waste of life-
was to be complained of. Tliis he understood to
have been the case at Ciudad ilodrigo and Ba-
dajozj wliich places had been stormed without a
breach having been previously made. A similar
complaint he had heard respecting Burgos. He
did not wish to divide the House on the grant;
but he wished to move, tliat the consideration of
the grant should be deferred until some inquiry
had been made into this extraordinary campaign.
He did not sec that flattering success which the
Noble Lord (Lord Castlereagli) thought he saw
in the siege of Cad'z ha^'ing been raised by the
enemy. The cause of Spain to him appeared in-
finitely more hopeless than it was at the com-
mencement of the campaign. If Lord Welling-
ton had never marched to Madrid, and if he had
not gained the battle of Salamanca, there would
have been infinitely more hope than there v/as
after those events had taken place, seeing
the Spaniards had not joined us M'ith that
spirit w hich Ministers deluded themselves, and
would fain delude the House, to believe in exis-
tence. The r!. verse of this a]:)peared to him to
be thefiet: and. therefore, he thought the case
of t!ie Peninsuiii more deplorable than ever"
( >? )
MR. CATXRAFT.
I'rhruarj 2, \^(y.). (hi tlh. snnnd naJLUg cf the Mililla
Enii^tiuuit B'dl.
' lie (lid JiMt loolv to (Hir acting" aiw u'lCat mi-
i.'aiA' |)ait oil tlu- ( ouLiii(_iit, ;iuil 1i<)[.h'cI. that
n'li'iL* we atUMiijiUai an\- sarh operation. \vc
s':')'al(l niatiiii'lv wciuii tlic Li^clln]^taIUObJ and
!!ic ^ctiic upon which vv c ^hniild have to act.'"
'^Ill/ill!.''- Ill, .inn'ui.i tu L'lii H'l liui^U'ii.
\\'<m;I(1 aiu I'lu' Inuk Im w hat w a.'s the -tatc
1 the arniv al pic^nit, and >av that ii \ k tors
.'lad hctai ^auKci at lala vera - It uas, in tiuth,
lo \-|('toi\-. It had l)ecn swched into a X'it'tory
'id\ \)\ the nitliience of politual eonneetidii, m
iiiler to LCet Lord \\ elhn^ton advanced to tiic
Pcerau-c. 1 1 was a piece ol' Ministeual t'ip|ui\.
It \^a^ an ohjcet witli tlie lii^iit Hon, (niitle-
aian opposite (.Mr. C'annmL;") and In-- ,M,i|r^t\"s
-M;iH^U'i> to ohtam the ^nnpoit ol \Lo(|iiis
38 MR. CALCRAFT.
Wellesley, and consequently they were anxious
to pay court to that Noble Lord."
" A montli hence, the whole fruits of Lord
"Wellington's victories and campaigns would de-
velope themselves to public view. He was sorry
and alarmed to hear that Lord Wellington had
declared that he could defend Portugal with
50,000 men, provided 30,000 of them were Bri-
tish troops. All he knew was, that if the French
were in earnest in their design upon Portugal^
before three months, Lord Wellington and his
army \vould be in England. Would to God
tiiey were in England at this moment !"
i >'!> )
MR. CANNING.
^':.u-: i:., ]^(l-._0/, .1//-. .S//. ;7G'<//r^ .!/(;';./( /,,, Injur, na-
tinii ri'.iit'ivc It, liitaljiin. u1 Sjini,,.
V.' ;;.* ! \ , l!;,,t liii M.iir-; \ \ mil!:- U i'-- ^ti' "Ai; li u.:i
urrp .,!i(l ii\'c<\' an intrK'.-il a,> my 1i:l!,!iL IImu
t'licmi Mr. Siuiiila'.:), tl.c no!)ic ^truLiL!,!'" U'Ih^Ii
a part oi" tin v^^pan^.Ii iiition i^ n'j\', luaisiiiL^ to
rc>:-t [\]c iin.'xain'pUal a-H'oei' \' of IVaiicc, ahel
to JMC-CIVC llU' ilulcjHlulclUT ()!' 1 !,C II (ullllIIX ;
aiid thai t;,;'n- c\i^t^ ihi' hi ii)iiu\=^l ill- j)M-,iu,/ii
(11 l!u' part <,;!" tin Hi'iI'^Ii ut a. i niiKiit t( atloiil
V vi ! \ p:;r'iaM( a.'l .u a i'Miii('>t -.o iiia;riia-
".,:!'' !>. 1,' (.,(!(, ;\'. Ml ;;i:^' '> .uImuI ti;i^ aid,
^.,. r w ill iia\a [ (ua ni Im u^ tn (()ll^^|i'^ tii.i' .i
^'a!c el" \\,;i' fxi-t-- ijil\'.(.{ii Npaiii ami (iica'
l)ilt..Ml. \^t-:;all j'.niard ii]t< ".i t hr p! i IK i| !( .
liiat an", laalam "i laiidpi' t'ha: ^fa^l^ ui> wit'ii
,1 ('(. t( i 111 aial M >ii t) (.[>|)()-c a pow ri wlialp
\\du;tiai' |)!i)t(, -^ln^ in^id.oii^ pvarr or dcri,,i;::^-
<'\>c\\ wai, i> tilt' COUP! (,n liamv ol a!l PataM;-,
' lpatr\aT n.a\' Ijp t 'u- c xp-! PiM pulilical p.p. |'P^
1' tlial nation with ( n\ al DiilaiiP huppip.-,
*p-P.iill\- Liar r--cni:al i/n \ . "
40 MR. CAN XING.
January 19, 180JK In the debate on the Address.
" Keeping in view the consentaneous and
ardent feeiino- (f the nation in favour of Spain,
his Maie,st3'.s miriisteis reserved to themselves
the consideration oi' the most eligible means of
apj)l\ ing the national icsouree? to the object in
view, taking care to proportion the aid to tlie
riCccssity."
'' The state of tlie case called for prompt
exertion, and with that call ndnisters thought
]t tlieir duty to comply."
January 31. Ifi09. On ivocing the Address on the
answer returned to the orertures froin ErJ'urth.
" It v/as said, th;at Vvdieiiever Buonaparte had
resolved oii any measure, and declared that he
would accomplis'i it, such a (leclar;ition should
be received as the fiat of a sujjcrior being,
against v/hieli it was folly to op})ose any kind of
resistance ! Wc never pledgcfl himself to any
thing but what he could cany into execution !
His resolves were insurmountable ! lliscareerwas
not to be stoppcfl ! We weie iherefore to submit
to depen.dcnce if he declared such to be his wdi
a.'id j)'casure : and so fur iVom tlaring to stand
?IU. CAN N l^Ci.
41
iicii!. \'. (. w c'l r nor (_\'cii t<i lliMik ol i!t h lulni";
nUi-^cKt^ iiL:';!'!'.^' 'l'.'.'^ irii>iitiblr Icadri ' Siirll
ini^lit 1)0 tilt' ('jMii!<;n >'[' -xiiiir; iiut ^iicli n\ -; >
)i<)l lii-> ()[)i:ii()n, noi the (ipiiimn ol ii,(. r,iiti-.!i
[K()j)lc. l'.,'^(ii \^c:c [lie -:.i[) in w In^'h w f wac
t !;;!). ii ixi^I binix'iiL;". it w;!"- cur (lut\' to ^liuu'ul'-
.iLl-aiii.it tlic lii/i-tc'ioii- ceiiKh'.-. ilut hciu\cr
CmiM ackliow U'tiuc lliat ^Moii v. A- ..i;i .-t.ifi. ;
y.'rWrli l.dUi'j, j;:(ni.l!\ a P. ( I nol),\ 1 ) llo \ :; ; , L i i |;< 'U
tin- w.i\t<. (.); liK'^w \vlio CI) ;ci tain*. 'I ^ne'li
(!( ijM)i!(iiiiL:, ?ucli unniauK J M'Hinr.ciit-, lie was
sine till' nuinljcr \va- \ci\ --niail."
" It I'd tainU hati been possible I'or us, at tlie
(' iiinit neeir.ent ol" tlie Spanisli v. ar. to lia\e
i\ niair.eii neutral, and --ani to oui>eUe>. " We
a.ie Liiul to ^ee (ii-eoid >j;iinL;in'_;," uj) between
ri.'.net and lei Ailie- ,' bul the \ oiee and Icil-
iP.U' <1 tile I)i.ii>ii i!aiii>n tkei.iied ioudlv and
\iiieineiiri} au-i'ii^t -in'li a eouix . W ben \v
b,:d iben L^one into ibe more Ihl;-!! and eli'\attd
hue, we well bound to adiure to it uitb ti e
nioK \iL;ourand j'eiH'sciaiu l."
" \\ as 1" tlu" jileasuic ol tlie lb)u>e tbat tbe
I'i-' ol Snain .sbonld be abandoiud- W'a^ it
42 MR. CANNING.
a principle agreed upon, tliat tlic direction of
the atFairs of Government should be com-
mitted to other hands? If a new course was to
be ].ur:;i:ed witii respect to Spain, undoubtedly,
tlic direction of affairs must be put into new
liand ,. Was it tlien a settled opinion, that there
was something fatal in the will, and irresistible
in tile power, of Buonaparte; and was the
World to submit to his tyrannous resolves, as to
a (hvine infliction?"
"' Whatever might be the fruits of Buona-
])arte's victories, in other re?>pects, the s|)irit of
the Spanish nation was yet unsubdued. His foi-
tune, no doubt, had been augmented ; but still
it was fortune, not fate ; and, therefore, not to
be considered unchangeable and fixed. There
was something unworthy in the sentiment that
would defer to this fortune as to the dispensa-
tions of providence, looking upon it as immu-
table in its nature, and irresistible by human
means.
'' ' Te
" * Nos facimus Fortii-ia Deain, cceloque locamus' "
May S, lcSO.9. In the Debate on Earl Temple's motion
respecting the CoJuJuct of Jffairs in Spain.
'* Tbc period liad not arrived for the British
government to call for an examination into the
M U. C AXMNO.
1 ;
C'Viw:i|.-t (il llic' \r;ir ; to (Ifci.ic w 1 .vi ,u r oi' n^i
!in\ IkkI actol \\;-^c.l\', ami h'.on-!.: iiir l;i(.,i'
f'M'e.-t. in \\!i;c!i th' \ liad iIil;: lua-ci, t > a l.apj'\-
ii,ii::.la-i;. W 1k-u I hat liim- ^!1(;^lld C(,nu\ ,.:,,!
'.a- \'.la.lc et' tin' Cdii'liK I (.t I:.- M.|.<i\\
'\arni;unt ^iaj'ald he bLioic Pailianuiit ai.'l
II;' j)\ihi!.-. Ill' United tlu- iL>ul', would j'IO\a'.
lliat li:(\ !,;.(!. iii liir \\!a)lc(d' t lair ]i:j>. -lire-.
\vi>c'l\ c-',;,Mdt((l tilt.' ic.A iiitua-f 't' ii;c:i
'anii\. It \'. ,.-. niatiiial lo d i.'it aiL:ii;-]i the
jui.'^d v. iu n a _:,()> ca iiiiuait, hasa'iiL;- Ici ;ii niaU d a
c [\\>c "\ t)|)c iMi uuis, laid it^ (.a) 11(1 LUJt, (!])(. 11 hcloi a;
J'a. ii.Liiuait, and called tor a (hai.aai upnu it,
1 mill llu' [)CM i(al \\ li( II It w a^ at trnipti'd i;) (ii;laiii
a lou-^ialltd (iccisK^ii uj'Oii il^ (a)iiduct at \'.\\a{
.. 'j,':\\ a'uiD-t \)V (allied the coninuiK.ciiK.ai* d'
iN tajui-e ei (ipei.-lli !iis. It I (add not, ht. cx-
pei ic d l li:tt a ^()\-LrnMuiit ^haiidl)^ (aiah'ied.iu
I'.n: the w oiaU i it Adoi^' at.
" 'I ; c:u.vJ aa liij.l '.n'.u cp.c i..anr.Ti.;a
lie a-'K((i whether, heeaii-e SjMin liad la *
vet heeii a.h'.e to thiow olh t;K' \''!;e I't" i'laaicc,
to u-evtai'ii-ii her in(h'[)(aiweiiea, .-ial a'ha\<
h.ai hhert\, iie \\ a ^ th.caaloic to i i !ii-,!(!', i h> i
' au-,1- a> !' -! - lie ti u^^Ied that nh;i!\ . \ * i \ ii, ;., v
inoic t thii t> \v oiild he made (la lii.ii \. > . .\i-
ia;'y le^uit would c ii>ue'. lie t;ti>'((i iat: h\
'it de-aitoi\- it,(jdc i>[ waiitiiv i"i\\- ad ''*td,
44 MR. CAXXIXG.
the Spaniards would gradually diminish the
forces of their oppressor, and render their coun-
try a conquest wliich it would be difficult to
make, and which it wouUl be impossible to re-
tain. In consistency with the principles hi-
tlicrto acted upon by the British Government, it
was not intended to dictate to tiie Spaniards the
line of conduct which they ought to pursue;
but he trusted that it would not be long before
^ve should learn, that they had adopted a system
by which the force of France would be turned
against herself with accumulated violence. 'Till
that period, the universal rising in Spain against
the scattered forces of the enemy, might prevent
any great advantages being gained by them. These
hopes he should not have been able to entertain,
nor endeavour to ingpire, had it not been for the
experiment under discussion ; ba-d not military
aid been afforded to Spain, and that in such a
mode as to shew that Great Britain felt an ear-
nest desire to encounter every peril, and to share
every danger, of that nation, whose cause she so
warmly espoused.'*
-M lU < A\ N IN''
4.S
1 1 tl'iCi'v \v;i> a coii:itr\' in w hu li it wimldlx
j)c-i Ic'Ct !y jiibl to intntiMW Sjiaiii w a^ liial canin-
try. 1 Ir ic tlir to! c'li I ;1 iii-^imia; ion \^a^^\^l\
w'lirw liLiiittd, and c\or\' wluac bnrniiiL! ; ai.'
I'lvifUnc v. ( ix[a)>c(! 'lio people ot' t!:.it oiui;;;;-.
'.o no additional d;!nL!,ai' In i_' i \' 1 1 1 -i," tlani (m;:
a- o-tance."
ll t!a- .. ar waa'o to !), pru-c laiti. d, \v t- vad a,
jM'aui ;; m: !aia:r m l\:r t.oml^ aa.d -!', Iicn o:
I J a d, \\d ': aiL;!"i'., and i i.o in :i\ c ; \ ol aii' .am a -.
fi::it \\a- \'.ria oonijirtrnl in c^ ntiiid wain tl.-
I uun\' o;i In - o\\ n Cion^aiil ; il p; ;ca' \-,aa o to !i,-
e -t.d)l;>!a'd, we .- 'aioind eianeoa! ot []., \', :o. \", i; ;,
iiie eon^iaoa.-n.e-s ol lauanLi' '.^li: aon d, n.ot i n,,:-
dal 1 1 ininpin a- ! *. na* - 'a.ai, i n ':i >niple: . .
anonaiidet! :;-'oi\ .
46' Jill. CANNING.
June 15j 1810. la Rephj to Mr. fVldibready on the tldrd
rcadbv^ of the J'otc of Credit BilU
'' Let the lion. Gentleman (Mr. Whithrcnd)
retrace the awful and extraordinary events of
the last year, and th.en say, whether it appears
evv'ii lO Ifini piiident to shut our eyes to tlie va-
riations of the still shifting scene, and wantonly
to put it out of our power to prolit of any pos-
sible opciiinL;-, not to say of any probable con-
tingency, in our favour? The Hon. Gentleman
adii'.its, that he felt sanguinely in the cause of
Spain at tlie outset ; but had he anticipated that
plorious striioo'le? Did he ibrcsec or Ibretel that
sudtlen ebullition of the heroic spirit of Spain ^
tiiat sinndtaneous and universal effort against the
formidable French force which at the time occu-
pied every advantageous jjosition in tliat coun-
try ? 'idle lion. Gcnllcman augured unfavoura-
bl}', and txpcuted little, Irom the result of tlie
V ar in wliicn Aur^tiia embark-Lvl last year. lie
told us so (to do liini justice) at the moment
when \\vM \\:\i' broke out, ilut while he in-
duig( ;! ti:r:.e ibrcbofliui/s, had he any notion,
that w .iiiiii ilic ''\'^:icc oi' (>nc uionth fioni the
date of ij: i-i^ /'k , }, ^uch a turn (;f al]a,irs would
})ave aiiivic, ; \' ' only ai're'>!\(i the yictoiious
career of th;' (. li' ;;i . ]::V-\ rcndcitil ti:c i-.:.>ic of
M!t. I. A N M N O
. . .;i.iMi_:u (loui)ll 111 ; .111(1. I'\ |iui-:iii.r ( (ja;iliy
i' I (!,( ciil.cal niiiiilh tlic ( liaiK t~, oi i!:c \v\ir,
ij^iUii (<) the ikUK'H^ (.r Iuii('[>(.- a c.\:< < ; .hl!,',
t!i(ii_;li, ala^ I a >lhut-! :\ i d j)ro>j)iTt ci (klivai-
,.\:cc': \\ A> cither of thc-c thaiici'^ !> it>Lfi;?
'.'v .,> I I ; lu r (t ihcin iiol w orth v. i/ihl;- a^ it ,ii nsr :
A. :iu', then, riom ilic i>a>L !< t!ic lutiire. aial Id
i:.c Ih)i!. IJi lit lemau --.u . \\ helhei', in the un^cl-
(i and .Jionialou^ -iilnal ion i 't the ( i 'n! int. :i t. 1 1
';' l l.':\\' KjiKlUv i)r.pi'--^:hK- to t'l ' V-. . \'. !i;.L
1,' ^ !:. .\- ; MM-; u|m .n u- m t lie coin -r i it' a lew
;.;ii-. Wit'i as h tl le [)ie\ idU.^ not lee' a^ th()^^
to w hieh I ha\e relei reel I J]nt ahJioiiL^h evcrit--
lie not (. \hau.stial, tliellon. CientU'nian'N l,o[)^',
. -o. Is I\uhanient. uun. not tti inal^e jmv>\-;-
- >.n l" 1 ; ii\ jM.-iNihie ca-^e, Init bueli a oni.- a- ni.iv
h.L\r ;n :t (ienionst lahle ceitamtv ot' ^uece.i^;
' *: i^lhir. !!i till' I'le^ent -t-irot' the ^i).iii-!i
e..,!-. . ;.' which the 1 ! n. ( i> 1. 1 ;; neuh- e . je t --
-1 (i. -^jjon.dt ne\ ]):ii t :> nui i\ ajj,\, -ueij
!.!:. . , .ujiciC^- lueN*. sneli in eeova i ai)U- e\ h;e. ^ti' i;
aii.iiUeax. thai not!.in;j; e a; xiiAihai!; [re n.-
t a-n h|\- ;ii;cn)[M e'l cii i; > hi 1 ; i.n^ ' i ii.i' ^ :; : :. .i
lund aioni,'. liaaa-Iore. to mawi't .: \v .-
|):U'atlono; {i.v i\-()Ui(\'5 ol thi- oi;i:.;f\. ;
an a!'-ui(! .aid nn-it t.ae.i.ii'e ('"'jLei. ( o , ^ i ,,;,:,
on 'J,;,:, lo Ik- h'l : -\ ! ti. a ' an\ d: -en t loi. .: \- i ,
' r ai'|h\ inL^ tia e; ^ It' tl.e J h;n ( irah
.v ^ h ' ' I ij"- 1 ..a' ot S: . a M . I ' ,inie e , , . . , ,
48 -Mli. CANNING.
But i think 1 can })rovc to l)im that he has nd
right to despair, on the same principles on whicli
he has despaired so often, during the last fourteen
years (and so often, I am grieved to add, has been
justified by the event), respecting the other states
of Europe. What has been the nature of those
former contests ? and what the character of the
states which have been successively subdued by
France ? What that of France as compared v/ith
them ? I speak, Sir, of the earlier stages of the
French revolution, and refer to the language
then lield by the Hon. Gentleman and his
friends. France was then a nascent republic :
'J'he neighbouring natio.is were governed by old
and feeble despotisms ; military despotism, it is
true, but feeble from the inherent vices of their
Constitution. In France, a liberal and en-
lightened pliilosophy had brought forth a spirit
of revolutionary freedom ; had reared this new
and formidable birth to a sudden maturity of
gtrenath and vio-our had
o
" lorn from his tender limbs the bands away.
And bade the infant giant run and play.
lie did so and the effete and totterin.": monar-
ciii( s of tlie Continent, military despotisms
though (hey u ( re, fell I)elbre the first touch of
tiii^ icu'onei'i'.tiivix connucr. -r,
^\I 1{. CANN I N(,.
-^:.^
" lint now tlu' -;);iit, at lr:i-t. it' ii.^t th(
-;vi;'4l!i, \]ii> chaiiLii (1 .sdc-. Ji:iii(\', as if"^
,,'. 1 1 )i;li!i<_i,' to i\]C (loctriin's i.t' harh.ii laii -';iKi ^li-
' .' Ml. the MMil I >t t III' > lam ii ul traii-'ii; iiri .^'mI i;.,(j
tiic ^i;'\ CI'. i'r;iiu-(.' i^ hrisri;' Ikcoiiic a i:.'; 1; ta; v
lie-^poti^;,!. ^l'^- Is ('j)j( vcd in tii;.t fliaiacUi' t'*
tlic iii'\\--l)i)iai iii;k'j;cii(!.ai.(' Pi' Spain ; aiui. if
^ otiMA !ii(i i)ctn t'ai!i;t';:l to the piwcj't^ ol' the
iloii. ( ii. nllcmaii and ii'> '.'iicmU, \":it()r\ dua-ht
n'' hina,<-'r to (harhnc :n t.tvian ol ainis winch
>n\' no ioiioer waithd i\\ the cauM- ot" t'rcc-
(h'nn !)nt m tiiat oh t\ iaini\- and opj)rr>-ion.
\'ictoi}, uuhaah tlie Spaniaaals have not :o
boast. The nh:Htar\ j)owci- ot' I'rincc h>; . n' :' i-
tnna'eK', on;l;\i(l tlie can-cs w hi'!: '.io'iM'a'd it.
a I u h 1 n s I ) 1 1 c o t 1 1 ! I o I- \- , I i I ) ; ] ! 1 d ; ( > n ' . i]-]\ 1 1 r - : : -
J'oitrd h\- iiicdom. hni ; ojMis^'d to it. \,il
\a'i the t!a-o:\ :s hmt \\i/:.'w dia:!icd. Awl if
1 I' i!' 'a' '!!> i: e :lI I lao-' ; i-: h, r L;oi :d 1 o; I II ne,
h.'i'ea-r -a/ !-> (,'. -l!\;d, tiKac I^ \('^ si; ;;;,_; ^ ;i ;_
d siiiii'Taai hatv'.een tiie (h.";!ees oh i;'>:s'a.!,,\'
:']io>( d to her h\ >M::nn und tliat .a a'o.- (;'J\t
(oiuiirx" to |ii.nh\- tae i^anurMiis !jei^'. h. ''ait a
trul\ nat oii;d spiiat i-i no; to ha s,'!)diie'(h In
otiiu' lUstania's, wimi (aire tiu' i'rviii'h ;ja;d'. <
had o\ic((ine t no H'L;-niar aad (h'sca jhni'ed ainh-s
(^1 the ( oil! ! lira t. t lie ei ai :',K'i ed p iwer hc!i \\a' i-
'.t t'li; tlier ( li^a I. .aid s:d)!i.if l( d to t iia '.'. i I ot"
ae eoiiouei'ia, iJat i', liiii t.a'e.si .ii.spa.n-
50 MR. CANNING.
Has the enemy, with all his military superiority,
and with all the advantage of having taken
the Spaniards unprepared of having occupied
in peace the strong holds, which he afterwards
turned to the purposes of war ; has he yet
succeeded in estahlishing his will as the law
of Spain ? Whatever faults the Hon. Gentle-
man may find with the Spaniards, I am sure
he cannot accuse them of tame submission,
or of a want of persevering exertions in the glo-
rious contest, into which they have been driven
and betiaycd. We have seen their armies beaten
down, their towns taken and razed ; yet have
not those calamities broken their spirits. From
the ashes of their slaughtered countrymen, and
from the smoking ruins of their cities and their
hamlets, has burst forth a renovated flame, kind-
ling anew that ardour and enthusiasm, which
misfortune may for a time smother and over-
whelm, but has no power to extinguish. A people
so animated and so resolute, may be exterminat-
ed, but they cannot be subdued ; from each dis-
aster that befals them, they derive new energies,
as they do fresh motives of resistance. Imme-
diate and tlccisive success was not to be expected
in such a contest; but surc^ly to have so long
protracted tiu^ struggle against such an enemy,
aiul under all tlie tlisadvantages under "which
r.,rv were forced into it, affords indisputable
-Mil. CAW INC.
Mi i>\ (|Uaii(ic;iti()ii> ill the S|-.iiii:i;iU which
. iii.iiiii (nir achiiiratioii and (.'^U'ciii ; of a pa-
':.(".>in.a zeal, a j)i:i ;^'\ ;. riincc. of wIiilIi i;o pcn-
!cin i'.urupr h;.(l hilliLito .itl'irdcd an cxaiiii'ic.
Jill' iii'Jic I C')ii!^-;iij,i.it(.' the fMCiiiu^tanrL'^ ni"
^paii). ti:/ muic pic.i-Mr 1 cnixr iVoin the ct)ii-
.S'.ic; at.Dii. tii:it. the llnu. Cien;!^ niaii liiiiiseif,
\uth all tlie ddMJjt 1 and .ij)]-:\ iaai -ion ^ \\ liieh he
|'i<iles-e- to enteita,!!, Iia^ no! lli.M'::i.r ilw eeto
;e'-o:n!iie'!d an\ -te|> lo l)e tahi :i \\;;h a \'.c\etn
[I'-.eee. ilc k\ !>, no doul)!, lh>.l ^\lli!^t lliei'c
;e!i!a;iis a ehanee of ie>ruiii'4' tip.t eountrv tro;n
riie unjust and t\ ranmeal n-^Lirpal ion ot" iVance.
II Would he a.> hi tie j^olitic a> :;i'!uroiis to \ei;h-
dra'.v ' \iv a^-i-,taiiee fie'jM tee i\ niii-n! !. We
.'.iie.'i do so, uiilL--. we !,'; {O'piied toje.ivetl.e
i'. nin-uhi lo he (.eeuje-d \>\- 1', ie,.e; ai'd .f!!
> nK.M!-, o;; j)')l ! II ;: i ! e. -. ai.d iv o;-..,,.-. To I'
:,!::( dei'i [ , I :>:'!' . . A ;e' no-^ o,n -; e ; -. { ,
- not ]:>i.\- a (lee-tion, \> lather SjKoii .,,i : l\^:-
, nod ^ladl la -e, the led to :^[[:v[[ !, a -t '.Te o-'
a! nahl \\ upon our coiiM n' o' '; on oin_ ; ar;. ::V'\
r. a nee on i he o;h. !\ !o n ' : ; e ! i on-, I ;;e 1 ' ,:n;-
: liia a- l";oe, a he'd > f ' .:' de ; : ' . ;e,t i.ow f.
he deeiov <\ . w h n he; (.', e ,;-!':, - ;d .' ; []] f ;
l^'aei 1 a 1 !;er ' i ; c.^'wi./ ' ' I - o., .
hv (" I M r i 'eh i J eren *, i . t :' t e .
; lo u af" 1 he jn' hie". i I
..u^ oil.-, of >o^,,;i ,!;(!>, > ';:
V. . I
52 MR. CANNING.
the only question is, whetlier, by abandoning
the footing whicli we possess in the Peninsula,
we shall leave Fiance at liberty to occuj)y the
ground which wc abandon, to occupy the ports
and arsenals, to seize the naval resources of Spain.
and Portugal, and to fit out in harbours now in
our possession, or under our protection, hostile
fleets destined (though destined, 1 trust, in
vain) for the object most dear to the heart, and
always uppermost in the thoughts of Buonaparte,
the invasion and destruction of Great Britain,
We are cniX'-a'ed in the struii'sflc, therefore,
inevitably ; and have no alternative, but to main-
tain it with vigour, or declining it, to be pre-
pared to pay, in our owa perils, and in exertions
for self-defence, the price of our own pusil-
lanimity and baseness. Is this the situation of
things in which the Hon. Gentleman would
lecommerul to us to pause on our policy to
cease our efforts on behalf of our allies, and to
acquiesce in the injustice and usurpation of the
enemy '^ But again I ask, what are the grounds of
the Hon. Gentlem.an's despondency? ' There
has been,' says the Hon. Gentleman, * no order,
no plea, no combination in the military efforts
of Spain.' And is this wonderful ? Tiie popu-
lation of universal Spain, roused by a sense of
insult and iiijury, and actuated by the j)Ov."erful
an<l heroic determination to preser\e their ex-
MR. CAXMN'G,
:>:i
i-ltiuT as a [x'fipic, lo^,. ;;t;-ain-t tlirir iiivadci's
ill (lillcuiit ami (liMaiit j';irt> pt" tin' (('iiiili\-
i('-i' at oiit'c, hut will'.f 111 pic'\'i(iU- coi.cfit or
crjii'.liinati.'n. "W'i'.o cnuM c \!)v, t t(. Iiiul in ;!iat
iinpa.railcicfl na'M)n>il ('x])iosi()ii, al a time too
u'licii liir I'lciic!] lr!vij)s were in iJO-~(.'--i(m cjI
all lliC ^t^()l!L:; phuos of tin,- kiii;j,-(l<>!iij all tlic
okIc;-, all tiu' anaipi^c'ir.i nt, all tiiat clticicnl
' 'I L;Mir/..l mil of ni'^ai^-. and all that \'. inc ami
'm;:-;'ii;N ajiplica* ii ai ot" t!.( am which arc to
i\' 'raced III ilic operations of L';o\-ca iimcnt^ ot
i( .pillar ci'Ust it utnai and cstahhsljcd authoiit\-,
K prcscntiiiL!," ami niiitiiiLC the general will, and
' :'.jad)le ot' directini;' the <;-ciicral loourees of
a eoantrv ? Jhit the>c ad\ aiita.<^cs ot" regular
.: Aaa inr.( aits we hnow haxe hecii frec[U(.aitiy
^norc than eoun'cih danced 1)\' their mlicitnt
oi- id\-aniaL!,-c-> in the tremendous c onlhct-^ w Inch
ot' 1 I'c \'.;ii> ii,c\i;a\a' had to --u.slain. And
Sj)ai!i, with the di>ad\antaLi,-es which helong-ecl
to her. has -^omc counteiiialancinu' adwintai^'cs.
[{ tlic old L:'o\-crnmcnt -^ ha\'e f'alli n an ca^\ pia'v
hclore the cner-ic> of regcaicratcd IVancc. let it
he rce(dlcctc d. a-^ I iKi\ c alrcadv had (jcea^ion to
oh>ci\-c, that the princij)lc from which tlic-e
eneILile^ were >np])o-cd to ^priiiL:,". no loim'ir
(. \ibt.^ ; that the spiril of liherty m JVaiicc Ics
hc(, n cxtingaiidiLd ; tliat lt^ icjiuhhcrji throius
:.ud convuUiuns haxe (juietly .dnisuled into a
Ol Mil. CANNrXG.
military despotism ; while, on the other haiici,
tlie Spanisli nation, rising in \indication of its
inx'adcd rights, and for tlie preservation of itb
integrity and independence, is animated by
every sentiment, and inn^elied hy every motive
Mhich can insnrea deterinincd resistance against
tyranny, and a steady devotion to the country's
cause. And whilst the Spaniards, true to these
motives and these sentiments, continue to main-
tain the struggle, can we doubt tliat it is the
firat (hity, as well as the clearest interest, of this
country, to afford them all possible assistance ^
1 do not mean to deny, th.at if the object of
tliis war were one of Spanish interest merely,
iipid if it were a <|ucstion as to the claims of
Spain upon tins coun.tr}' lor support, there may
have been, there undoubtedly have been, causes
of dissatisfaction in the conduct of tiie Spanish
government. The jxipers on the table, the cor-
resj)ondence of J^ord Wellington particularly,
show that in respect to tlie reception of the
British ainiy, there is great reason for complaint ;
that, as between Spain and England, Spain has
been much in the wrong. But the question
now at issue, is reaiiy of a higher order. It
relates, nuleed, in the hrst instance, to the innne-
diatc exi' tencc of Spain ; but it ultimately, ajid
intimatel}', invohes the most Cbscntial intciests
MR. CAXMXC.
i : iii^ ( >iiintr\ ; and llic Iiopc^, if hopc^ iciiuiin,
'f Mihji]L:,;itc(l but i"Ci.tlc>^ lluro[)i'."
'' I'.wn were the cflVcl-i ul" all our cxcitions
'Hifnuci to tiic juolongiui^ liic .stiiin-glf aL;aiii,>t
]''rancc in I'.uiojjtau Spain, jo thoicju^hly am I
'.>)n\'infc(l (,[' the policy ot bupportinL^- that
>tiLigL;iC to the hist t'xtrcmity, that wtTC tlic
quc>i;(jn at t'lis moment a new and undeeuUd
f]we-Mon, \\cre our aini!(\^ and our fleets hith.ei to
U'-r er. .;:', L;t\!, nor <'ur t'aitli ple(h^ed in the cause,
I >:.oui i b. f l" oj.init.n that it u i.uKl be the duty.
iio K -i^ ihiu it would he the intele^t ol' thif
C(,Mmii-v, e\en no\>/, to begin our elloits in aiti of
the Peninsula; if now tor the liist time \vq
were e:ilK'd upon to begin tliem."
" Surely tlu- eohk'.->t heart c;mnot but be
w .unied h\' >ueh a "-pdaele as Spain alVoiiN to
llie woi'hh '1 iM re can >ur(.l\' be Init C'V.c teelmg
ju this Ib)U-e \\ l\\ lejaid to the el.araeter of
ihe Sjani-^h can^e. Xo man can entertains
(h>ubt that a caMite^t ol" >urh a cK---CMplion ouuhit
;o succeed; ami if, in.bpileof all th.e dilVh nit ies
which tlie SjKini.iKis I]a\'e had to riicounter (and
lormidable tl;o^e diffieultirs h.ue been) they
have contentled w ith unbioheu >pnit, tlmimh
with N'aiious toitune. against the gigantic pnw it
of l-'rance, in a manner and liu a prih d, to
^.iiame bv the eompai i-iui, tlie elloi t > i-i aln;ost
^U iiic nations el' the Continent. I ma-t again
66 MR, CANNING.
ask, wb.y arc we to despair? I cannot bring
rnjsclt" \ct to despair of tlie ultimate success of
Spain -y because I would fain believe in the suc-
cess of any people that shall act upon the same
principle, and persevere with the same courag-e,
in so righteous a cause ; because I would not
despair of onrsclves under similar circumstances.'*
" Tl:e cont(?st is not at an end ; the French,
it cannot be denied, have frain.ed verv consider-
able advantages ; and the Spaniards have, on
the other hand, sufiered most severely. But
tlie fort]-es5 of Cadiz, containing the principal
arsenal and the princi])al n;ival means of S})ain,
and :;;airisonCvl in part by British troops, detains
before it a large portion of the Fiencli army ;
no impression of a serious nature has been made
iipcm tlie defences of that important place;
every day brings fresh accounts of the unabated
er/iuisiasm displayed by the population of tlic
various provinces; the French troops aie harassed
in their nio\-emerits, and straitened in tlieir ([uar-
ters, l)y tlie desultory activit}' of tlie Spanish
pea-vin!^; their supplier cut oM", and tlicir com-
municatirais in'u rceptetl ; place all these things
bcfoie yon;- eves, :md then say if it be at such
a lime, and !iri;kr such, circumstances, that we
are to w itiidriiw oursehes from the support of
Spain, and to lea\e tlie Pcifmsula to the mjercy
rf its ruthless opprc.-sors "'
MK. CANNING. j;
I'.uli/ ;> ii>)".'.' ()ccu|)ii.'(l l)\ IjHii^ii. coni'un:!'.
Willi Sj).i;:i>;i tri)i}>> ; tiic plcciu,'^ "t lii;il .illuaici:
I\' \\ liirii Spain ina\ \c\ \)c ic-ciu'd and ^a\i.ii.
W'liiKt ( 'ailiz is satr, Sp.iiii is i^ot lo^t ; ;,iiil w \\\\c
ail i> not xclio-t. all i-^ ult ImatfU ulnL\ai;u'.
I'lic l-'rciicli ainu- i'.;i> aciiicvcd. ami may
(.MiuliiuiL' to a(;iiic\'(\ tiiL' c'ciujiK^t ot" pioNincr
atLci" ]jio\iiice; hut iL lia> liol Ijccii. atui w lii
not l)f able to maintain. .sn>ii f. >:'.( ji'.r -l-^ in a
ConniiA' \'.iicu' ilu" iw.lui'ncL' oi liic ((Mmjiuioi
ilor^ not ov'a'iKl l)C\-on(l the hmit-^ ol' Ins ni:ii-
lar\ po^ts ; \\ lic'K' ln^ antlio;it\- l^ contimd
witinn tile fortrc^H'^ wliicli he u'arri>ou<, en" t!u
oantoiimcnts uhicii ho ()CC'Li])icN ; wlicrc all that,
i> itihiml him. and hctorc him, and around him,
i> ^ulli'ii di-iC'onti.'nl, and nu'diiatfd vcn^fanoc,
nil!'- !i([iu iahic I (."^i^lancc, and iiicxl iiiLinisliahlc
hat.;"
' I.on.M Ilia -. t I.c -ti n j'u'': I a- ' .nu! he lt^coni?^'
as (K' itli! ui to the I'lLiirli arnno.s a^ htic t< do.c '.
( )nr i'lLiioh aim\' hasaircads hrvn woiii down
and (K.'^tio\ I'd ni Spam ; a.nd I know no pi uu'^ic:
ol' luiman,t\ that hoihids mo to c\uIl in ti;r
pio-pcct (>i a bimilai late au ait iuli; tho-c ^\ ho
are now the liLstriinKnts ot" tyranny and vu-
lenee."
58 MR CANNING.
March A, 1811 . On Lord Palmer stone's motion respeciing
Army Estimates.
* The share which I personally had in origi-
nating those measures, which have committed
this country in the Peninsula aoaiust France,
renders it necessaiy for me, as well in vindica-
tion of my own conduct, as in justice to the
principles by which the present ministers have
proved themselves to be still actuated in the
maintenance of the contest, to express my unal-
tered approbation of the system which they have
continued to pursue. Whenever the arduous
contest shall have been decided, whether it ter-
minate adversely or triumphantly for the allied
arms, I cannot but consider myself as deeply
implicated in the issue, and I the rather take this
occasion of putting in my claim to answer to
this House and to my country for the part I have
had in tliis system of measures, while the result
is } ct unascertained ; because, if that result shall
be, as 1 trust it will be, honourable and success-
ful, I should appear, after the event, to be claim-
ing a participation of the credit to be derived
from success, without having fairly exposed
myself to a share of the blame which may be
attached to faihne."
Never should we give up our hold of the
JIU. CAWING.
5^
1\ iii:i-iil:i ^\llilc wc uc a!)ic tccoiit :iu;i' tlio^'on-
Li'^t, not witli ;i |)i>5|)(.Tt 'it .->iRTC;is i-loiiC, 1 ut
uitliout cluiigrr ol" aljiolulc tk'^ti uct .on to r,\\v
' A> I ncwi" \\ un paitv lu rlmvo (!i-nvil ant .* i-
jKiti()n> w liich wo have t'lo c;l"toii l)ccii d'H-
(kmiiccl to licar ni x\u-, Ihu-c ; as I knew tliO
talonts ;;n(l -skill cf tiic Ikiti^h CJcnt ral ;i^
I \va^ oonvinoed ol' the \akuii anil ' i ij-lino ot
tho l!iil;-ii alln^ and a" I iunl:(kntl_\ antici-
|<alc(l tko Inst clloot^ t'r^an the in->i ruot :<in ar.d
( xanipk' (>[' l]n'j:\\>h ollicci^on the physical and
ninial (iiiahtics ofa bia\'c nation, 1 ha\'c all along-
looked to llie eonte'^t in Poilmjal w itli ]i(ij)e a
Ji()j)o quardie'd nndoidjtcdiy 1)y a ndxtnre .t
ai!\iet\, but wdiolly unalloyed by any tlnnL^- like
(k.^p.iir. Xor has tlie re-eiit (h^ajipeinu d n-y
e.\ peelat :on^, It'Lnid AW lloi^inn hi- ,;;;e>;Ld.
in il . caieei' < i" \;eli.i\'. that iin^Lih'^ nnlitar\-
];()>,, rr, bi^lVac \vh(i-e (j\ei \^ lu hn;;;!;- nia e,-. the
'^:eatt 3t e.inii(.'> ot' the ( \)nline!it i,;.\'e e;und.)kd
liito dii-l ; ii'lie ha^-ei/(d tlie r.hlled Ixiil o\'
veiiL;eanee, wliieh wa^reacK In hi hiii h d ;i';Miii-t
the (k'\(jted tt)wers cf L'shnn ; ha > dixeittd i!
i'lwni !t> di. s; mation, and eiauhieted it !.aind(>s
into the e.^rth; il', jn'oteeiini;- the kiiiLidiiiP. e- n;-
mitted to ills dilenei' aL;aii,>' tlie (K-ii-wi el
la nidrjK I'.oiaue ol iKilaais. he ha> -l>'Oij. .;^ it
v.eie, helWcLn the dead and the livin_'-, ar.d
60 MR. CANNING.
stayed that deadly plague wliich had filled every
other part of Europe with havoc and desolation;
if he has done this, and no more than this. I am
not, I cannot, he disappointed at the result of
the campaign. To have saved Portugal, and in
saving Portugal, to have procured for Spain ano-
ther year of hope, another season for exertion,
and therewith to have given to Europe another
chance of recovering from the effects of this
furious tempest, which so long has raged with
unahating fury, and has laid prostrate every
thing great and venerahle amongst the nations of
the world this is no shght success, this is no
mean glory ; it is a result worthy all the expense
and cflbrt, and anxiety, that it has cost us ; and,
if it does not satisfy our desires, it may well
make us ashamed of our fears."
*^' The advantage to our own troops from prac-
tice in warfare, and from having had frequent
opportunities of estahlishing, beyond the possibi-
lity of doubt, what we always knew, but what
the enemy constantly flattered themselves they
could disprove )jy denying the physical and
moral superiority of the British soldier; the
impression necessarily produced upon the French
armies, by the palpable demonstration thus pre-
sented to the world of the groundlessness of
their own vain-glorious pretensions to the cha-
racter of invincible : these surely arc effects
il li. CANNING.
M
u..vii iti-t'.l\ the [>; iiirij.K' of \]:c \' !;iv t'li^'.ii
\, 'i.. ', i1k\ ai\' (K'ri\i'(l, ;a.il \\hi,:i i.ot onK-
:i;i:!)iitc' ti) tlir iiiiiiu dia! r _l;'(ii\, h[\{. ti.ii'1 to
.. ui ;:n;i'i.' ^.ill'I \' di' ! hl^ coui.li \ . "
Il \w wcvc lo Ikin'c iIk' ( Ihi'tT of ;i;i\' ciu-
>!)ot: ill ii.r wli'ilc \\()! 1(1. \v!;crc tlli^ -^N 5tc in ccuKl
he m()>t a(l\\iiilaL;cousU' (.Mriii'd into cliccl, ti t;
]);e>cMiL tin a! re ot' tlh; Wui" is that \\li;c'ii \\ c
iiiiuiit in--t ]'i iuU'iitl\- lia\c ( hci-cn. In tl;c
r.'iiinaiia, I'it the lii-^l tii.ie ^;;;.-(.' ihc rrnn h
lU \ i 'ill! I'lii, IVair (. In e\ lUi-^ti. (1 hy ti:r cxjicn-cs
( .' ila' \^-.;r, iii^U'.ul ('i' hc>i;^- (.niii l.tii b\- it>
-)';>;!-; \\ c have t lu' hc>t au t lioi i t y 1(11::.^ .'..>;;
wc h;i\e laionapai tc's own exj'liCii adii.: ion ( :'
it. Ill thr Puiiii^uhi, rr.incc ;'.c;.-3 al llie ciuL a^^
; vie. of a ion^- Ie\ er. t '1(1111;^ a hue '.1' lll^,!:.u-
i;!e.lt .i)'.;-. e\ t<.-i:iieil, h.izaial' 'li ', a.e.d r( 'ii- tiiut i\'
::i\-i le j);<(l ; eaid reiiui! ie-j," -tiirech. Ic-s ti:,iii
a.:' th; [ :.i:..\ ;!:-; e: d alo;:j; tia^i. ii/e, to i-.fcy
1:') ; i.c !iu all > t)l i I ( (iiiii;' ami I < 01 1' ; : iiiLi t !U' ar:ii\
i I ;i> tin ^c a i> ojn n, ami lln' (:.>' lie/ ; lu. ,.:!:;-
( 111! \ Dl' (< 'inmuiia'ation 111 ) im. , ilrm i>e hiiu''":
am; i;-!v 01 le.o \'(>\aii;e. ^\!l./il :-. ;i.:.:;i''; lu t,.,-
oxtiLim.'. '1 iir^e are tlie pli\"-:r:.[ ai, ' liiihtaiv
^ I\;mlaL,t> \'. '.:rh wa ,,!>! udiu;- r.f to ..'!'.
^ ti.e -ca lie t^l j~ ^.. lii-'i- h.'t w 1 ' i; ( J :a at Ih :: ;
-' <1 Tiai;' ( , th.e |)i^ -(111 I iic'atic < ; \', a; . ;: -- hy : a
' ' a'-l aiiw litaLiL . LO I'V liimh.i.e. Jie" ;L i^
62 Mil. CANNING.
impossible to put moral considerations out of tlie
question ; to forget the ties which bind us to
the common cause of nations, and wliich con-
nect the defence of their rights and indepen-
dence with the separate security of our own."
" The ruler of France has now the eyes of all
Europe fixed upon him. He has no^'/ no distant
diversion to distract liis councils, or draw off the
attention of his subjects and of mankind from
the one grand object to which he stands pledged
and bound the establishment of his usurped
dominion in the Peninsula. If he fail in this,
his defeat must be most signal and deeisive. It
admits of no palliation j it is not to be retrieved
or compensated b}^ les-^er triumphs, nor to be
obliterated from memory by the achievement of
nev/ successes in otncr quarters of tlie world*
To be foiled in this great object, and to be foiled
by Great Britain, would be to him the most dis-
graceful, and consequently the most dangerous,
defeat that he has ever experienced breakinfT
the charui of his ascendanc}-, and shaking the
foundation of his power. To us it v/ould be the
most ghnious trium})li that ti;e events of this
tremendous war liave ever yet brought Avithin our
reach; the seal of our fidelity to our allies-
the consunnviati^iu of our nnlitary rliaiuLUr;
and the picfiL'"': ol" our naLional safet) . Such
is the cl'aracter and importance of the coi'-
Mil. (AXMNG.
'):;
tCit wliich i> now iit i^Mic. ^\'ll it ili.it lisuc
M!:i\- ',f. 1 do not I'ictcnd to aiil'u';|).iU'. Jt
:n i]\c hands ol rrovidcncc. J!iil. !,indnM>-
o
at tli';^ moment u[)(ni tluit aw lid eminence
V. liicli (hvides tlie [):i.st trom tiic Intuii'; tlu'
j';.'^r, ehe(iuere(l with \'ariet}- "t" loituiic i!:c
1 iiture, o\ ershadowed \iith a i!ai'kne^-< unjieTN inns
to ham, an tiTcsi^ht, I am anxinus to declare
nnc >pn\ ncallw while the i>-ue 1^ Net nndec;di(K
licit the coerce and the ^\^ttm h\ whieii tlic
mdir.irv t"citunc> of the v'(nii-,ti\ haiN'e htcn
hrcii^ht to thi> erl^i-, liaxa- my mo'-t cordiid and
nc(|aahticti ii|.'j)^<)l}atio;L'"
" The haj-j)V otlcet-^ ]).! ':iccd h\- the ori^MU:
. .' Ion ni' ihr !'(Ctm.:-:'(. -c t O'Oj.v. h..,! In n .lia adx
^cui .'ind hit. Let n^ liopt. t',:at ^icclai- ie5U;t->
miL;-h; oceui m anotiier pait ol' th.v' reiiinsii': n
'I'll javduee ^urdi a lasaMiahlv' chani;-c, ^aJt;:;n^
\c.;s ira)re ealculate'd tlian to h.nld (uiL aniinatiiKj;
c\[)eetations ; wlide, on the other hand, <h'->p<;i.;I-
ii)i;- 1 inLi;naL;'e wa-^ more c-alenlati'd than an-.(;tiiei
cM'cnm.itance, to ^inlv thov;c t(; c, i.oa; it a,c ->
I xpii-^ncl tleqa i' and occj)er ml" ii'-j
. 1 d.^:ru5l ot' iheiniclvo."
64 MK. CANNING.
Fcbruanj 27, 1812. In the Debate on Sir Thomas Tur-
ton's Motion for a Committee on the State of the
Nation.
' The general system of our foreign relations
he highly approved; and he declared, that
blionld any other set of men be placed at the
helm of Government, who might think it expe-
dient to abandon that system of warfare in the
i'enin'jula, by which the country had been raised
to its ])JC-scjit glorious height of eliaracter, he
would give tiieni his determined opposition."
Juhj 2\, 18!2. Jn Ihc Dehnte on Mr. Slieridans Motion
for Papers relative to the Ocerturc for Peace from
France.
" He liad heard with considerable surprise
the lion, Cxcntlcman v;ho seconded the motion
(Mr. Whitbread) nniintain, not only that the re-
cent overture was made in the spirit of since-
rity, but that all th.e former overtures of the
ruler oi" Trance w ere made in a similar spirit.
lie had heard, Y,ith still more surprise, the Hon.
Gentleman who had just sat down (Mr. Hutchin-
i.on) declare, that no person in uucicnt ov
MK. CANNING,
65
r.iodcMi times, cvit luciitt'd ;i crown better than
Iluouapartc. This was hiiigiiai^c wliich, he
wouh! \entuie to sa\ (without l^ca^in^ any
ojlciice to the Uow. Cit'iitlcinan), wouKl be \ery
M(li( ulous, (lid not the ininioiahty of it iciuitr it
liii^hlv (huia,ci()us. Hitherto it liad been Mjnie
-ecuiil\ tor the peace of the world, that tlie
most >uece>NtLd nsni|)(i- had not m tiRir liie-
tiiiir i(a[)cd the lull fiuits (jf thi'ir crimen : tlieir
,suenN-()r>. uuleed. inheriting their power with-
out liieii' i^uilt, nught, when the deeds of their
ancestor^ were in a great measure forgotten,
establi>h an influence o\er tlie niintl^ of man-
kind ; Init it remained for the present age to
eiown with praise an unhallowed concpieror,
and to teaeh him. not onl\' to look witlunit tear
to j)Oste!ity, hut to demand applau^e and adnu-
i.ttii'ii t': oiii his c'oteniporai n^ them^el\ e.-., Sueh
a sri!* luuiil w a^ d.ingerou> be\ond the inlei-est
' t the j)U-eiit d('h;ite. It \v a^ new to the House
..nd to the countrN. It had never been liazardcd
b\ aii\ hi-toiian oi" ujjstai t jjow er. Xo lo\ i r of
libei'tx had e\er adv'aneed it; satisfied as he
mu^t hi', th;it the be^^t ^riaiiilN au-aiii>r opju es-
-)!s ;uid u^^lper^ w a-^, lo.uui \\it!i even an im-
j. lit; lit liau:l the mind^ o! mankind a^aill^t tiio>f;
iii'.iiiiuir- oi tliLir ju^t i:i^ht->, and to la\ iin, .n
the ixa-j)!. ration (.t" t',e pit-cut nioir.ci.*, the
TCiUi :.ds ot tutuie pu;l;^llnle!lf . A;; Ihui. (rc!i-
I
6 MR. CAXNING.
tleinaii (Mr. WhitbrcacI) :ippearecl to find some
justification of Buonaparte in the conduct of
Louis tlie XlVth. He had found a parallel, not
in that portion of Louis the XlVth's life in
which the historians of his own country repro-
bated his ambition, but in that in which he was
entitled to sympathy ; the period when, suppli-
cating for peace at the hands of those whom he
had been seeking to enslave, and to exterminate,
he was met by an ungenerous demand, that he
should not only relinquish all his conquests, but:
turn his arms against the throne of Spain. This
demand Louis had still spirit to refuse ; and
it must be allowed, that it was a demand
which the Allies, even in their triumph, had no
right to make, Brit whiCrc was the applicability
of this illustration? Were we to be expected
to do now, v;hat it was dremed unfair to demand
cF Louis in his greatest distress? Were we to be
required to turn our arms against that very
i^hroiic m SpL'in which we had hitherto sup-
ported, viiii to the maintenance of which we
were bound bv every uhligation of good faith?
If we were to iccognise the dynasty of Joseph
as a jjreliminary basis^ we sljould do the same
thing which tlie ITon. Gentleman thought it so
unfair to require Louis XlVth to do in his
greatest distress. The fate of Spain was in
suspf'nse, it was at the issue of war, and neither
MU. C AW lX(r
hi.uii'c nor KiiLihuul, thcrct'oic, li.ul a ili^ht in
.my iu':;\)riati(n, to a.^-^iinic that as a i)asi> which
tlic event ol" war alouc niu>t <lctciiiiine. W'liat-
c\-iT atUantaL^c there might he in a peace with
Trance, it" there was a single ])i)iiit ot" (h>hu-
nour in the projiosals for such a peace-, it ])ecanic
this country to torego all the a(I\antage, and
make its stand on that point until it should he
c< iUccded.""
' 1 hough KuiiMa h.ad hi en goaded to war h\"
a >.erit^ ot' oppressions and jusults, iic hy no
means was di>])oscd to contend tliat her remain-
ing tiaucpnl, luul it been po>.-5ible, would have
been much preterable."
" For three yeais Prussia liad been lield out
us the most ob^cipuous all\ of Fr;mec, and yet
.It last slie was doomed to destruction in thic
midst, nrjt of her enemies, hut ol' her I'riends,
(ireal ami m;ign:iiumous as this moch in con-
jueror had been called, wh;/n comp.ued w ith
those of former limes, yet in the hist(jrv of
those It might be seen tiiat il" som.e t)t' iheii
oj)j)onei;ts tell by wai\ others escaped total ruin
by treat\ . With I]uonap?irte, liouc\er, it u' is
tound that those who \(.ntured lo opp(>se him iiv
'he lield, had some chance ot" saletw l)nt ih.o-e
who lelied on his t: icndshij;, none; tha! ii'--
:ht}- appeared bomelimes to -.-often lorn, eoi:-
..(^sH'ii ne\ rrf
68 -MR, CAN XING
July'i, 1813. In ^-Kpport of Hie Vote oj Thanks to tltr:
Marquis of PVellington for the battle of Viitoria.
*' He trusted the interest wiiicli be had evev
taken in the cause of Spain would excuse hiuj
for offering a ^(z\< words on the subject. It was
now five years since this country, involved as
it w^as in dilficulties, and enaraoed in a contest
the end of which it could not foicsee, had the
glorious prospect opened to it of what this
splendid achievemcat led to the hope of having
])rought to a happy cousummation. At that
particular period, amidst the pressure of events,
and all the troubles peculiarly her own, she had
not hesitated one luoment in becoming the
friend of those whose only claim to her friend-
ship was their being the victims of tyranny and
oppression. Tliis choice was crowned with
success; but it was a choice which they would
not have had cause to regret, even had the strug-
gle ended in hopelessness and disappointment.
Tiiank heaven, the result was of another cha-
racter ; and proved, that generosity and justice,
while tliey were the most liberal, were also the
wisest system of policy ; and that honourable
feeling for otliers, was nearly connected with
our own personal safety. At the period to
which he had alluded, there were many who
MR. CAN NTNG.
IV)
(iCspairi-d oi' [he success ot' the r.uisr, and ulm,
fl)i)ui^-li tbn'C'l into the curiciit, h id expressed
their (lisajij)i()hatie)ii of it. That ( iilnprise,
\i hieli many thouLclu ra^h and liazard .ll^, \v!iie!i
many l)ehevcd ahnost hopeh'ss, had eii(i.'d in a
blaze of' i;lory that v.cuhi h\e I'-'ci.ided oa liie
glowing ])aue ot" lli^t()r^, e\i n ii" gloi', -h.aild
be its only result; but he (hd nol despair ot' .se. -
ie.g adcied to it othci' pages of piiliiieal ar!\in::e-
ment and tinal settkanent, e.deulated to p;o-
mote the happiness, and seiaiie the liii.-ities of
niaiikin(L A\'ith re<j:ard to the hononis to l)e
bestowed up(jn Lord W'eihngton and liis coin
panions in arms, they coidd not he too hivi-h of
them, (if to this snl)ject tlie woul Ma\ish'
could i)e applied) Imt while t'oev expressed
their sentiments on thi.s topic, tlie\ ou<2,ht also to
{)av the tiibnte merited by tho^e wl ns( p.i.ns,
(;ire, an\iet\-, Miiicitude .md attention, h.ad
hriMi unceasingl\ excited to pn j)arc at home
tlie mightv means tor the aeeonlpIl^:^nen^ of
tliis miglity achievement ''
" It was iiot to Spam alone tiiat tlie elfeets
ot" llu' late \-ietor\ would be eoniiiied. Sj'.;iin
had been the theatre ()l" Lord V\'eilinL;-ton's glo; y.
but it s^(;uld not he tl;e boundar\' ot" the heiu'-
tiei:d :esult ot" his triumph. The same blove
u hieh had broken the tahsuian of rhe l":(iu-h
power in Spain, had di -eneli mted the N(ut}"
70 MR. CANNING,
How was their prospect changed ! In those
countricij where, at most, a short struggle had
been terminated by a result disastrous to their
wishes, if not altogether closing in fiespair,
they had now to contemplate a very different
aspect of aifairs. Germany crouched no longer
trembling at the feet of the tyrant, but main-
tained a balanced con lest. The mighty deluge
b}'- which the Continent had been overwhelmed
began to subside. Tiic limits of }iaLM)ns were
again visible, and the spires and turrets of ancient
cstablibhmcnts began to re-appear.''
Novejnher 17., 1813. In Ihc Debate on the Foi'eign
Treaties^
*" If in the present state of this country, and
of the world, those who, during the course of
the tremendous and protracted struggle, ou
various occasions called uj)on Parliament to
pause, to retard its too ra})id and too rash
advance, and to draw back from the task it had
unwisely undertaken to perform, have manfully
and honourably stepped forward, to join their
congratulations to the joyful acclamations of
the nation, and to admit that the period is
favourable to a mighty and decided effort, how
:.JK. (AN XING.
71
.Mjih more i::r;it(.l'ul iiiiist it he \>> \\\n^>\ who at
iio tiiiK- (hiriiii;- the jjli 'J!ii;U', li:i\c 1 lud up
Mitir \()iccs in th'-. phicc, t xcciitiiiu to iccdin-
nu'iul and to n; l*" wlw t \i i tion-^ ; to tho-^c w ho,
\\ lien the p;o^pel!s \, eie ir.o^t (iieai \ and nudan-
clioly, insi>tcd that there wai hut one eoul^e
becoming the (haiaeter and honour of (iitat
lirifam- a jK'r--c-\ei iii^'and nndiunud i e.M^taiicc
to tl)e o\'ei udiehniUL;- power ot' i'lancc. 'l-^an
ii.ch\ idiial, \\d;o, under tiic w.u-^i di^t.-i ui: :i'j,inii,'
'.;i eunistant-f.^, ^t ill niaintamc-d that tlie di. li\ ;.!-
anee ot" rairo|)e (often a derided term) wa-^ an
ohjeet not (nd\' \vorthi\ of our arm.>, hut j)os-
sible to he achieved, it mu>t be douhly wcKonie
to come forwaid to acknowledge hi^ tran^ports,
an.d to \ indicate his share in the national exul-
tation.''
" W'iiat we h,i\-e accomplished, is c-l.djl;>hmg
lie foinidatioii upon \\ nich the t( inple ot' ])eacc
;iKi\' be crct.'ted ; antl imaL;ination mav now
jMCtnrc the completion of that stiucturc, \v!in'Ii
.\'i'h iioj)e> less .sanguiue, and licirts less iiigh,
it would ha\e been l(d;\' to h.t\'e attcmpud to
raise, \\'e nia\ now eoufidi'iitlv hope- ;o ai:i\c
at t he tei mi nation (tt' Idjoiir, and t lie at'.ammeiit
(;1 repose. ll i-^ impOiSihlc to looI^ haci^ !o
tl;o^e periods \\ lien, amid ail the ehei \ c-eiaiee oi
loy, the encm\ vaunti'd, and s^c. ]'eil,aps, leaieth
:Mat \* c s'liould \j(^ conricllcd to s,ie loi i"'acc
72 MR. CANNING.
without returning tlianks to Providence, that
gave us courage and heart to bear up against
accumulated calamity. Peace is safe now, be-
cause it is not dictated ; peace is safe now, because
it is the fruit of exertion, the child of victory ;
peace is safe now, because it will not be pur-
chased at the expense of the interest and of the
honour of the empire ; it is not the ransom to
buy off danger, but the lovely fruit of the
mighty means we have employed to drive dan-
ger from our shores. I must, with heartfelt
delight, congratulate my country, that, groaning
as she has done at former periods under the
heavy pressure of adverse war, still " peace
was despaired of, for v/ho could think of sub-
mission." Her strength, her endurance, have
been tried and proved; every mode of assault
that the most refined system of hostility could
invent, not only by open military attack, but
by low attempts to destroy her commercial pros-
perity. The experiment has been made; the
experiment has failed, and we are now trium-
phantl}^ but not arrogautly, to consider what
measures of security should ])e adopted j on
what terms a peace should be concluded."
" Even if our hopes of peace should be post-
poned, or even dis'ippointed, i.s it nothing to
Jt'flcct upon tliv" posture \vc are enabled to
asbumc. by the achievements we have already
MR. CANKIXC.
/
pi I fornu'd ? Is it iiothiuc^ to h^ok l)cick iipcn
liH' t.ill.n, the cKKicliiiiL; attitude (.f fi!>!avc'l
I'.urojx'. at a period not loiii;' ili^tant. and com-
pare it with the nj)rii;'ht, tVee, and uiulauntcd
])(;.sture ill w inch >he iu)\v- staiicN r Li\ing
iiU'iiiorN' can reeal no period when :^he was enti-
tled to hold lier lie;ul so hi^li, and to hid mkIi
hold dehanee to her enemy. \\'hat, let nie ask,
is the hr^t .iiid l)iiuh.te^t t'luit ol thi^ sueeesslul
("iiiiiet- I'ii.st, that continuity ol' s\ stem, that
instiiiinent of not wholly iiietleelnal hostility
a^rainst (ireat Britain, which, until lately, \vas
Mipposed to 1)0 growing- in strength and per-
feetiou, has l)ecn de^troved; that eouiplex
:naciiine directed against oui trade, has leceieed
a hlow wliich has ^hi\eled it to atoms. 'J he
t'iiemv 1-) douhK' defeate<l ; lu^ arni^ and his
iirtiliee^ havi' tailed ; luudeiied ;;> i! w'a>, btill
thcie is suniething in \\)c iiicon]]iie>sd)le natuic
of eonimeice, which rise.> under tiie weight of
the most poweitul t\!;inny, his rtfort^ liaxe
he( n exhausted to siuk oiii cniineree, hut. ll^-
!!ig \vi\\\ tenfold \i2,ouf. it has defied liis })unv
ei](,i; U, iie\'er to he itpeated. 'I'he nex t point
wi- ha\'e at tallied, is the dcst i uetion ot lii^ ow ii
(iaiiinu' s\ste'!i of eoiifrdeiat inn ; I mean that
s\-tem h\- wi);eh iie l;a> Icrir.ed all tlie sr,iie> ot
(.'ontiiniital Ivai'npc into satelhu-^ (^f t In I'rench
tmpuf. tin.! mo\c oiiK' as it mine--, and aet
74 MR. CANNING.
only by its influence. They are now emanci-
pated ; the yoke lias been removed from their
shoulders ; the nations rise superior to them-
selves,
" Free, and to none accountable, preferring
" Hard liberty before the easy yoke
'' Of servile pomp. '
But since all the events of war are precarious, it is
possible that, after retiring awhile, the former
tyrant of Europe (now no longer its tyrant) may
asain burst forward, and airain with desolation in
his train, awhile victorious, attempt to collect the
fragments of that system, and to reconstruct
that mighty engine which we have shattered,
but which once, guided by his hand, hurled
destruction on his foes. It is impossible. After
the defeats he has sustained, all confidence
between him and iiis vassal states must be anni-
hilated. Admitting that they may be com-
pelled again to act, can he rely upon their exer-
tions, or can they depend upon his support ?
lie may go forth like that foul idol of which
we heard so much last year, crushing his helpless
victims beneath his chariot wheels, but he never
again can yoke them to his car as willing instru-
ments of destruction."
*' So much for the present state of Europe^
But has this country gained nothing by this
MK. CANNMNC;. ,5
-li'.iniis t(Hitf>t, cNcn suppo-ii'.": pfa( c .\ii(nii(l
he tar di.'itaiit - ]> it no ^.lll^l^u!l ii, no f/in-
!)cn>:ition to licr, to rttliHi that tiiO ^plciniid
vci'HL's (li'-;)!;:\ (\1 ^n tlic ( 'o'lt ii:'.'iit, ai.' (;\',';n^ to
liorcti'-; ',^ : 1.5 It nutltin^- to drca; ]]':l;':ii, cvrii
pn'Liiabcd at the \u'j;h price ^tatc(l hv lue No!>!e
Lord, that under all tiie ^e\erit\ ot' her .^ulie^-
inL;-.s, whde her trade deeline(h her ini,it;iiv
cliai'acter ha^ heen exailed : 'l"h;il ti.e \-!et ..:es
ot (lei .;i:;n\- a;e to hf a' ; i ihuti'd to oui- \ ,e'oi les
.Ml II, e IVii: a!.. - '1 iiat .M)ark. (^lleii leeh'e,
>onieLimes xj i.e.irlv e\tiu_a.hhed .i^ to e\i ite
desj>air in aU lien's t!;at \v<i'e not j.ho\c' it,
which u e liL;h'e(l iii i'ortni, ', ^^ .i;h \ea^ led
and nourished there-, has at leiiL;th inirst int(.)
a tlanie, whicli has dazz'ed and ilhiininuted
Lnrope. '
"The }-*ortUL;-uese i.:c no', loohmi;' upon tl;e
vvali^ o; llaxoiM'.c. ' [].,{ eiiile m th"M' \\'ol\'es,'
that \\()nl(l ha'.e de\"a5tated tlieir capital ; the l*or-
tiiL^nesC now hehold,- planted on the tow er> ot'
iJavonne, tli.it slandard that their eneiiru's- wt uld
ha\e made to tloat n[)on the walls '>[' I.i>!}on
'It i-- a t'aet aeknow ied^-ed h\ all, that our
eneiiiN- who ha-^ enda\'ed the pres,-, and made it
eonliihiite >o iinpo!tantl\ to his own puipostN
ot" amhition, .it various pirnaN durinu' the hos-
tilities, has endeasonred to imj)ress iipoi^. all
fl.''-';e wlio were likeh to he our A! he--, a notion
76 Mil. CANNING.
that Great Britain only fought to secure her
own interests, tliat her views were completely
selfish. That illusion is now destroyeil, and the
designs of this country are vindicated by recent
events."
*' Wherever this country has exerted herself,
it has been to raise the fallen, and to support the
falling; to elevate, not to degrade, the national
character ; to rouse the sentiments of patriot-
ism that tyranny had silenced ; to enlighten, to
reanimate, to liberate. Great Britain has resus-
citated Spain, and recreated Portugal ; Germany
is now a nation as well as a name, and all these
glorious effects have been produced by the
efforts and by the example of our country. If
to be the deliverers of Europe ; if to have raised
our own national character, not upon the ruins
of otlier kingdoms ; if to meet dangers without
shrinking, and to possess courage rising ^vith
diihculties, be admirable, surely wc may not
unreasonably hope for the applause of the world.
If we have founded our strength upon a rock,
and possess the implicit confidence of those
Allies, whom we have succoured when they
seemed beyond relief, then I say, that our exer-
tions during the last year, all our efforts during
the war, are cheaply j)urchased ; if we have
burdened ourselves, we have relieved others, and
we have the inward, the soul-felt, the proud
Jlir. CANMNCi.
/ /
satislacliun of knowing, that a bclfibli charge
j> that w liich, with the taintc>t shadow ot' jus-
tice, cannot be brought against u?."
"May Great Britain still maintain tliat chg-
niry ot" station, and sii|)j)ort that grandeur and
liberality ot" design, upon w hich she has hitherto
acted; may she continue the unoppressi\e
guardian of the liberties she has vindicated, and
the ciisinteiested proteetrrss cjt' the hlcNsings she
hai be>to\ved I"
( 78 )
VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGH,
Februai-y 18, ] 808./,- t'le Debate on the Second Reading'
of iJie Orders in CoiincH BilL
'* In order to obtain any peace with France, in
order to make her live in peace, v/e must prove
to her that she can make no impression on us.
The only prospect of hving with that country
in civil or political intercourse, was afforded by
a perseverance in the war, till by a proud defi-
ance of all her means, we should convince her
of her inabihty to destroy or weaken ours; so
might we enjoy relations of amicable intercourse,
not of suspended warfare with her ; but that
could never be expected, till wc should have
established the proof, that no instrument she
could employ would avail hCr for the reduction
of the ])ower or the resources of this Empire.'*
July A, 1808, Spain..
'^ He could assure the House that no means
w(juld be left untried, that no exertions would
VISCOUNT CASTLEREACiH.
-'?
he wanting- on the part of his Majcst v\ Mini^-
ttTv, lu make all the le.^ouri'es \\ Inch they had it
ill tluii- power to ajiplv, sul).sci\'ient lo the i;ieaL
object a,-, nuich wished tor hv them, as by his Ma-
ji'.ity, the Parliament, and the cf)untiy. It was
iKjt tor him at present to anticii)ate the opinion ot"
tliatlJon-e uponthemanner in whlchhis Majesty's
Mimsters should accpiit themsehe.'^ oi" the great
and solemn obligations in which *!. cy might be
-aui to .>tand bound to ihiir countiA' ;ind to
i^uro])e. IIi'iw t;ir .Ministers upon lhi> great
Ci-( ..^Kjii had done what tlic\' could do, and (night
to do, Parliament, npon a future occasion, a-. ouUl
iiave an opportunity ot' dellbcratelx judging ;iud
tiett rmininu/'
Jnnur.',! \'.>, 1 >(iy,_ /. //i, DJjnt. t<n tht Addrts^.
" The Ji;L;ht 1 hui. ( ic iitlcnKin ' !\f r. Pons(jnb\ ,
sccuicd pai liculat 1 V luipres^cd u itii t lu- con\ ic
tiou, that m the cau-c intrusted to hi^ Maje.^ty's
Cio\ ci um.'nt (;ind m-si'r was there a cause more
tlecply mti'i c>t mg), thrie liad been shew n a
total want ol" w i-dom aiul \ !gour, and that ihi^
couutiN and luiiopc had no ciiancc' ul' .saU'atii'U
'Hit by a eiiangc ot the nun who wcic to ccn-
'hirt, iln- ail'.uiAol' the state in the present n;c>'.t
80 VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGK,
critical and important pcrioti. Whatever miglit
have been the want of vigour in his Majesty's
present Ministers, so much complained of by
the Right Hon. Gentleman, he believed tlie
country would not have ninch more to hope for
if the reins of Government should fall into the
hands of the Ri2:ht Hon. Gentleman and his
friends, who had given such ample proofs of
zeal and anxiety for the welfare and interests
of the country, by deserting all those who were
then allied for the defence of the cause of
Europe, No great Parliamentary recollection
was necessary to carry back the mind to those
periods when the Right Hon. Gentleman and
his friends were called Mpon to support the cause
of Europe, at a time scarcely less momentous
than the present. Although the conduct of his
Majesty's present Ministers might lie open to
examination, he yet felt proud that it would
bear an honourable contrast to that of their
predecessors."
" He was most ready to admit, th.at on no for-
mer Government had so heavy a responsibility
attached, as that which had fallen on rhc j)rt'eiit
Government siiice the close of ti-e i.^st session
of Parliament. He iKid no hcsiiat^on ro con-
cede, that to no Government liati t!ie wisiu's,
the liopes, and the tleterinm.'iion oi' tlu ccninrry
in their support, been more unanimously ex j)rc5S'
V I "^CO U X T C.\ STI.i: U K A (. IJ .
81
r.i. lie w.is iiady to allow, that ]);> Maicst\'^
Miii-.tt'is i'clt ihaL tlu'V liad odIv lo call upon
tiu' ((Uiiitiy, ami tliat llu'ir call wacald l)c
aii->\\crccl with the utinn-t jihcrality ot tcriiiiL;';
they were cuiitiollcil. theicthic. hv no other
coiiMdeiations than iIimm- naliiial lino's to which
all hinnaii cxeition. ;;iid all Inmiaii ]iiwei". were
Md;jeet c\'cn in ^luh an empire a-> dwit Ihitain,
.\dnnttiiiLi-, thcrctViie, in the l^i0^l cxU'n^isa:
dci;rce, the re-jx 'U-ihoil \ of h;^ Araje>,t\'>. .Mini.^-
tt ii on thi> suhjcct, he I'cit no a]iprehen.->;on at
tile jlro^j)ect of mcctniu,' the charg-eoi' the Ki^ht
IJon. (j(.'nllcman n|'<)n it. He lelt confident
liiat it would he proved tlie_\ had rcdeenu-d the
jdcdi^e i^;\aMi by them to Parliament in the last
Si'-.-;on ; that they hail caiiiul on ti;c ^tlu^^le,
:id apjiiicd the ahundant ie^ou:^;e> of the coun-
liy :n a n.an:it;r, winch, on matu:e latlectaiM,
.:cd i;a'-t lihc.y t;i -ctaire tiie ohunt ni
. an op.ii.im w i.ieh ewu pa-.t exp'ericcee
. '. c (i oii;\' lo coiitirm."
ili^ M.ijc^t\ -^ Mini-itei- I'.ad no option
the optani had heen ui.ide h\ >p:!:n. 'li'.cN' haai
chnM'ii tliC mode O'l icL!,u!ai- waitaic, and it
u<"'d.d h..\e id helitte.i ihe chaoictcr of C i i eat
!hi:,,.i! to Imnc -hruuh i:om t;:e c i:*e-!, ,.\:d
' have > hd t ) tliL- Spani uals--' \\> will
' \' 'I njiu\, we wid L;i\t \,ai -^l.iu-, hut
' h, './aid oiii hluod in \< ur cicf^iiec '
82 VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGH.
Such language would, indeed, have been most
ungenerous towards our Allies, and most un-
worthy of the spirit and general feeling of this
nation, in support of the Spanish cause."
" Wliether Spain was to contend against
France in irreguhir warfare or by regular war,
was a matter for lier own option ; and she had
at that time made her option for regular war.
and for giving battle to her enemies in the field.
It was, tlierefore, the duty and j)olicy of this
country to support her cause in the sam.e
maimer."
Feh'uary 2, 1809. On the second reading of the Militio:
Unlisiment BilL
" Whatever was the present appearance of
the probability of success to the cause of Sj)ainj
yet as tiic principle was agreed to on all sides of
the House, it followed tliat wheliier ariy or what
j)()rtion of our army was to be sent to the assist-
ance of Spain, was a })ure n/ilitar} (|uestion.
wiiifh was onl}' to be detcrmi\ii'(! b\' [he exceu-
(ive j)owcr, if Minister,: si :;u!d af'crwards
?!p!)e:ir to ii:^ve given iij;].r()])cr afivice, or to
rave mismaiiagcd tlic inilttav. iririns of the
r()U]]tr\, they were suifiect. {>> :i l].a\y respon-
VISCnrXT CAbllLlilACIl.
SJ
':>ii,'\'; ir-it lu- could luji lliiiik [\\c GciilK'-
v.,c\\ oil the oilier .>ii(lc would ri';di\' w i>ii to \i:
ii|) the haiuU ot" ilk- executive, and (!e|)ii\e it
('! ail liiea^^ ot actiiiL!,- a^ cii'cuui^tanct ^ nn^lit
I'eiuicr iiec(.'N^:ir\ . iiienlx' iVoiii liie tear tliat it
ir.iu'iit i)c ad\l^ed to aer w ioml'', or to inake an
liCijii udeiit u>c ot" iti :>t leu'^lli. lie could not
ljei.t\e tiiat tlii' (ienilenun on t lie ot her >:dc
tou'd suj,[,(,v^- that thex' ^a.w ti;i'ir way -o t. K ;tr
1 ;e-[jeet ot' tiie War lu S|) nu. a^ to >a\ that
Cii eiiiiistaiea ^ iniL^h.t not occur winch would
n.al-.e it the in)uiulcn dut\ (;t" thi> country to
L;i\e the most jjowcil'id a-5:5i.itaMee to the iSpancdi
pitiiotN. It was hi^ linn oijiuiwii, that while
tiic jH'oph' ol' >|)ain wi'ia' true to tiijUi-^elxa -a
ac.d tw t ' aar own (am-e, it w a^ not (iuK the niie-
it -t 1)1 ihi^ C()untr\a hut the |)h dmai tiu:\- oi
PaliauiiCUt to ^UjJpoH tiaiu. lie d.ij uo; uiean
to --a\-, th..t we \v I, re iiow io cuh.uk ui \'. :ld
uaina.iN -j'leulation^ that laul no elaiiicc' ol'
-U( ci a (iiiea ; I'n' It wa-> ^;dl iii> ojcnum, tlait
il' ihiC >jai'.,'-ii I'taijKL' cont aiued todi-uiav' that
!nii:^\ wiiieh tiu\ Jaal nIicw !i la'I i;.aai\ nloulil-^
: JO, il.e -c.iuu^'lc m th,.t ((.ai;.lr\ wai> In' no
i:::. an- at an c la ;. '
S4 VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGIJ.
May 9, 1809. -^Tn reply to Earl Temple's Speech en
moving Resolutions condemning the Conduct of Affairs
in Spain,
" The whole course of our policy went not
only to rescue Spain but the world, by resisting
the attitude in which France stood at that period
against the Continent."
January 23, IS 10 In the Dchate on the Addrcsx.
^' He would ask if Spain would have evinced
that spirit of resistance and enthusiasm against
the common enemy, had slie not been conscious
of acting in conjunction with this country?"
February I, 1810. In the Debate on the motion fo;'
Thanks to Lord Wellington for the Victory of Tula-
vera,
" To say that sucli an effort of skill arid ability,
.-^ucli an accjuisition of British glory, was not
ealculitcd to call forth the admiration of the
llou.bc of Commons, was an attempt to intii>--
(hue a IcelinLT into that House wiii( ii he cou-
VISCOUNT C.\STr.i:ilKA(, II.
cc;\"(.'(l it tlio duty ot' c\cry Mcinlicr In lcsi^t.
'J'lu' l()>s of that day was iiuicli dwelt upr)!! the
ii^s ot" that thi\ he rci^rcttcHl a-^ iiiiich a^ aii\- man,
but he (k'pic'iatc'd that mode ot' paintul search-
ing w iuih u ;is caK idalcd to injure, and unnerve
ihennhtary cneri;-v (^f ih.e country ; it' such feel-
inu,> were to heronie L';eneral. tliey would be
reduced to tiie necc'^sitv of ceasing altogether
t\<)ni opposition to the I'lenth, and giving u[)
tiMt clruactcr ulueh tlu\ werr so well calcuhitcd
tt 111, iMiiain- -that ot' a great mllita.ry power."'
' W'hiU' they lamented tlie losses inc\ itable in
wai-, let them also rememljcr the advantages
let them remend)er that the arm\-, with
its piescnt experience, was worth teniold what
it was bcl'orc, and that il' from an unlnekv cir-
cumstance. It had tailed in ii-^ object, in no unc
m^lanct,' had it brru dLt'cated or di^gra^(.d. Wc
nifW ajtpeared btt* :r thi t\rs ot luiiopc, not
nurcK as \>, f ha.d Incix hcrelulore consuleieeh a
mere na\'al |)o\\'ei', we were also a mditarv one ;
recognistd as such li\' an eucniw \\'ho had expe-
rienced our might ni our \iitoiies, and those
ot'ten wlieii wiili ini'nior numbers \vc beat the
brst and must e.\[)crience(.i of hi^ trcio|)s."'
8f) VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGH.
June 7, 181 1. On the molion for TharJis to Sir M^ilUam.
Beresford, ^c. for the Victory of Jlbuera.
" He would only say, us had been already
said, ' that thi great contest must be seen out,
and that we naist do our best hi it.' No one
could pronounce npon the result; but tliey
would have a better eye to posterity and to the
duty which they owed tlicir constituents by
doing all they could, and leaving tiie rest in tlic
hands of Providence. lie allowed that the
war was a great burden, but he knew no man
who was prepared to say that he saw^ the moment
when it ought to be abandoned. IJe was sure
at this moment that notliirg remained lor the
country to do but to follow up the advantages
it had so happil}' obtained.'*
June 30, IS II. In reply io Mr. IVhillmacV.s Speech
on the Report of the Vole <f Credit.
* 'J'l'.c expense of the vote was certainly
great ; and it would be a si)lcndid exertion of
liberal poHcy. lie admitted that the Hon.
Gentlcir.an (Air. V/hiibread) had.shev\ n as much
forbearance as could be expected I'rom him, con
\ i^coL NT castl]i;f: \( H-
S7
.(!(! niL^r Ills political views. I Ic hcIuN-cd him io
tcci ;i-. iiiiich for his c'(juntr\ :> juice and hiJiiour
as .my otlicr iiuin ; but lii> \ic\v^ cniuaTiiiiiL;-
peace weir rather peeuhar. ^inec lie tiiiaiL;ht
that negotiation could always be entered upon,
and ne\er, a^ tar as he (Lord C'astlerea^-h) could
lecollect, w;is it aticinpied, huf ^wh was the
teni[)er <>{ the II(>;i. ^fcniber re^pectiui^ pcac;',
tiiat lie c\cr coii^i: '^ red lii> own L:;o\'erniULiit as
t;:e p:iit\- pi a\!i:;- ir; j)m!;:;k u! - in it> Way."'
il > Ml. W'iiithrt',;.!"') mind was >(> tinc-
t'aicd on tins particular suhiect, tliat he was
al\ea\"s \i;v p>aci!ic pro;>osilions ; i)ul alw:us
aLiaiii^t tho-^e made h\ his own <j;o\ ernment.''
/'/"'"/>'/ J7. I^IJ. //; thr I),!ial, u'i Sir TlmniHi TiH -
' >>u Jor II ( 'inutiUrr ,-n the .*^^c^ nl //'a
' I jion the >uh|cct ot the wp,! m the IVnin-
^u!.l. to w h:cii so much n Icrenec h;id hccii made,
he put it lo ihe lion. Baioiu't. iiiid lo hi-, t'l icud-,
round him, w hetlier i;i the mode ti,e\ had hitlie, lo
trc.ited tiic ipu'stioii, ;.! I cr t !:' di ^|- 'iidim;- ii; -
U'uau-e I he\' iKui held, and 1 !ic dctcrmm:!! loii t hc\
had expressed, cither Ciit.o Jhit.iai or h;),i.n
]Ri^clf would hcliexe tliat hei c,;!i-c w,:^ -imiii
then hands;- Would it not, a^ it wcic. '. il the
88 VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGH.
whole of the Peninsula, and paralyze the etTorts
of a brave and a deserving people ? It would i)e
impossible for minds, lowered as those of the
opponents of the system now adopted had been,
to work themselves iij) to such a state of enthu-
siasm and eneru'v as would be requisite for the
spirited prosecution of the war."
March I G, \ ^12. On movdng an Address to the Prince
Regent relative to the Portuguese Subsidy.
" The question appeared to him to be drawn
into such a narrow compass, that it was scarcely
possible for any one to doubt the priuciple of
expediency on whicli tlic proposed grants resterl,
unless one of the following propositions was
affirmed, viz. that it w:is so fundamentally
wrong to subsidize any foreign power, tliat no
application of that nature ought to be made to
Parliament ; or that the state of tlie war in the
Peninsula was such, that, uotwithstanrling the
treaties by which the two countries were united,
notwiihstanding the glorious successes of our
arms, ami notwithstanding th.e solemn pledge
whicli Parliaihcnt liad so repeatedly made on the
sui>ject, no i'arther exertion should be made by
Gicat Britain, l)ut that Spain and Portug;d should
be left to the dreadful fate that awaited theme"
\i:X<'lST CAST[.i:i;EAGH. ^l*
*' PaiTciii.cnt \v;is now ciilK-.l upcjii to contcni-
])l.itc a s\--t(iii, not w Inch miiiiit lead, iail winch
aciUah', I: .(1 led to tlic nu)-t hiiiuant siiccc^^."'
"It w .'^ liiipos^ihlc not t.) acliiiil tla' allth'j
ijjiciKhd r-.tit.oii^ of Lm1(1 WcniULitun would
li.iNc tallcii MTV sli' itol" tla ir L.\i>tinL; extent,
had I hat .'',ol>U' I/ii-i i)i-en (lei)ri\ ed of the sa])|-oi t
<'t til .t p.iit (f ilse amua whicii liad arisen oat
')! I IK- liiHaad pniu", (:n wliuh tlie present piopu-
' I' >\\ V, as loLiiidcd."
J'liU'W, !>!_'. //i t!ir l)>J)'itr <,:t Mr. Uvrtl, ir^' ni,>tu>u
ii 'j'ti Itirj; the I'uilurc ij Ihr ^i ^tifintinns iuv a .Ncif
Aiiiiunistnitlvn.
" A'l 1 ha\'e to sav l'>r Mini^tca's i>, thov
ehuiii the eon^t i trctaiial Mippdii d I'ai iaoiicait
until t 'luir net 11 ills -It ui t<i -[ < ak tht m unw ci tii'>"
of it; and t InaiLiJi tiicpic^tait ( io\c a lunent nKi\'
not poss^^> witian it^eii" all thn-t' atlidaite-
\'k'h!rh wa.' lia\c' iioaid -ja^en to hia^ad and
extended administration-. tin\ have at least one
la ca)ninic ndat ion to puhhe (infi(hn(c' i^and it i-
not a :>!n.all <auh that t;:r\ ha\e no di->nni(ai
anioiiL;' lhein~el\'e>. We ha.\i' n^ piixatccauN
t'l ;Mi-\'.ca', \\a' are ;dl anxaai> to x i\o our oonn-
l:\, to do lull' hest. and to sohinit our < <a;dneL
t>^ ihc |udL;un.nt ot' Pai .aanent ."
()0 VISeOUNT CASTLEREAGII.
Jiilij 21, 1812. In ihc Debate on Mr. Sheridan's motion
for Papers relative to the Overture for Peace from
France.
" Some things which had fallen from the
Hon. I\Icmbcr Vvho spoke last (Mr. Whitbread)
called for a repl}'. lie would \nit it to the
House whether it was not a violation of all
sound reasoning to consider the answer returned
to the French Government, as a direct negative
upon all negotiation; whether his Majesty's
Government were not bound to o-ive the answer
which they had given ; and whether they would
not have forfeited the good opinion, and incurred
the contempt of Europe, if, in proceeding to a
negotiation with the enemy, they had neglected
to maintain good faith with their Allies ? He
would say that any other answer would have
been a dereliction of dut}'. He was far from
contendi-.]g for the principde of interminable
war, nor would he justify the proceedings of
government upon an.}- such principle; but, at
the same time, he thought they would study
the lesson of the last twenty years to very little
advantage, if they adopted the feelings of the
Hon. Gentleman, w ho, so far from ha\ing any
icalousv towards the Trench Government, not
VISCOl N 1 C ASII.I KLAGli.
'Jl
y)\\]v tluniL^ht ilk- present nionunt llu' 1i.w>'l pKj-
pc! lor iK\u;otiati(iii, but aKo coiiliiuli (i ihal
{.\(.'i'\- (\cTtiiiC Iiom 1 iaiu'i', duiiiiii,' the la-^l ami
[nc'scnt \\ar, hail hccn mack' \'. ith ;5ir.(\ ilt\- and
L;n{)(l i'aitli. ill- (lid not tiiink aii\'(^tlRa- iiiaii
ill the ciiipiic would afliiui tlrtt |iro[osilion ;
and it' tlu' 1 Ion. Mcinlicr did la'alU lliink ^o. lie
would >a\' that lii> mind nl^^t bf |)ra;.'t ically
l!:^ol^lc^ld on that particular topic 1 Ic (^Lord ( '.)
thoui^lit tluTo \\ a-5 h"int. liiinu' in <la' lunt ot
jii ikiii'j; tlio o\aitur(.' that ^tcnu'd >u -pifiou-^,
tor it bad a'\\a\s been tb'.' j)oI ify ot" tbi- I'la-nch
jLiUr to nrd\i' pi()p()^Hion> tor pe... '-' to tbi-,
cnunlr\, v. lien li-a \s a'> id)o-i!^ I(, ijl.u iiMn-cll' at
tbr ;:ead ol" !;, ;.l:n.l^ I'o: j'''"P"- - "; 'la' most
c.\ten^:\\ CO!;, I'.H >; . 'i 'T K.au; ..on. (ientk'-
na:n wla iradc tki' r."'i;'n. hao 'un:!\ i.|)sti\td,
tli..t tkio-c j)!i)j,o^;'; )ii- \\ a K' -i;iaiin iiiuarc,
i 'U I t iiai 1 ; .ov ' . t. w 1 1 ) \)' ( o,; - (le- , d a^ o;u' ot
l!a- iu^liuiuiii'^ 1:. tiK' >:iap(.' ot nCL:,'ot lal ion. to
in' tuiiird ,iu iin-^t tl'.L' un';;i\ ju- w a> ^eauu' '"
ciu^il. 'ill' I loiu, (ii'iit kan.Mi -.Mia \\ hitbicacr
nnL:bt ha\'c iftiiaial t"a j)(. laod wdicii tiio-c \\'i(ii
w boui he bnn -ell u-u il!\ aoted w^tc in tlic coii-
fiikiuc ot" hi-, .Maio-l\a JIc niiLi,-iit haw >tat(.d
that t!u- J'.ailoi' Laudcrd d(" was -cut to Wni-
to uf^'ot late ; that liUoi';i|,ai Ic was on llu' o\a'
.' i-.;> ik'parluic' for rius^ia; liiat kc kit tl;o
\ 'bie ]v)id at Pan-, beaded bi^ aiiny. and tin.
1)2 VISCOUNT CASTLEEHAGH.
iiep'otiation terminated. If the Hon. Gentle-
man had referred to the period of the Nohle
Lord's journey to Paris, he might liave obtained
much illustration of tl:e policy of opening nego-
tiations for peace \vitli Buonaparte."
" lU' the line of conduct recommended by the
Hon. Gentleman, we should have paralyzed all
the exertions of our army, and lost all theadvan-
tau:cs which ihev luid gained f:)r us. It would
liavc been attended, in short, by every possible
disadvantag'c, and by no one advantage. The
efforts of Russia at that critical moment would
have been paralyzed. It wouUl then have been
easy for any one of his Counsellors, if so dis-
posed, to liold this langhage to the Emperor of
Russia ' See, now Great Britain has with-
drawn from the contest, tlicrc is no alternative.
Von musi now crouch to Buonaparte : you must
get the best terms from the great Emperor that
3 ou possibly can.' He would not enter upon
the conduct of this country in former negotia-
tions; Ijut lie was convinced, th;it a more disas-
trous proposition could not be imagined, than
any attemt>t tovv'aids negotiating at present;
and he was also sure, that the country from one
end to the other was persuaded, that peace coidd
not be olitained on terms M'hich it was possible
to accept ; and that the only effect which any
discussion u])on the subject could at present
VI^COl' NT r .\ -i ; I \{i A(, tl.
0-.
}i.\\c, u'nultl i'L' to [>:ira!_\ /L' \\> i, \r: t ;..n->. Ilu
(.ut.tinlx dul not nic;in to >;i\\ thai ti;r o; (.x.i'.l
MiiiistiA' we'll' ic^d'K'cd lo \vaL;'C ;iii iiilu iii:ir.i!)U'
v.';ir\\illi till' ruk r nt" tiio i'i\ lu'li ikiI'kmi ; luil ho
lhoiiL;Mit thai tlios- ouL;lit not to po^^'^s ihr con-
tidciR-o ot' tho r(ninlr\- it" thc\(hil not, iVoiii ;i
(.nn-,i(iciaii')ii of thiC nature and orLianization n\
hi^ powi. ", and the counciI> on wliich h.i- acted,
I'.'nk ai rvri\ ()\-ertui\- ^v!l!eh lie n;:'_;ht tlnnk
pi'>j!ei !m make t o ri;i> e- niri; . \ wild the utnio^l
\nr,):ihir r.'\ \^\:, Iil Otr DJ.'ilC <.'l t!:^' Jdf'!\<-.
"' ^\'ith(lnt (h\ul^;n!; an\- ot' tliose >eerel,^
\'. hi;-ii htlonLi; t(< the Caieiai-. "1" tlii> ci' citlie;
('Untie.^, hi' iid^ht ^taic. th^at S', tdcn, a-^ well
::- llii-Nia, !eid iceeixed iiijiii\ Irora I'rani c, and.
li A\ liad kit It. Itns^ia had laluii thr field :>
1 . -;-i tile aLlL:^e^-l()nl^ oi' h.er atk i. r>a; \' ; and, the ;
!ore, tli( !'e C(add l)e in. iir:i'i oj)):'" \' m ^ptakn'::
I'jKid'.' ( : hei n.e .-nre- ; hii' . Swa-.i^u [y-.d ].-:
\ t !,rn a - 'rp -' ('( ' idcd !.. ':r p.'d t!i< I h >':
'.'. ./lid h:' ;[' i'j-:i,:en ik * i a !: d a dni \- In i ;
: ! m 'v', ;in li , . I'd: : -1 k \'' i \ d ':''( ad: In: h:M! '
..he :.]'.\- VL i'.' < I :'! ( : ex eke:' '^!a';'n. n^ < n
kh I '; '. V t, \', I.,:-'' ;.-; r,\'- ;h .il.te-n.
<)4 VISCOUJ^T CASTLEREAGII.
necessarily smaller than those of Ptussia, had
required the pecuniary aid of" tliis country, to
cause a diversion in the rear of tJie French
armies, Ministers would have been ready to assist
lier operations to that extent. He declined en-
tering further into tliis matter at present. France
liad committed an nn(;ualihed ajjforession on the
Swedish Monarchy, which had as yet been only
met by a somewhat qualified resistance. What
were tlie motives for collecting the force upon
her coasts it would not be expected that he should
explain ; but it would be seen, with a feeling of
hope and exultation, that between these great
northern powers, for they were both great, out
of their late contention, which had led to the
dismemberment of the province of Fiidand from
Sweden, out of that contention a system had
arisen which happily had not prevented their
bcino- linked too-ether in the bonds of the closest
friendship aud alliance."
" It was with exti-eme pleasure he found, that
in.-)tead of the i; -.lal Oj)po;>it!on on such oppor-
tunities as the present, the ohiect of all seemed
rather to be to join in gratuhitions on the pros-
perous state ofaii lir-;, ar.d ibe gei^erally miprov-
ing aspect of Fiiropc. {Here some disapprobation
was ccinccd ou i'hc opposhion ocncii.) He chal-
Icjiged the House to 3ay,^^li;'n a speech was de-
livered on the opcniiig' ol P.u'iiaiiient, which con-
V I SCI a N I' L A>1 J 1 IJ X(M[
'1)
ta'.lit (1 so 1)1 ti;llL .1 c\lt.il"jMir ol' MK'Ct-^<. <>l dl-
|)i.i\(tl a ir.oic n;:ii kc'd pi'i^pcct m aii.i r..'::i.(. nl
('!' ;l(I\ aiit.iL^i' t' llic luniiitiA. Il t..(\ cdkIiI iU't
:5a\' tiiat the ciuniv \va- ;.i[i . rtl.rr ill- ;' -ii.'.i'c (!,
and liiialls' a.iul i'tii;c'cU..!!\ u jiu^-^rd. \ (. I liay
iicx'cr lc'tuic could ^a\ , tiiai [\\(\ -^aw iiiiu iio
(laiiL!,'iii)ii>l\ in\a)l\c(l in t w o ;.',ia'at ..a^^ in tl-c
o])]it)^;te' i,'\t miiil !L> ol IjaKjj.c. 1 lia~r \\aia'
Vs"aj> in which lie \^^;^ la I iianix r. niii:;: t ini
aL:a.r,-t the l^'ia 1 1 iiiKcnt > ' l cocni . ;, ^^ hul in
\'v:::vli liic na!uin-> w 1 1 c air.. \ id a>_;:un>t hin;.
'i la. \ were iioi. ;;^ he i'c't(jl re, \'. ar> j)io(ii:rt ;\"c ol'
ir.cai'.b to icciuit hi> i\"^ourcL'>, aiiuai.ciiL ]:i-
forces, audi ciiahlc liiiii lioni hi> conijiioi^ i'
rca[. the >inc\\ -^ ot' cxieiidad (thort^. TIioul:,!!
he fiaild di;;'^- his triliut;jv staler into tia lirhh
and atna- a. [io\\ci!iil loitr li(Mn ih'-L- ia- laid
aiicauK' o\ rn. o;nr, \ct, ni tin- ijait ^c.iU' ou
whi hi lia x^a-- (.an;- lat hi, h'- '.n> I ^ihii.oaid to
I nahic inin n)ca.i\ on t!ir w ai \ aa^ a on-!\ : lu-
i: ( t < nl\ w it 11 nai ion a! i( !-la'..ta a anid -A :iN (ihhm 1
{) !)iiuii' 1;H ^U[)llO.^ wit i iian, and I'xhausl h>
1 1-->' aaia I > lioin {</: ptaa aa <>\i.i v. lion; h.r ox;, n
(i-td hn ii';oi'!U> --w a\\ t. !' ha lannii la^l hia,.i
t la in ill thr con .'.' vv '. ,r no, ,:(a d .''
In c\ ar\' (1 an . \ o' n'' -[ t c" ^ an <
a ! ... . no. .- :i:ao
laam t \a rv I Inin; t lail n \ '^-l ]' ii'-'. >'
-ail,' aanaliiho, :\- Ji-a;-,' ;.:,h . n,.
hnaht and haja
C)6 VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGH.
that, from the state in which the country is on
the openhig of this new Pariiament, there is not
a topic for condemnation, though there are so
many for cheering us in our exertions, and encou-
raging us to hope, that every thing will p/ospcr
to our wishes."
Juiw 18, 1813. III the Debate on Mr. Ponsonhy's Motion
respecting the Treaty with Sweden.
*' Ino military man could do other than ap-
prove of t'nc coiukict of Sweden in the last cam-
paign. If tlie Englisli Government had with-
held its asseiil to the treaty concluded between
Pi'issia and Sweden, it would liave shaken the
Y/liole alli-Uice of tlic North, and a relaxation in
tiicir eubrts u'oi.ld have taken place, instead of
thie ii:c;jt nn-led exertions ever made in the his-
i jiy f.r war."
" Soijv:; J!;:]!;..ir-y seemed felt v/ith respect to
tbo iiidividu.il w ho had become the Crown
Piiiic--' oi" vSwcilr:'.. It was a bold thinix to an-
sv, t-r itii- riie e'.iK:ii;t ot' any man in so high a
s!'M:.t!./ii ; h L \\ iih r; ^;;eet to this indiNidual^
ti.ey u;i<l (i:i;r lie;:. ;,.; (;t jutl^'ing of his charac-
Mr. \\c \\j)\:.\ C'a ,'ir]\"i,<;li) had never hearil
' "" ' !-' liii.i .i'ijii was not honourable tr^
VI^COINT CA.': 1 f. I l.E A >. ; f.
<'7
i]'\\) a^ :i ii:ai!, unn ulrvli (1:^. i.'.r !';;:(! 'r i >';i-
:_-.!i lllf li-U;_;i i[\' .illd ]a:iit\ ol h;-; c!:t!:i:" r.
'. .1 c';)ii->; J( ! iMc Liirt- i :( Iwul t'\^ (^ 1 ;:(
. '.:;!. t M ' 'i!.:';- ;:;;', r I ] .'.' l'. c ,. . ' ' : -
lic'c ;iin.i ! :;. I ',, iiii' w :\\ u' : !i\ \ ,;>; I<> ';>'; :i
cinoiiiiiK ii ; . i I \'. ;. h l' i:: . i . 1 ii,;ii ! . :,,i\ ( n . L.
i;t l.iriiiiK 'iL i<) I i ;.,i, i ; I'L: '.'. .. . '.: < ;:(I.;ct ).
1 liilliC W lilt li > .'..: I:-; ' ' : V\ ; ' ' /, ,;r:i: . :'
t ii;i;:',- \'* i.i ;. i, v. a- .,'-. ' . \ i ..^ i.. [:;' ' .*.
! ' :l i.< ( Ij:\\..a:' d U-' ;. , :-r I ;. :;:;i'. ^^; w/
'( ciii!ii;i\- wi.: '.] ];.,(! a<i i'- ! li...;. 11.' (.a:, c
' S\'. t'cini v'.rJi aiuu'li-iii.-')*-^ :<i li.iivr; ui.; r.
;ii(i ikjI coiiiL' t'j ljoli;'.y i;L r. \\ licii .'k- lv!;:r;;.\'
<U Fruii'/c We'!--, caiiifvi >o hir '.".Ml i. = iiw- I.''
'. .iir.c ji'jco>>,irv, iic divl not lU'^iialr ', ) o-^i.vts
KaoiKipai te- ; and that IwO at ;i ni :,-v ,1 \ l.^' '.
\\a- ti.c !a>I ;it \vli!c'h li/ W(,;i!(i li.r.v' c!. - ;
*l;i -i> I;a(i 1:;; no! l)C'.':i ;i ho'.d iim:' 'li:, ::
\\'h.r'.\, lla^wcd \'. it li >uc-.<' >, tiu i wI.t <m' !' -'nr
' li. t ..! .iK d : ') <A (.a wli^'lm lit:^:-..;. lie (ui. ( ;; a
i'l :i;rt.' M; .ii .irlcd la.l ii'.idl \ aial lii a^;rii ,;',i\ -,.
tt' (iic [ I . ^t i:L 1 ii!U', a. lid lir i^l .f a d (.;.> .....)
^ a;:, i la ; dc idi' iiaiii \ .) auL;;i; t ha> '; \s n
"H .i-|,ML ll>-lil t!;al hue ' l' 'Jv'lld'.Ll."
58 VISCOUNT castlereaghI
Jvve 2S, 1813. In the Debate on tlie Repm't of the Com-
miiiee of Siq>j)ly relative to the Treaty with Sweden.
" lie had the satis fa c-tion ro be able to state to
the House, thab'iiie Allies had every reason to
be sitisfied with the conduct of the expedition
laiKi( d ur StiMlsnnd; t})at the number of men
was even }?rger rJian had been stipulaieil for;
and that with- icspect to the great Personage at
the head of the S^vedish army, llicrc was every
reason to place the most perfect confidence in
Lim, both as to the sincerity of h.is intentions,
and his abilities in leading out his forces against
the common enemy."
"On the whole, the treaty had been con-
cluded under the mo^t important circumstances,
and was calculated to advance the general inte-
res',^ of Euiope, by entering into the views of a
power wliich had already assisted in the salva-
tion of Russia, and whose eonduct had eminently
contrdjuted to those extraordinary and brilliant
Sucre -ses wliich had attended the last campaign
against the arms of France. The treaty had
been jp.ade on terms which held forth the greatest
advantages to the Aliies, by inducing that
povver to join the common cause, which could
hi' of the utmost service to that cause and which,
by its actj would draw on itself the severest ven-
VT?COUN'T CASTLr.RFAGH.
D9
!^cancLM)i" IVaiirc; and he in^i,->tc<l, i), .t in iti
C(JiiM-tjUCiicc's, it V. :ii cnn^iilcirJ Lis likrly to lead
to the most Ijiiniaiit cllccl^.'"
JuhjJ, 1^13. 0,i uioiinq- the Th(rih>' (>!' tht lln^u-c tn (^.^
.Ua/(];w> pl 11 linni^lou jur tin' I>iil lit oj I'iit'i tu.
" It Wdu'd \)c prouniptuous in :\\\\ man to
aiiL;iii what would \)v the I'oii^'ijiKMu.'Cs of iliis
victory; Init it was a {)roiid tiuiiiipli t(^ t!ic
C('unti\ and to tlu- in(Ii\ idiird, to contrast t!ic
biuiation m which Lord W'clhn^ton thtMi st(jod,
and that w nich he had tornarly occuj'inh If
tlu'y looked hack to tliat ])er:nd when he went
will) coni[jarati\ el\ hut a teehle army to dch\er
i'ortu_i;'al. with what exultation and juicie mu^t
llu \" ti'aec him through Jus eam|)alL;n^ ! Tiiev
tliv^t saw liiin elTecl tiic cxpuUion of the French
iVom tliat country. In the ^ucceechng cam-
j)aiL;n, he still thwarted the \ icwe> of the cnrin\.
In the cam[)a.iL^n l)t'rorc the la>t, he comi)leteIy
ciianL;ed tlie ehaiacter ol' th. war. And now.
he, who had once fonu'lit with lii- back to thi;
^ea, aL;-.iin-^i a Miperior loe, wh li.uN \ peru need
jnnume'\Lhie ditlicuUies, \\\:a w-aiid ha\ e di-.-
heartened otiier conunan'.k r-, aii<l w I;:^ ii aiilicte.d
him, tlkiULrh his iireat minds ould n^ 't l:i\c w..%
100 VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGTI.
to despondency, feeling tliat he was supported
by a brave people^ and lie (Lord Castlercagh)
Loped he miglit say, by a Government which
had remained firm tln'ough all the vicissitudes
of the contest; this individual had, in a great
degree, emancipated the Peninsula, and, at length
become the aggressor, acted with sj^lendid suc-
cess offensively against th(^e',iemy, instead of de-
fending the lines of Toircs Vedra:%"
" He (Lord WellingtOji) was now no longer
fighting with his back to the sea, menaced by
the enem3^ who hoped to be able to drive him
to his ships, as was formerly tlie case, when soiiie
of the greatest Statesmen in this country aiitici-
patcd nothing less, and even entertained a dread
that he would not be able to reach them in
safety."
^' If in this eventful and most expensive war,
great exertions had been made by this country,
it was some satisfaction to reflect, that those
exertions had not only pro\ ed suilicient to de-
fend ourselves, but luid contributed to the pre-
servation of others. If in this contest the Par-
bament of England had felt itself called upon
to make tlie Uio.^t stupendous sacrifices, it was a
high gratification for that House to know, that
the fruits of their munificence were as unexam-
pled a^ their generosity "
" Whatever might be the issue, the glory of
^ I -co U \ T CAST r !. R L \ ( ; H .
lOi
t]:V KiiL;-l;sh romitrv was placed oil tlic Iiiglicst
j)!i!n;uk' of laiiic, iVoin wliw li it foiild never be
sliakcii."
A"r<-7>//;rr S, 1*^13. On rnncinj: tli<: T'lvuihs of the ILjust
t<^ f})c Mi]rijii}s of II il'dir^l:!, Ur il'c f"uivr'i(S aj' (ha
Pi/ri luti fs. ^.v'l .
"'liurc was o!U' u'ciuTal iVaturc in t'r.c present
siatc oi llic w ar, \s'i!:c'.! iL was iiccc>i-;ir\ loailiulc
to a> of the iilnMisL Value : the traujactioii^ since
tike halile ! t" ^'iUo^l;l, pi-(j\-e(l more than all liic
foiiner op'ia;i<)n.>. (jf ihe war, the pel lection to
wl,!i 11 liie nat:\-e tioop^^ (,.' the Penin'<LiIa liad
a'r.o.ifvd ; and, a> the oni\ o])jecl ol" tlie Ilnti^li
natioii, Ml ;kI(! [)oMn;_'; I'le -li!t.'Id oi \[^ .irni-> be-
t'A(,'.ii i.e nation^ ol tiie l\a).n-ula and tiic
I'lea'ii au'j,!/-^io!i, w .i^ lo ejaihle theifi to put,
t ii;'!i-( !\ e^ in a ate to ti'.:;h.t tin ;; owai b:ii;ic's,
.so ! t iiai>! he in 'Nt i^; ;itii \ ihl;- tons lo !a, n, t hat
til;' :!(.:; ( ml ot lair inti. I'poM t ion L.'aI \)cv\\ an-
s'\a !(.(!, Old tl/it t'iC tioop> ( i' P(ntU'j,a! :Mid
S, 111 \.c,e 01 tl: it iii'.di -,1,1 :e Ol tiU- i\ caie--,
wi.i^i; ih-tnir ! 'i:- l^.i;eo K; ^.ent m :.!\iuo-, i:i
tMe -j'''^'ii i,..m; thr tniopv. i;,;;; m sUanaicss
a .d I . ' ..ij :\:.J}!a ^jaiii, tiie tniw naI:on> we'C
' il V, ;:, ua.-t ':;a!i;\ na, lo ( i; ;.o IhiMai. why
102 VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGH.
had made siich effo) is in their cause, that the-
troops of both the nations of the Peninsula
had arrived to this state of effective discip-
line."
November 11, 1813. Oji moving for a Bill to enable his
Majesty to accept tlie votuntary offers of the Militia
*or foreign Service.
It was owing to the continued firmness and
moderation of our counsels, that Europe was in
its present state. It had been restored from the
humihation and ruin which overwhelmed it^ to a
pioiul heiglit of honour and independence, by
the prudence, no less tlian by the magnificence,
of our exertions."
" We stood now in the situation of having
obtained all the objects originally proposed by
tlic war, even beycnid the most sanguine expec-
tation. The independence of the Peninsula, in
particular, bad been placed on a firm and lasting
basis."
'^ If the measure of rendering the militia
auxiliary to tjie regular armv had not taken
place; if the old prejudices with respect to that
description of for. .e had been still ke]3t up, and
they had l^een prevcu'ed from entering the regu-
lar arm} , tliis country would not now possess
Viscount cavii f.p.r vgii.
():;
;V. ni'litarv charactiT which it had acaiuirtd.
^\'(:^llL;|lt h:i\'('nKii:itaiiiril ouicolcjiii tl ;u)I icv.aiul
iiiadr lh(C' exertions winch were Uhiu^s.il in
lormcr \^'ars ; i)ut wc could not have kv\)\ [xis-
scs^ion of Poitui^ah or have sent hirecT to co-
operate in tile deh\"erance ot" the Peninsula at
hir^'e, and to take \\\) tlr.il nienacinLi,- position oil
the iVonners (jt I ranee \s hicli our aiinv U' w
(KTUj'ied. We .>houUl lia\ e !-(an .^init up w iliiin
the hoiMuU <)\' our insular j)olie\-, and we could
iio! iia\e set tlie gloricnis example to other na-
tions, or home our share in the general exer-
tions w hieh liad been niade ibr the deUveruiicc
ot" Europe.'
104
EARL OF CLARE.
Sovnnl>er 4, 1813. -O/t scamding ilu- Address.
" When they saw tiiat tlic firmness of tin-
coiiTitry in continuing the conflict wirii France,
\vd(\ led tiie way to that spirit of" icsistancc to
Prench domination, which had now triumphed
overall the resources oftlie Frencli ruler; when
they saw tiic ports of Europe open to the com-
merce of ijritain ; and wlien they saw the Bri-
tish standard wavin5f trnimphant upon tlie terri-
tory of France; surely these were events that
justiv gave cause for exultation at tlic proud
eminence of glory which the British empire liad
attained.''
" lie siiicereiy congratulated their Lordships
on the glorious events which now so justly
formed the th<"me for exultation. To this coun-
try was Europe indehted for maintaining, with
a firm iiiul steady liand, the conflict with all tlie
power of France, until, in the Peninsula, under
the auspices of a great and illustrious com-
mander, our military renown had rivalled the
splendid achievements of our nav\ , and the lau-
rels Vv-rcat'lied round our standard, hiidvicd with
lARL OF tLAK
i<k:>
tliv' tiiunipli^ ot" our llccts. TinMc^ was that
.sj):r;t which aniiiiatctl the SpanianU, c he i i.-^hc il
ami maintained hv Ihit irih asbi^taiu'c and CD-oja'-
latioii, till it (.'omiiuinicatfd it-5 in ^liilillLi: Iod-
ines to the nations o\ lairope, and linallv
whelmed in (le.^t I nc'tion llu'aimv ol' the mler ol
I'laiiee. !)} her counsel>, Ihi'.ain hid animated
the S]j,.!;;>,h nation; bv lici ainj>, ;i i<ted them;
luid povlLii!'. ^'.(a',lfl rc^'aid with a(!mii .ition the
ai(lu(ai> NiiULrL;,lc Nvhieh had hvcu -o nohiviiiain-
lai ned.'"
( iOG )
VISCOUNT CLIVE.
November 30, 1812. moving the Address.
'' What was there, he would ask, they might
not hope from such a state of things? When
the spell was broken, and Europe was at length
convinced that Buonaparte and his armies were
not invincible, was there not reason to expect
that the nations, oppressed by his power, would
rise to assert tiieir rights, and recover tliat honour
they had suffered him tv) tarnish? Was there
not reason to expect tlidt the descendants of
the ^reat Frederick would again come forward
to oppose, as he had often done, the devouring
power of France that they would again come
forward like the brave people of Russia, and
exclaim, ' We also are men, and will not sub-
mit any longer to the encroachments of our
oppressor.' Was there not reason to hope that
the words of a great departed statesman would
be realized, and that they should live to see that
* Britain had saved herself by her firmness, and
that Europe would also save herself by follow-
ing thq same course,"
( 107 )
LORD COCHRANE.
Juhj 19, 1811. O/^ the third rcadini^ oj' the Gold Coin
and Bank yutc Bill.
" 1 1 J:, would take an caiiv opportunity to rail
the attoutirju o^^ the House to the way m whieU
the \s'ar liatl been eonciuctrcL He .should then
be prepared, he thought, to show that the depre-
ciation of the paper, and the deficiency of coin,
liad their origin iu those causes which he had
hcen pre^ented from noticing more fully to
wit. the ])roiligatc way in which ministers
wasted the resouites of tliis countrv."'
Jaiiuary 1 , IS\ 2. On .s-i C(i([ini^ tJir ^Iddicss propo.^td hy
Si) Frauds JhaxUtt.
" He th(niL!,ht tliat a higli tribute was due to
tl]e bia\('rv (jt' oui army in Portugal, and to the
conduct of the C'onniiander-in-CJhief, i)ut he
would d( n\ that the wur. as conduc^tcd in the
PcuuiMiia. could ])rove ultinialely -^uece^^ful.
lie proc'ceded to maintain tiiat the fi ii(> ot
(ircaL ijiitaui were not '^uflicieut to cupc vith
108 LORi> COCHIiANo
those which Biionapjirtc could bring LigaiKst -j;
as soon as he had coiDpleted the sid)jugation of
Spain, and obtained the coinnjund of its re-
source^i. Of tliis we wcie quiet spectators. To
Avhat, he would ask, was our ariny indebted for
its succetss, and for maintaining itself in Portu-
gal, but to the total unproductiveness of that
country? He agreed that every creciit was due
to Lord Weihno-ton ibr tlie manner in which he
had conducted affairs ; but he was inclined to
expect very little of the Portuguese, who were
conducted in chains to the army, more like
slaves than souhcrs, and drano-ed from their
homes, to support, they did not know what,"
( I ( \^^ )
MR. cur\m:n.
Mi:y li, l^O-i. (hi M:. Bmlin,,'. ,rt'"'U i\.^pt,in,-
l)r . i ):ii ^j tUiii.
" If il.-j fr-'.' IInii.( ;t'iitKMr.:, ; 'Mr.f ^iniMiL:'*
\\ \ ! ,!il <Mi\ [i.M li. in^t' t!;(.' i\ -^ . . 'i' ! h( 111 ! ^r,
t r ;.;, .'...liii,-. l.f n!i:-:, ('V <';i ;'ii Id li.i\c ter-
i'liU'I it :'\ ills j):rMMi! coii,ii!e:t. A\ urn tlio
\',oiul .s ,', ii.al I I()iis<; (iclxi! ii!;^' Ill ll;r inaiiiur
\\:cv \\:.d cIm'.k' this n:_;'iit, it \\w> iiiijui-^i! lit- not
tu :!.inL tliat ir' tlic jcuj-k' liati ciicii^-y, l\\r
M.i:i u I--5 luul 1!. mc."
' ill' roiilii lint iiiiaLi'iiir tli.^t tlu ic \'. ;:> aiiv
la'ioiiai li('j)i' dt ^uccc>->. S'lhc wr liad Iii-t
umk-r'akcnlo sii[']H)rf t iiv can-^r ot" I ho l\'[iii;^ih:i,
a LiicaL .ihc'ia:; m ol' c"m i'iiiii>tancc ^ liah t.iht ii
j)l.n I', and con -i(l(". a :i'l acUhlnais had hi an :;;adr
to our hiiilra.!!-. It' \\\v ( ntam ccald iiiait
'Mil Ad.d \\c \\(aii(i j.ac'ioi that w r -ia'iud nndcr-
tako, iK' V, a> cor.N iiiccd ihut hi- lii-' w ,>li wonid
iiO MR. CURWEV.
be, tliat we sbouki uiKicrtakc to defeiKl Por-
tUL'al *'
" lie was by no means one of those avIio
despaired either of the exertions, or of the
finances of the country, provided they were
administered with prudence and frugality. Nei-
ther of these qualities, however, was possessed
by his Majesty's present Ministers. They had
long- been too much confided in by the House,
and it was now high time tliey should pause,
before they carried their confidence any further.
If ever there was a moment that called on every
reflecting and independent man to make that
pause, and to consider seriously what he was
doing, this was the moment ; and if now neg-
lected to be made use of, he feared the conse-
quences would be most dreadful, and ever to be
regretted. Buonaparte could not receive more
cheering hopes of his ultimate success in the
struggle in which he was engaged, than he
would derive from learning that the present
Ministers were to continue in oilice, and that the
House of Commons still persisted in placing a
blind confidence in them, and thereby enabling
them to enter upon measures, which, in their
inevitable result, could not fail to answer all his
puijvoses. Ijaonaparte knew this country ; was
acquainted with our resources ; and he was afraid
he depended more on the prodigality which now
illl. C URW'l A'
111
{M'VM!!('(!. as more certain t(i\'.o:k nur (IdWiilall,
, in I'j ;.i. afl the (.fl;.!''N lie couli' iii;.\. ,;u>iir.8t
ii>. '! !:e I'iijir lion. ( 'v-ntleii.;. I (,.^(.^;t. ,Mr,
Pt'CO'.,.li 1;. ''.il^-'tl of i:cr ror>aki::u' (wr
Al!:es. ilk' >; ;>n;.U(:,s, r: ! (!' ai'i\ iii*;- t he lifnrli
out iif S!>ain. Xo Mian LCyiih! j... le -niO'. itly
wi^ii VI,, ce>> to ir\- Spaniards thau iic did ; no
ir.aii (Ou!d he i- i e ;i:ixm,uv to ; i ,' tliun,
whilst tlk'ie w a:, : ] : iban i::\ < a' (!> ':.,: .: ^. (ii
any ( tlh'.'l. I'lil a> o *ini (.1 i\ in^,- 1 1,^ !' nch
on: (.r Sj):.ii!, he wav atiaid the notion \\ .as
ai'.Miid; and he thonidit the \()tr<-i' ihc li^n^.e
tins mght, ?i;'aiii>t tiie mea-^ure hron^ht f> \ id
])} tlie RiL:;!it Ho.:. Gentleman, ii' tiie lloa>c
slionld decade airainst it, wonld he n;<.fe iiin)'ir-
tant than if we were to take half the riLncli
ainiy pi;2(juei's."
March 11, Ibll. Statu oj' Cuiiuiurnal Crtdlt.
'' It wa^ iinpossihle not to i^ce ihe ]>nhlic con-
lidcnee was. Lione. That, therefore, made tlic
iiitaburc of tnxi'j)uraiy relief iinpeiiuui.,"
( 112 )
EARL DARNLEY.
February 22 f 1810. In the Debate on the Convention with
Pdiugal.
" He supported the amendment. The jVIiiiis-
ters had ahiiost destroyed three armies in the
course of twelve months, and had, within that
period, and to little or no purpose, exj)ended
more of the military and pecuniary resources of
the country than any of their predecessors had
done in the course of ten }ears. Under these
circumstances, their Lordships could not give
them their confidence in the further prosecution
of this line of policy, without inquiry."
March 12, IS 10. On making h.U motion relative to the
sending on Foreign Service of no large a Portion of
our Regular Force.
" His Lordship jjegan hy taking a retros])CC-
tive view of the measures of the present admi-
nistration, or rather of the conduct of tlie men
who had been in power in this country since the
fatal battle of Austcrlitz. With that decisive
AKI. DAKM.KV.
I : ,5
if^tdi.iti' 111 nt" tijr uult priuK'iu c ()\' i'.uioj-c.
^(t l)V a i)l;ii(l l:itali!\, ti.r l;()\ ci I'.iiUT.t "t' [l.:^
f. 'iiiit ly coiiliiaicd to ( nil>:a'i-. in v.'.ld iii!(. ija i^; ->
l"]- tliC acc<,Miij)lis!ipu'iit ci' an I'lijcct \\lncii h.al
-n 1' ';)Li,- i)ri''ina' liopLlc^-.'"
I C niiulit 1)1- saui oi' tlic ten''!' imk! r'narac'ir
<'l ;la 1 r\:,( (i'lioi!-. tll;it I'wcv v. . IC * M'lt^truri
uul'.u -jirimc raU>y'ptiu>! d rili.s''
" Alui' tiiv' iVaila'^^ -:x\:\\^c of m) n.ans'
itiavo !i;rn, alicr llio W'ici iiiai iina\a.ii;n_L;- pro
ti;-;wii (jf s,) innrn l/.ooa and lie :-'iio. Mini-.lt i >
wore n(AV' {)K'[)ai:nLi,' to draai ihi' I'onr.'.jv <.l' Inc
Mnall la'gidar loiw liail vi'l :tinair.','d {'jt it^
(1ckiie.\ IK- \\a> MiriA" our L:,-ill:i;.t t'Ovji^ irad
nol a nioic a!)!'a ad\ oc;it;' tl, an l;a coa'al pia'Uiai
\^' 'o; !ai'. -otanL;; t!:a i_"adn.:t -'' Min'-toii in
' ' X- I'l:;!.: Ml \'. i.a'ii ;a; ('; !. ! a' t i; i ,d IM 't l)Ut
( ;i'u.c liiat. il>ai-i to a:\ij' -a, aia! la --cac llic;
i;a..,aiT <4 laa iaa\c ..i'i::\ lioiii ilio -~aTa,ao
t" \', ii'oii tiaa toil\ ,;iai iina'oai! a)r, (M' .Maia-^tLas
\vlio i)icj)a: ana,' ;< doom la.iin. 'i lie loj'.a'l vjt
tia ir a/i^iitiMji to -'.\\{\ on I'-aii^ai --(la ica' ,i!! tl'c
j ciaaniina u L;ui.a' la li ;^ii t i< ()ji^ in I ac !anLi,'doni,
"' arn.ci..! laa Lo \\i\'c ^(Jn'C tounda'aon.
( 114 )
EARL OF DESART.
February 27, 1812. In the Debate on Sir Thomas
Turton's motion for a Committee on the State of the
Nation.
" He considered that going into a committee
would have no effect, and would dull the spirit
of valour among our Spanish Allies, while by
conducting the present contest with unabated
perseverance, final success would be tlic con-
sequence."
( us )
COLONEL DILLON.
Jaiiuoj-y J, ISl:?. //; (h,: D^Jj^itc on tJif .Iddr,'s^.
'' A\"iT!i re->j)t.'ct to ihc war in ihc Peninsula,
so t'ai' I'roin obiortiuL:: to ilio-f Niip[)iic> w ' iich
hail been granted, iu' \va> w iUiiiL;- to plcd^-c hiin-
-clt" t() any tuiuit' >uj)j)oii u Inch the exigencies
of tlie cau^e might (ienKUul."
( 116 )
EARL OF DONOUGHMORE.
Jpril 21, 1812. On moving for a Committee on the
Roman Catholic Claims.
" But is it, let me ask your Lordships, the
war of rival sects, or the thunders of the Vatican
which have convulsed and sliakcn to its centre
astonished Europe? No, my Lords, it is the
sword of as great a conqueror as any, either of
ancient or of modern tinus ; it is the energy of
that comprehensive mind, which, in the pursuit
of its vast and magnilicent prospects, can unite
all nations, languages^ interests, and religions."'
" My Lords, this is not precisely the favour-
a])le moment for sporting with tlie feelings of
our Catholic nnU'ons ; we have no indispensable
neces^Jity for strife or ulvision. At a coiijuncturc
{\kc ihii present, 1/r; with our fate, an a^.Vil!!
cri.ris! when tlic niiion of all hearts and luinds
wcu'ld not be ir.OJC than enougli to save us ;
Xv'antoD'V lo iiri-atc t<^ distracLon, a genrix;u>.
i:;:J. lit, hi:, li-spirited poi^ulition ; t!i.' :ine\\s
.S i ur nilUtaiT :.trc ;;*;; ii, is aijsolulc ii:-,: 'uiy.
! . :.; li:c sure s'l^ni aud piogiiDaic uf diviiK;
.u.rx;., c'oomin'r a nation tn per'sh,
j.ARi. or ])ON'()L-(.ii.mokl:. 1 1 7
.:..'.'. :'i^:::\tt, ';untL'ii tun urrfi.t.'
Aiij;iin>t the fatal ciVcn'ts of urh mad and
(lc>jK.'ratc counsels, the coii^i itulion, iiovvc\(i-,
]].[> not lc\l I lie country witliout a icsourcc,
'I'o Pa.iiianicnt it has confided the bahitar\ j)ouci-
of iirrestinLi; the eoiir-'," < ,[' weak ;nid wiekcd
-Miiii^teis ; irfoMniiiLi; t!ir enor-^, and c-vaai ichuk-
in:;- the \ i^ cs of the Ih-t mai^i^tiale nl' the
-tatc, \, '.( ;;e\er {\\. v heeou.f !ncon\'enient t)i
.nuaioiib Id the pubhc weak"
( 118 )
MARQUIS OF DOWNSIIIRE.
March 12, 1810. hi Hie Debate on Earl Darnhnfs motion
relative to lite Regular Force cj the Kingdom,
*' It was galli;)?!: to t' e feelings ol' the country
to see tiieir l}i\ivt' eouiitiynien taken irom the
deience of their iKiti\ e soil^ jU'rhaps to be use-
lessly sacrificed in the support of a foreign
cause."
( 111) )
J.ORD ELDON.
Inun'ir:! 2(>, \^(^'J. lii thr Ddmlc o)i tin' ^-lildress on the
(i>i>iitr /. tuiiit'd In llu' Ui('rt;(i( s Ji\>in KvjurUi.
'\hi N'l.h'r L'Jid (^( iicu\-il!e) had s:ii(!, tliat
\\\v ]'',:-'U cvciti^ir.i;' tlic power-, of (i()\-ciii-
iiKiit ill IVaiKc, liad accoinplLsluHl hi-> ()!)jcc't iii
two inoiuli^. aiul had coiiijilctcd tlif vid)jiii;a-
1:011 (;l" Spam. He was ot' a vcr\- difltTc'iil o[)i-
ii;oii ; lir (hd not think that Spain \\'as iiov/
bidmi_uit( (1 ; ];or did he thiid^ thai it, would \)C \
the fonte^t in thai countr'/ ini^lit ^tid hi earned
ti 1 a -;!ire(. --1 i;l li rmiii.it M ai <ai ih^- j'aii nf thj
iii;:\ei>,.l Sp::ii;di iiat oi), :.'J,am^t thai most
u e 111-5! 1 iiahL' aiid 11 11 [nine; J) led usurpation, \\iiich
\'. as now attcnipled Lu he imposed upon it. "
( 120 )
LORD ERSKINE.
j^pril 21, 1S09. 7u ilic D chute on Earl Greifs molior
for an Address on lite Campaign in Sp(dn and. PurtiigaL
" CioD forbicl tliat he sliould v;ish to pass
censure on aiiv set of men, if they had not
justly deserved it! if Ills I\Iajcsty*s Ministers
phuis luid "been o\erpov\X'red by any unforeseen
circLuu.-ilances, he woukl Ijavc come forward as
their advc^cate. But they acted witliout system,
and ran iie.ul f: rc.no^t inl',) ever}- thing t;iat was
wror.g ; oy wliich means, every tlnng they
underiook was defuited, and at the end they
wouhi be k)st themselves. That less would be
triffmg compared m iih the lives of ^5,000 men
th.ey had endangered, lie was of opinion that
it v.'ouid l.rive been better for tl^.e service of the
cour.lry, iiad ihe men wiio lost tlitir ii\es in the
late Ca;np;iign, been sliot in St. James's park.
The men Vv'lio were sent to Spain w ere sent to be
massacred, without any juospcct of their being
able t'-) <lu an\- u'ood."
i(ii;i) i.i;-;. i\
'J I
Uw. ': \'.\ l-\ :..~<>u L' : : Py. ' . ' ' '> /'.t' -i /,
H I lit lilt \\ ) I'> ' " ' '''^!' ^l'' ^'' *'> I liC
\' b!e I. '.!<!. (ij), .<),;.-, ^r in lIiL.: t' :.':'. ,.;t:c-> ;
;> \\\> own t'..r.i'ir[ l.,.(l ;'.!\'. :i\s 1 c c n li ;
h-i;1l ot i.i> lip 11.1 11-, l,v' \\a^ icat'y lo !j_i\('
t'lu ;! 1 i-< |imI (,'i. <i , i wr ^; ,n.Ti 1 : \ ; Ij-, it , _ - ,; nl i ; , t( u-
{'.M U,l> IK i" iliii_'\ \', ilCll the 111'',^ ' > ol" Oli''
''i;!iti\ \'. cic ial.iii \ iii.-;.;:(!i. i.^tiJud."
ISC )
MR. EYRE.
May 2Ij 1812. Upon movbig the Order of the Day on
Mr. Worlky's motion respecting a strong and efficient
Administration.
" The honourable mover founded himself on
the supposition, tluit the administration would be
weak and inefficient for tlie purposes of govern-
ment. For his pait, he placed little reliance on
this prophetic anticipation of wliat an adminis-
tration was to he. He had seen administrations
so prematurely denounced as weak and ineffi-
cient, conduct the affairs of the country with
activity and vigour; while, on the other hand,
he had seen others, with great promise of talents,
energy, and weight, most miserably disappoint
every expectation that had been formed of
til cm."
^ 1^- )
GKNERAL FEPvGCSON.
'.Murii Ii.k! !ircn -; i;l li\ ''c Kij!i' lion.
Cimi i( ;i;::ii \'.'..t) I ) : . n 1 ;> ), iiMw..,-! ii.c i\"-i .11 t ,' ai
(Mr. P( px'w.'i) ot lilt- imp /I ;ai,rc ot' t;kini^
^;('.<'ij() J'. I ; uLiuc -^f lux'i -- in;.) Ijiwi^i: j'.'N. As
Lf i:;ul Ik(.;i m tli;it rouiitiN. iio tli(Ui_uiit ii liis
A{\\\ to trll tlk' iloiiNf \\ !ia! he had lca^' n to
Ijihcsc oil the suhjiM't. In tin- llr^* phu'c, tlicn,
lie (h(l not thiiilx tlui'c ucc ^jO.dOO vOi(iti;> iu
Pi>;tnL:,al; rlicNC that witc thiti , had, ccit;.i,d\-,
]jy thic (vcilinn^ aiid >lxill ot" (ic iicr.-d Pfi-c-foitl,
ano iiilin InitiNh olllrciN, atta i.(<\ an a])j (.'ai-
aiK'r ('t o;>ci[)hnr; hut 110 l-aicd tli.it an
aiany, ad((jnau to the ta-k ni' now d; trn(hii"-
P'^rtiiual, nin-i he a.hlc to iiiaki" a ^tand in the
tii^! in>taiicc. and it" ohli^td to rciia'at. mn-t
^1 lih a> oj>[)ni Uini; \ olic rt'(L \\ ! urn !o tlic fhar^a-,
and thn> make re^iNtancc ;'.i tcr 11 -i>laii( c. IK'
\\'.o dt<':(k'dl\- of ( jMiiaai, tioin \\ii:;r ho h;ul
'^rcn and iicard (jt" tjicn', thai (n the \er\ ti,^t
<!c;'o;t. the little (iiMl[di!i(,' ol' the 1 *nrtnu n. --e
n;i_\ WMjhl \an di. and a (h>|'ti':;ioii would ix'
...' eon ^^.^;^a, nee."
( 124 )
MR. IMAURICE FITZGERALD.
March 9, 1810. J a ike Debate on ialdng the Portuguese
troops into By'dish Pay.
'' He begg-cd to ask llie Iliglu Hon. Gentle-
man (Mr. Perceval) wliither he meant to re-
move the Portuguese troops in case of ill-suc-
cess? He should be glad to know, whether he
meant to briiig them lierc, or to send them to
Irehmd ?"
" ^V''^.cn he .';'W' ?\Iinisters o-oino- to commit
extravap'ancies like the prc-^cnt, he thought that
that House .sliould inter^::e to picvcnt the effects
of sucli in ;inity. A:^ to an}' benefit to be de-
rived from those levies against the common
enemy, he fidly concurred in opinion Avith
the galiant Olhcer who had just sat down
(General Ferguson). He had, indeed, never
}u\'ii-d of any achievement performed by the
Ponr.gricsc, with tlic exception of that in
\vhich two thousand nun, lieaded by the
Biahop of Oporto, entereti Oporto, and took
twentv-four Fri nciimcn jn-isoners. The idea of
retaining Portugal, tiiercfore, apj)eaied to hinr
to be (juite cliimerieal ; while our keeping up a
force there woidd be attended ^\ ith enormous
expense."'
( 1--5 )
SIR rREDTlRlC rLOOI).
" 'I ';. .\ N :; ( ii (K \s v' 1 .> . (,':;... u il luir ;ir;i"N'
tn li,r i;.;!\' of a T!.;iii ui II' i ar.(! clciih^ : ,:ti-
lud^nu'ii t ; ere who i- rot inuil-! ;.ii(!\-, an.d
\\-}io kr.ows when ho cii -ht to l'o ]( iwaKh and
whm ik' oiiL^ht to i^o ha^ h\'. .od. Ilaii no! a
ra-h man. v.lio, tor tho -aao nl' a lia anoni arv
;i(l\ a.ntaU'o. v, ouhl .^aciilioo !.';> arai\ ; hat \>. ho,
\'. ith tlait \', i-(!' m indie^i; ;\.- '-t' a 'aia.o mmJ,
>\aot- hul \"V an > ^jipoi t n;,'' \ tn a, a:!.d Jc \\:c
\\ ].' >'.\ ! (i('\" oi ta. < I'' : \ . .\ : o 1 ;,l . ! !io a t ^ a.-i
!' ' , ^ ' ' '. at"o 1 ail t:a' hi -d lla>l
! ,_ . . , aid h.' (': -osiMn. lo the
aa (:' C. V 'd: da aaal .^Z !- I an! !- ^ doit
; . ' ' :ai\ a' ac da li I;/;om! i a an
d 'J \' : ^ 1 1 j a d d h ,- ! a ^
: !,.a,aao laia. aia i do li id a!--
': :': a' od' 0^ \a' id- ; .
. ,1 1.^ ; v.wd oijOd I : . -
t' '.w'. ('f ud. ! '
, lo .'. 1 \- .00 I i .o :
126 SIR FREDERIC FLOOD.
Europe, whose fate I am satisfied is now fast
approaching-. Let us all but unite ]et the feel-
ings of rh.e whole united kingdom be concili-
ated, and there is no doubt but all ranks of
society, whether Jiish or Brnish, will join with
one heart and one liaiid to drive that scourge of
mankind I \yas going to say, to the devil !"
( H7 >
MR. [j:siji: jt)STEr.
v\ . wii ir. .!''..' ; aiiii. ]) w \\ i" >' '.r !i'^.' V
(!t ')(, : ir , ^": - 'In'. !i.i\-c t'ikc'- :.;.u'c. (\ r'ain
I aril, tli.it \{ \vv ,::(! ;:o;. a' !;:;:. W'd ['::: cxpc-
I'iiv ill ()!' l^l,^t;:l^; li\- lii^ :: -! .!:', ll.. r \ ^ i \- hami,
^;:i;'ii ;:'' .r.( ;; ^ ( ; ; ;;;,:. ;
:r til,' p;:;^v .!^ n-
ill -.
wi'ii -;r(\ - : \', !:< 1, ,1 '. ' ,
1 I :il I'll.''
Till' Ti . iw 'i ai\' :i';'.'ii di^p'.'! .v d ' '\ ' ; > v; i
n > 1 1
'u 'a. 1 III a: la
la' a aa 1 \' 1 1 a -a 1 1' : ta ! ai
C N
a > a
'i < ;\ aa' -, ']". I iM''a -' a j)'.^-,a--:i a: a' l ia-
! . ' a-^ ]\'<l (iaa:]) that -]'' i\ \. :ii . ii
al rt;o> t i' aal), aad ". laaa i; a^L ( \]\ at
128 MR. LESLIE FOSTER.
something ; wliicli must, at least, give long em-
ployment to tbe f.Mccs (;f the enemy."
" I aclvHow k(l;;c a limit tlicrc must be, be-
yoiul wiiicii wc cannot ;'0 ; and whenever we
can agree in {hclaring, that
FuT2d:lus vc-_ idumis ncqus kalel Fortuna regrasum,
then, indeed, the first laws of self-preservation
Avill call on us to discontinue the contest. But
surely Great Britain will not utter such a senti-
mcii", unli! her allies shall be disposed to join in
it. The}- do not des}:)air, and I will never despair
of tl-eir:, so long as the}' do not despair of them-
scl\es, so lo'ig as I do not leave it in their po^ver
to s.:y to 'as at a fuUire da}', ' Whence these
ch: 'ns ? If you had stood firm a little longer, if
3'oii had not so soon fainted^ Vv'e should not at
this day l)e in the power of our enemies/ "
( l^^t) )
MR. ITvEEMANTLE.
ivuc (_'' //a- l\)rt:'i^-nfsf Tnrjps ul l!ritiii J\ij.
* Ir is (juitc- i.'iipns^ihiv' I (';iii ullov/ this (jiics-
ti'Ui to !)(. put, witlioLit . 'fit r.i;^- ;i \'c\v ()\)>lvva-
t:()i!> to the llnusr, Hut \s iili a \ icw ut taking its
^ni^c ujjcjii the j)i(i)ritt\' ol' this grant ()t'in()ne\',
not with a \ic\v of re^i^tlng it,-? i^-iie, but in
order to (h-eliaigc my mind of tho-^e teehngs
with uh:eh it is inipiesM'd, hy the ])C r^evi r.inee,
on the {)art of th.ose in whose h.aiuU theuo\un
inenM)! tlii^ counti\' i> plaeed, in a 5\^tenl to-
waid-^ Spain and l^)^ln^ah ^^ hieii 1 e(-neciee to
he i,<'t (nl\ (t no a\ail to th'/ii e iii>e, i ii' hiL:,hh/
. ../'.ii ioi.- 1,(1 dc' : nnentid t > the Ne-t inie;\ ^: - of
thh, eoiiu: ; ^ . ."v '( daw!, o;' ti.is an i !':..'' ;l
<''Mir'. - ai '-aa 11. i a- i "^ -^ ao. i ,an a' ;. .!;,'>, c
itii 'i!_:^o. , ii.. . \ A .}.'.\ , . ' , '.: le i!i ih aa iieiai
and iin;\(a-a! '; i:..; to\i o -> il <\ai:;,\ tjaai
I <h(i ; M ,'. a> a naaa:., . 'O jc i. a! :> t !ie h< .o t
and : ira! . i' e > a!\ ' a aa ; - ian i!i ; il wa^ a ha; -t
Ol iiHJi^aiat < ai a'aM.-l- die na.-t an ram"',- d
na. V \ am j Med a ['i^ - ^'a. n ' a.e j).,i t d f ia^ 1 ^ neli
-l-:npiaa;r; it v, ab .l nainiai >riaaaaii} , it waii
150 MR. FREEMANTLEo
aiding the weak against the strong; it was a
free countr}'^, and a free people, animated in the
support of ihe freedom, tlie independence, the
integrity of the Spanish empire. What Eng-
lishman could resist such a call as this ? What
Englishman could withhold his whole, his
warmest support in such a cause? It Avas under
sucli universal and general feelings, that the
IMinisters of that day, in whom the present Chan-
cellor of the Exchequer is included, undertook
the support of the Spanish patriots. Now, Sir,
let us review the principles upon which that
support was to be given on their {)art ; let us
look back to the declaration of his Majesty's
liiinisters at the time, and we ^hall fnid, that it
was to be an alliance formed on the principles of
general and zealous support to the Spanish na-
tion, in a manner most conducive to their wel-
fare and advantage, but, at the same time, least
injurious to British interests. These were the
principles u])on which this alliance was to be
formed pihiciples which coincided willi the
seninncnt- of ihe i.ubiic at lar::;e. and in wliicli
the (>..vf;r::t;ie..it \,'as iini\'evsii!l\- supoorted. Let
.It sysicm ihc^e pihicijilc:!
; 1:^ u- ^rc h'jw idv the
1 -Jie \\: K- ;,:;ii'c'l"s of !.>iV;!lg
;Mi;i ; ]-\:ir:'':-, lu a man-
us l.-'W r.iC: VVii.}'.
| \v
have \:CL]] l ;;:;'
.'. " ii'.'
]^ii:;i^t. r;, ; ;/, - :
V e t
CVriy ri'l ,: l I' '
, '.t\'.
iiir u]{.::-^l cOi^Liuv.
;VC
and
\l\l. I RI.F. M A\I I L.
l*i
n..:r.iu': ii;i\- li:i\i- I-.cpt -^i^-'nr '^t" t;,: :i;tc-
r-t^ .iiMi ^cruiit\ (.r J",ii!_il;in(l. I: m i;j)' !i t!:i>
'ir.ul tli.iL I I -JliiIiMlll t!;(.'M I'dLilurt ; il :i i.pMii
liis >\ ^'u m \\ iiic!' ! 1m\v' !i) aruiu', and nnon
w liicii. 1 iinM, I ^l,;iil viu\ , hit'iH' I Nil ('',\'.ii,
iiat tia \ !l.\ r ii.ti a\a.'(l r.i!i c.dx 1 ia w al !m >, I a; I
iaat ii!i!.'\:.m|)"Ual c )ii!ii'cia.a' \\ ii i !i \\'a> icj.-iiiil
: 1 1 ' : , I III.
' 1 i.,il \'. i.i.-'a I w :s!i ti jiiarc ia !> a c t iu- Il'aa-r
i:a ! [r.c c ai;a r\a i- l\,c la-a 11 n\ a -^\ ^'i i\:, v. c-.U,
a. Iv ia.iii;*'",;^ to lia' ;ii'(i>Nt (,t iMi^laad,
ad Mdi\ I. an \ a (;l iIi'^m' [)at ra it a' priiaapia^ u['i ai
\'. aii-ii tia. adiainx' w a lli .-ijiaiii was fciara-d."
' '1 in.' capad!' ajii uiuiu' S:i' .v. ^\ da l'aNlc'\', I
( n-aiai a^ l iia caaaiiic laciiK it' ( d' t da ill --t caia. -
; aaaii : aial 'a * ita.i\\a\.-^ !)a luiuandaa; tl. i!a:'. it
' . /all a |. ai I ia- \ ; rai nl ;a aaa jilai i;; ! > coi; a ad
;d, Ida a. .jm; 'a d\ ! !a- p'a '. nol" a i];a t i-a. la d:-
a:\ 1 ';a in i I'lai aiM'.la. : idr (>]\c [ \v i-. io
;:\ \iaii i)i,at.a\- ii i ; iiad ii v. illi la^. "\ .\\ iiiaaic
\ a . - i\ a s : 1 i.ca :di \\ la li' \ cw ^ii a 'd lai\ r
,d . I i I a ' a 1 1 . a a , I ; o la 1 ! ai 1 1 1 : > a n \ d , la . ^ . 'i 1 a > i >
: . a ^\ v;i, 'v; ; ;,.vd 1 V (.adaiaii; !. : u ^ :iow ^.-j
1 ^.1 a._a.^ii- \\ :\ iw !aa\a-ps. 1 will laa. .^aA'
': ' ' '' > a' ;a a' a an' >. ia:t iia ajiadd. > id ia:' -
> a ii\\i_ a aa a ' >, aia; ( id\" wa: : ;a^ I ! a
. a ' . .a; ;aii'- ,., i d; ciua"'\- la :_\ d
1 ui aad^a. J: ;a-' , v dd 'aai \'> aia^C
132 MR. FREEMANTLE.
his day, to make his own disposition, to wait for
]iis rt.nibrcements; it rests with him tosay, whe-
ther he will continue to blockade you, or whe-
ther lie will give you a fair opportunity of con-
tendin:; with him in the field. If we are to
judge by the publications in France, he will de-
cide upon the former, and in this he will judge
wisely. Thus, Sir, have I terminated the his-
tory of the Spanish contest, bringing before your
view, as the result of all your victories, of all
your expenditure in men and money, of all your
cxcrtious, and of all vour waste of the militarv
resources of tliis country, the position of your
army at Lisbon, insulated, and incapable of act-
ing but at the discrct'on of the enemy; your
allies in every other part of the Peninsula over-
v.hehncd, and only manifesting partial and una-
vailing liostilify ; your own resources exliaust-
ed, and your hopes of ultimate success, to every
mind Vvdiich is not blinded ]yy enthusiasm, com-
pletely anniliiiated- Such is the result of a sys-
tem founded upon ^liC niinciplc <>f attempting
to su!)diie Ikionaparte In' tiu^ f';rceof your armies
on tl-c (oiitinentr sick- ks llic result whicli
\lu have brougiit rp.:ii , ourselves, by act-
ju_', throughouL as ^.'j'-icipals in a contest
which you undertook rs auxiliaiies only.
\;'\\[ any man say, cii..t kis l.as been a wise
~,\stem : Vv'iki anv inau, who is not determined.
ME. FREL.MANTl.K.
Ill-
under :ui\' ciri'uinstanci's, lo Mippoir, the inca-
^ll^l^ of a weak ami lni^_^uu;c{l CJ(.)\'('ip.;'1( nt,
C'-iitfiui, that it ha>5 been >nccc>^lul ; tlial ii has
an^weied either thie j)ioiniies to vour a'.ie-. or
the hcpes to voiir eoiiiitrv ; tliat it has eiliier
conlrilnited to their seeui .tv, (tr to \()iir own
beiielil - I shall be co'.ulcunied fur eiuleavcair-
iuL!,- to tlirow di^iCi'edit on the eon:hi'/' ni' our
troDjis. Sir, it' 1 am (ondennud, ;t \v;ii he un-
j i-.t tMward^ me. 1 eondienni r, : tiie truups cT
tlie ( winniaiuler; I applaud them; 1 admiic their
N alour, I venerate liieir dee(!^ ; I am proud, as
an Kngli.->hnian, to bear m\ testimony to tlicm ;
but I do tle[)iecate, and 1 sluill ne\tr eeasc to
(U'l'recate, the cruel manner in which their \ a-
lour iri> been lo>t to this country and to Europe.
Sir, we have been reproadied on tli;.^ side oi"
the Ib)u>e. \vith hi/ai'. iii;:^- t'a!>e juc diction^ ; we
]ia\'e been taunted wuli h,;\ini;' hcM out to the
eowiitr\' the ultim.ate f-.ilure ot' our ol.; ,!> in
.Spain. Sir, I am [jr'.parnl tod.dendat tins mo-
ment >U(li [)rcdietions ; 1 stiU maintain, that
you will not, and cannot, by >uch a --vstem,
either relieve \our allies, oi- iMmeiil vourseivi's ;
that m putMiiuL;" it, llu' lormci mu^t surrender,
and \'(;u w dl be (il' ^ou arc not alreaiU) j)lace(i
in a ^^ ..ation oi" the most :nnii;nent {)e:il. It ;
n<>\ cniAii^h tor (ientlemento leproacii u> lor
:iuch piedietions by -^ayiniLi-, they ha\e iioL yd
1j4 MR. FREEMANTLE.
come to pass ; it is inciiiiibcnt upon those wliy
inaiiitain, that success hasatteiideil their s} stem,
to prove it to tlic sarisfaction of the House and
of the country ; to prove how far the cause of
our allies lias been supporied, or tb.e interests of
Great Ihhain preser\eil. Sir, I .-ihali take the
1; berry now of adverting to tiio-^e ai-:::unieuts
whicii have heen a.ovanced by tlie Cbiaucellor of
the Exchequer, and otliers, upon this and for-
mer occasions, in defence of tliis system, and in
proof of the a(bvantagcous situaticai inwiiichwe
are placed at tb.is moment i)y our contest in l-'or-
tugah I shall most {)arncularly refer to a speceh,
made a few nights ago ijy a Right Hon. (icntle-
man (Mr, Canning), at too late a period in the
niglit to ciiable me to make such a reply to it
as I thougiit it required ; but, witli his permis-
sion, I shall now state tiie i)oints wliich he so
emphatically and so elojpiently described, and I
siiali be able to shevr, that so far from onr situa-
tion and our prospects being improved, they
havegraduadv diminished, vAui we are now be-
come, in mj judgment, hoj.t less towards Spain.
The fir-.' argument wa-.miiintained on the irround,
that tiie cmitcst in Spain clieeked tlie ambitious
views of Jjuonaprnte (Mi tr.e Continent. Is it
me;int, by sueh an arguu-entj to sa\-, that it has
clicekedi the^e \ie\\s, ortiiat it has n.ow arrived
id s.ich a state as to inq^dx" his furlL^er objects -
MK. FHF.F.M ANTLL.
li liu' lornu'i-, let nic briiM;- hcl'i.rc ib.r llfui^':
tlif \il'u^ lie ha^ disclosed. a;ul tlif ohji cts he
i.as .leci 'nipiuNlic'd duniiL!," tlic cdui^c ol'lhi^ con-
tent. ILo ]\C not C'Ollipk-IfU' suh)UL;"atrd tli<
( nij)iir ()!'( icriiiany - 1 la^ lie not eriMlcd Ki nu'S,
deposed Kin'j;^. p;.ic(.'!k'd (nit kni^doms, tie-
s', ion rd kniLrdi 'ins, ;id(!ed dotriiiiious to his o\\ i\ :
What IS iun situation at thi> moment"-' I> he
rlit eked in his eont 'mental \ iew^ - I^ he not
<kree! MIL!-. Irnm k'> eloset in the I'hnilleries,
e\eiy caljinet in Ivaiope" ^\'hat state, what
])o\'.'ei', (kii'e eont; nd aL4-ain>I or di>pnte hi> man-
date-: Do \ee --ee iiim em[)lo\ini^ hi> troops ia
any [)ai-t of j-hnope- Ila^ he moNed a single
miiitiAi'}- man : I.^ it neces^ar\- lor iiim to do
move than i-^ne hi^ order to he ()l)e\'e(i ' His
\'. ill i> t!k' \:i\v t]ii-ouL:ki'Mit laii'Dpc ; .-nul are sneh
the pn i(;l'- t ':; it i; , o',n: Muiitai \ u-w.-i a:c elieeked
!>\- the ( M) j'i i\ nu i;t li'.-lsrk in \\]c lVnin>nki of
Spa:i.- Alimid. itiia^ i>een said, that lln->i.-> tlu'
niMNt exp(-n-i\-e wair in whudi he has e\er heeii
eni;- iL!! d, and one in \'. Ineii lie lias snllered more
in ^i-^ol men. I.ct n> examine as to tiie ex-
pense whieli he lia-i hecn snpposcd to ha\e keen
k'<l int'i. In all hi^ fdrmer con(jiie-it>, it i^
nr'j,e(k that he ka^ made the eoinpieri'd eonntiy
p;i\- t'oi- it^ snli|tiLiation ; tiiat he has raised ironi
liic eonipified a eontnhnt.on ^nliieienl t' <!i I r.'.y
-i;e wliL'lc expcnM.s oldiis eom[ue^t. It doe- not
\36 MR. FKEEMANILE.
appear to me, Sir, that this system has been
abandoned in the instance of Spain : we ai e yet
to learn tliat Spain has not herself contributed
b}' pa} meats to her snbjugator ; we are yet to
learn, that Buonaparte lias not extracted from
that devoted country the last shiihng she had to
subscribe; that she has not furnished to his
armies supplies of every denomination: but if
"we wanted confirmation of the little difficulty
wliicli France has sustained in this contest in
lier military expenses, let me bring to the recol-
Iccii'.Mi oi the House tlie statement which was
made by tb.c government of that country in the
last expose, presented to tlie Senate, of the state
of her fmanee, and there it will be found, that
so far from tliC war in Spain having added to
the difficulaes of France, ljuona{)arte assures his
people, that he has been enabled to carry on the
contest in Spain, and shall be enabled to accom-
plish the delivery of that country, without call-
inp- for one shilling' of additional burthen on his
people. It does not ap])car by any imc act, or
by any ciie document, that the expenses of his
arm}- have exceeded the ordinary expense of his
great and powerl'ul military establishment. Are
these proofs o{ the exp^cnse of tliis war ? Are
tl'Csc proofs that his resources are exhausted ?
^Vi[\\ re^jK'ct to the loss or' men, I remember it
ti! liave been said, ti}e iirst d;iv of tliis session.
JklU. FRKEMAXILE.
1 J
b\' an Hon. anil cloijucnt Mci'.il)Cr <m" !;c II.nisc
(Mr. Milnc"^\ that nc;ii'iy 6^0,0(0 ii.cn l.-d
j)asbul tlic P\it'ncc">, aiul not n.on' ' r.;tii ."(), i^Tm)
\V( .0 now rciuainini;' m tbo J'onoiMo.i. > r 1
t'link {\\i> caioulaliou lallaoio'i^; !i>i, ii ->',;(ni(l
be roniombcicii, tb.;t v.licn r,no'n..:i;:ii t'/ {'('.uul
LlI^^cll iiMincd to (jiiit tin- l''.'i.insi 'a. t> louUr-
tal.c fill' s'.ibuiuation i;;' A^^t i i:i. l;>.'t('"k wiili
Iwin a \ u \" 1.0'_,c l;;'.i\ ol ;rw'.;)>, nin!, : I.l :clni\',
tl.( T ;''i!iii)-,> >].i'i:M ]) Mibti.'.olrd li-r,! the
( . i',;- -u[',i ''i.!-,' ' had eon^iiiniii to the
a^i'Miio Ntatnl, \w nu; o. never tol^c^ that l;i!0-
nap:u'c I'ci'jns lA'CT a p'^puiatuai ot" n.ot !is-. tli:iu
lo.:'^ iMiiioiis <){" ijcojilo ; 'hat lie coniniands ilic
niiiitaiN sor\-ior ot' hi'i suhji cts ; tlnit th.nse >ub-
ji'ct^ do not ciiio;, , as w e, thank (/(>(], arc c;.pcd)Ie
ot' d'l!!',^-, till- tiic oxcii'i-c ot ihi'ir jiid^inent
as to niihtaiA' --riAioo: witli hini, ewry mail
is a -.('l(h( r, nai-r do thii- (hi!\' ol" a soldier;
and hi^ ci .ii>( I'lpi ,"!> I i;:d)I lain t*) lili his
ranks at all Inncs wilhoul i!i.;:cidt \ or cxj^ensc.
'Jheieforc. do not let u> Hat tei' ourselves that he
wdl lie exhan-^t'd l)v the lo^-, ol" nun in the
reiMii^ula, and that he wdl lelax in bis contest,
or sink under it from the laihne m tlie runnhei
ol hi.^ arnne^. We have seen him contendniL:,- in
Spaiii, einplovin^; the w bole ot'our i'oree m that
oouiury, and \ et ^^ith an ariii\- on lo^r .it the
same luue in (itrmanvo;' ii]\*'.o',l- ot (Mie hun-
dred thouiand men. Should not such e.xpe-
133 MR. TREEMANTLE.
ricnce proye to iis tlie falkicy of such calcula-
lions? Let us ii(;t persist in tlicin."
' Here. 1 niiinl bring to the recollection of
the House, and of the couiiiry, the situations of
difficulty and danger in vviiich he has at times
been placeci, aiid i^\;; that: a comparison may he
fcnined between thosc, and siu li as might be
supposed to ari.-sc from tiie ovcrtlirow of Mas-
sena. Have we not seen him beaten on the
banks of the Danube, in tiiohcartof an eneni^'^s
country? i^uii we forget the defeat he sustained
at Aspernc? Can we fail to look back to the
danger with wlfich he appeared at that moment
surrounded, opposed by an army of 150,000
of the best disciplined troops in the world,
connnanded by the ablest connnanders ? Caa
we forget how he rose from these difficulties,
liow he strength.ened his means, and demon-
strated those great and powerful resources which
enabled him to terminate the tremendous war-
fare in which he was engaged by the complete
and entire acccmplishnient of his objects,
namely, the overthrow oi' the Austrian armies,
and the subjugation of its empire? Again, let
nie bring back to tliC recollection of the House,
the fearful danger with wliich he was threatened
in his campaign in Poland ; can we forget, that
there agaiii he was at one time exhausted in
n^en, in money, in su[)j)lics5 and had even lost
.M i:. 1 Ki ; M '. , I : i.
1 ):<! Ir -Milk iii\''c r t ii;-ic .::'ru;;iu i.i!; (1 (iiii'.^i.'. i . ,
; 'mi ;!. ;* !a\ iii ]ii.> f xrriyii^. <>i' low t r ' . !' m;
I'l ni^iKu V ar.d (.(Miiiiiaiul : Xo, lij : C' ; p lU il lii>
ai[i:'i'^ l;'():ll t",r m</-,! li.^t;lllr ;'.\ 1 1 \' I i i : ! \' ol" i.l^
(!iij)iir; \]c IjiowlJiL I:oii[)^ lu.iii Ita'\. Mom tr.c
J*\ rciii'i ^, iroMi (AaiN (piaituot' t!u' u!o!),'^ aial
tc; ;iiinaU'(i thi^ fontc.si w.ll; tlir -anic .-uccr -.
t!u' ^anu' aecoinjili-iinuiit ol" !l;^oIl;^^;^ whicii
lu' ii<i^t\ri altauud. Alter U\c ex ja i i/iR'c \vc
\\.\\ I'.ad ol'llirsc fW'iils, i> It poNsibk" lor ;iii\
i:K:;i. i.o\\t\ai' banguinr, hu\vc\'fr Nvcddcd to tl:C
war in l*oi; ii<;'al, to (kTci'v'c liiiiiM'li" into the
I)(l:cr, tliat any (luH'k \'. Iiieli his ui'ir.v sii>taiiic(l,
or (.xaii thv' total o\-ci throw and di'>trncl ion of
]\hu->li d MaN^cna, wonid loosen one nail In tli:
lion o.<i\\n of this modern ( 'harh'ir.ai;'ne ' vVw ay
tlun Willi -mil nlle, >nv\\ imjiotent I'easoniiiij;. '
' I (Kj)iiea!e the ^\ -tem \'/liie!i ha> led lis to
aet a-> ni ;i:oi|,,d>. m-tead of" an \iliai ;e> m this
war; a v\ 'em wdiieh c\ei'\' da\ t'e i ni^lici to nu
nimd -^iioii^er and more eon\' neinu,- ])root> thai
it mu>' e\a 1,1 ii,id\' lead to onidot I'uei ion ; \ (Hi
ni ;\ proiraet ilu' |(M(1; it '-> not . pti haps, the
intiie-t ot Ihionapaiie lohinw^' th''eoiit(>t lo
an imme(ii:iie i v>';e ; la h; ; -; ; ' or 1 ;i, ;,
liie la Milt, ill m\ jad' i;-.;jit. Is nie\';; .Ol]'.'. i; i!i',
'-aiUan i.^ purpled."
140 I^IR. FREEMANTLE.
April 26, 1811. On the Army Extraordinaries.
'* He warned the House of the great expenses
attendhig the system pursued by Ministers in
the mihtary department. The army, he admitted,
was so essentially serviceable, and had lately
added so much to the glory and security of the
countjy; that a large expenditure might naturally
and necessarily be called for. But yet it was of
great importunce, that all, and especially those
wdio supported the projects of Ministers, should
be fully aware of the immense expense to which
the great and increasing establishments of the
army led. It, appeared that since the contest in.
Spain began, the army had cost this country
24,000,0001. pcrannum, exclusive of the ordnance.
It was prudent, tlicicforc, to consider how far the
country could go on v/ith this expenditure, upon
a system which afforded no prospect of material
diminution.'*
March 16, 1812. In the Debate on the Address respecting
the Portuguese Suhsldy.
" He denied that tiie Noble Lord (Lord
Castlereagh) had satisfied his mind with respect
Mh. 1- KltM A N1 1 >..
1 n
t'l i:ic jirnpiutv of [hr pMposcd L;iant. 'J he
Xnl/' Lord IkkI ;i(i\i:tLcl, iinl to tiio LUiu-ial
slat' <'f t;ic M';'r, but t(j tlic pai tiruiai ^taic <t'
Po'lr-il. To :i!l tlial the Noble Lcrd had said
ia ['Kj^c of the exertions of P(Jitugal, he he;ii-
ti!y ^ulj^Ci ibe(b Jjiit he could not allow ;iii
ridd"li"nal burden of two nlll^!on^ to be impo-cd
iij)on the eountrv, witliout hiinuiui;- baek to tb.e
leeolU'cnon of t lie com mi I tee, t lie original oocct,
U'V \\\c attainment of which this ^laiit wa^ :ii
ill-' fi!-t in^ta.nce \ oted. Tii.it object had tailed.
a.iiil. thAicforc, to continue >ucli p,aan;<, wa<
meieh to j)erseve]'e in a svsiem ot ]>.\ ash, expen-
diture, from which no sati^taeto^y loult cou'd
be expected. A\'hcn the llist ::ranl ol' this
njituie \'.as propoH'd, it was to adli^rd Ihiti-^h
a:(l towards re>; iiiuLi; S'p.iin from ti:c..;rij.c ol'
I'r.incc. A: tlii.t ; ly.c Ik- o^ p.r';: it d n.ti-t cor-
d;ci!i\ V, 'h t;.i' w i;oh" c()i;;;l'\ in tic (t'f(it.
Iliit. loia \ra;> i.a\ ii^l; < i.ip^-. ', .'iid n:' ;,i. mc'i
of .; oucd h..\'nu bt ui -.^ ih^(!, h-.- ll..vt .< i:L!,i:t
ti alUihis oj'iicun on ih ll:)[.c^ ."^o t'.n- w (ac
>\ c liom haN'iic: enia.'.io;. ."cd >;.ai!;, :i:a- wc iiad
not ;i .^liiL'lc n :n Uku', nor ct u'. ; \, , c iUv'rtain
a ratur.ial pio^y^ct o! inahi'.;;,.! ;\ ;:i i). e-^K.ai on
t lie V 1:1 ni\ , ic. l! ,. t Ml . , :c'-,''
" i ;i '):'H cL;;_^ 1' . f he pie-v-c t m;;i >.:. iic i. !l
that ':.; ii.id nil ground n. ; r:o-' p :,i:';! j.i .:
'heu, nf .on: ^e he shonia !; vc to -."IA-^'a'. v.i'.l:
}42
MR. iri-.ema>;ti.e.
tlie g-ciitlenien opposite ; lie sliortld also lla^ c to
contend with nianv widi wiiom he M'as in the
general iiahit of political a T;oi'darjce. Dnt so
strong was his eoii-.-ietion in- the suhject, that
he felt it iniperatix e i;]:i>i; him to express l.is
opiiiion. iic had palieiitly listeiicd to eveiy
argunjent and opinion co;:];cctcd \vit/i it, both
in Parlianieiit and in private society , hut hitlierto
no one had been al;i(^ to j;{,'isiiade liini tliat, under
tiie present circnnistances, Oreat Britain onght
to perse veie in a system so lavish, that it nmst
eveiitiiallv lead to her utter destrnelion."
' lii the preseii.t st.-Ue o-!' th" Conindttee, lie
\vor.ld not en'rci' in to ;iny details Li})on the waar
of the Peninsula ; hnt he v.(ndd inipl(;re them
to pause he Hire tliev fruitlessiy expended two
millions of tlie ind)iic nioi-.ey."
])L\ci)J>er \, ]H\2 In the Dehale on the Report of tJi'-
Address.
' lie uai) decidedly of opinion, tlr'it ourpros-
]>eci : at ;Me picent nioeje!;; w va'C not nearly
a> h:!;;h:. a- at the ef)nnnen; emcnt of the last
^ie^fioii of r;,ri'.i.n,en:."'
' U li.!! reyaid to i]\: I'ciiinsnia, he was per-
suaded, liial h\ the hattie of ^ahunaiiea, we had
Mil, t- J;lr.MAN"I]
.i at 'I"-i!L'-- \\i!r:o." .
( 144 )
MR. FULLER.
April 11. 1808. On the third reading of the Offices in
Reversion Bill.
" When the country had a xJinister, who set
himself forward as an honest man, M'liich he cer-
tainly was, he (Air. F )could not 'lelp considering
anoppositionof ihijkind as the most unprincipled
that ever exisi:ed. i'hey oiily wished to set
themselves up in tb.c places of the present admi-
iiistraticn." (jMhcJi l.iughUr froUi the. opp^ysUioji
side of the House.) " An for 3'ou/' jscdd the
Hon. Gentleman, ^' I have knov/n you these
thirty years."
April 13. 181:^0/2 the Barn xk Estiinnles,
'' If tlic two ccnntries must he like two fellows
[junijraig, each stiivir.g to keep himself the
longer above water, let \i be so j but old Eng-
land should never >icld to France."
( Ji>5 )
EARL OF GALLOWAY.
Jdnvanj 21. \H0^. On )Hin'niL:; tJir .Iddi
' Mv I.Miniv -our c in t" roncnii \~, wilh
IVaiiCt.', Willi \', h.i'.n mmir- iinli viduaU would
Jiiakf a ]>cac('. I lia\i' taken the libntx', my
Loids, to urite dow n sonic ol lici' .sentiments
upon this subject, as described, in w hat we may
c.iU licr otlicial paper, and w lierein she informs
xuK conldi"mal)]_v to her practice since the ear-
liest periods of her ic\(hition, of the concUu-t
siie moans to pui'^uc, and fiom which she has
never \'aiicd, hut tiDin nccc>sily ah-nc. S:ie
proclaim--, nr. l/)id>, * 'I'ii.it ^llc udl not hi\
(1 A\'n lici" arm>, hut will au^cent \\cy \o\rc,
untd she Icis concjiu'icd ilic hheities of tl;c Sc;is,
til'- In'st I ^irlit ot ad nal:on-
:i recommend Hi!
to u^ ;cn aimed tiucc, \\dnch she calN a peace,
~^hv ^.iN's. ' It sh ill cnduic u;:ti! --he clinM-s to
}0'iLcm aiav.' tiu' pi ;m', pies ct h.cr .iiDX'd ncu-
ii.iiitN, w hcc >!;c |;(_lmll^ \-i'u t;) pi' hum \i'[\v
INiM. ,j!i,s ot maiHime \d\\' .' New, r,,\ I. cols,
'^> t .iiv ' !:'i! .vi,i(,'h \ ouare w ilhii^" t( accept .i-^ \ nui'
I',:' I l!.i\c Me alrcadx' l-ii^-ot tl:e pc.u c ot'
140" EAUL Of GALLOWAY.
Aniicnsr Do wewish to scelier seamen all restoredj
and the pendaiilsoflier ships going up, when ours
will nccessaiiiy be coming down? Never will
I i)clie\c tl-at ihc- ^ood sense of tliis Country will
enlcitain the idea of peace, until moderation
maik the condnrt of this enemy, for liis }>ro-
lession.s arc not worthy of j cllection. i am glad
to see a great eommerei^d city tliinlc like me,
and I liope her oj)inions and exansple will be
imitated b}' otheis. ^iy Lords, although the
arms of Europe may appear ou the :-.idc of France,
i cauiiot bcficvc their hearts are against this
country, li' we remain firm and unap|;alled,
as iccon]mcnded by his Majesty, and exeniplifie(3
b}' himseli", some balmce may }et be jneserved
in Europe; if we }ield, no man can foresee the
consequences."
( 147
EARL or (;LASG()\V
JiDuiani _'.), I^l<>. ( h'. tn"'hi':r ///<? ./(/u';\ .?.
' I".N'F.N iFL I. a-> tli'j i)rc>(_nt cn^i^ w a-, and
LilnciiiN a^ tile |;cta!\' pre Miitctl 1)\' tlic fxi^tiDi:;
^iUlat K/U cjt" El I !()[)(. Ill 11 --t \)C allo\\\'{l to he. vet the
means and lesomxx^ ol tli!> enij>irc were e(}ual to
t!ie sueees^tul pro^eention (A' tlie arduous t'cm-
lest we liad lo sustain, unless iiiaried liv internal
di\'i>!Mns, an<l pai-al\zed 1)\' the want of lliat.
unanimil \ , at aU limes >i) di^:i .thie, hut, in the
pusi'iit j;cilliiu- tiuus. \^ indiN;)(,'nsablv ni'eeb-
( 148
MR. CHARLES GRAIS^T,
yovemher 4, 1813. On seconding tJie Address.
" Amongst all the great qualities with which
Lord Wellington is so richly endowed, and which
have elevated him to the sphere in which he
moves, there is none which has impressed my
mind more deeply than that undaunted and in-
trepid spirit, the sure proof of a genius conscious
of its resources, whica enabled him to defy the
public opinion, as to tlie invincibility of France.
He did not sink under the weight of the enor-
mous fame which surrounded those great com-
manders whom he was called to combat, and
whom he has successivelv vanquished* Admi-
rablc, therclbre, as 1 thi)d<i his conduct in every
part of Spain, in his sieges, atSalamanca, at Vit-
toria, on the Pyrenees, I do not know if he is not
to me, still more truly great, still more worthy
of admiration at that moment, when, rclvincj:
only on his single genius, in a remote corner of
Portugal, he tlnew up those lines, within which
he secured the hope and the happiness of the
civilized world.'*
.Mi:. CHAliiES OKANI
M;;
The cluingc which h..s tak^n j)!,ui- on ihc
' oiiiinciu, imist be nuiiniy ultrihutrd ['. oui
vamp'ic an cxanipk', indeed, whieh did not
lecjiiiie ^ucce.ss to leeoniniend it, hut w iiieh i;o\\ ,
crow lied as it i>i uith Micli siij^-nal ie>niN, niu->t
he lor c\ er nieniorahlc. If, at the eonunent'C-
nient of these trouhKs, w c h.:i<l shew I'd :i d:.--
tardly spirit; il' we liad hetr;iN('d tlie cause
')l" tieedoin ; it* we had ^iiidv under tiic a-.ccii-
<hiiic\' ot" huvless power wiieie now wouhl
lia\t' heen tlie ilehveranee ol" Jairope " Wluie
^Aould ha\'e heen the railvini;- ^lound on which
the hoj)e.s and aileetions ot" an alihctrd world
niiii;ht gather theiniel\es, and liiul relume ' Wc
chose a nohU-r andl)ettei' pohev. liixiii'j, a^eei-
taincd the course which we were dtstined tf;
tiead, we entered u[)on it with fixed hearts .ind
prepared ixsohitions; and, in spile ot" (hi,: iili \-
an<l (hiuuer, anndst the sound ot lalhni;' thiiiucs
.iiid ei!ipire>, we maintained our iiitlcxdiie c,:-
]ici ; and upon wliat princij>ic (hd wc --o luain-
t tin it - upon tlie j>nucip!c ot national i:;(lcpc:,-
dciice; upon tiii-^ piuiciple, tliat (;ppo,Miio;i to ,i
Jaw ie^-^ aii;^re^-ion is at all tiine< a sacred diii\-,
and that the hope oi l'uroj)e was lo he I'niiiid
<Mii\ in a vigorous and inexorahli' rcMNtaiuc- -
a re will he no prouder pane ui h!-:or\- t'..in
;..at wliudi iclls ot' that st run--.:,ic, a.-.d it~ lm'' -
i. 'Ui r(*uU; vvhiv'h tc'U thai, a! tiie [)ci'(>d
150 MR. CHARLES GRANT,
\vhen the foundations of the world seemed to Ijc
shaken, wlieii all former institutions were swept
away, rath.er as if by a sudden whirlwind than
by any of the ordinaiy means of destruction,
there was yet one nation, which, reposing under
the shade of a happy constitution, proud of its
ancient liberties, and worthy to defend them,
dared to measure its matured and ilisciplined va-
lour, at one time against the unnatural energies of
a frantic democracy, at another time against the
gigantic resources of the most tremendous des-
potism that ever scourged tlie world, li', Sir,
liistory, after this narration, were obliged to add,
that, in this struggle, at last we fell, but th.at we
fell gloriously, with our arms in our hands, and
our faces to tlie foe, even this would have been
no mean praise; this would have been ])raise
enough to satisfy the most aspiring nations of
antiquity ; it would liave been praise enough to
fill u]) tiiC \\armcst wishes of that gallant and
])atriot band, ^ho left it to i)e engia\ed on tlieir
ton.d)S, that thev <]icd in obedience to the laws of
liicir e(/unt!y. But, ihank Crod. Sir, history will
be ealletl, not to lament the liill oi'liiiiish great-
ness, l)ut to celebrate its renewed exploits, and
its living trium])hs. Tlie conduct which we have
pursued can acquire, indeed, no accession of me-
rit from the i.->sue to which it has led ; but it is
satisfactory to observe how admirable liave been
MU. CHAKI I.'? (.!;.\ V 1
1 . ) 1
l^s l.Mill>. It li:is k:!i(!;, (I l!.:; 'i^'i.t.'it I'm. pc
a ll.i!;:f, \'. I'ifh. I tins!. i> uikm'.c iir!i::!/!('. It i-.
t') tliL' theatre ot" I licsr i-oiit (.'!-. ii i'l to ili;if ^cil,
A\ liich but latil\ svH'nud iiicnnihie' ot' ]; udm i;i'_,
;: ^iiigU^ el! 111! . th-.t I lie nioialist ijt" al'u i .'.i;e^ w ill
I'c-^oit for txalnj)k^ of m-^' i net t ;ii. v.'l;.i: he (ic-
iKHinees the tall orunhall v'.'((l 'jvca'dc^-. TIuic,
tnOj w'lil tiie patiiot |(M,!v l'"!' i. "!!- I 'i' lilt i:n-
M.riii ;mi(! disinterested \i:tue. 'li:> i-- the L.i'i-
1 !( ai> lea'ii: e ot' t iu' j)r(. sent war. I iiasa.' hie;!i(lii
>h>.T\ I d (*" Anierie;'.. tliat her eoi. duet has d:s-
jxlkil those ela->sieal a^^oeiation^ whieh w e h.a\ v-
i)e(i! accustomed, to iiidul'^e. of lejiuhli'-an \ ii ti:e,
and Mpuhlican execllenee. 'I'luU Kinaik \'. as
not more el()(jnentlv than jn^tlv made, ihit ii'
\'.a' air ohli'^'cd to Lii\c np thai class ol" a-socKi-
t 'ons. I j;ri('( ;\-e, w it h i'\nlt;i' ion, that there '- \ e'
aao! hia' elas^ of assoriati' ai--, no lc>s s,;(,-| t d ,ind
vria'V :[.':-', wdiieii \\a' ma\' now elu'.ish \\nJi :id-
d;':'in;d fondm ss I me. in tho-e as>()>^'iat e mi-.
\'. hieii (n!or(a tiie I.^ehei oi in>tineti\e iM.trio-
Iisin, ol unledden ent ini-;.ism m t!ie eausi.' la
^;r!ue, ot' t iie ur.uidi iii' ol sel f-de\'o; !( .n, oi' th.e
m::^iiaaMr, ;; \ ( f j^i lm! sac, ifi.'os loi l;i eat (diicel-^,
f '." '.'Mioni-, tor indi'pt. ndenee. W'r iinist all le-
eolhc i, with w hat deli^iit w e indahcd ' hee ^mi-
t a-ents at the jonnt.iins of classical Ic.tiim'u-, .iiul
i''!io\-,t(l ihiMU (ait into r.etion in the instoiw <,;'
:...:tincn, and illust rions s'.att s. Ihil-f l.-.tc,
162 MR. CHARLES GRANT.
and especially towards the close of the last cen-
tury, there seems to have crept into this nation
a sort of spurious and barren philosophy, of
which it was the object to decry those associa-
tions ; to represent them as the illusions of ig-
norance, or phrenzy, or falsehood ; to curb the
original play of nature; to inculcate coldness
and selfishness upon system; and to substitute
in the place of all that foimed the delight of a
higher philosophy, a spirit of lazy deliberation,
conducted by apathy, and ending, therefore, in
meanness and dishonour. It was this philoso-
phy that taught, that those ideas of excellence
had no antitypes in nature. It was this philo-
sophy that taught, that it is not only more
prudent, but more conformable to our being, for
every man, in time of danger, to reason belbic
he followed the promptings of true courage, to
make it a matter of calculation, whether his
country be worth saving, before he draws the
sword in her defence ; to reduce it to a question
of algebra, or a problem in geometry, whether
lie should resist the efforts of tyranny, or bow
before the yoke. It must be confessed, that the
history of the past age, and especially the sleep
^vhich seemed to have spread over Europe, gave
too much countenance to these pernicious
maxims. But the hour is at length come, which
lias exposed tlie fallacy of these speculations,
JMK. CHAKLLS CKANT.
Id 5
and rescued luinian luiturc iVoin the>c calum-
nies. The cxpcrioiicc ol" the tew hist years has
abolished, 1 trust for c\er, that heartlc^^ and
hlo()dlcs.^ system, the miserable abortion ot" a
cold head and depraved imagination, which
never waked one noble thought, nor inspired one
generous action. The experience ol" the lew last
\cais has proved, that they were not tal>c and
\ isionary, those high sentiments w hicli we\\eie
taught to resj)ect, hut that they are founded
upon whatever is dcTpe.st ami })urcst in the hu-
man cliai'acter. It has proved, that true reascju
is never at warMith just feeling; that num is
now what he was in those distant ages, a crea-
ture born, indeed, to act upon })rinci[)lc, hut,
hoin also to act uj)on strong passions; i!i;iL
wC ncNcr acts more nohl\ , more wi-<el\ , moie wor-
thily of himself, than whi'U he acts u[)Ou the
{)iouii>t pcTsuasions ot" grand jxissions, subhmed
and diiccted by lofty principles."
154 )
LORD GRENVILLE.
January 19, 1809. In the Delate on the Address,
" My Lords, with respect to Spain, it would
be an idic waste of" your Lordships' time and
patience for mc to declare my opinion as to the
nature of the contest in tliat country. Of the
base, and treaclierous, the atrocious and cruel
invasion of the independence of tlie Spanish
peopde, there is but one opinion in the country,
but one opinion as to the cause in which they
were figliting, against the tyrant who unjustly
and cruelly attacked them. I have not, how-
ever, m}^ Lords, ever wished to conceal my opi-
nion, witli respect to the policy of sending a
British army to Spain. I do not mean to say, that
tlierc miglit not be circumstances under which
it n^iiglit be advisable and expedient to send Bri-
tish troo})s into Spain ; but I mean to assert, that,
during last summer, there was no prospect that
ought to have induced any reasonable men to
send a British army into the interior of Spain. I
am anxious not to be nhsunderstood upon this
point. I do not mean to apph' my observation
J.OHD (iRINVl : L!
1 ;> ')
t') uwA ('n-opcr:iti<)!i, to tiic ii-.'mKm'!' st":;(!:n.;
fl.'-'i \\i[]] tr';'<^])-> on ijoard to aiiH"\ j ,,: :;c;i!.:.-
Y:a'^ of' tin- ''":.-t, to kc\'[) tlic ciicir.'. ::i ;i Cw!i-
>tuit st;i:o ot' ciiai'-., and (;')t:iin |):ii'::;il ;!l\.i!i-
t:i,L;cs, w :i:cl! mav br ot'c^-^cntial ^v'i"\ iri-. Ici ii-
liiK' in\ S(.l;\o t];c iiri'icv <:' s^'iiilinj; ;: 1.-:!;.~m
army iiit') lli? interior d' !^;)ah:. ;.::(! I v'>; '.:.;!
'i:ir t' 'ic V ..> !^'r tiiat pr.'-i: -lT \v\l-\: ( ' idi'
ti lia\v i;u;''!'i(i rra-' ;.Jmo \r,c:: t > ;:.'\i .-i> >v'i)t
::!! ;ir':v . \ .; \';c!\' '^.r:" :::.\' i:i(.i;n. -!;;!;' 'S
w'.iti: i'l'u'i 'i; :\\'\ ^(W'.'iiy^ ;i i);;t'!i ;:rni\-,
i:) .^'.. : t o 1 1 i;:'. a- a !'; i; .-^l) ;j:m'. I;ii! -,; ,i!i a> an
ar!i'\ a^ t iii:;' (Mi the ( 'd!;: I'lcii t, Id 111 act i !:c ^'. lailc
(!i-p ;>.i!kc Pirac (;!" I'laaaa', wi'iimu!, i,a'. ii,'^- an'.
d; \[]v '.'.laat p'lwc'is (-1 la'n'n;';,^ lair ;ia \ i!i .v 'i.
\\ a'l ta;' l\ia'i;c\-5 unl^i' ki i, am! tl:.' Kini I'a-
\'. . . i: la.i '> aaa,ii M uii ai a - (; la' >- ti.a! la ' \' v ii
V i. '- . .:i! Ant '.'. a: j), t i. - ' \\a in ti.a i:; \ i.i Ii
T' s: i'i ai--! , I \' t w r ^i ndi i a; ii ; d I !a- mtca .- r i if
S;),!'n t;i:!;", < >v t'' a t \" t li' <ll^ '.nd Uiatis'i n~.iai [<)
iinat an a:ra.\- ol' .-"a a>. ()(>(). I oau on!\' c n",a:;o
>uch a nimourc to inc t'-ir-i"an. it d naaicli to Faii-,
to w iiiaii it i> :\iil\' cajual in \vil(hu'^s and al)-
^inaiit\- It ;^ pcrrcctlv clcair, tlaat it numt ii t
Wit'o liii- Sj.ain^li pca^plc t 'icir.-^cU't'^ to niain'^aa
liuai' nida'aaidcnca-; and tlia! \sailiont tluit ^|'a:t.
aan<)ii'4-.r ! licni^clvcs, no aini\ that \'. t' cadd
^( nd wouUi i)c' of anv a\a\il. 'idic\' ad'ij>ud a
>v~toin. wineli wai^ publi-hcal :n the laii ly pai t
156 LOUD GRENVILr.t.
of the summer, under the title of ' Precautions,*
and which contaiucd a most excellent plan of
defence, adapted to the peculiarities of the
countiy, and calculated to harass and annoy an
invading army, and to wear them down by a
continued system of partial attack, without in-
curring the risk which must necessaril}- attend
a pitched battle with regular and veteran troops.
This system was the best which could be
adopted by that country, under its then cir-
cumstances, and might have produced a great
effect upon the enemy, v/hose troops would have
been continually harassed and fatigued, whilst
the S])aniards, taking advantage of the pecu-
liarities of their country, would have incurred
httlc immediate risk, and w^ould have gained
a knowledge, and attained a discipline, which
might have subsequently qualified them to con-
tiu] in the field with the regular troops of
France. This excellent system v/e forced them
to abandon, by sending into the interior of the
country a British army: it tlien became impos-
sible for the Spaniards to leave our army to fight
their battles by itself; our army would of course
proceed in the manner, and according to the
usual routine of a regular army; and thus the
Sj)aniar(ls were forced on to engage in pitched
battles, at a period when they were not compe-
tent to contend with regular troopS; whilst the
I.OIID ORF.NVir.T i.
^rlti^ll army, too small to cope with tlic L^rta?
siipt'iioiity of troops brought into tl.e fnhi l)y
Kraiicc, can only retreat. In thi^ \'a\, mv
LokIs, I contend that the hcndinij; of a Ij;it.i>h
army into the interior ol" SjKiin, has heen actu;;'lv
injnrious t(j the cause ot" the jiatrit^N in tiiat
conntiy. 1 NUiited anxioiislv towards tlic cioM-
ol" last session, tor some conumiiiication on ll.c
^uhjcct ol Spain, which I did expect miuUi-^
\'. oidd ha\"e made tor tlie purpose ol ohtaiiaiiL;
tlie decision ot' Parliament. H;id sucli a c(ui;-
munication been made, I should ecrtaird\ ha\'e
lelivered my (jj)inion as to the impohey ot'
.semling Ihitisb troops into the inteiior ot'Spain.
'' Either they did or did not know, tiiat a
British ainiy. sent into the interior ot Sjiiii-,
^vould have to encounter the w hole di^po-;ddc
t'oice of I'raiice. If the\- did know it, hv what
int'atualHjU could the\' haw been inchiccd to
j)lacc an :irm\ in a situation in which no rational
men would e\er have tliou^ht of phiciiiu' it:
jl'thcv did not know^ it, then tliev unist ((.nt'c-^
that thr} were wholly ignorant of thr rcsouicc-
of France that they were m hollv i^aiorant llial
the ruler ot' I'rancc h.ul the rexuirccs of t;u
i;ri'a'er part of lanope at liis counnand tha'
llie\ were wliolK i^iioiant tiiat ri;ini(' i'ad
I fiiu;i- arniv which ciadd be bmuu'it i>' bcaj
i'w,)ii ;ui\- L^ivcu jxtiul. With tii;-. \ !(, w ot" the
158 LORD G RENVILLE..
subject, it is, of course, impossible that I can
concur in applauding the past measures adopted
by ministers with respect to Spain; nor can
I concur in supporting the system proposed to
be ado|)ted for increasing the army, with the
A'icw of sen(hng more troops to Spain, for this
must be the object, or the expression means
nothing; aUhough 1 do not mean to deny, that
with the evils with which we are now surround-
ed, the increase of our regular force is a neces-
sary measure. To the approbation, however,
which is implied of their conduct, and their
wise and vigorous system, I must decidedly dis-
sent, contending as I do, that there has been
neither wisdom nor vigour in their measures.'"
" In that part of tlie address which relates to
the character and conduct of our army, I most
sincerely and heartily concur. No language can
be too strong, or too glowing, when applied to
its deserts; and if the country is to be saved
at all, I am convinced that its salvation can
alone be effected by maintaining our military
force upon a scale commensurate with the in-
creasing dangers of our situation. Measures of
vigour also will be necessary ; but these measures
ought to be adoj)ted under the guidance of wis-
dom and prudence, and care taken not to waste
our resources in quixotic schemes, which it
is impossible to accomplish, and w here failure is
i.('i;n Gi;i.N \ 1 1 i f. 1-"' )
]'ic';ii:inl with t-:ilunilt y. O.ir a.niy, I: ,,\ . :ir.(!
wJl (ii>'jij;liiu il, and (.a[):i!)!c' as i> i. -\' ('^ 'iij;
c\a 1'. thiiiL;- wlucli iiuMi can be cxpcc'c.i i / ]; :-
tonn. uill, ill tlicsc linu ^, lini! air.j-.lL' c i..j l..\ w . ;!l
111 M'caii;nL:,-()iir own (Ic'i'ui* L'. Ini[irr>-i il \. . r. '.: .
oMiiKon, il is with the iiccpc^t j;ain lluit 1 u;k t.
u])(Mi the ac'tu i -itiKilic.n ol' so I;i; ' 'c a pi. i iM l:-- ii
ot' ihc nii!i!,;r\- l"-i\\' of ilic coni-tiA-. w..;.toi.'y
coimr,i:iLcl ,:i a lioju'lc^s rxntc-it, '.ii v,!iii'-i -m'-
' - cauiKtl 1a- ilic icuaici <;t' w.tov.r, ]:,.:i\cv
c :a.:cnl. ai;(i wluTr a silc ittrcit i^ ;.:i (iiat l\\c.
i.M)-! Ijiiiiiai.t (Xiiiiins can ic.;son;i!)i\' be t'x-
prctcd to vlVccl I ! '
' I iui^e no lic--ita;ion v, l;atc\"cr in dcv ].;; i'l.;-
It to be i;iy n!o^t (keidetl (~piniur., ib.it ii'tl.e
-\-tLiii iiiiluito actn! rj>on be lar! ; cr ] l;:^ll. d,
aiiM tlu- \\!;<' an:.,;; .V: ec ot" t lie e. l::l^ \ ei.t
in'o ti.e ::i'v';,:r d' Sp::in. tia' dv--: .i; ' !( n a'
iiii> in-a,::v';y i. ;;..vi;..Mv ; ;.i!d lb.. I v, e ^b 11
''J : c ii(i\ (! t ) 1 ' .e -ai;:e c 'labt ;i n w i' b
biiiN^ia. and ibe c.-n.incr.d ^?^:U.^ ol' tl.e ('o;;':-
J.L lit."'
Ju'^UKry 2h, I ^o;.. /,. //,, i);L.:h cj; ih, Jd'lr,.^s oti the
' He \'va. i-cad - lo :.dnii;, ibaf at tlie ti .a tbc
' ili.rr w,.^ !ii ,'.e, lacr. wa.s no pi"''^pt<.'L e'!'
l60 LOUD GHEXVfl.LE.
i ts leadi ng to any practl cable negotiation for peace.
The ruler of France had at that time arranged his
plans for the achievement of an object, the most
important to him of any that he had yet in
vie\r ^that of completely subjugating Spain.
A most horrible and atrocious usurpation had
been set up in that country; and, unfortunately,
the ruler of France possessed the means of car-
rying his plan into effect; he went to Spain with
a moral certainty of effecting his object, and no
doubt, was sincere in his wish that a large
British army might be landed in Spain, he hav-
ing in his hands the means by wdiich the great
object he had in view might be attained, and
which he actually hac' attained in tlie course of
two months the subjugation of Spain. With
this great object in view, and a moral certainty
of attaining it, whilst we on the other hand, had
taken up the cause of the Spanish people against
this usur])ation, and hoped to defeat the object
of the ruler of France, it was impossible to ex-
pect that any negotiation would take place. It
would not be supposed, that he would give up
his object; it could not be expected tliat we
should gi\'e up our's; it could not be imagined
that citluM- ])arty would relincjuish by a stroke of
the pen, wh,!t each expected to obtain by force
of arms. lUit iljough conxmred !h;it the over-
ture was n^jl made lu the >inr.i oi' ^ race, and
: o'li) (.1.! \ v ! : 1 r it 1
Ml,! t'l:.' !i. D.'^^'U !.r. ion c ul'i ii i\ c le ~.ii> , ,i :i. '-m
:i. \(l lie could not aj)}l:iU(l liic ( onducl (,'t
M;:ni>t(.i>, in the an-,\>, it which tliry ic lirii.d to
il. 'J'h.cv ;i>,k((l of the I'ulcr ol" 1';:m!cc hi ilici
;iii>wcr, lo ni^'i' 'ip- -'^ :i pi'cl;:ni!;;ii \' toini;-"-
tiation, the ino-' inij)orta;it (>i);''ct to;- which he
'A'lis cor.rv'-Mi:^- ; hccauM', caihni;" ufo!! iiiin v^
acknow l.'d^-c the per- >n,^ i'\ctc: >;!1l;' tr.e j;' \y:v
nt" ('.i)\ ci ninci;! in "";:. in iii ii;e '.aiee ol l"ei\i:-
'laiid \'1I. w a^ rciji! ' nn'j; hiii.i to .,n.'e wp at oi:cc
lii> ^!l'\^^ npMii t .:e ( jn\a i ;nne!it ol Spoi.-to
'^lyc nf) tiic \'cr\ nl-ifct t>\' Jns alt:ick ui)on tii;it
C(ninti\-. 'J'hi-. liiCKthic, hjc ' lea.: Ci rcnvihe;
contend; d w a> ini[). htie, ;is pu t tinL" u> m 'd \^ (^f^-
situation than we nh'.:;;it ha\e ()eer. \:i b\ resw.t-
i))'j: to ;iii')iher n.o(K- ofycj'l' .'
viit'.c .-J> siCi." 1 i.:,.riud to t'"r <Jic!':::s li^jni 7-';.e
^ He (lechucd smcaeiw, tliit il'Crv \\ as r.ot ,.
5iIl^!e T'; -a-iKc ad 'pted h\' MiJii- 'i.a v, u h:eh, hait
)a- keen in ti.^i; -:t ii it a;'n, he wuiid i.a, e
rh''U'.dit he act-, d re-it m le-nitmL; to; .;d .';-
\'M e niail\ j-e: Nil a'";!, the re \v a^ ih't. out -'. p 1 e
"-a'd l:a--e IC^ nia;eii(kd w 111. h tii^'V '..aid
' '\-' id(ajt^d. He did lU't Icier to ">p;eai a' ae.
I6"ijl T-ORT) GKI.NVrf, i,r.
he alluded to their whole ('(nidiict since tluy
were entrusted with the nuuiagenieut of
affairs/'
JanUanj :.'}. 1510. (hi movuv^; an Antendment to lh
^lddres}i.
*' yiy Lordhj 1 have often repeated, imd must
now repeat it again, that the true poliey of this
country, under its present eireunistances, is the
principle of hushanding our resources, and act-
ing under a system of home defence. In the
early period of the last 'i'ar, the system of policy
which then appeared to be hest, was. essentially
different. It was undoubtedly then of impor-
tance to endeavour to raise upadetermmeil spirit
in Europe, capable of meeting and counteract-
ing the jiower of France. After, however,
france had defeated and broken the confederacy
aginst hei-, the scene of continental co-o])eration
ck^sed, and our force became no longer available
to any useful purpose upon the Contiiient. The
same ciuiscs operated in the present war, and the
late Minister:", acting uj)on tlie .system of policy
which they thouglit the most advisable, deter-
nfnicd to concentrate all the means and resources
vi tlie countiy, for the purpose of placing licr in
LOUD CKLX VlI.r.K.
\6j
:i jXj^itir.n in \vl)icli we miglit say to France,
' tnir si! nation is suci), that u'C are completely
ficti-ndc-d aL!,ain>t any domestic insult, \\ hil-,t(jiu
na\al supei ioritv will eflectuallv detVat the exe-
cution ot" your tle>!i;ns ;i:^ainst our extern, il in-
terests.' Tor tln> {)ur})o>e, a j)Ian was devi'sed,
adapted to our linaneial system, under the ope-
rations ol" w hieh we niij^ht ha\e i^one on to the
<iid of t inie, still preserving our eoniniandint^
;'.*ii'u(!r. Awd i'\(r.!iu! invaiiablv niaintainin<^
our ample inraiis ot" det'ence. His Majesty's pre-
^^ent Ministers came into olhce, and tlien, my
Lords, the sy^tem was immediately chano'ed.
M'e We're then told, in hig-h-sounding periods,
in the true >pirit ot" an imbecile coniidence, of
the di-uraee >u>tained in tlie character of the
countiN j)y not a^^i^tju^ our allies, and that the
((Uiduc t i>t tin- picecdniL:; Administration should
oniv he loi.'kfd lo a^ a heac(jn and a land-mark
to a\(id tiic ^aine coiu'se.''
' 'i I'.esc are not times t"or \'otes of coniidence,
antl iiiij)lieit reliance upon Ministers. Parlia-
ment must iKJW exert itself in this most immi-
n"nt CI isis ot the tato ot (;ur eounti \ . \ ou i,an-
not he i^-noi iiit, m\ Lords, ot" ihe situatii)n. thr
t iCML-iido;!'. ^I'uati'Mi, 111 \'>'hich Nour I'ount i'\" \^
pii'.td. It:- (1 :iil;^-',i s are no |.,)iig(a' lo he ci\-
f ''-^'it h'.cf "o iu'i;e>.". or ;;u:^^a\;:''d h\ di'MTip-
' ' No <! -crii^l on o.mi e-. 'ir.e no l" tlic feel-
l6i LORD GREXVILI.F..
iijgs of those who arc at all capable of judging,
upon the subject. If you cannot look to Parlia-
ment for its deliverance, where can you look ?
Can you look for its deliverance to the Govern-
ment? See it, nw Lords, broken, distracted,
incompetent, incapable of exerting any energy,
or of inspiring any confidence. It is not from
the Government, then, that our deliverance is to
be expected. It must, my Lords, be found, if it
is to be found at all, in your own energy, and in
your own patriotism."
Jannanj !>, 1810. In fJie Debate on the Motion for
Thanks to Lord WeVington for the Victory of Tala-
vera.
'* lie never rose to perform his duty with
greater pain than he ilid ;it this time ; but a pub-
lic duty it was, and he could not shrink from it.
The vievv h.e had of tbc subject was tliis fiom
the fnst moment that it had been agitated, he
knew that: it could not be regarded in tliat nar-
row light as to make this the sole (juestion, wdio-
ther emijient valour and even skill had been dis-
played on the day of battle? No; he thouglit
that the subject must be treated in a manner
which would shew the i)roprietv of "ivinar, in
the first place, the information which his Nobb
1.0 R I) GllLN \I] I ! .
VI;
] ! :i'ii(l (I"., Ill (iro\) had ifcjunwl (mi a roiiucr
'i(ca^!(ii ic's|K\'lin^' llic (.'airipai^'n, ahd e -j.^'ci,.!! v
K i itive to that nio.^t c:.'l.lIlllt()ll^ i'\'^'iit, tlit iiiaia h
into Spam.''
" What v.'cic v:c to tiiiiik ot' our c()un.-iv'ls at
'loinc. M'hu li h;iil c'\])(tsc(l a Ijiiti^li arniv to so
nuu-h J)riil, h\- (Icjic luiiiiL'; up in tlir cl!:far\' ot'
Spanish co-opc ration : i"l;oii- I,. )rcUiiip> \vc\c tcM,
I;. at (iiUKiai \'rnf^;;s h ,d !k t n pi c\ t'litcal I'loni
I i-tipci'.ttaiL^- !)\ (' u'it( r-< iMii. I - I'o 'Ui thr Sj-ani'sh
( i"\ (. : M.'icn'. liv (\.'a(i then upon then Loid-
-:]:p.- lo consider ui;,it llic MniistfiN had been
doiuLi: I'or the hi^t two \cais; to consider how
inueii di'pcndcni'c the\ hail in !helonl^eo^ that
'.n'iC plarcd upon such a (io\ eminent as this.
I'lieir L'udship^ would relleet, whethei- tlie\-
would he justilied in ^uppol tun;' ihein in a eon
iinuatnaiol I'lioi-. \\'r wcw \\n\v \(A>\, liiat th>;
se'MiiK (il PortULi'.d \v i> not complete, huL t!ia'
UH'.il rciianee \^.^) to he plae.d upon the eo-
operation ot' the Poi I ipuiiv-^e wiili tiie ihitndi.
()[ thi> lie eould old)' sa\. ihal tlu \- ought tt>
nidu'e of tiie tulure iroin iht- pa^l ; tiiat tiiey
ou^hl to leet iieel the letrtat toi want o| ( n-
o[i(rati()n, an<i that tlie remnant ot the ari:;\
\'/as in a mI u.aion noL d!>>:!mlar to that m v. ii-ii
i" was j)laeed In' it ad\anee to'r,di\cra. lhi^
^e- > nu>>L ;5lionu;K impresscil on his uund, and
''a: cduld Kwt avo'd takni'j,- ud'.an'.uze 1 ihi-.
166 lORD GRENVILLE.
opportunity to express bis feelings With regard
to the immediate question, he thought that it
could not be narrowed to the events of a par-
ticular day. He did not attribute these disas-
trous events to Lord Wellington. Sure he was,
that nobody could think he had any desire tq
do so. He believed that he was fettered by
the nature of the service on which he had been
sent, and by his instructions, and that the plan
and its calamitous consequences were to be
attributed to ministers."
February 22, 1810. On moving an Amendment to the
Address relative to the Convention with Portugal.
*' He felt it an ungrateful task, a painful duty
torecal their Lordsliips' attention to predictions
formerly made to theni, but tben despised and
rejected ; though now, unfortunately, too fatally
fulfilled. He knew how little acceptable it was
to anticipate, by a reference to our past expe-
rience, a continuance of the same disasters ;
but in discharging that duty, he did it with the
more consolation, because it was not a mere
barren censure of past errors that was his object,
but rather from the consideration of those
errors, to conjure them to rescue the country
ORD (ini \\i I 1 r.
I '.^7
Tmin siinil;ir calaiiiit ii'>, to j)a\- >i>ni(> iri;:;'
tic \alu,il)It' \\\i'> < >\' rluir tcilnw (;,. n-, ,-...
in ;i>k tlk'T l.()rcUi!![)s w lu-'lic; 1 Ik ' \. ''( (!',>-
{)o>,c'(l to sit ill that H'UiNi' (l,.y,.:'ui c!,.\,;.i..l
\i-ar alter vcar, ^piM tator^ (.t' w. .,:'.'!;! ixj'i;-
diturc', aiid the ii>clc-s.s (.l]'a^!(:l .;' m> r:uu-l: ' 1
tlic best bhv)(l (>{' the cor.nli^, :,; '. ,;< a' -, (.li;;-
JiKtoLis, and (li>L]^raeetuI ( t'lvjri-. - >'n:rii i.s '.:_; !,:>
^'hicrt ;!i ri-,ini^ to a'l(h;--s tlieir !. rd-. :;.-. he
MilLiilt nieati to tlk'm tlit r.'.iiv'''i 'l\v l/.i[i>\\
a.n;\', wliieh .'iii^ht soon \rj wai:'..;! p ; (a'.;
ou 11 salvt \ , and >hou!c!, lhcir:i;i\', i.n: ! r rx;.')-; ;i
Ui wild. :nij)iaclic'abK', and u-'rio -, c':-.;ic,';'. i^n i.
Wiiat return did their I,'irds!i:j)S th.iiilv wa,-) di/^
<n that ann\ tor tlie t'lniiient -Kill and ',!.~ei:.-i:ne,
and vah)Ui- v> hieh it l:;id d'-phuee,: It w ;e, a
.-^aert d (hit\' mnj^-ed wyr.w the;r i.-'ird- :e;i-, it
:>ee that not one iwnw hie w a-. \\'.;-.;i;d, n.l c'C
nioie ('i(.j) i;t hlood - \(1 I. ;'. e; . -!i; .1 ;\', \'. :;'.;..
ill) th:nh ne;- man eon id ^a\ , t ;a; h\' ; .:\ inin.:'. .i
jios^ihdi' \\ sMv'h (hi'adlid -ae; ;!;;-; i- )'i!d i'e
madewitii an\- [..ruse', ( <)\' .niv r, ';/.'..- tc ;:.e
v'ountrv. C'l.nld ;t !;_ ai^ue.'.i^le t > t'air ! .( ! d-
'dii|)s to he ;l(i Iron; (h.\ to ('. ; \\:'.'.] \ : \". d"
nnpii'litahle ~'nei'(S>e-> oi i:'e;e.o;,a! \ :''i\:,n-
laL:'( s t > h'e leuned I)^ onr a.::'i>, 1^ ^r pii; ( , . (jr
inr (/ur .dlii-^ :' Let t'.ieir ] ,> ; ('.-.ii'it^ ; '.. i.'kii;*
sriees the (jue^tioi; w ;i.':. l,nie :'.i<\ n, .n lh.it
heaid hiin, \".ti<, in h:> ( on--, ivi; . e. hehevni,
l6S LORD GRENVXLLE,
that even the sacrifice of the whole of that
brave British army would secure the kingdom
of Portugal ; and if he received from any person
an answer in affirmation of that opinion, he
should he able to iiid^e from that answer, of the
capacity of such a person for tl^e government
of this country, or even for the transaction of
public business in a deliberative assembly. By
whatever circumstances, by whatever kind of
fate it w^as, lie must say, in point of fact, that
in his opinion, he always thought the object of
the enterprise impossible ; but now, he believed,
it was known to all the people of this country,
that it had become certainly impossible."
*' Would it be too njuch, then, after all this,
to ask of their Lordships, that one other million
should not be wasted, where nothing short of
a divine miracle could lender it effectual to its
proposed object ?"
'^ Would any one say, that m the present
situation of aifairs in i'ortugal aiid Spain, there
was the least ground of raticiKd exj-'cctation of
success r In the fornuM- instance, (the situation
of Portug;d in 1806) Fr.mcc was iuliy occu-
pied in another quarter ; the situation of Europe
was far dilfeient tlien, from its situation at the
present njoment ; and there was, at that period,
every reason to hojjc, that a manifestation of a
determination to defend Portugal, would have
LJIA) tii.I N \ ILI.K.
U"
t L'- ^ itcct. a^ ;t i'-all\ l.aii al I la' liiiu', ^t drl.iN :i:'^-
'he atl,;^ k 'ajH,ii llial k.n^dtjiii. \\ < i;Ul .i:i\ * nc
-^a\ ill tia j).i-,;-iil ni.-.i aiit-f, tii:.t tia- IJ.it.-li
aiiiiv i:: i'u. :iil';.iI. .i,...--I In liic ii:it.w \n:cc
wliuli ii was now piopcocl to jjro\ loc toi bv
a ,'5a!j>i(.ly, u cailcl \)C Milliricnt tu rcUiui, or tiiiaks
to ri-s:st ^lKh an attark: What rLliancc coniil
aii\' man place on thl^ .^uhsidiarN I'orce, unac-
ca^tona. (1 to the n.>e ol' arms, unpraeli-ed m tiie
('iici:Ua;ns ot' war, and w holi\ iLinoiant i>i' miii-
i >'.;'. (i.-ie,j)!i!ie, i xi'ej t tiie ht". le lhe\ mi'_ilil ha\ e
ieained t'i(aii a tew IJritish oliieer^? Tnat Por-
uiual could he detendial i\' ^uch a toree, was a
thiiiLi' al)^olute!;" imposible ; and, thei-elore, iL
uas, that h.e j;e!eei\ed with reuret, that a me;i-
aire ot sueh, not un]\' (jue^tioiULhle, but delee-
ti\e poiiev, .-liaadd lia\ e b'.en t he lii>t otbeiai
a't. a> lie mi^lit \.'oif>;der :r, d' ii!> noble t.iciai
^NLii (jui> W elle>!o_\ .."
It \'. a-i unPiC v'e-v>;ir\ tor 1;mm t.)d\'.-eli n'on-at
,(.u^th np'in tiu' m.anner in uiiie'a the nn\\>e
and nnpoiitn' niea^uIe:5 takeai m rortu^al, h.al
oteu eoralueteal. ];ut it tlio^e who bad the
manauaancaii. ot [jublic allair^, had j'o^se.svcd ai.^
\'. i>cb)m, .mv ea|)acat\ tnv enlightc ntd jio!a\
m tiu' le^ulatitMi ot a na.tion"> inte!'e--t and eon-
.>titi;tion, an\- i i^bt or sound teel;ni;-s with icu.iid
(" the luiji)nies^ ed' tbeir tellow-eic- uu -. iieie,
170 hOllD OK EN VI LIE.
most fbitLinateJyj had been a wide field opened
to tliem."
'' Their Lordsliijjs were, by the determination
of thib question, to decide whether, in the present
arduous and difficult situation of affairs, they
were to place further confidence in such men.
They were, by the result of that night's discus-
sion, to shew whether the management of public
aflfairs was to be entrusted to the discretion of
men who had so conducted themselves, and so
systematically deceived the public ; they were
then fully aware of the determination that would
be formed by his IMajcsty's Ministers upon any-
great question of national policy or interest. If
tlie subject of their corsideration should happen
to be of a military description, their Lordships
might be sure that they would consult military
authorities, but they might also be convinced,
that though every such authority should lean
against their projected measure, Ministers woulc}
srill persevere. It would be unavaihng for
military men to sa}^, tliat an operation was im-
practicable. His Majesty's ]Mir.isters would
reply, ' you may think jt impracticable, but dont
mind, go and try.' It would be criminal in their
Lordships, therefore, so far as they might have
tlie means of preventing it, to lea\e the admi-
nlstiation of affairs in such incapable hands,
V<)y his own part, he did Jiot so much object to
1 OKI) (. K I N V 1 I
171
. !ic (jilts t ion Un coil luc ted \i It h j)o' uual intiTc^I.s,
^r ;l^ ;l I'.uTi.' (iiiancia! ijiic^' i-ii ol" i-xpriuhtiuc ;
bat. a-> it was likely to lead to liie -ae:iliee. tiie
u>tdes><, tin.' uiipiotit.iMe saeritiee, ol'tlie iiw^ot'
thousands ol" \u^ fellow .Mil)jeet>. He liad men-
tioned this j)oint upon a lonner iii^lit, hut >o
.stron.o- weie hi.-. t'eelinc;s uj)on it, that \\c did not.
think he eould too often i(j)<.at ti'.e oloci \al h-n :
It was lor th.eii l.iM(U:iip;. to eo!,.-.i(ier wlnti ci",
undei all tiie einane^taiK a .>, lhe\ would hedis-
])n-^d aLS.iii t. 0' inn.il tiie Ihiii-u arni\' under
.^ueli (ui'laiua s in Si^-ou and I'oituLial. i he
<'ani[>aiL^ns in those e untru's had already cost
thi.^ nation the li\cs of twelve tlKjusand (d" it>
hra\"e soldiers; and it was now to he considered
whelluT auN' furtlier ca.'-nliee was to !,e mcuiied
ill the l:n[)rh s c;)iitesi. His nnhh' fiieial,
^^M.iiiji'.is \\'el!e:>le\^ had earneslK' hi--< ai^h?
tiicir i.')i(! iiips to he.!;- jii iniud the hlood that
iiad adoad\- !jeen shed, and the licasure that,
iiad Im'cii expendech in oi dei to inchice I luin to
:;i;i'ei' to his j)rojiosii ion tor niakiiiL!; fiother
jaerikoi for ll'.e s.iine oh|eet. lie, too, woind
eo;',ni(.' ilu'ir Lordshij)-, hut toi- a (hlfeiiiit
oh'iret, to e.d! to Uiaul th.e loss( -^ that ha.ci hec n
.iiistaiiaai, not tiiar liu \ siiould 'j^o (Ui iii li.e
tVuitK ss [.ii'fii>i"n of lie(s ;md treasure, hiiL i);at
tiu'\ siiould. whilst tlieie \\ as \ et tinu, .i.u^t
-lie t.:ta! ni(i.>;ie.s5 ol" uaLioiial caianirt}' and das-
i 7 2 1.0 II D G R k \ V I L r. L ,
grace. He sliould conjure tlicir Lordships not
to hud themselves to such a system, in order
that new millions niight be scjuandcred, thai
fresh thousands might be sacrificed, but to take
care tliat no time should be suffered to ehipse,
belbre they obiigcd tlie Government to pursue
such measures as would be best calculated to
promote the national interest, by enhancing the
national character ami lionour. lie particu-
larly called upon their Lordships not to suffer
the remnant of our brave army to be exposed to
the same disastrous fate which had befallen the
armies already sacrificed. He trusted that their
Lordships would come to that determination,
which all, who felt f jr the hardships of our
brave army, who valued the lives of our valiant
soldiers, who were anxious for the honour and
true interests of their country, must approve;
They had but to bear in mind the useless sacri-
fices which had l)een made, without any pos-
sibility of any advantageous result the desti-
nation of S\Y John IMooie's army to the north,
wlica tliat Crcncral was of opinion that itsliould
have been sent to the soutii of Spain ; the loss
of 6000 men in that calamitous campaign; the
loss of 6000 more in the late campaign under
Lord Wellington ; and all the fruitless waste
of treasure that must have been incurred in
both these disastrous campaigns. Were their
LOUD MlINVllII.
K^
Lt)!(!-liij)> to Itr t(il(l. alter all tli;;t iiui iiap-
[uiu'(i, t'nat ai lu^ iVlaii'ht\\ }iliiii>t;;^ alone
. lift 1 lamed any hope upon the re-^ult, tl;e\ weie
I'll to ^o on in the in<hi:L!;cnee ot' expii'l.;t:ons
i' intuie sucee--^ in Spam, and im(ier liiat. \a.n.
l;iar idle, and deUibivc inipie->>'.ou. to exo' -e
still nioie o; the Nahiahlc i;\'e^ ol ]h:i.-,'i
tio()p> -"'
lie ^va^ \\< l al".a:d to ,;-.>;it, 'hat :.:;:, ..;!-t a
po\w; p()-,-s( '>.i.'_;' *.i:e \\\ ole n:>.- :!> !. >",:, ;:-
he l.ai>t ^iipjM.ivi^- [] ; 1 .'i;..'.! '' i'." *.!. *!i.-^
jMoiiicnt, j'oi ! UL:,:d, >o I'jy ;";(.!>! I),':: i^ ijie nii-t
deten-ihli'. was the iea-. (K k'l'.i.'j'c ot ai.v
C'oimtiv 111 I'luope. li iad t.'e io;: ^'j-: iiiieoi"
jiontur, eoinpaud \'.'i;ii ;ts ;i.-*i;!i LXtciit, o!
>n\ otiKi nation; he-..,h-, I'l ;.; " lUiiaow i:e- -.
i!^ I'lio t.t (.(Ttenre \'.i.i;',di !'e i; .':e !dx(!\' to he
tiiineii; and ;tn in\a. m^- ii!;:i;\ v.iai'd ih' i\v-
loea! .;d'. ,:n I,5i;i, > :,.' i i'> i .'\d e::cam>'ai ee^.
Ai to the n;eiiL> o[ j,!.ie!;eai (hit nee .ilh; o'l d
h\- it^ i:,oimta!n>, lie ^liouh! cnix' a-!^. w heth; :
iie t Kpei u n(.'e ot tlie l;i-,t svAenecn \a'ais 1: (i
lanL'ht liie\^oiId iiodimL'-- wiatl-t-i :.^ ln^tIal(
:i\- hs^ol;^ weic udujliN iin'own a'.\a\ '
' Di^'^U'-e it a-) hi^ Mije- !\ \ M mi- - ei'^ n, ;e- Ir.
the ijue-^tiwii ie;iil\' \v'as. wdieiiua' tie ::\\\-\ n
'"! tiiL!,-al w!^ to h-e s::enlieed a-- th,- aini\ 1 ai
'' a-p. m ; 'u' loi nier in->tania'.''
1 1 V. ... 'd :>^'k their Lm 'Uhii- \.\ x^ w^ :<
174 LORD GREXYll.LT':.
be the state of tiie British army, if the troop?
under Lord Wellington were to be exposed to
the same fate as those of Sir John Moore oi of
Lord Chatham ; and tliat, too, in tlie prosecu-
tion of an object, in which lie would venture to
say, no man coald possibly expect success."
*' If they were influenced by a just sense of
their country's interests, and an honest feeling
for its character and honour, their Lordships
would, in duty to themselves, to our brave troops,
and to the public, exercise their constitutional
privilege of carrying up advice to their sove-
reign, and endeavour by such seasonable inter-
ference, to arrest the imprudent and impolitic
measures of hh Majesty 's present government."
May 7, 1810. 7/t tke conversation on Earl Greifs notice
of a motion on the State of the Nation,
" The country saw, indeed, its difficulties
daily increasing. Our dangers were accumu-
lating upon lis, an<l surrounding us, from the
increasing picssure of our expenditure, and
more especially, from the imbcciiitv, rasluiess,
and folly of t!ie Kiug\s Ministers, who siicwcd
the greatest j> )iiv,!ral incapacily, ;nul absolute
ignorance of the constitution, of the principles
LOUD CUIN Vir I.L,
17
rt" whicli their very tir-'t net, tlu-ir t.'iitr;r.vi' into
I'oucr, w ;is a violation."'
rdinanj \2, ISn. In tlw Dcfxite on ilir .4'l<h;'M.
' AltiimiL:;li 111,' would williii-j^U itt'iaiii lioi)
ia\ iuu,- am thing ctu that pai t ot' lhc;u!(hc-^s
, liaii ich'.Lt-ti to Spain and Portugal. \(i i.c tcli
iii!u-c'll bouiul to >a\ that it eontaii.rd a jdcdux',
inutiaiA to the opinion he liad all alonL; cnt(.;-
Tainei!, on that subject (;l" policy ; tontrary to
tliat which he btill enti'itained, and v. hicii,
whether inconsistent svit)i tlie general sentiment
(.-r not, w licther pupnhir or unpopular, lie ^liould
hetra\' hi> dutx' U) \\\> countr\- it he did not <:-,-
t'MctK i'.\j)re>^. He liad nescr lui/aK'ed -o
ah-urd a seiitiintMit, a^ t'lat :! was not hi-hiy
i'a-ii.-hle dial all i\\\c r.s^i^fancc' ^luaild h-' i;i\eii
to the (veitiousid" tlie !id!:d)itantN ot" tla l\nin-
iiihi, in t!;e \ indication and niainlenanee ol" i iirir
Mu'epnuk nee. No rational man could doid^t,
that the i>^ue ot" that contest was not onl\
ni(>t dei'pU' lutei'e^t mu," to the fate ot the eiv-
li/ed wajild, hut al>o to the in(le[)endcncc- oTtli-
cdunlrv. Ihit tlie real tpie-tion V. a-, ' I- il
ad\ isihle- that tlie nuxle ot' as->!>tai. cc tu !>>
;i au'd h\ t hi^ count i-\ . sh' add he to iL,.k.c ,)i;; .
176 LORD GRENVILI.r:,
jiclves principals in the war, by embarking the
Avhole of our disposable force in the issue of
such a contest, -whcic our enemy could bring
the whole force of tlie continent of Europe
against us r" He did not hesitate to deliver it as
his opinion, that in a contest so unequal, the
money and resources of the country must be
expended with certain loss, for it was impossible
to expect success in such a war."
*' The independence of Portugal was indis-
solubly connected with that of Spain; and it was
impossible to defend the former, if the latter was
lost. Yet it had been said that our army was to
defend Portugal, and that, at a tim.e too, when
it was well known that our gallant army was
reduced to tlie defence merely of tlic ground
which it occupied. But with regard to Spain,
he sliould ask what we had to hope for? In the
course of the war, several opportunities had been
presented to the Spaniards to call forth and exer-
cise their energies, and effectually to resist the
French opportunities beyond the most san-
guine hopes of the most sanguine men. And
what beneficial effect had arisen from them ?
First, wlicn the troops of France were withdrawn
from the Peninsula, and marched to sustain a
condict in the uttermost parts of Geiinany, what
advantage was tlien taken of this golden oppor*
t'lnitv ? It was not his intention to enter into
I.OIU) f. iU.Wl 1 I F-
177
tiir [1.11 ticular>, lait lie only called on llicni to look
ul the result. ;\u-ain, when ih.e whole n[ tlic
iiiunen>e tui-ce of the I'leneh mi Spam w as oceu-
ij'ed >A ith the Ihiti^h aiinv when we look credit
tor -^oleK cnLi'a'_;,inL;' their attention wlien >eo[)e
was ^i\en to tlic Sj)aii;ai(i.-> t<j expaiul and ;e-
oceu[)\' ' the,r own co;inlr\, w li^eh ctmid no
hni^'ci' he oecujiied In' tiu* eiiemv, >ee w hat h.ad
t!ie\- done ! Tile i-.-ull wa>, that cwn during
ti:tt tune, the aiTiii^ of i'ranee in iwaay other
]):irt ot S]):iiii \\,id acKaucid, and (;ie\' wi'rc, at
liie i^^ue ot' that content, in a niore tavannahlc
iituation tlian at its coniuK ncemcp.t. lie d,d
not \^I^h to (K'tajn thcii' i,or(Kliips nnnecc^saiilN',
and should Ir.ietlv >,tatc, that upon a lull view (;l'
the eaini)a:u;n. the ojhuhuu he h.ad torniciU laid
on tiii^ iniportaiit MO'jeel, no {'.ir t'lon; heaii;- di>-
])io\;.d. .ipjieiicd to hlin t<' h( ( ( unplctc i\- \eii-
l;ed. 1 1 ,( n; a e lie eo;' siOi ; > ( j iik ,. iM.e, t i;e
la'i.e he ^ ;\e <-! ! iic i' i : ii i e o: 1 ne eoi . II 't'l , t ! u'
nioi-e w a>, he eonliraieu m t he ^e i;; :na n t- he iiad
hrloic ( ii(U'a\ laiK (1 to iini r. - Mjiiai their Loio-
ship-i, t hat ot '. ,( r niodcN ( .1 mi. ooei oil;- : !;e !' inu-
^uia \",o'iid h'!\e iitcMi much inoir .i.!\ .urauvMai-.
than that ol ni On nvj.- oui -I l\es 'I pri.r i ^ il in t lie.
w.ii -a mode uiipiudeut ,:i'il anpi 1 1\ ,i h i. i^r
I)i It Ol!, w I; hour heiii J,- eii'e rual'\- eo: oi.eiN e 'o
tuc :,iiru-ii> o\ lua alhc.->. l! wmn ii '' i.![>r-
. :a!_; Loin \ieA- ol' the i:i,.ttrr, tiial he i(.'.->e tv,^
178 LORD GRENVILLE.
protest against being- pledged by any words in
the address, to give fiirtlier aid by means of
a British military force, to the Spanish and
Portuguese nations.''
March 2], 1811. In the Debate on the i^^oposed conti-
nuance of the Poi'tuguese troops in Britiali pay.
*' In tlie little that had been said upon the
real question before them, there was one thing
he should particularly remark on, as this was
possibly in that House , the only opportunity
they would have of considering it, the close of
the session being near. The whole question
^vas agitated as if the assistance to be continued
were to be only of the same amount as that
voted last }ear. If he could banish from his
mind all that had taken place duiing a formei
discussion, he should imagine tliey were merely
called on at present for a renewal of their vote,
and ;is liiey then decided to give one million lo
the l^oriugurse, that all that was now projjosedj
was to keep up the same force. Would it be
cor,f'c;iv;ible i)y any n^aii, wlio heard the sj^eech
of i';i- Xoble Alar()ui^ (Marcjiiis \\'c!lesle\), that
ihv}' were now called upon for doiibic that sum '
roiif) (. iiFxvi III-:.
J 7!)
1' wa-. -^jiokcii of as a tliini;- ot' c( i;i^c. It was
,:il tlu\' \\(.rc a^l\((l to (In lUitlmiLi ii'-uc tl.aii
not to withdraw tln'ii- a^-i^taiicf. '1 Ik- (jci.-,-
'11. }io\\(.'\-c'i-, t(r tl:(ir coLsuIri at ion, was \ 1 1 \'
'i;l!ri(Ht. It wa-> not wlu. "her thcw v vvc to
cohtimu' their a-.-:s'aiicc', hut wh/tiiLi', in l]\c
^itiiat:"!! oi' thiS coiinhw i; was ^alV oi- jjoiitu-
to '.irant t\'.o niillioi:-, I'r; l!;r -app m t < 't" an
a(!'htaa!al hcdy of P.ati:ui;i-c tino|,v: Of this
ah.iiti'ai thcw W(!a t';hi iio'Jiin<4a La^t \luV
tliiw W(,i(' told (ii-^' inc! !\- w ivit WMs to h^' the
aj)j)h,cat:on of th' >u:n Noted tl:eic \\ai> ^uiwc-
thiiig hkc a ^clllbhuu r of an i^tiniate liu'v
wcic told that It wovdd he expended on a cer-
tani arni\" ot' Portnu'iie^e tro(;j)> hn! n(n\' tiie>'
weie ni^t c'\en told tiiat an ;.dditiona! nnl'doji
V.'a> wanluh slill U'-^ \'. ( le ihey t^iUl h.ov^- th.at
T,i :!h,i>n w as {<> hie d:-;;' i-e d o:. w iirtliei tlie]>'.v
. 'n h^e M's, :ra.>ed. m wla^t wa^ tiie conti.d
.a!(it 1' w iiu'i lae (Ji -!)ai >!, ir.rnt ot tliat expin-
(hliiie \'.a^ t'> he |)I,A'e(h < )i" ;dl thi;-e eiieiun-
.-tiiua-, liiev ware tdd n.wtiaaiL: tiuw weie lelL
i)i ntn r iLiihnc-.^, and tla' (, nrlu^Mai w a> eun-
itaNad {) hr i: ir->'i ddc, li'aL hreausc cne irii'-
hoii wa> Lii.nitrd onr \( i;\ it Iiceanie neee-^.iiy
.;- \ cai t't^r.int t\'. o n-iM ion-, 'liii^ ^\ sti in,
' H'nL'," .as it w a^ ['lI-i^t^l ni, wa^ hi u '\:\.\x
i'\\\\\]\- wi^ii a(a_-Mn,'a'!t imj; r.^aieii*, to
CM wia'ii ;L(ir.cd a!;n<'^t me wt:.h!c,
180 LORD GRENVILLE.
It M'as not his object to give opposition to
tills or to that particular grant ; he did not mean
to oj)|>o.se the apj)lication of this or of any other
particiila)' sum, but he gave his decided opposi-
tion to tlic wiiolc system. The situation of the
Continent, lie cod tended, was sucli, that with-
out great assistance from the natives, it was im-
possible, with any military efforts of ours on the
Continent, to resist that power which had all
Europe at command. When he stated this, it
was necessary to guard against misrepresenta-
tion. It was undoubtedly most desirable to this
country to witness and to aid in the emancipa-
tion of Europe. It was most desirable to keep
this consideration constantly in view, that the
moment might arrive when this country should
again successfully resist, and might finally over-
throw, the common enemy of Europe. But the
struggle could never be carried on by this coun-
try on the Continent single-handed. In confor-
mity to the practice of our ancestors, this coun-
try, whose chief strength lay in her navy, could
not successfully contend out of her own clement,
without powerful military co-operation on the
continent of Europe, V/hen that sul^ject v/as
first discusscdj lie had told their Lordships, that
many modes of acting were open, without com-
promising or committing tlieir army in vain ;
and tliat the lire of cor.iuct pursued, required
LORD ORFNVII.I.F.
IS
'^1 enter clloits than they wwc uhlc to (''ntiuuc.
( luloiihtcdlv, it" the <jU(.>tion M'a^, \\lKt''.(.r \[
was (Icsirahle that Spain and Portugal ^!:ouM I.v
itlicvcd tVoni the \ okc, niininii> of tiaaMiic-, and
the lives ot" lhuii?and>, couhl not he hettei' eni-
phjyed than in ^o ncjhle an und(,'^tcd^i:l:;. I'-veiy
emotion ot" tlie lieart w fnilc} proiiij^t lh lo jdmi iu
^'glorious a cau>e ; (.\c;\" tVeeinan \'/inld ii joi, c
that so ni;i|uiton^ a plan ot --uh |ii^al.on -^houltl
hr t'ru-^ti.iie(L A\'oni(l to God llial ^neh a pios-
peet exi.-.ted ! No uuhvichial v/ould more ^c-
I iou>l\- lejoiee at it than lie slionid. Ife would
not only consent tliat assi>tanee --hould beo;i\en,
hut he ^h()u!d \v\>]i that cA'cry >aerdice .should
be rnado t'oi such an ohjcet. With rci^aril to
I*ortUi;a]. i1k\- had, \\\ addition to tliai eonnnon
lielniLj;-, t!:e Iop.l;- eonnnuanci' i>\ ticatu-s, and
the stioirj^ -I ;m' ot' uiiit' d int^ p -sts lo iiiihiLnt'e
iliian. I'tit ill li;e oon->id(Tat : n ol the pohlieal
mtiTe-^t-i ot' a ^reat <iiun:i\-, it \>. a-, ii,,i nieiei\
wdiat wa-< di'^wahlc that ou_!,ht to \)c .idopteil ;
tlieir I.oi(I>hi])> \vei> hound to ((msuici- and d;.^
tciinnie, in the fh^t in^tancw wdieilic r >tiu' pro-
hahiht\- exi-^ted, that anv ollorts whuli it \v;is
po-:^ih!e to in\ke, could he ^ueer-stVd ; or whe-
ther, hy nii^u^iUL: tho-e (t]oit>, wiiuh, uudtr >i
lii'.re ^ea>onahle applicaiiou ot' tlieni, ;i!i_;!it -lu -
m], tiicv would not onl\- niakr th. i;i ii>iil;.t*e
l'\'-' iinniethatr ohjcet in \ie\".'. hut a, o eont:.-
182 LORD GRENVILLE.
bate to produce the very reverse of that which
they were intended to accomplish. It uas not
because he entertained an opinion, that tlie coun-
try should abstain from generous, if only iiscial
and possible effoits ; it was not because lie en-
tertained tlie doctrine, tliat they were not inte-
rested in tlie fate of Europe ; it was, because he
saw no hope of salvation to tha country as lons;'
as Europe remained under sul)jugati(Mi to France,
that he wished her at present carefuily to hus-
band ner resources It was not from selfish
motives that fic wioiied their Lordships to act;
it was not merely fron"> consicieracions of their
own a(]\aiitage, but from tlie most generous of
all motn ls, that tliey might at last be able to act
with effect, and, in the great cause of all na-
tions, to euiploy their whole energies with suc-
cess. l'he\' were rold that ni<rlit, that it was
proper still to conMuie their efforts ; and they
Mere told this, as if up to tliat moment these
t (forts h:i(l be cm successful. ' Look back (said
1? > LoidshV') \o b^/dln look to the sacriiices, to
tue looses wl)K I) ]vd\c. been there sustained, in
wild ar.d in;praeTicable projects, and see the situa-
tion in V. iiich Sjjain is at tiiis moment. Look
to the imnicdiatc object of lliis motion, Portu-
gal : V. \\ it ha\-e been the fruits of the operations
thcjc? AV'hai is now the state of Sprain? What
the siluatiou of Portugal' What return has
i.onn cm :\ VI i i
1S3
1;h II ina(!c to this country, what bcuc !li \vd> ->\.c
;!.\i]ic(' iVoni t!u' iiiinu'U^c c'.Ncrtlon-, that ha\ c
been inadi', the enormous .^uuis thai ha\ c ahoa.(!\-
hci'ii (.'\j)en<k'(l ill aid of that caii^c - All that
\\c ha\-c hccii toll! in aii-^wcr to this (|iu'stioii is.
that the cni'inN' lia^ imt \ci been able to acli!c\e
tlu' con(jlK'^t aiui ^ubiii^at loii ot PortUL^'al thai
thiC Dritish arniv i^ still tlKTC. \'r^, liu-llntish
.iiir,\' 1-^ ^lill thfH'; but decs it y)(is->c>s nmrt,' (,il
t I'.c ( 'ant i\ tha.n t he li,1( aiud w liirh it actually
''Ccui>ir>.' '1 hi^ !>, all that i^ held out ti; youi
Jj ''MMiips ic>|)i'Ctin_L;' the present state ot" at] a i is in
that country. As to the Inluri*. not one word has
been uttered to encourage our Iripcs, to (dictr
our prosn^'cts, to al'iord the sli^htc^t consolation
t'lr all liie etioits and s;u'ii!lee>, which ha\'e al-
uadv bci'i liUilles>I_\ leadr in puisuit ol the
s:iinf nil i; t.i.iiiMe Mbiccts. We aie not e\'(.'n
tiiid, !!ia; ,1,1 th:s niDi mons L'\p(.Tise \\ill tend to
di r^-ihi. and ulti:iiatel\- srcuia- rMrtin^al. The
oni\ reason and t iieonraLi^einent with which we
aie t'a\'ouied ill [ust ilivMt kui nt it is. that it is
hoped wc nia\ Ioul;- c<int iiine i< > inainlani tliat
narrow spoi ot L^round which <aii arin\ i'.nw
octaijjUs. Tiuis. in hazardiiiLi' our hrst nicaii.-,,
we do not essrntialK contiibutc to ludp or s:i\c'
l\)rtUL;-;d. \\'lnle we \'.iinl\- diaiii our nw n le-
R')urec-<, and I'.s'v our o\vn saUl'. thi s^^ n^.
uo cs. which, if prudently inaii.nrod. and pio-
18i LORD GRENVILLE.
vidcntiall}' laid up for a more propitious moment,
^vould not only secure, but might also be effec-
tually employed in the support and defence of
other countries. Not that in making tliese ob-
servations I would be understood by your Lord-
ships as not taking the most lively interest in
the cause of the Peninsula, and as not being as
willing as any man to make every effort and sa-
crifice in support of that cause, if, in making
sucli efforts and sacrifices, there were any fair
prospect of their not being made in vain.-
Upon this point I have been gros.dy and shame-
fully misicprcsented. Never have 1 said, never
was it in my intention to say, that the Ijiitish
empire was not dircct'.y and deeply interested
in the fate of the Peninsula 5 on tiie contrary, it
was because I liad the can.-jc of Sjxiin and Portu-
gal slnccicly an.d "warmly at h.eart, tluit I felt
anxioujj that your Lordsliips should pau^e in this
wild and mad career of thoughtless prodigality;
tliat w c sf.ould look our own situation in the
face, and learn, from tlie contemplation of it.
the nccessit}' of economising our natioiial re-
sources, not v.'itli sordid and selfish views, but
that we may be able, at a period more favourable
tlian tiie present, to lend to the cause of the na-
tions of the Peninsula, or to that cf any other
country similarly situated, that supj)()rt and
those, exertions whicii, w hen made untler all the
] OUD CIU.X VI T.I 1 .
IS,
v.:. ciiii .>t;uicc-i ot' our prrx. ii; >:; n;!i:' ii, t-,;i>i Ik;
li/und iiDt onlv w lioiU i:n;.\ ,!ii:H_;- i'^ i i;i : r>,
\/A[ liiiiliiN' iii|iin()us til > ;!! >(. \'c^.
< On tilt' wIujIc, l1). i: i' n\\ ':,' -]; a;';! 4'-. c his
(lc( idcd n(.'t;ali\c to tiu' motion, tucair^ .a (ll^-
.i['j)i(n'i'(l ol" the w lio'v' s\>tini; I)C(.'ai^,c tiiicr
l\ll.l|);ll^n^ iiad ni''ic aiul ino:c s'u'W 11 its iin-
ju-i,c\ ; l)((.'au^c cx'iM' c'm\ uIll^t.!^(e w;;s at pic-
hi'llt adWl -C to t li.' j'i ol>)i!_ it loll o! t !i(' t ' lltO^t ;
l)cr,ai-~r In' b-.i\'/ ! !,'.' -\ -u Hi ila^t('^il!g t lie coil lit ry
i .>' :ht() a LLiiiji';! of iin\-ital)lc' ruin; and hc-
can^t, alllion_;]i at no time ju~-t itlabk', it was
l)ion-iiI idnAard at a linu' j)crtc(il\' inc^'ular
and nnparl'iMnentai \ , l-.ctoit' Pai liainent had
an\ linoiniation as lo the actual :^'atr ot' the
\L -iiiifo ot till' nation, or tiivii' a(L(|nac\' to no
hi!_c an aduilional cxpcnthtuiw"
Jaiiuani 7, \^\2. Iii (If O'l^'itr nn Otr ./(/-//(.
" Considkiiiig' the etitical el^^um^t:lnee^ ol"
ihr times. ;ind the present alamiing- ->tate ot' the
i'ountr\-, lie would have hetu happy il' ll;e Ad-
dress j)ropo>ed to the Ilou^e had h(( 11 >n woidrd
lis to jUMrure mianinuts. on tin j)reM nt <iiy
at least ; \et he did not t'eel >ui-,'ri-ed thai -ludi
;d luji heen the ease, Vvhen he lellceied, that
186 LOUD GREKVILLE.
the framers of tJie sj)cech were tlic very men
who, by their obstinate blindness, liad brought
the country to the brink of ruin; and who, in
the midst of the distresses -hey themselves liad
oecasioned, still held the same flattering and
fallacious language/'
" No outline of intended measures, no view
of future proceediiigs, had been submitted to
their Lordsliips, and yet they were called upon
to pledge themselves, for the continuance of a
system, which had brought the country to
the present alarming situation. He would give
no such pledge. He vrould not indeed move
an amendment to the Address; but he would
protest most solemrly against giving such a
pledge, lie would protest against a continuance
of those measures, which had brought such
calamities on the country , calamities so real and
so momentous, that they must soon press them-
selves, with irresistible force on their Lordships'
attention, whether or not they were willing to
give them tlie consideration they deserved.
People might chuse to close their e^es, but the
force of truth must dispel the wilful blindness;
they might chuse to shut their ears, but the
voice of a suifering nation nuist sooner or later
be heard. lie still retained his objections to
every part of the system he had so often con-
demned; he still deprecated that wanton ^va5tc
loiio (.rvrNviiM
]S7
nl iiioiu'V, aiul ot' all tiic j)iil)lu' n m)iii-;'('<, when
It \\.,> nmu' m'cc^^aiA' tliaii twr to iii;>ha:ui
t;;cin \uili the most ]>i\)\klc'iil caic."
.V'(</^.^^; .;0, ISl :._/ //., Dtl^itc on lhc.!'l<lrc^s.
' lie (Ka-lai'cd Ic \'i'uM ]'>' ^lii'iil. tVnm the
( jMi.!' '11 h,e i;a( i !>.:.: :;.:, \ c v pie-^. d i 'li tile -uh-
je. t nf ihe \v;.! i,. S;i,i,! ."
' A\ h. 11 \'v e tiis! te'-a(;-('l 111 the Peiun^ii-
lar war, the (jiiestioii w a^ not what il was at
]): -(pj, il \eas not then a^ at [)re>eiit. a ([ue.s-
tioii ill w iiieh ail j-'uiope w .is eoiuaaiud and
e e 'j: I '.;''< 1 ; t'>r tiien. all th.e arniXT ot" Ihiropc
\\o,c I >\ li.iil 1)1(11 la!el\ enL';a'_;eci aie!in>t this
(oiin; r\ . ]'-; l' a o nii m -' ei ^ cniljai i^i. cl in the lani-
tr-', tjtcrc t"i>ic. a^ l!:,(l been |ii^!l\' -tated hy
the iio!)!o ,Mi:,|iii-> |^Mal(|nl^ \\\ lie^!e\\ ihi'V
(ai'j.]it to ]!a\-e a--ked 1 hciii-i h.a > w liat was ilie
(letliiiti' ohjeet tli( \- iiad in \-ie\v, and what w cie
the niean> of at taiiii.iL:; it. ()iil\ oiu' ohjeel \sas
|)lo^e^-ul. aed that w.:s. iho to'al exein-^ion ol
tlie I'li'iudi lioni the Peiensnla; and wnliunL
hi'iiL;- a Ji)-tn>-t a.^Mired of adecjiiate ineaii.> t'l
eh(,( t that purpose, it wa^ (and and ha-e to
'Muh.nk tlie [xjpnlation ol" a enuntrx m so iidpe-
-^ .1 eauH'. nierel\- I'or the sake (d" a little lein-
188 LORD GRENVILLE.
porary advantage. But Fiance bad originally
military possession of the country; and was it
reasonable, or at all feasible, to expect at the
outset, that her vast power could be over-mas-
tered by the single efforts of the military means
and resources of this country? He therefore
contended, tliat v> hen the war commenced, he
was justitied in holding the opinion that there
was no chance of any favourable result from the
intervention of the arms of Great Britain, or any
aid we could afford the Spanish nation. At no
period could our means be considered adequate
to the contemplation of such an enterprize. How
then could they have been reckoned sufficient,
when France posscss'xl the whole resources of
the Continent, and wielded the arms of Europe
in alliance with her own ? Whatever, therefore,
chance might since have produced, he con-
tended, that the deliverance of Spain, in the
view of a statesman, was originally beyond the
utmost means of this country; and that this po-
sition had been since established by experience.'*
' The ministry had not yet advanced one
st{ [) in the accomplishment of their object in the
Spanish war; ^\ liy then should he be ashamed
to avow his Jbriner opinion, when this third ad-
vance into the interior of Spain liad by its
failure proved the correctness of the data on
which that opinion was Ibundcd. Nor must the
l.ORIJ GRLN V 1 I l.i:.
\^J
noiti I'.ail (tlu' Kail of LivcijiooO, think iliat lie
ii ;(i ,iii>.u ( uil li> IK) Me iV If 11(1 w in' 11 Ik- NtaU-ii []\c
i;u;iil>iT ot <iui n(>(;j>> on liic CoiiI iiu'i' t. oi' w iirii
he mad'-' a l)t).".>t ol" liaviiiLi' dclut'icil .\Iuia!ll^la
t'l. )in liu' rrc'iul). Tiii^ WaS an empty bea^t;
lor no one believed I hat the release \va> nioie
than tt:nj)()r;ir_\ , and that tiie lien^li army
lould not i"e-(ncii[)\ the j!ii)\!nec \vhene\a.r tlu \'
j)kM^ed."
" It wa- the want of mean.';, tlie faihiie of >up-
]he^ and le-nneo. and iicjt dl^:lj>j)OInt ment in
e.\j)eeti(l co-operation on the part of the !Spa-
nutiil-) (a I'.opi' and expectation now clieribh.ed
l"or the fiftieth time, and ;i.-> often pro'\-ed ab(^i-
t:\e), which had k'd to the unp;odi;cti\'e re^nlt
of all th.e-^e exertions. 'lT,e bkime (hd n</l hiC
\<.'ith tile SpaniaicL';, but with those \sdio en-
eouraircd hojx, -. wireli ilicy had no ri^iit to
eiitt 1 t.iii;. dhe !iuti' w.',-. t'ic >pani;ii(i^ weic
]!o! po->('-oe(i ot" tiic i;;:Jerial> loi- tiiis eo-opeia-
tion; and tlie fault w..'^ \\'.:h i!ie noble J'.aii and
1,15 frieiuhs the laiu'ti.J.! mini,.ter-. wlio in th.cir
ignoianee o\-er-rat.d ihe c(jiui'i ii)n of Spain, anii
antu'ipatcd niore licm lici- llian >:ie \\.>. oi
<oui(l b\' po>sM)dit\ b/ able to perhum. ^\^'r('
lie in the nobk' I'll'.'.- i'.i'a'ion, b,e xvould ra'iai-
crnK's; the ma<k'^ill;c^ of h's polic\. i!;';:. > o':;e
b>rwaul aiul .-iLiy la the end of the \ ;:ai, ( d.ai '
lijO LORD GBENVILLE.
v\-e expected sucji tilings; but we have been dls
appointed.'"
" Wi li regard f .i -^.in, ministers were always
too late ; and the noble Earl was obliged to recur
to his last and usual delence the abuse of his
ageii:, vhom he charged witli the failure of the
co-operation from Sicily, which was expected
by Lord Weil!::gion. As usual, they sent the
force when ljo late to be of any service. Tliere
v/as another point on which he expected some
explanation. He expected to ])e informed, why
ministers, with a revenue of one hundred and
five .:: ;: ".5^, or n:iorc, by estimate, extorted
by means most grinding and oppressive upon a
suffcriug people, were yet in a situation to con-
fess their inability to supj)ly the military chest
of Lord Wclllugton. The difiiculty, however,
did not arise from the deficient resources of the
country, much as they bad been drained, but
must be tiaccd to the noble Earl's real inef-
ficiency, and to that of his colleagues. They
mi:,ht d minis]] hy one half" the incon;e of every
indiv:(i,ial ii^. thi- ountry, with as little eifect
or pi'()!ni>c of ulfin.ate success, as h.;id uttended
tlicm in iho c p' n nd >[)e u'ation--, v\T,ich led
thi-.ii I.: CM (iil.i.c >; ^ ; c ..nd .i(hi derated cnr.reney
in j)'.|(!-, niui ill (m;;i, thioiiiiJKfat f!ie nation.
^Vi(i. M.cl; Jiiui he ,; I!-. cHeel,>>; why not tij.ei.*
lOKD GKF.NVILl.L.
i'jy
ratliiT ,sti"[) at liii-. moiiu'iit the contc-^t in
Spa li ;'
' A^ li!> M::ic^t\\ n^.^i-tl'^^ l;,ul \\'>i iiku!;'
v\i!HcH.'!ll (ii>C'l(.-AlH.'-. he (i:i! not \\ l-vh Id ])li.'^S
llicin a' jTc-riit, with le^pcet lo our eoiiiicxinn^
with Su'i. il(.'ii. lUit he iiiiist >a\-, ihat in hi>
cjiiiKon, much ni!L;'ut h.ave been done tlieii-,
ahh(niL'h hltie had hec n dieeieih'"
^.,'.,n!nr 1. 1-^1.;. //; //.r Dihntc <,)i tlu- .hhli;>y
'' The eri-:^ i> now :nii\-c(i, when the ni!i;-ii!y
objtet. to wlueii our wishes lia\'e hem >o loii^-
and -lO [a!hiiih\- (hrceled, i: ne;ii :l> aeeoniph^!',-
iiiei;^"'
" We t^L^ht i'l ih.it \eh'. h \' < all .h^'iig
{)roll -- d l-; hah: h : ,. ; ..r,M t; ,i I i;al ihi \\ ha^di
wi ail ah;;i:;' hi a- ad thai \'.\' ;aun.'(. we ha\'e
man,! I, lied loi.' ownU-t lor thaa-^e oi^oi N I'or
Avh: !: we ah^v.l\- cK\aa:od \" e maintaiued i! ,
\;z. a- 'i'.e on;\- pi. vd^a. Mode, oi a-.-a it ma'"
tha I la 'a pei'ich nee tit othvi .lat(-, ;nid li,rou^-'n
t.an iiu'a , .( ra.'i. ra.e, Mipj)(ai [uir (,nr ( ;\' n. 'J'iie
i"'!:Mi ha^ 11'. a aiia.id. v'.hcn .dd laio'pe, wi'h.
' ;'! ; I "th oh uui a^^t,a ti 'U ;
'-'. li'aii !l ij'_ Jiahad ]al,e, \(t, v.a'.h ta
-f ih
it \v:u I,"', la f''o J ,i.- lua
192 LORD GRENVIL;.E.
the fall accomplishment of our great and bene-
volent design."
" It has been to us long manifest, that it was
only by continued resistance; by the sacrifice of
all partial views and interests; by a determina-
tion to pursue just measures and common ob-
jects, that the mighty fabric of French power
(that had been long augmented by the ruins of
neighbouring states), was to be demolished,
and reduced to such limits, as were consistent
with the security and tranquillity of the other
kingdoms of Europe."
" I offer up my h.uniblc thanks, with humble
gratitude to the Supreme Disposer of events,
that after so long a ])criod, he has permitted me
to behold mv native land in such a commandina:
situation as to be able again to pursue that
which ought to be the only legitimate object of
foreign policy I mean, the establishment and
preservation of a balance of power in Eu-
rope."
'' If we may now hope to resume that influ-
ence on the Continent which we formerly en-
joyeil, to which the struggle of Great Britain
long almost singly maintained, to wliich the
powerful assistance she has aftbrded to the com-
mon cause, to which the uprightness and disin-
terestedness of her motives entitles her, we may
vvith gratifying, but not arrogant self-compla-
LOUD GREN-VILI 1
15)3
rciii'c, (li>cli:irgt' tlio>c diitit'^, uliicii, w tii!c tiicy
jUdiiioto aiul Seville the j)eiinanciit iiUeie-^ts ot
our ()\vi\ eouiitrw are not less conduce a' tu t!ie
general weltaie aiul piosperiiN ol' Coiilmcutal
I'.ill')j)C'.''
" I)C assured, mv IjM'.Is, of tliis (I nnjie you
.>rc already as.^ureil ot' it), that thtie i-5 tor tlii:.
country no separate sat'ety, no si priiate ptaee.
There !.-> ncithier salel\- nor peaee tor I'.r.^hmd,
!>Mt witli the ^aiety and peace ot" Ivarope. As
tor eontinental Kurope, it is e(piany tie.e, t'.iat an
ir.d;,>sohd)lc uni(jn, a lirm eonledeiation, in e(jn-
jiinctirni witli this conntry, can c)n!y secure lor
all, li!)eit}-, tranquillity, and happiness; e;in only
(jl)tain jieace, nov/ a!nlo.^t bevond the nv^'Uiui v ot"
I;\-:iil:,- man. 'l\\c plain duty oi" thii country,
p'i.:(!nL;' il^ tiu-t in i'i;.\'idcnee, ;^ to iuipr ive, l)y
e\(:\- poi-i!de vwiiuiu, t;ic In :_;ht pio-pe^t that
lu - i'e;i,ieu>; \v\l\\ the enei i;;e.^ ot Ciieat I^MtaiU
<;u!\ apphed, uitnnate -lucoesi^ n\::\ be 'jonlidently
anru;ij)ated. \\ v nia}' nf)\\ look loi\\'uiai lo the
speedy acco'nipii>hnienl (/i'that i^Teit jjuip(oe, i'ur
the attainment ot" which \'.e have :;iiLaa\ sacii-
lieed, p rl(;,n;ed, and endmed so ir.Uvh; and tor
winch u c aie still ready lo saciilice, peitoiu],
und eiKiuic.'
( 194 )
EARL GREY.
Jpril 2\, 1809. On moving an Address to His Majesty-;
on the Cmnpaign in Sjjain and PorlugaL
"' It cannot be necessary to recall to the re-
collection of the House, the universal sentiment
that prevailed on the hrst nev/s of the resistance
of the people of Spain, to an usurpation which,
whether on account of the violence and in-
justice of the act itself, or the fraud and perfidy
with which, it was acjompanied, it is impossibh':
adc([uatcly to describe. The sensation was unt-
veisal; one spirit broke forth, without distinc-
tion of ra!ik or party; and, what was far more
calculated to insure the advantage of our assist-
anee, was, that all the generous sympathies ol
liiC nation, that love of liberty, hatred of oi}-
pvc.-^sion, a sense of the blessings \vc enjoy, and
a f(j)ccait of the struggles wc might have to
niL'.scuc tlicm, consj)ire(l t(; excite in the
bi'Ca'.t> Oi Ihiglishmcn those feelings, v/hicli
I trust we never -.hr.l: v/ant when the coijtest is
het"vvee:i _iu:;t:ee, liiv'di^ni, and pul^hc nulcpen-
ticrce :)n tlu; ..ue sideband the higlie-*.: degree of
^.liOvity and w^pj)ression on the oilier. Accor-
1 \ f;i (, \:i',y .
].''
. 'luiv, tlic lrclinL;> (il tliccouiitu in raxiuiiof
^ijM'iii Wire uiii\'U'>;(l, and the vn::\- (>t" mddo-
-;li')ii f.Mxnl. A liberal iiuluLnncc \. i^ '_;i\i'ii
' Illlin^r;;! ^ of \\\]d[ t!h'\- picand to (i; i ' :,i : ,( ! .
-\li was '_;iwn liiaL tin \ a^kl(! I'nr, i.iiMrr llat
iT-j)()!i >ilMlir\ wliic-h at;ac!K(I Id tliciii C'l ti.c
fr;;th <;!' I'lic sratcMi'.ciit tluv he M t'lnii to liir
J)iiM:i'. and loi tla- ^ulid'tx I'l" \\.r ^!i>an(i- ''"
' iii'-li ll'ivy artcd. l/ndiT ti.at, re -:>< m-i ii: I ' ; \-,
' vriy iImI'u- \'.-.;> ij.-Ianttal \\,V ! ] a' Mij. ;';!. nl" li .t
I l^llt(_ol;^ cauM-, m \\!)i;li I'nc tavaii'iA- h .d ^D
rnlliu^ia-t:call\ lanb.iikcd. 'I'lit; (!a\' i- r.>>\\'
(ODic, wlicw we aic hmiiid to ;'.^k, in |n^t:'--j
to (jnr>( l\c--, and tiic conntiw wiiaf" '':n;i> ii:.\;'
')ian di'iiwd troni lho>c ad\"aii!au\'> watli \\d.: .ii
niai.>tu> >i.L ont ui i,ii_' can^c ol Si;a,i:. It .s
n')\\ \() !,) slif)\\n, ilia! wlia.: ',. a-. L;r.!i:tt.d i.'.^--
; il!\-. :ia> lircai (nij)ai\ ai ^'. !--v.\, :.\]<'\ \\.;n ;i
\ i'4' Ui I lo] I' a I M male to t:.a n; ..L^aut i.di' i ! 'h'j trn- *.
\\\ li,i\a' a ii_;lil to (.\j)c'c! t;oni nmn-tci's tin- --
lii'st, t(j ^'i',o\v ns tiK'\ liad ^uMitarn! and -!od-l';c-
tor\ mtoi niation, t'ju-, :i;\ iiiMn in tin- li au ,
t!ic\ iuld (lul to n^ to aid t iu' It >: -lant v' crihc
S|)ani-ii lialion -t\'"ndl\a i a.'.t lia\ 'n'.-,- ; ii..t ini'. a -
]i:alioa, and l)t an:'; aldi to -!a)\\' tla.' i.';un;a!-. r;]
h;c;; ; iu'\' achal \\a |-.' ^: )1 id. Ina; lia ; n:.,:-a;(T
'TO pi I /[a )i til an d t' I : ia. Uid, and t , il '!a v ,: ;. d
-til t . I 'J ' . til :; a;. -^. j i; ()!). m; It nda. ai'i i >-.in' aaa.'
1 '. a. 1 di :.[ n ;v ri:ii-^-d v. n n ;.,.va:--
1C)6 EARL GPvEY.
disposition to undervalue the resources of the
country. Even after all our losses, after the
losses of the last campaign, great as they were
in hlood and treasure, in character and honour,
even after those losses, I am persuaded, and I use
110 vain boast M'hcn I say it, that under an ad-
niinistrationof prudence and wisdom^the country
is possessed of ample means to bring the contest
in which it is engaged to an honourable termina-
tion. I trust 1 shall not be thought to talk the
language of despondency, when I say, that
in order to maintain the ultimate contest which
is to decide for ever thi^ power and independence
of the country, the true policy of those who
govern it must be, to pay a strict attention to
economy, to be actuated by a determination to
concentrate your means, not to engage them in
any enterprise or speculation, of which the
event is doubtfal, but, to pursue the economical
system of husbanding your resources, by which
alone yru will enable yourselves to continue the
coi.ttst., tiie cessation of which does not depend
on }cii, but upon the injustice of your enemv^
1 rcnu'tnijcr this policy so Vv'cll expressed in this
senliaiL'ut of a cclcljratcd poet -
' DuKitc, td vosuiet TL'tus serrate sccundh."
was niuc'i! ficridcd on a foi'iucr occasion ; but,
n(;i\vit;!' rauding the ri(l:cuic^\ liicli was thrown
oTi it, i think the counti v will one dav know
EARL GRF. \ .
lio'A' to appreciate the s}'5tcm which \va>> steadily
pui>uc(l and acted upon by the lu'^t achninistra-
tlwll. "
I ha\i' ah'cadv said, it was not a >ufldeii
ehulhtion t!iat shindd have led us to depart tVoni
tho^e piiiici[)!es of economy I have so ol'tcn re-
coninicii(le(L J I is .Majesty's nrmi>tci> shcuild
ha\"e been sati.'^tieci, not oiilv of the exi>tence ul'
a proper s[)int in tlie i)coj^!c, hut that there was
a L:o\-cniinciit in lliat coimtrv v. hicli had ac-
tpiircd a Miil'u'icnt authority to give it the neccs-
>ar\ (. !ier'j,\-. It" neither of these thing'> existed,
or it' the one exi^tt'd without the other, it was
the very acme ol" ma(hie^s in hi^ Maje^ty'^ mini-
sters, under ^uch eircum^fances, to lavi>h as
they ha\e done tlie re-^ources of the countrv.
It there was a ^jjirit in th,c pe<i{)lc, though act-
ing imdci' the (ri^;;dv.inta<_!,-( ot' not ha\dng a
pro[)fr -jciit ni the g' \ernnieiit, 1 do not ^av,
that aN-^istancc ,>iiould ha\c been w holly \\ith-
held, hut \\v certainly ^hoidd not have bcnt
an arni\- wlure we had not the nece^^ary
n;can^ to afVnr^l ^upplic> lu that arm\', or et-
tl-ctual a^sibtancc to tho^e it was intended to
])!otcot."'
" What a contract docs tlic conduct of 1;;^
^hli(^t\^ jniniMc;^ atl'Mni, to that of the- c.^w-
^unlnlate general who>i' plans Umjv had to op-
p- >->c I) ) \ on e\'er he.ir nf lUcmap ii tc :c,)ji init-
iii ' Maiihal Ncv to iv)nin;aud an a:nr, and in
198 EARL GREY.
the midst of an action sending General Soult to *
supersede him, and tlien sending JMassena, or some
odier general to supersede him? No; you liave
seen iiow diflerenlly he acts. You have seen how
the moment affairs took an unfavourable turn, lie
kept his army behind the Ebro, where it might
defy attack, and wait for reinforcements. You find
liim, as soon as his picparations are ready, caiay-
ing on one great and simuitaiieous operation.
Whoever speaks of him. it is not possible he
sliouhl speak of him witi^iout admiring him for
Ifis fneat abilities, whatever mav be thoiight of
his character in (Hher respects. In rapidity of
exvcu''. ' 11, ;:e is onh^ conalled by his patience in
preparing liie means. IJe has all the opposite
qupJities of Fabius aiui IMarcellus; wliether you
consider the country in which lie acts, the
pet)ple Vvdth whom he lias to contend, or the
means by which he is to subdue them. He
ii\'als Hannibal in the application of the means,
antl is exempt from his only I'ault, that of not
in)]n()viiu.; bv past expoiience,"
' His Alajcsty's minisieis on the l()th of De-
cember, tiiought proper to advise Ids JMajcsty
to is-Mie tluit ceieliiated })r()elamation, which
])!edged ii''.^ ^J;i)es*y to the nr.iversal Spanish
nation, wii.c'i Ixjurid tins coiiritiy to ;i cause,
Vvhicli, acc'()r(hng to evei'\" ini't.^ mation, was at
the time actually hoj)c!v>-. i am ready to
ad nut, that it uoidd je the inieiest of tlii>,
EARL C.KLV.
1j9
' rn;itr\', as it lml^t ijc its dispo^iiidn, to ni;iin-
'.ill tilt' i'aii.>c ot" tin,' iii(li'j)CiuJtn(.r oi' Spam,
.> ioii'^ .i'5 there coiiltl be aiiv ica^oiiabU t \j)cc-
f.iti'MlOl' ^UCC"t'5.S. Dut 1 CaiHK 1 1 bu t (1 1 -^a] 'J > It )\ c
"t" tili^ i.';ratinl(aiN |)!c(bj,'e, solcinuK' pioclamud tu
'be worhb iiiulcr mucIi circumstances a [)leilL!,c
bicii coiiid not be ot an\ ^e^vlec to Spain,
i:i(l iniu'ht be ot" (()n.>.i(lci'able ineonx cniencc
'o tiii^ coiiiil r\ . '
' '[\\r nu-.tii^ ])ro\ idt'tl bv I'liciiiaparte tor tlie
> '' ';rij)l.-lin,( i.l iii b:^ jai; p'ix.^, aic ^o well
':;.l);i!(.(l, and bi> objects -'j abl} j)i'osecuted,
,,.-, ue;,ei.td\- to !i,ive biiu a nini;il eeitaint\- ot"
Micce-,- ; and \\bate\er nuu' be tliouglit of his
total disreij^aici ot" the justice ot' iIionc objects.
It I-. nnpoNsiiilc not to admire the abilit\" and
wisdom \'vit!\ wdiich he eondjinc^ the nlean^ ol"
aeconij'hdiinL!,- thriu. A jun-^on hi_L;h in od'icc
I'a-. ill :'.nother phice, m ad\ei ' iiil:.- to tlll^ >nb-
.'. itii a \ ;ew to ^licw that toi'une i;ki\ 1)0
,'iitrolled i)\ wi>i' eoiiibiiiutioii^, and |'ei^e\c r-
ng >j)ir!t. apjfhcd to it the eelel)rat(.-d (juolation ;
XidiU-n num< ". i.i'nt -^ ,.7 I'ru.:\'.:. .,>:!::
' X'j^ ti.i.i':cU- , I'jitnau, J >, mii ^(f,' '^:<t i.n iiriUi .'
" rjUonapail(^ niiL'Ji', lln(ple-^tle,:labl^^ with
lie L!Te;iU -t iu>t iee, .-i'l'lv thiN cpiotat ion to linn-
! it', lie IS >aid to he Mipei --t It i( ui-^. to u-l\ < ii hi-.
;Iune. and to jdaec contidenee ni hi^ -lai; bnl,
200 EARL GIILY.
whatever may be his disposition or his feehngs
in these respects, he never neglects to provide
all the means thcU possibly can contribute to
insure success. It is not with him as with his
JViajesty's IVhnisters. He never enters into an
enterprise without any calculation of conse-
quences ; he never exposes his fortune to risk,
or the desperate chance of a distant possibility
of success."
January 23, 1810 i the Debate on the Address.
" The Noble Earl (Ilarrowby) who spoke first,
on the other side, was pleased to amuse himself
ivith sarcasms upon the former administration;
and in aiiswcr to the objection, that no effectual
diversion was made in favour of Austria, it w as
said, that no such (hversion on a prior occasion
had been resorted to in the case of Russia."
" lie was not surprised that Ministers resorted
to such a flimsy and miserable expedient, indulg-
ing tiic hope, that by directing the aU^^ntion of
tlic House to otlxr t('pic's, tlicy would render
it Ic..^ IK ces.rir} to occupy tliemseUcs in the
diilicult tiisk of tlicir own defence. He was
fully sati.-,fi'.(l, tliai the conduct of those with
whom he had the honour to act at the period
i:aui. (iRiv.
cm
.lliulid to, was hr-t c:tl.'al.itC(l t(, prrMiiotc tin;
!:;*i-:(>t iiiul wt'.taro (jt' tlic rc)niiti\. W h.ir Lncl
li !>;-on r It was to iiu^l).ir.(l tlu' ii ^ouicr- nt liic
.s',i*(, that at a tiiiK- wiiiii ll.ry sliouul lu' iiiObL
\\ai.t(<l, tliCN' iinuht, be ;i(k(]i;ati 1 \ and ail\a;i-
tagcoiislv cinpluvcd for the j)U!tlic ,>ccuiit\."
' \\'as there not suilieien; L'.'i'ound loi' .^u->-
])'k ion ot" tiie litnt'-^ ei' .Mlnl^tl'l^ to (h^jo^e ol"
the I'lieesor the nation, alter lhi(^ leneatcd e;'.Ia-
nalic-- \' e iiad t \[)t la iic^ e - ( oiini if he niani-
l,.iii( d that t lie I liai-e >tioe, ,d iif)r < , i upon t !iObC
]\Iiiii>*erN u ho had so lnl^u-^c d laii Im ,>l fe^oLU'ees
\\} nioiicx' and m live^, and wlio waac iindei ^tood
to he now sMKhiiL;,' ont tVi sh ai maincait > on phin>
('f|nal!\' inc le-is and \\^a^tetni - ()n^ht not the
lIoLi.-e to dein.'rnd intoi ination tVom sueli ntiiiis-
ti r>, a> to the actual -.tatc of our aiiny at hoini',
in order to s(a' the tnll extent ol" oiir e\aK, ami
tlie |).-^ihle (hin<:;ei- to which a career oi' errors
ir/'U-lil snhicet u.> :"
202 lilAKL GKE^.
Mcuj 7) 1810. On gicing nolifc of a motion jur an
Jddrcss 1.0 Jlis ?i'I(iJsf\j on the State of the Couutnj.
" Our situation was, nuiccd, such as must
make it (k.^il:lb!c to gl\c support to tlic (iovern-
niciit uucl Coiisliiution ot" the country, which
were at present placed in a situation of singular
danger. But it was far from liis intention to
add to the evils of the connti'}' by rahying
round, as it was called, or joining with the pre-
sent administration, whieli was so mainly the
cause of our existing dangers. Notwithstand-
ing that report hail been pretty generally, lie
lioped not mahciously, circulated, he took that
opportunity to state to th.e House and tlie pub-
lic, tliat it was xcry fdv from any intention
entertained by him. On the contiary, lie felt it
to be his dut}^ to arraign and to expose their gross
mismanagement, and repeated and dangerous
misconduct, to Parliament, and to the nation.
To rally round tliem, entered not into his mind:
hut he would rally round the Parliament and
the Constitution. From the commencement of
their ])o\\'er; ihe King's present ministers had
continued to act woise and worse. They lived
merely on a nfiserable set of shifts and expe-
dients, calculated onl\- to meet or elude the
passing events of the houi', but totally without
r.AKi c;nr\'.
.M.J
iM.iii or tl'.>L:;i. (.)! an\' M'ttiid -\Nt(in Ih'Ii! t iii'j,
iicii Nitii.iliDii. and te-iuiiiiL:,- id tiu' Mi\icc;ni(l
lir.u'li: I ii liK'cri)\\n, oiot liic coimtiA a l hi i _:,(,.
A:-i- Ijiiii^iDL; I ht.Ill^cl\c^ and llic ^.t.ur, l>y
i:i'ir i)\vn gI<^^ lui^cond'act. ii.to I he ii,u-aU--l
(hiiicuil ii;i and (htiiucis, t ht'N \ aini\-, weakly, a nil
i.:-'!ii\- ihiHi'^lil thei!iic-i\ c> ai)lL' t') (.'nccuiiilci ail
tia' pcrih-. Ill the ^torni, wilhoul charl or roin-
]) I---. <i! iiuidi. 1- Id liirccl tlicni. '1 hc'\ did notlnn:^
\'i naiaAc or a\vit danuci ^, m th !i1l!' f > ) pacif \ ,
a >; i 111^^- (. ( .MiiiiaaU' U.c n.nul oi thi' jtuhlic.
At <>;,( t iia.i' the \' >! laiui'd ll:c- powcidt' (ii)\cv\\-
nuiit lH\(M!d It^ pitcJi. and al anotiua' lha\-
i'\j)i^((l tlic tVaiiiC of tlic ( 'onNlilution to the
;J,IX'at(^l (hiiiuTr. TlicA c'xhdjitc'd ii\ iha'ir roun-
rh^ and condu'.'t a niixtmi' of wralsra"i> ai'al
r,idino>>, ol' i'j,uora:ua' and \ inU ncr. In cxcrv
|ail)lic act, thc\ onl\ triahai tailhcT tu i'i]i,T,d
a::d l<> di^L'.u^ tin- pahhr iniiid. \m nam cnw d
hnilx ii[)iai lia' st.tr ol (an alhuis nndri' tluar
ni!-.iiiana^rtiu i; t, \^lIhol|t pai t uapatni^" ui tiu-
anxatu's, and hcai's. iiiid indiLiiiatam \\ Inch 1 a
Ihlt I'll the -nh|(a-t. W inic !;a sa\\- tha nacr-. :tv
ha I*ai h.LaaaiL tahinu- tho >ni)aa't nit'i llua'
nio ' siia)n>, con^idriat ion. ha' nni-it -a\. tli.!
nnlr^- raihiniiait waif tioK' nr.pri's-ed \'itii a
'iaap sin>,r ol t!a' dnti(> th('\ wcic ^d nr-ia.iA
* '-U i\ npoii to |)( 1 torm. he lah lil ' 'u i ^ j-a oi
' a.!ahiua tiuni an\ tlViat thai ia' l- idd ];.ah(.\
204 EARL GREV.
even though supported by the powerful aid of
his noble friend sitting by him (Lord Grenville),
to whose integrity, talents, and wisdom, as well
as those of other noble persons, who entertained
similar public principles and views, for saving
the country from its dangers, and procuring for
it future benefits, tlie nation must look up."
June IS, IS 10. On moving an Address to his Majesty on
the State of the Nation.
" If I could assure n-yself that it was your
conscientious and deliberate conviction, that the
composition of the pi-escnt Administration was
such as the exigencies of the times demanded ;
that it discovered no signs of deficiency in the
wisdom and energy so imperatively required by
the nature of public events ; that the measures
of the (rovernmcnt had been only counteracted
by such obstacles as human prudence could nei-
ther foresee nor control ; believe me. my Lords,
under that persuasion, I should not on this day
have ventured to importune you with any pro-
position of mine. I could not h.ope to be suc-
cessful in such a course ; and with so man}' and
such strong reasons forbidding the attempt, I
should only be disposed to question the sound-
FARL GKKV.
': 5
lie tS ;.)f iiu' ou n judi^-uK'nr. iUit I caiiiii l ji;*.-
N u:l iionii ni\ sell' to lluiik. t;;;it ^iicii au' (itlicr
tiic ojiwiioiis or the ti.'c'lniL;"s <>i \(jt:r 1. >i i! >!wis.
It \\(ili1i1 ill hrc'onic !iu', iiuici-tl it \',,>ul(i hr iii-
c )ii>ii>tcTit with ;i diu' ic-^piTl toi tiu^ IIuum.',
WLVV I to suppoM', th>it in \\\c \;ni()U> ili-eus-
sioiKs whiich hiivv t:il^c'!i j)1;k'c' miu\' Pai haiiit r.l
wa> aSM'ir.hlcd, liic N'otes ot vour J.ord-l.; j'-,
^\^.ll' not L'lMii ill tlir hchiM, tha" \ ou w u r d.--
ciMi'j.iiiijj tile (Uit\' \<'U o\-.td t'l \' ui;- caainl I . in
till' iia)-t coil- eu ntious inaiuuM. I la.ii, i.;i\\'-
cwT, i'a,i!\- co]:^-ri\\\ tha.', in;jac's->cd witli a
-ciise of thf jji. lil ct' 1 iR' tiiin.->, a-jjoailnl hy tlic
imiribcric- > ;j;(1 [)C'i])a.'\inL;' (hithei.'.:;c-> oi' thv-
cniinrrw main ol" \ (;i!r I.o; ': ':[;-, waic ia.d'iciKad
\)\ a -tiMiiL^' aM['i\ aua; -aai. til it an i :j>j.''<m U' cmi-
ihna 'o tlial \ on jii; -::e>h ii.';^' .t i. -a ;d. ^.d''y
Il;'li t 'pi \- a'.:i ai7u::\'.i^. th. ('.:-'.. - c-^ ol' i!k' . ni-
]::'(; th.it \ ' >ti (h( ..ti^ d ie^t i iia d n: ;. is ii, wdiich
\\c wwc ]i:\'>lvvt\ i;;i;;-'.t ho ;.:i.::.U'iru d in thcir
extent, aiai aiiad'.a.Ltcd !:i t:;ci/ c ih'.'ii' ;i>n-> i.-
iidts, h\ .[] a n '.ideal d;:iaj'[)ioha! M ai oj' ti;.'
lata'.-iiie^ ! v ' \ c i nnu !i1 . ;is ir.iL'at lead, at .
Jiiia.u'Ht hhe l..- ia^seiil, lO n i-'\\:\]\[sc m l".-
eoiiiieii^ (d' lie' ^alv' ; aiai f e:^!! i.aja'in'' ti,,'
!iiL iiwineiice ol -laai 'i.vha.a-' iiaiiead \'ai i'-
"uppDii nu.t^ie -a d: .:a 1 1 . L'^n'i.d el..:i .'.e'l r
'^d t d V. t { i w :,,ci. \ ai 'add imI iaiva d( i i\ ( d
.' tell i.vli _a u.,;i] \d) d. a;" -. ;i' '" -i, :; die exjs-
C!0() EARL GREY.
tcnceofan influence sue)] as I have described,
]}()\\' else shall we be able to account (except on
SiTounds which I should indeed be most unwil-
ling to impute to your Lordships) for the extra-
ordinary ap()earances exhiiiited during the ses-
sion, now drawing so near its close? How else
sliall we account lor the continued existence of
an Administratioii, so generally leprobated, so
lost to all public conhdence, so degraded in the
estimation of the country, that although within
tliese walls they have met a general support suf-
ficient to rnaiutaia them in office, yet it is
scarcely ])os-.ll)ie in any other ])lace to nKet an
intlividual, and certaiidy not iiny considerable
immber of persons, who are not actixe and loud
in coniplainJng of their total inadequacy to dis-
chaige the iinportant duties which they owe to
the state ?''
" The independence of Europe is lost ; the
balance of })Ower is de^tro^ed. The military
greatness and character of Russin, Austria, and
Prus.-ia, are anniiidatcd ; inc tj) ilde any longer
to op[)osc, t'lU'V ha\'e bec(;mc uliolly subser\ient
to tl.ir interests and w i^iics ol' fVanee, mIiosc
ruler, at tlichead of a natu-n situated the best of
all continental countries for o{ien:,i\c (jperati(jns,
di^tiibutes at m-. \\ ill the nations oi'Cjermanv
anil Italy to recruit hi:> nuiiieious amiii,-, at tlic
tame lime that he liolu^ at his di-:.posdl tiie re^
KARL f UI.V
-t\
':u\>i)\ all tii(,-<' Hiaii'ji;,'.' |:m\'.\'^, \\ .,o, :i\
i :i:i. I tiiii'-. Ind c\c'li dl-^piiUai \v : . . . m ^, 1\ ^ >
: rill j-ii'v' "i t!u' >iM-. i .. 1. : (' i;( ac' r .;i : ; v;'.
v! iic A \'. :il he \)u>,b\\)\c \'' V ii> t > hi;, v- ..:1\'
-bcr r->t!nKi!i' ct' llu- u T!;;-^ iij.iiii w \\.^ :i ,: v..::\
iic iMiNs.blc \n arrcpl i', 1 iiiui-ii U , :' u :.i l-v-
roiiic ( ur (iui\' to CdiKi;;! pi>il:- l;,c li:;:'' : ; : -
^aiii of powiT ami r;.-ou; <> \v 1.,; 1; I':/.':- \' i I
I, i:\a' tio:;i tiir Mil'|ULi;at :> 'U <>i '].: j.t i; in-o 'a <i
^O',,;:. Wii.il 1. l!:c 1. ::;!-, >. iVm:, ':a w'a'lo ?
Jl . \[:\ tiiat, lookiiii:; a: til-' s;:!::''o:i (!'
I laiii c\ at tiu' rx'c lit (.* it- l:.;^'iU- i: <,,;i;- ; '.;!-
ndcriiiL;; tlio ^;)ii:t ny x'/ohli it i -^ (ioc-'od, n.a
powrr i; l;a> (-btaiiKai, IljcIIai \\ \[\\ ''wc cli'-
1.U ;t'r ot il - ( i i,.\'> iii.aL i:!. ; ; ^ r:, :c r, ;. . h^ i . ;
-latvd hot :o iIk. lu ;ai o! !';;.! -;-J;^; jf I'.,; ;. ^;\'.
1 Ol.tc ll;[)!at ai" .:11 tl;: O t \ 1 1 ' L' ' . O' \\ I . . . I f,.!; W V
'I'm ia/lliMi:'. ;:.'. i .- i o , iil..:^ d f ^ i;:-
-'11' -,;!(; \ , i ail t !;r ( .11 \ a i ! a ! . . t ; * i^ ' a; on [ -
'\'<^, aad oa I a! -cUa . aa -la , \\ ^- a : o t< - (L jx no.
\\"c nniNt caalioJ ti;./ '.'.ao ;.i -'a:!i a in.oaii; .i
1 o! ) ,v . I ,; 1 .;in! ' ' .1 ! { -< a : (a \'> c n;n^: caia
ilae'I i! a. a ' ,,ii:ia r \'. ' a'; -'ani 1 ,i\a~ ns nra::
I' oii' ;/ ;iait a\!a.'
!o !;a : !; l.'O ; ]
.: ' an M, >; i.\ai-i. a ;' .. ^de'i, nv ;"!aa- ; i- '
lainn ( ! .1 , L'' il !on oi t o ..tii- , a a' tin, ' o ' ( . -
\'-> ' ' t.rd)iit;o\- \ a-, .da.o,a can . ^ -o * .a;
i l')V. m'Hiiiiin.n' .".!:> n i.^ o on w-., ;;i v'
pia la n-i' ai in '
aon \'. !i
208 i:,.'\RL GREY.
Lords, to adopt tl}at wise .system of policy wliich
shall enable us to support the most protracted
Vvaiiuif, ill Oiiicr to secure our indepeiKlencc,
tlireatencd by the war, but scarcely less threat-
ened by tlie pro'haldo dangers of preface itself!
Ava\ what policy is better calculated to resist the
most formithible danger with wliich tlie liberties
of any country w ere ever menaced, than the pro-
vident systen; of husbandingour resources? This
vital policy, 1 lament to say, lias not been pur-
sued by the present advisers of the crown ; this
v;as the policy, Oiice so reviled, of the Adminis-
tration tv) 'rliicii they succeeded; of thatAdminis-
tration, whose great crime it was, that they did
not, during tlic j-i^glc } car they were in office,
redceni the countiy tr.^ui th.e great and various
difticulties wh.ich. bed been accumulating under
the management of their predecessors. With
the existence of that jMrnistr}', aU those prin-
ciples of prudent Gox'ernmenr, which regulated
tb.eir conduct, and uhieh liie course of events
rendered imj)crati\e, ceased to be resj)ected The
coun i V was precipitated ij]to a system directly
the re-.eric; a sysieni, \\}io-,e liist liants we are
DOW rcap.n;;" iii (hsticss :!iid in ii:-,honour, but of
whose uhimate opera':! ;; lioliuuKUi sagacity can
foresee tlic extL.fi. oi' \:\c Miseiiicfs. From that
m(a);erit coniUiinced f'.e leign o^' \igour, the
merits of whosC I'olicy aie lo be traced in those
L A K L G 11 1 V
"^9
t;ilal cxjiL'ditions w hich Ikivl' c\l:.ui^t(\l the rc-
-oLiu (.'i ut the country, and coM'icii o\\\ ikUi<hkiI
chaiacttr with chs<;"racc'. The XohicKa:! i j)-
poMtt V Lnr(lLivcij)ool), on a tornicr occasion, ul)-
scivL'd, with th.at wii^'uc aud general phra^coluwy
w hjeh he (hdii^ht^ in,, that this coniparatis'e ijucs-
tion on tlie nieiitsot'a pohtieal system, was nol
to l}e;;',,.vu on oi e.^ide;.^ a (juestion oi econo-
my or. (.(11 tl:e o'Ji'.'!', a-- r.wc ol' ex ti\i\T.ganee ;
!)iit that !i:C pr.ijuie'y of one or tl;e other nuist
he (ktei nmuii h\- the ci:ii:ni>tanees and situa-
tion ot' the eountiy; and tliat the system V) he
preferred, was that most likely to hrini;- the con-
tent in w hieh the conntry is in\t/iyed to a sue-
ee^-'^t'ul terminat!';n. Mo-,t tiui\' that is the
ijue,>tion, and I cannot h,e->it;ite to ixo to issue
witii the N't'iileLoid on tii;;t p'wnt. I \'.'>nKl
ask him '<> -tate, v, iietliei. ;ittcr ii,i\-'!iu n^ade hi.-s
cxp' nn.(. nt, af.ei :!:i\":nL;' j^ur^ued hi-> i\,';c';n (ji
viL;our, he lincU hii plol;:,-^ aeecK'ratnl to tliat
.-nceessliil ternunation r I a.^k him to accjuaint
\(Hir Loid^h'.jj^, w h.ethei that ohiert h,:is been
ad vanec d h\" hi^s expedition",, .so unw I'^cK planned,
and shamctLdly conduottd, so totalU delecti\e
ni e\eiy thing-, with rc-[)eet to phice, time, aiul
cir*. umstanee, that it w as> ab^ohitcK" impos^ddc
thc\- eouUl lead to any other re.^nlt iIkui h i^ a.'-
tended them ; a result which the Lfuin'rv i> at
tins moment bewailinc^ and weeping m teais ot
'lO KARL OJILY.
biood. Iliid his ]\Iajcsty*s IMinisttis given f,'
the state of Eur(jj)e that coii.sick ration which a
hound and salutart l^olicy would have recom-
mended, had tlic}- been rdTet ted by its almost
total sul)jeetion, it was impossible that they
should not be convinced, that all tlie probabili-
lies of success were in eonUadiction to tlie
course they ventuietl to juirsue. They must
have been struck with the folly and the ruin of
endjarking in military operations against France
at a time when there was no power in existence
to give them an etiectuai co-operation."
* As 1 have not availed myself of any former
opportunity, when the question of the Spanish
campaign was discussed, 1 cannot help referring
to the conduct of the Ministers in the prosecu-
tion of that war. And here I beg leave to assure
your Lordships, that there was no man who sub-
scribed more absolutely than 1 did to the feel-
ings of the Noble jNlarquis (Wellesley), which
he, on a former evening, so eloquently expressed
for the purpose of inducing this House to perse-
vere in its support to Spain ; the hopes of no
man were more alive to that great cause than
mine were; no one wa^ more mortified by the re-
sult. IJut I cannot concede to the sentiments
of the Noble Marquis the inference which his
declarations assumed, that, in order to warrant
this country to embark in a military co-op^era-
r.Aiir. (.UKV.
211
t"Mi u itli S|);im, nDthiiiL:; more \s'a< iu'cc'^->iii a'
tiiaii to >\[c\v that her cause was ju^r. In mv
!i)iii(l,!in- Loids, in pa-^siiiLT judginent upon sucli
a |M)lic\ , it was not enoui;;li tliat the attack of
I'lan.'e upon the Spani>li nation ua^ nnjjiinei-
pleJ, peillchons. and eniel ; tliat the resi->tanee
ot" S[)ain was dietated hv every principle, and
^lnctiolKHl I)y evtry motive honouraljle to hniiiaii
iia'iuc; tliat it made cvc i \ ]\,n'_;h^h heart hum
'..itli a hoi\- /e;:l tn lend itN a-^^i^tance ;iL,rain>,t the
opj>re^soi ; t.icie wercothiM- considerations ol" a
ic^> !)nlliant and enthn-^iastie. hut not less neces-
>ai'v and eomman(Ui]Li^ nature, wliich should
hav(.' preceded tlie deteiiidnation oi"))uttin^ ti)
!ia/ai(l the mn^t \aluahle intere-^ts ol' the couii-
tiy. Ill-, no^ mv Lord->, with nations as with
ind!\a(lu;ds. Tho-^e h( loic xai 'aie> winch >hed a
l'.i>t re upon ind;\ i iual man, n;u>-t, :n their applica-
finn to the cwnduct ol iiatnuis. he eha^tened h\'
relieclin!i-> nt" a moie eauiions and cakadatmu,-
ea>t. 'i'har ucner(-us maL;-nan::nit\- and hiL;'h-
miii('n.'d (I .>!!! tc! e^ted.'-o^. pi ond distinct a )n> ot
nal;"'ial \irtnr (andliaj.pv are the people whom
the\- ciMr ufcri^(. '} which, w hi. n c\ercl^ed attlic
n-dx ol e\(i\- jiC I onal mteiv^t, in t!ic pio-pectol
e\'c!\ d Mi'i'.a, ;it the ^aciiticc even <<! hie I'-c't.
|ii^;'i\ I'iiiiua I tii/e the hcr>s cannot, and i"i;'ht
]i"t. to h'. c(.n".!d. ,<,d ju.liliah'le niotiw^ ' t p"I.-
t :ca! act aa; . h^c;iu^e i;;'.' m a-.^ c:j;!: /i ..'.iu'. l1 '.ahe
212 EARL GREY.
chivalrous and romantic. Before they en-
gage in any enterprise which is to be sup-
ported by the exertions and the energies of
the people, it is the duty of the Govern-
ment to see, first, that there exist the means
of rendering tliem effectaalj secondly, that
there is a sufficiant policy to warrant the ap-
plication of the means ; and, lastly, that there
are grounds of probability to induce a hope of
success. It is onl}^ by an attention to such pre-
liminary considerations as I have stated, that the
affairs of nations can be prosperously, or even
safely conductcdo It ;s because of the entire
neglect of them that I charge his INIajesty's
Government with improvidence, and attribute to
them all those national calamities and dis-
graces, which are the natural effects of such
incapacity."
" Last year^ it was fully evident, and I need-
not now go into any detail upon the subject,
that before the advance of Sir John IVIoore and
his army into Spain, his Majesty's Ministers had
no account whatever of the state of that coun-
try. After the experience of that unfortunate
campaign, what but the most positive proofs of
the probability of success sliould liave induced
them to risk another army in the same country,
in the prosecution of similar operations ? Yet,
wiihout any proofs whatever to justifv the most
EAI<L C.KEV.
ilU
ni'nl(Matc h()[)Cb ot" >iu'cc^s, w itli the historv ot"
tiitir rt'ccnt cxpediticjii ^ta^iIl<2^ iIrmii in the lace,
and J'Hully ioibidchn*; the j)UI^uit, his M.ije.st\'i
Miiii>tei> risked anotlier arnu'. at the ex|'.enseof
nionnous treasures, and the sacritije ot ^onr best
Idood, only to purchase mistcrtune, eahimitv, and
disgrace- These, niv LokU, are the uiounds of
my ohjeetion to the pohcy they ha\e pur-ucd. 1
aUeL;e it as a matter (t' chaige aL;ain>l thtin. that
the\- ha\c mckilged t"e(.hng> ulueli, lio\re\er
houDurahie \'. hen eiuisidejcd ah^tiaefedlw ouL;-ht
never to hegratitied at the expense ot' a nation'^
inttst \aluable interests; that, in yiehhng to tlie
intluencc of such leehngs, they have rashly em-
barked in cxpechtions the most I'atal and di>as-
tiou^, and (rom \^ hicli it was imj)()>sd)le to anti-
(.'ii^ate or eflLCt an\ advanti^;j;'eous re>Ldts to the
eountr\ ; that they liaxcdone tln>. tnc, in con-
tradiction {(> that Ini'^banthnic and pie^er\ing
..ystem, lencUicd vitally nece.^saiy I)\ the exoi-
bitant grow th of our exj)enditure, and w ithout
a strict attention to whitdi, it i.^ ini])ossible, my
J.ords, to hoj)e that our )e>(nn-ees will enable ui
to meet the m(;mentous dangers with uhitli the
country is threatened. Against tluse charges,
hi-, Majesty's Miiii^Ieis ha\ e power! ullN'grounded
then deh'iice upi^n the manvdangcis to be ap-
pieluiidcd tiom the Nuecessful suJMuuat ion ( t
!:>j)ain by I'rance. and the iuciea^ed p^wei ol the
214 EARL GREY.
enemy which must result from that event. In
answer, I ask, are these dangers diminished by
their ill-judged policy? Is the power of Buo-
naparte lessened since we engaged in that war-
fare? Is the power of France reduced below
what it was when this country embarked in a
military co-operation with the Spanish people?
I much fear, my Lords, that the contrary will be
felt. I apprehend that the power of our enemy,
and the dangers which we dreaded, have since
materially increased, while we have to meet that
extended power, and those augmented difficul-
ties, with impaired resources, and diminished
strength. If this be a true statement of the
facts, and too true I ^ear it is, does it not fully
justify me in charging his Majesty's Government
with a line of conduct contrary to that which
a true policy pointed out, and which the cir-
cumstances of the country imperiously laid
down?"
" In the discharge of my public duty, I have
this niglit, my Lords, arraigned his IMajesty's
Ministers for pursuing a line of conduct respect-
ing the operations of the war, and the external
dihiculties we experience, wholly the reverse of
that whicli tlie situation of tliis country, and the
circumstances of the world rendered absolutely
necessary. Not less widely dificrent from true
wisdom and sound policy has been their marke(l
>; \ ui GUI V . 2 ' '
jialtcntioii to liic jMst ( 'ii:.|):,ii;it ',! t ;k- p- .):''r ;
lia'ii iiiditVcrt'iU'i.' tu the j(;:o;;c > 'i: : >i.:r i' w :i
tinu'K' aii(i salut:;i\ ulcr.!!., i.'>; iiau-:\- mi \)).'.\-
tcisot' cxpciKiit u;c, i)'it ol 'ii'i-.,- altii^i ^ :i, ,:..i-
political ^XStriM. willC'il {\\' lap ''l" t!:!:;'. ..;. !
tlic illr()a(]^ ot" coia uMiinn lia'. c pii-Ii.c/'l. '
" He v.a.- rcaiis \n ;u;kii()\\ KcIl^c. tiiat (ui tlic
.iiN'a-^iuii nt' 1\m til.;'..' 1)\" t!i'.' l'i\'ih-ii aip.):^'-, ai.d
111 the coiirM' {'{' tiic'.r jjro^ii'v-;^ he did autieipatc
a \irv ctif'eier.t i-siie to the ';!ir,:);h;'jii iV"::: tliit
whiieh had ->;iu'e hajipii;. t;h^all phue. Wi/.'-iuT
the L;n)iiiiii^ uji'Mi \'. liieh he had I'aii'.i.l li:at
opMMoii \'.'cie 111-' cr dv-;', i;-i'/h' -wea-li'ii tii-
lea-Dii- aiid euii ;i ic; .^' : -.'^ whi.'Ii 1. .d ;;,ir; id
hi 111 tn ((Uue t- . Mieii .. ', ijr.ciiiMnn, \\ i'; , \'. , ii ci
dl lhLiii(le(h hail iik le or h-- the a.opi,ar:m> ' ' l"
jnohvihlh; \' to ^llMjoi L '!:C.n - \\.u'diai [! I:.'.'
f\ e ot' pnuU'iiee, (M' upon aiix p' ; .e:ph' '.' po','e\ ,
thee n.::;'h.t oi n; j.\\i not hr ^ :-e'-;)'. h ' C il' ia:-i:-
huaition. he ilid nor niean lluai to c i.on ne. I;.
^^ ,1-- (aion<j,-h to s'\- th:'t the\- w.ae a' !; \:u.r
ii\> conscaiMitions (/jenioii^. IK' h. 'd en en. pr -
niiT iiibtaiua'. a nnieh iii'Mi' a- ;(,d'' tad. :<)
i,>ii!o;ni, in I'xpie ^nij,- t h^; e.oan and -..;n.d -a-
216 EARL GREY.
tisfaction he felt, that the event had not coricsr*
ponded with the fears which he had entertained,
nor confirmed the anticipations which had pressed
upon his mind. 7'o their Lordships, and to the
pubUc, this explanation might be of no impor-
tance ; to himself, however, and to his own cha-
racter, he felt such an explanation not only due,
but of consequence; and he trusted, their Lord-
ships would do him the justice to believe, that the
opinions which he had formerly delivered, though
now happily contradicted by the event, were at
least, the sincere and honest dictates of his
mind, taken up from no illiberal or invidious
feeling. He had now no hesitation to qualify
and retract them; and this very circumstance,
perhaps, gave a value to his vote on the present
occasion, which would probably render it not
less grateful to him who was its object, and
which would not have belonged to it, had he
been one of those who anticipated success from
the greatness of the means employed to attain
it. Those who looked forMard to success at all
periods of the campaign, were bound to acknow-
ledge the valour and consummate skill of the
commander of the allied forces; but that ac-
knowledgement was still more amply due from
those who, like himself, did conceive the diffi-
culties in which Lord Wellington was placed to
be such, as to threaten him and his army with
EAKL GRIV,
i:i7
Mic liTcatcbt. (lander, aiul urcatly to (liniiiiisli tlic
iioj)ts of a bucccsbtul i-^Mic."
' l]ut, at the >:uuL' tinic that lie made thi^ oh-
vcT\ation, lie inuht caution the llou.se a^ani.it
tliiiikliii;- that there was no ground tor tutuie
apprehen.sion. lie knew not what diveri^ion
might aris(^ ot" tiie enem\ \ toice, tVoni troubles
ju Holland, or from war in the north ol' Kuropi-;
^^ith |)io>j)eets of (lixci >^]on in tho^e (juarteis, he
u.is not ac-(|uaiiite<l ; hut \s hen he tonsideied
whut etfcet thi^ niarked repulsi- nnist have on
the revengetul passions of our enemy, and iiow
nuieh lii'i reputation was at btake in repairing
Ills losses, we ought to be piej)ared tor seeing
still greater etiorts inatle li\ him; and if mc
continued to be lett as priueipals in the war ot
tlie Peninsula, he niueh doubted still the ehanees
ol' our being ultinialeh' .5ueee-5:<fid. There must
}e verv ditlerent exertu^us made froin what we
had \\ It ucised on the part ot" the Spaniard.s, [o
enable u^ to entertain a rational hope, that tlic
independence ot' the Peninsula would or could
be IJnallv establi^hed.''
1 S, EARL GUEY
January 7) 1812. hi the Debate on the Jddrc^d.
*' He should feel uiihai)j)y, if be departed
from that House, without declaring he retained
all the opinions he before held on subjects of
great magnitude; opinions confirmed by ex-
perience, and the evidence of facts opinions
which he should be ready to maintain and
defend, on future opportunities of discussing
them."
'' The general system adopted, had been, in
fact, the source of almost all our present and
impending calamities."
March 19, 1812. On Lord Boringdon's Motion respecting
an efficient Administration,
" With respect to tlie policy which the cir-
cumstances of the present crisis demanded to
Ik- maintained in the aifairs of the Peninsula,
he certainly ^vas not j)repared to say, that it was
expedient to recal our troops immediately home;
but he certaiiily did )iot wish to ])roeeed on that
expensive mode of warfare, without having some
military authority us to the probable result of
it: and he wished, above all, to see the opinion
i-.\iiL (na.v
'2\9
\ [],c i' lii->tr!(iiis coniniaiidt r ot" tlic {micts in
''i.:c couiitr}', on till- Mibji'ct. Xo jMit ot
...tDiKil [)()i:cv was more open to i(j)e:ile(l (li->-
'.:-sioii. (r ir;orc CMl.'ul.itcd to cn^'cndei ;[ ducr-
:;\- ot tipinion, than the nio.it proper mode of
<an\ii'LC <*'i t'oici.;!! warlaie. '1 he lir>l pnncip'.e
ui the j'o!iey (u" all wai^, was to mtiiet the
utmost jiOvsiI;|e iiijiMA" <-n tlie t-i:eni\', at th{;
(.\pt.nee tit I he least po^^ihie m ii;'\- to oiii>eI\es.
Siu'M a (j';t.:viAn, thi'ia lure, ;.> that wiueh le-
,a'i (i [ii ihe ci'uiiiue'nia' ot liie pre.^cnt eonte.->c
!M tile i\nin>uh;, (iepnidcd on a \aiietv of eon-
si (!ti at ions, ai i-iiil;" out of ri'eent events, and the
ei ''.:--(' jnent and reLitiw litnation^ ot' onr>el\es,
lind oi tlic LP.enu'. In (ieuianming on the t\pe-
(heney of any mej.sure (it' this nature, he was to
he u'uuled hv ealeidations loiiiied on an extensuc
eon.h'p.at .'iii, ;uul edUipan-i ai i.l: eii<-nniN'ar-e( s-
l 'e ti'.'.i.Lili:. '.\\:A tfou^iit n'ost deeidedh , that.
a ; (. o;i. t lOii I i lui c '.piaul II i:re \\ .1> t^'aUe'i fi'i Uv
i(.t;cetii)!i> <'t U\c iiiO'.t ui '_;( nt and pow c r!ul i\.i;ii;
and iie wiaild It t 1 it tn he ins (hit\-, hrtoie !a^
> ould a"'.ie to tile eon! iiiuan/e ui an\' cont;-
iivn:ai iiitt 1 pr>es, hke llio^e in wliieh \;a' \\aie
.\i)W cMiuaucd, to lake a \'. nii- sinN-e\' ot (Uiicwn
lesoiii e''s, Id mc asure tlnar e\ tent, and the niean>
o\ li.e;!' apj/lieat ion to tlie ohieets lor tiie attain-
i;,', ;il (', jawniotp ai of w iiieii i hev v ere proposed
t'l i-C (.XLiLLv!. It" the re>uiL ol sueh an i>ti;!.att
-20 EARL GIILY.
\v'ere to establish anytliing like a certainty of
success in the schemes tliat were devised, all his
hesitations and difficulties would be removed,
and he should consider even the most extensive
scale of foreign operations as recommended and
suj)portcd by the princij)les of economy itself,
lie hoj)ed too, that he felt as warmly, and was
as willing to acknowledge that feeling, as any
Noble Lord, the justice of that cause, which we
were maintaining in the Peninsula. No cause
related in the annals of mankind ever rested
more entirely on sentiments of the most honour-
able feeling, or was more connected, if circum-
stances were favourable, with principles of
national advantage. The spectacle exhibited
was the most inteiiesting that could engage the
sympathies, or the attention of the world; and
it Avas impossible not to wish to afford assistance
to the noble struggle of a free people, against
the most unparalleled treachery, the most
atrocious violence, that ever stained or degraded
the am!)ition of despotic power. If he could but
calculate on the probability of supporting such
a cause to a triumphant issue, there could re-
main no doubt but that the separation from
France of such a country as Spain, containing
her extent of territory, and amount of popula-
tion, would be to augment in a great degree,
our own national security, But those princi-
EARL GUEr.
Jl
j)Ics on which the prosecution of that \\ ;r-
ouKl be (letendcd, nul^t he rechicc;! to u nu re
5pecul;itive theory, unless ^upporteil hy ade-
quate exertions from the S|)an:>li people and the
Spanish government. Without that nece^^arv
co-oj)eration, ad our cllorts must prove usei^--.
With a view to tho>e advanta<>;e>, Me iiad un-
5uccesst'uilv hi tore contciuh-d in that veiv
eonntry auani-t I-'rance, then much less puwo:-
t'ul than at j>rcsent. He did not inean to say,
tliat from the^e eon^ideraticjiiN, we wcie to
withdraw our armies tVoni thic Peninsula; but
he thouL^ht tliat. hetore we proceeded further
on t!;e present expcnsi\e s\stem, the IIou-^c
^hould have tlie di-tinct opinion of the ('(MU-
mander-in-chicf, a-^ tc tlie probable re-u!r. ot"
!h( optratuni^; and ciupiire into the nu-an*
of (aiiAiiit^ on the content, b\' a more liniitcti
exjit i:<iituu- of our remainniL,^ le-ources. It
would he hi^ ma\!ui to guard agaui^t endan^c!-
itig our own -^atety, :n tiie pro>(.cut uni ot le-
motci interc^t^. '
" He was de>irous of adding a \'c\v word-
up(jn what had fallen from the XobleJ.ord who
moved the anvenduient, respecting what lie v, a>
plea'^ed to call the e(jmjdete succei^ ot' oui
arms, during the last two years. Vm hi-> own
put, wlien he looked back to tlie evenl-> ot that
pciiod. \', Ik'u he rcc<jlh'ctc(l the or.^nijl (-Ijieer-i
222 LAilL GKrY.
of the war. and kne\r, is every other inai^
knew, that the defence of Portugal must hi
impracticable after Spain should be entirely
subdued, he could cohicldc in no such decla-
ration. We liad, unquestionably, achieved mucli ;
and in the capture of Ciudad Rodrigo, he con-
curred in the admiration justly due to the vigour,
celerity, and military skill, so eminently dis-
played by the great commander who conducted
that important enterprise. But when he looked
to another part of that kingdom, and saw
Eadajoz in possession of the enemy when he
turned his attention to the operations in Cata-
lonia wdien he saw that, witliin the last two
years, Tortosa, Lerida, Tarragona, Saguntuni,
had yielded, that Valencia had fallen, that the
province of Murcia was over-run, he was at a
loss to discover what nevv'' prospects of success
had dawned upon the Spaniards. Those con-
quests opened to the enemy a free conmiunica-
tion between all their divisions, and they would
soon be enabled, by that circumstance, to bring
the whole weight of their united forces against
the British. He did tlnnk, too, that ivlinisters
had been cu![)al)ly negligent in not having
exerted, in the quarter to which he had just
adverted, the n-.cans actually in their j)()wer,
by employing a considerable naval force, for the
purpose of lending our allies more effectual
EAR!, (.Ur.V. CC ''
.arc'.ur. In Catalonia, I'm in-Lincc', ^lu h a
N\sl(iii. it" properU' condr.ctcd, ^^nlll(l, in ;i!l
])r()l)al)ilit\ , haw enabled tlic warlike imjuilatloii
(if tliat proN iuce to expel tlieir invaders. Where
then ufie the svmptoni> ot" tliis boasted sue-
ees> r Lord A\'eHing-ton. at the head ol" an ai'niv
ot" 0''J.O(H) a> e(Veeti\-e men a> were c\er led into
the field, had been c-onij)elkd to leniain on tlie
detrii'v.N I'. With a Toree greater than tliat e(jni-
nianded by tiie Duke of Maiibon)UL;h at the
nlM^t >plcndid ei.i of our military lu'.torv, Lord
^\ elliiigton had found hiiii,->elt" limited to the
l)ursuit of a dcfen>i\e s\stem, Ihc countrx
liad i)cen told, indeed, to look at the exertion^
<jf tiie Sp;ini'>h Ciuciillas tor a substitute to
the asMitanee of iet;-ular troo])s. in whleh tlie
natiNts ol the 1\ iiiusula weie so drfieient. Ou
this he t'l'Uiidrd no Li'i'eat hopo, \et he was not
ai'ie, ii'iin waiil ot suttieiciit dncunients, to
t-late ]>m :^tl\ the weii^ht w iiieh their assistaiu*
Mil" hit lia\'e in the seaie.
till' iniiniif^ ti Sui .ldntiiu>tyahii<i.
' Thcic Is 11') man moie anxious than mssiif.
.1- tar as i^ ( onsi.steitt with m\' Imiujur, tw cii*-
-^!<'trh ;; ttcMr I.Mit .i !.'ad\- hand to s:i\'i' a S'i.\-
' ;: tiali'.ii
224 EARL GRET.
March 12, 1813. In the Debate on Marquis fVellesley's
m)tion for a Committee on the Conduct of the War in
the Peninsula,
** That there was a great and lamentable
faiUire could not be denied, and was it not
becoming in that House to enquire whether that
failure was to be attributed to the mi.smana";e-
ment of Ministers? It was one of tiie most
important duties of that House, in cases of ill
success, to vindicate the interest of the country,
by visiting with its severest censures the causers
of the misfortunes."
" The first qucstioii for their Lordships to
determine was, whether or not the great objects
of the campaign had been realised ? He con-
tended that they had not been realised ; that, on
the contrary, there had been complete failure."
*' Had not Ministers been apprised that Lord
Wellington was about undertaking great offen-
sive operations ; and was it not their bounden
duty to supply to him the means of executing
them witli eff^"ect and success ? It behoved them,
with a view to the importance of the issue
of these operations, to have provided means of
support in partial failure, and of pushing his
advantage after success. They were aware of
the state of Europe, and must have known the
EARL GRF.V.
l'i5
(ficct tli.it \V()ul(l have hecn pioihu-rd ;it ^llch a
( ii-iis Iv a vigorous and decisive (.tVort in tlic*
Peninsula. Looking to the stati' oi" l.niopc to
thr circinnstanccs ot" the actual cainpaiu-n to
tlic \ icvvs and j)ro6j)i'cts (;1 Lord \\'cHin2,ton
and to tlic con-.cniiKMiccs that would result troni
a grand and dcci>i\e operation in Sj)ain at that
moment Mini-tcTs wcic |)articuiaiiv hound to
^cn(\ out auipic nican~> to Lo;d \\ clhii^ton t(j
c-nahlc 1; KM licarrs' hi.-i eutci p: izing ])rojcct.> into
ttlccl, an 1 tw crown the operation-, he was undci-
takiiii;- v.iih hiilhant and uiujuiditled success.
Jhi^ he would maintain w ;i^ tlu'ii (hity, audit
was Micumbent upon their LoicUhips, u hen they
((Ml^!deled the heavy con^^eipicnccs ^t" their
];a\ing failed m the j)ert'ornKince oi" it. to insti-
tute ail iiupairv into the cause ot" that, t'adure."
' Xeitiiei had aiu" tluiiL:," ]i.tj)penfd w liich
iii(hi({.d hiiu to rej-eiit ot li!>, opiiiioii>, on ti:e
^iihitct ot" tlie Span!;,h content. It w a.>, iiis
jjiiiioii th;it the etrort> ot' the Spanish people
:iga:nsl Fiance could ahaie cn.djlc tiicin to uith-
-tand that o\ er\\ hehniiiLC jjowc!. 'riu-,c scnti-
i;;ciit> he had uttcrt'd uiulcr the >ii[!p(->:! ion th.:t
lio otiuM' power would >,t;;iid ii[> :tL;aiii>t tif
l''i\.ucli ciiiperoi, and that th.i* cnijicior would
not (Irp.iif trorn the unitv oi counnl, nr.d (;i
tio;!, 1)\ \\hicll fas the Xohlc M:iiouis li:;ii
- iLcii'; the 'ic,itc-:)t succcs-jCs oi' til ^: rdci h.ul
ii9.6 EARL GRLV.
been achieved ; and, indeed, if with such a com-
mander, and with such an army as we possessed^
and at a time wlien the army of France in the
north had met with disasters greater than which
never before fell on a h.ost assembled for the pur-
poses of injustice and ambition, we had achieved
so little in Spain, what, if one-tenth only of the
force cniployed against Russia had been turned
against us, would liave been the issue ? Wlien
with Generals, each independent of the other,
the ruler of France appeared to imitate the follies
of his eneniics in their ill-timed and independent
coalitions, tlum arxived tlie time for exertion.
Tlie exertions iiad failed failed (he would
repeat) almost entirely <is to their great objects;
the Frencii were left in possession of the best
parts of Spain, and we had not advanced in any
degree (considering the effect of the last cam-
j)aign on tlie minds of the people of Spain) to
ihe acconi[)lishment of our object. Such wdt
ilie case, and it loudly called for enquiry."
June 14, IS 1.3. O,: j'iui!fii>^ souie (picslhnis to Mbiiafir'i
v.-'itii j<.;:i)iii io i'lie Sirrdish Treaty.
*' They were '.ovr come to a time when
Sv.c<ien, i'on-/ideii;!.^; tl-.e sacrifices made, and to
be nnide, by i;)is eoiinvx under the treat}', niiijlit.
J. A ril. (.KEY.
,..,',.
Itc oxjH'ctt'd to 1ki\c' made >()iiu' pln^Ic^^ in the
tiiliilnicnt nt" tlu' cii^'a^ciiK'nts oii her part, lor
\'. liitli \v c were to j),iy .so i;TCal a pii. c. Hi-
asked, then, loi iiitoiniation as to the |)i;u t i^al
steps whieli had heeu taken I)\ Swedrn, j)ur-
suaiit to her eiiL^agenieiit^. ^\ hat (hreetlv (jjieii-
.sive operation^ aii^auist the enenn >hL- liatl ecjir,-
meiieed ? ( )i' w liether an\ uiiiu>Hlkdjie deki\' I'.ad
taken jdaei' in tluit I'e-pee! r
f<> hii: Luidshij)'^ (;/'t>/;. )?(.> r< .^jjictiirj; the .Su'f</i-/i Tveaij.
*' ^\'lth I'espu'et to the pro^Tc^s made i)v
S'A-tden in t uitiUin'j,- t he condition^ ot thriieat\.
lie eould not eoneei\a' \\liat .Min!^tci> in:i;ni
I'Xpee! ; ha', e(i'tain'i\, .Swecicn liad not i.ii^cai
-neh dt ^ .>i\c ^'.cps ;l^ lu', and he hi hexed tne
pnhlle 111 L!;''l!r lah Wouhl ha\e e\prelt.(l lio;ii (lie
trims Oi this tieate. lie ^holdd jia\e e.\ ju'eted
that S^'.'cahai woidd ha\e hcan pi( pared at the
opHMiniL;' oi the eairi[):iii;ii, to ha\e aetn.ni.
eo-(ipeiated m the war \\\{\\ je.nno d-^ ;i. \ja\,
unh'>s he was kd)onrinL;- nndei a mo-l ex 1 1 :;o;
(hannv dehiMon, nme^s all he liad htard on \u\-.
ihji'et was ineo!;eet. tiie I'lcneii en'ijM :< r kao
' a;_^-i,t tun hatth^; tlu'\' \','eie -^nd m-Lto hu
>'oi!(^s, [lilt, tht.' L.uiseo/iwnec ot the-,f ixitt;es
2^8 EARL GREY.
was, that the allies had retreated to a consider-
able distance. In these operations, the Swedish
troops had taken no part. The Crown Prince
had, indeed, at last, landed with but little more
than 1 8,000 men, instead of 30,000 ; and was for-
tifying himself at Stralsund, from whence, with
such a force, he could not advance without tlie
most imminent risk of destruction."
June 18, 1813. Lt the Debate on the Address to the
Prince Regent on the Treaty with Sweden.
" The retreat from Moscow had annihilated
the mightiest army which France had ever sent
forth ; her palaces had been fdled with lamen-
tations, and her lands covered with mourning;
yet such were the resources of that man's
(Buonaparte's) mind, such the power of the
country over which he ruled, that he had
absolutely re-created his army, and by two great
battles, rendered his supremacy in Germany
more complete than ever. The spring, he
thought, ought to have witnessed some attempt
at negotiation. Had such an eifort been made,
the wdv might have probably been happily ter-
miu.itcd. Tlic situation of P)Uonaparte had beeii
such, that it was likely he Mould Jiot have
retused to attend to moderate propositions, imd
LARI. GKi V.
cci;
; i;i (Al'vTs been in;i(K' ; and tcinis bcnctirial to
cvriy power in Europe niiglit ha\ i- btcii
obtaiiK'd. To the imbecility ut" Minister^ was
to be a-eribc'd the eoiitraat betueeii the present
MLiiatioii of Franee, and that whieli slie exhi-
bited at tile elosc ot" the la-t eanipaigii. With
his iKible l"Viend (Loid Holland) he ai^rced that
an o[)[)onunity had l^cen lobt, never to be
ceallecL"
( 250 )
VISCOUNT GRIMSTON.
Alanh 19, 1812. O;; Lord Boringdons motionrespeding
an efficient Jdministration.
'' The address proposed bv the Noble Lord,
did certain!}- impute blame to tlie Ministers of
the Recent, for which there appeared not to be
the shghtest foundation. He looked to their
proceedings, w liich must be,, after all, the great
standard of tlieir qualifications for the situation
which they held ; and he must acknowledge,
that for men so incapable as they were repre-
sented, they liad done some very peculiar antl
very fortunate things. His ^Majesty's arnis had
been eminently successful under the adminis-
tration of the present ^Ministers, during the time
the Prince Regent liad been at the head of the
government. During that tin:ie, the country
liad to boast the conquest of the islands of
Mauritius and of Java, the total expulsion of
Mcis^ena and the French from Portugal, tiie
rcj)u!sc of tlie enemy at Tarifa, and, lastly, tlie
capture of Ciudad Rodrigo. Miiiisters, under
wiiom the arms of the countiy had been so
.Micccs.^ful, ought still to be required to guide
\ i>coL\ I cm M- rox
!J;Ji
\.('\\-,^iI of the bl;ilc. He tlul Mot oncc'iNc
ii'>c Micc(.'s^i'-> ti) be the eilVet^ ol ih mec, hut
. r ilie eiRiL;etie j)(jhe\' of .Miiii-'.LrN. lie
i';l:(.\r(l the eoiintrv wa^ ot' the same njiiuioii,
.iiul (h(l Mot \\i'\\ lor an\' change of adin:ii'.-tia-
I ;oi! at pie^ent."
( 252
EARL GROSVENOR.
Febmary J, IS09. On moving for a Committee of the
whole Honse on the State of the Nation.
*' He was one of those who hoped the aOaiis
of Spain were not desperate; but he M'as per-
suaded, that tlieir suceess must depend rather on
the exertions of Spain, than on any assistance
we could send her."'
February 12, 1811. In tlie Debate on the Address.
** The part of the speech which related to the
affairs of Spain and Portugal, seemed to pledge
the House to a continuance of those efforts
M'liich had been already made for the Peninsula;
and here he must compliment the noble mover of
the Address (the Earl of Aberdeen) on tlie ability
which he displayed, and on the ingcnnity with
wliich he commented on this part of the subject ;
but )ie must at the same time maintaiii, tliat the
House had not heard rnouo:li, or ncarlv enough,
on the affairs of the Peninsula, to satisfy those
of their L)rdsliips w h.o were at ad doubtful on
the subject of the pi()j)rifty .-f >end;ng further
reinforct.nents to those countries."
]AUf. C.KOH', k.\OR. C i >
ilc iiui-t c'oiUcikI tliat tlu ir I.' ^i (!->u;[)n \'tic
nil'. (1 '() iiiucli muic ahuiui.Mil arid - ! >t;u:to' \-
in;. ! i;. .' i"ii, Inifii- thc\' j)!i'ili!,'i'(l t!n,^l;^(l^t^ i,)
n;c:c>i-r or contiiMK' luc.i' ctloiU 1:1 la\;)Ui (.1
>i>ain a, 111 Vol Uiual.'"
.Ipiil 9, 1<1 \.()n t!u' : .,;.>/; Jul i\ iuf (> tlu Podujiusf
Siijjt I fi s.
" He v\iiai(l ;i-.K, w rrc t lu 11 T/iK'.Nliips rr:'.';! v"
j)Uj 1 acd til take ihc wlntif itimlcn iijjoii tlaau-
>ri\r^, and rxcmpt tin- PlJIt^gllC^(. a!l' >L:ct iicr
tioin tlif hnidrii (d riiit A'liii;- tlicir own jH<)|)!t'r
Jt \va^ a J)] iiicipU' as applicahlf to pu!)!;^' a^ to
pyix'atc allaiis, that voii should i"' just to \(air
ov\ n jniijilc l)ctui(- voii wvic i;anri(/U.'5 to ollici'
j:at;oiis. Ilfkiuvw it would Ik ^nuTallv ihouiilit,
tlia' l'm> vas a mauni fn < n t and i;i'_^h--(un;dinL;"
ju ijt' ^li, and th.a tn ><nnc .!;in<l> it ini^lit
iKianni-nd it^ch <hi that \ci\' aca-ount. jKir-
tualail\- as di-[il,,\ in'j; 1 niaikrd cnnti'as! l<>
I'lio hai hant V and at ro(at 10 (M xi; hu'h tla.' Id'Cin h
had l)t_a'ii L:,aidt\ t<)u-ai(Kthi' 1*' a lugni >c. Tlu -o
\<cr(.', indfod. showA ])iin( ipli's ; hut lirdouht(d
wlu'tlu'i' th('\' wcMc^ sound, in the pia'.scnt riiaaiin-
staiiccs of' t ho caamtry. lie was not tor dcMit-
\\\[X an ancaait all\ ; hut, some! imo-. too L:,;(.\.t
lii'orahty had the (.hcot ol' diiciaii .iLi,!'.i_: tho
t;lolt> ot iho-iC \k\\u WlMO tllC o!i|COt- ot H."
C3i ;
VISCOUNT ha:milton.
January :21, 1808. ^On moving the ^^kldrc.'-s.
" We were not only oj)posed as man to man.
or as nation to nation, against one of tlie most
gigantic powers that ever existed in the world,
but to a power A.vbich, in addition to its own
strengtii, had succeeded in absorbing into itself
abnost every other European state. The situa-
tion of the country was, therefore, most critical ;
it required the most vigorous exertions, it
demanded tlie most liberal sacrifices ; faint-heart-
edncss would be our destruction. There was no
midway for us between success and ruin,"
( ^J>^ )
LOfin ARCffiBALD iiA>rir;roN.
Jmn: 17, Iv] _>._/,; IJ,,. I), had oil tlic lluil^rf.
' lit: (A j):i! latcd on tin impossilulit \ dt p'.ir-
iing the present extended hyblcni t)t poliev ."
( 236' )
EARL OF HARROWBY.
January 23, 1810. In the Debate on iJie Address.
' His Noulc Friend (Lord (ircnville) had laid
down the line of policy to \vhich he said heliim-
self would have adhered, and by which he thought
his Majcst3''s Ministers ought to have been
directed. That policy rested upon the principle
of abstaining from continental expeditions; from
making ourselves parties in a warfare which had
long ceased to afford any hope of wl^at was so
often emphatically called the deliverance of
Euro})e. He had not the honour of being any
length of time in his Majesty's counsels since a
contrary line of conduct had been pursued ; but
lie believed he might remind his Noble Friend,
that such a principle had not been exactly con-
formable to his sentiments on all occasions."
( -17 ^
MR. IIIBBLRT.
Jtniuary 22, \^(^^. In the Debate on the llrport <;/ 'Ar
'' 'Vwv. WAV M'as as>uniinL;- a new rlwiiactcr ot
turM)u^ in\'( t .lat'W not tx:KiKiu\'(l :51111c the
'i;i:ci <:t' li:ii !m> iiiii. \\'a> ;t j)(I5-i1jU' that any
"ue :n tliat Houx- could ici^ard with coinphi-
cc'nc\- the privation^ arid the Nacrihccs winch
thi.s new mode of way \\\u-,l inliict upon all
( laShcs ot" jjcople, not in the>c kiri!.;donis (n;iy.
hut thr(;UL;hout all luiropc ' Ami was ;t j)olitij
to suhject thi-3 rrjuntiy, both at, liun'.c and
ahroad. to the imputation o! wanloniy .md un-
n; c,r^^;'.i iK j)0 lonL^-iiiL!,- thi^ ui,i\-c-i>>d scouiL;-e -
\\ \^ c could C't now cicailv make out oui- ca^c
to he that ot drtrnMNC war. mu^l Wt.- not at kiNl
;i(lm::, th.al we (ontiiiucd '''e oontc-t ircrclv toi
tin- riiancc <1 i'\'ents \\\ '.'< mi'jlii enable ns, at
~ome t!n;e (i olrci, (ii;d ki'.o\'v-. how 01 wlaii. to
lu:ti oil tmns ol' mole ;.d\'antaL;e ? Jiut ;h
idiim?'. ot ^\al Would he<:(Mipkd \', iih il^ i:u'\
tahlc t'\'j^, ill ou: calculation-, ; and it W"i:.d h.-
i'ohl.c .'.Ko to consider what nil^ht oc ur iau.. ^'>
'! \ <.A':ii. Did ptai:c pic>v-r.t im ;),', .'\\\'\^
238 MR. HIBBERT.
either at home or abroatl, wliicli might better our
situation, and render us tiic fitter to cope with
future difficulties ? IM !^';!it not peace loosen some
of t'nose bonds in wliich tb.c states of Europe were
enslaved, and ];> the foundarion of new aUi-
anccs ac'ainst new encroachincuts?"
LORD HOLLAND.
/''////(/M/ JJ, I'^IO. /// til: Ddi/rlfoti the i'viiCf niiuii \nil
I'nrtii-ul.
III coui'i no: iMulcrsfaiid ihc spirit iii
V. ' , .1 Xwi,',c i.M;i. \' t ; r w :lr.riu- to L^i\c llirir
c i,;i;!t. luf t" Mri!.^!cr>, xviihoiit Iciiil!," asswicd
t..:.L !!:>;i c 'iiliiJ^. :i; c \'. ;ts dt. .^ci \ i;!. W v wyic
' uiiu'.ii ill I'l.. Hour lo do \\'\vx\. \\\' f(;idd loi' Por-
lii'^'d. \>, i!l:o;it iiiiiiry to (U..^cl\"c'>. In honour,
; r ; , : ; \' ~ 'iic (Hm\- inot i \ c t iiat oUL:.;it to m'l'-
'i-t ! ;.r o'c.w.^s, or <'xcitc tliC hearts ot ihi-, or
. . ' i j i''[;dc. I'ul if wc wwv to (.ndjaik in
',.1. 1 ,r:u <! idat.-- i.l-.;!!-'" |H'0];it , wc \vcic hoi lo
In:;*, ti.;:;, \'.;tii oui i :i . ii( c: ' ; I \ . iii add:ti>n to
t'c I o ,\ :. W( d\i;t .--. A i:!'. .1 j .^.w wa^ met. i-
-,j\ , I ''ijM',''' iKiilial <ir r..iiO''.,, notli:;!^' nu-
1,',:!^ , n :.Mi''' 'oniiio. ..! \
, , . 1 .
intrr Or" tn'
j 1 ;.(. ij;ii.' oi -aon a |>m:i ; bm t.-i t n; ~, (jiiaii; '; s
\',c:l' re ;u;-;!tv', wliii :i no na.n coidd l.oi.<' loi : a
t-i:;l Miid-^lrx.
.\ a' V. {,; 11 ;i
I aiL' iiai'C' ; nai \' ; ria \", a- t '' adilit. -^^, t a :, ,
i . ', ll;v- J. nov\ :;.ii;^c. lia- j;'n li'- jai.;, I;.'' v.
'!;.' 'all! -m 'ac--, m ^.a.!i a a.aiir ; lla I'aia:
' al ' aa. ; .oa 'dar^.t 'o ''!'' i,t, aiai i, a;^' a;^'
240 LORD HOLLAND.
their hope on every weak and bending siip-
port, that failed them in tlie first moment of
pressure.''
June S, 1810. In the Debate on the Marrfuis of Lans-
doiciie's Resolutions respecting the Campaign in Spain.
" Those who disapproved of our interposition
at all in the cause of Spain, and those who were
interested in the success of that cause, must, in
his judgment, be equally disposed to condemn
the course taken by IVIinisters. If, indeed, there
was any difference, it must be on the part of the
friends to Spain, who must feel peculiarly-
mortified by the disappointment of their wishes
tlu'ough th,e misjudging policy of thoscMinisters;
and he was one of those so mortified ; for he
never knew of any event that created a more
lively interest in his mind, not excepting the
dawn of the French revolution, which, as well as
the cause of Spain, he thought afforded a most
favourable prospect for liberty."
I OKU JIiM.L.W i,.
'Ji 1
yljutl J, IS 1. 5. On prtseiiliiiu^ scLudl P( ti(it))isji'i /*'ucc.
*' lie had great hopes, alter tlie i^Ionous ^nc-
cesses <jt (nirali\, that an opportunit v nii^ht he
l<'U'.i(l for ]>uttiiig' an end to the calamities ol'wai',
i 'Ut tlie.^en('j;ci had now i)i>-onie nuieh tainter. He
I'iild noi knmv v. hat o[)jortnn!tie> Ministers
:ii _liit ha\e had ot' oj)(.niiig a iie^'oiialion, hut hi-
V, a-> wdiini^- to behe\'e thai no lit o[)|)ort.unit\ hatl
h.en ne^li eted. ]Ietrn-,ted, however, that thev
rntertained no ehnnei leai notion olu letting iVoni
1 ranee what she had ae(inired ciuinig tht' hi>l
twcntv \(.--di'->. <>v ot" Inmiiiiating tlie great Prinee
\\ :;') [\')\v 1 uled tiiat count i \'.
./,., i -. \ -^ [^ 'Oi: vtnt nr^ (1:1 . I in- mhlu lit t ) t}u Aiitivt ,
l'< tic I'rciit t' Ji> '''i ;/.
W'c ^'.cie |)i n!ing a ] iw ei' i>\ tlie ->:tle ([
\['A-^'[. Mill) inn^L -ooiiei'oi lalcr cuimeci her>e.l
. :; ii I'l.m ( , an' i i\'>\ \. I'W ( ircal Ih Main.''
' i;i" \'i\ 1 , 1 ci:iu>!,incrs \>. meo La Nm;);*.'
i'. I . i ; !ii' 1 . clot I .i\ CI j-i H <:) :i..d ji; > >'d a> rca
- -c. '^wad.'.i Wduid :>.jc. Mcc MK !. j'cnc. Ill <.t
, c li. c''ivii\- {,;.) !i', \\-:ii. !i ,.v I /)] d
242 LORD HOLLA KD.
Holland) was convinced she would ultimately
sink into a state of dependence upon that coun-
try. Looking at tlie treaty, therefore, in every
point of y'lcw, and as far as he could compre-
hend it, it was most unjust, most impolitic, and
most injurious. If the Prince Regent's Minis-
ters could make such a treaty with the scholar
of Buonaparte, a treaty which abandoned all the
substantial interests of this country, what might
be expected of them, should they have to nego-
tiate with his master? Would it be too much
to anticipate that the interests of Great Britain
would be completely sacrificed ?"
June 29, 1813. On moving an Amendment to the Address
respecting the Vote of Credit.
" He should not discharge his duty if lie did
not state (and that opinion he meant to record),
that a great opportunity had presented itself to
JMinisters, cither of effecting a ])ermanent peace,
or of [sroving the rejection by the enem}offair
aiui honouraijlc Lcrn)s, wliich would have pre-
vented him from making the exertions he iiad
made to renew the war, and which opportunity
they had lost.''
" Had propo:-.itions been ofl'cred such as were
LORD HO I. LAND.
'243
r )n>iMt(Mit with the hoiunii aiul c-li;iMrtcr of the
((niiiliA , :it the time oi' the return of the Ihnpe-
]()i ot tlie French t(j I'aiis fioin his (h^a^t^()us
canip.Linii in Ku^^la, eonid th.eie he a (i(aiht,
eitlu'i' ihar pe.iee nui-^t iri\e hreii the r(Milt, oi'
tiial It \^ou!(lha\c- hriai leniK-red nianitest to the
pecplf of I'ranee that the war niil\- con; muetl
:n eon^e(jU( nee of the anihiti(ni> jaieeets of iheir
l.inpcoM ; and niu>t nut this eons action ha\'e
proMaUed hnn fr(<iii niakniL:,- tho>e a-^ioin^hiUL:;
e\ei I lon^ he iiad made m the pia sent eampaiii;n r
in^tead ot thi-^, w e had acted a^ laaauitino; Ser-
jeant-, to the i'^mperor of the I'icaich ; and, hy
l\\v ahienci' oi" tliat trank and manU' pohc\', had
eontid)Uted to iWrll hi> raid\S.''
I), ^, film J'l, l-^l/.. ()' r-v (^ueii.:: nj .iiijn:i',:meut.
" W hen I -.()ealv "f thi' eonfidcp. e i;ianted to
Alini^tca-, I do not b\ an\ nK'an> projjosi.- to cen-
sure that L;'iant, on the c.m*i:.;\-. th.ey have
l,ad ni\ heart\', a.:thon_;':i comjiaratisel v m-
i( lit. approbation, and that aj'jnohat kjii I do im?
n.'.an to la'lract; indeed, il t lie eontider.ce d an
.ndi\-Mlnal he ot an\' \aliie, jiid. ;u't'ordinLi' t' > 1 1 r-
panioii of a Xohh' I'liend ot mine, '.li^ ai4L;;i-
.: '' 'I iii(h\uhaal opiiiMn-, c"\:>'.i'\'.' ^ - n i\\'.-\
K y
214 LOilD HUI.LANIA
AIimstci\s have the full value of my couficlenct..
Tlicv have obtained my coafidencc from the
maiinei in wliich they liave contributed t*>
jmprovc the general state of Europe, and
from the language and conduct they have
maintained in this country. There are, ii<^
doubt, many who can more eloquently describe
I tic important change that has recently taken
place in tlic state of EuropC; but. I feel conli-
dent, that no one can derive more cordial satis-
faction than I do from that most auspicious
event; for I have been bred in a school of
politics that deprecates every encroachment
upon national independence, and the just liberty
of mankind."
' It the sentiments of an individual are of coii-
sC(|uence enough to ari'est your attention, it
must be in \our Lordships' recollection, that I
alvva3's approved of the interposition and perse-
verance of Ministers in the cause of Sj)ain.-
Whether that pohcy be attributable to a Noble
Marcjuis whom I do not now see in his j)!aee, or
toothers, I cannot pretend to determine; but
the meiit of such policy appears, and e\er has
appeared to my judgment, (juitc indisputable.
The merit of it must now, indeed, be universallv
admitted; for, aided by tl;e uncommon genius
oS. Lord Wellington, that policy ha.>. produced
the most importan.t results. It has driven the
I oi;d mojlanj).
24
v:uin\' iVom that couiitiy ui ich lu- li.i> m* i(/: .;
ami iiiiiciiiiUiiiUiV ()j)j)r( 5M.'(I. liut I!ll^ i-> ii-,:
*iu' nnl\- advaiii-igc which the jMii-uii of ih i
]>oh'c'\' lias j;rni!,;c('(h It [>l('^l :ii . a ;!.()>" (.11-
('i:ia_Li-iii<i; a;i(l in^j)H^^i\-c cxaivplc !> I.immj,-,
"t what a ])C():)It.'. t'Xi itctl h\' f^j^nu s>,ji).i. n,
acliic\'C. It M'lA c'-^. m.dc'tal, to ([n\][[' ;:,'
nhol'.' cliaiacur (>[' the war, 1)V uii.li i-.'i. j; /.
t .iat \\ hi'.h the .\()!iK' l.'iT' L t I ^'. ! .-r.! I I; .\ ,' : .-
i'l;;' KU:rc(!. ^) I.:;;:\ <h'~vT;h((i ;:. !:.,!i.^''\, .
w.ii 1 ; rile j)u j'lc. J!!it .'. Mill 1'::; ill":- ;i(l\ ai:
lA'j^c has ,:ii-^M ();!!. " thi^ [)(m::'\\ 'lia'^'iiLli
>.)iiic t\ t ra()i(.lin>ii'\ cm a:::-r;;iKa'>, a ]\\' --l ali'D-
rioiis c; iliiinr.x laul L\\iMr.c cuimit iii Ivarop:',
th:it the ( j()\a 1 nir..'H L Oi' till-. f()uiiu\- w ;i> alwa\
U'a(l\ til tli>; 1 ii;a;c its -ul) .i!!:i \'.i!li;i \;ew to
I'll, hi nil !in' I'at.oi's ,ir 1 1 a' { '(>;! :iK ;;t, whii^' 1'.
kcj)t i!> liw 11 |a"|>h' alii.:t' \\ :;>. t c drrU -I . I
<!n KM? i;i\-'li hJa-\e, t,;,.t .liA ili.tiMi ( 1 -
\c-i iiiia HI ^ laili 1 un j h a w.^ 1 . \ l^) 1:- Ir /c the
|)r(']'l(' dl" clhrr iia'ua:-; l* > ja.Mhha ih .:
hi'M)(!. iiu;:\' t'l -p,,:''' r -, i w i\ -;:!'_ aa'!- ; lai'
^tilh iKaii ' he hi.\ 1-:!, aKpi' ivaleii: , ^e!a 'h
laaiau 1' i;i wiiieh -u!>-:hi.-> i'i\a he 'a ( . \.
.sanialh,- -,-.i tr'.'ia this caiativ, one ea:'arit
iiiaca \', MiiiiM ;[ th,' ex'-ttai \' oi ...j',, ; , __
himi)\ ,. , lii il I li i\a- : tated. .\ m i. 'h ;: , ^ -
.(';; c:i\] c \a r ;i;iiii |)ia\'a;l ai l/a.'!'. i la-
' iliunav Iht^ hcan i tlla'Uiah . rei. [^ '! ' t!i
246 LORD HOLIAND,
policy we have pursued with respect to ISpain ;
for there we have not only given our money,
but our men ; there we have given our money,
not to excite the people, but to enable them to
act; and we have seconded their exertions by a
powerful army."
( '^'iT )
MR. HUTCHINSON.
M'lj-M^ l^O'J.lu t!u D,h<it, on Ine Rrj,i,rt of the VuU
'' He CdiuiciniKci i\\c tctiidus Liiid ill-coiiccrtcd
!iiilit;i:\ ojxialions ol" tii!> ( loseiiinK'iit, ulio
roiinis'id to send <,iir ainiicN into the ficKi,
al\va\ s cut ol'phiL'c and tmu'."
Sir R. fi'rsnn.
' I(!;t(;ta!n no j)rtMidu ( . I |oin :n uolk ut'
til*' \ iiiLi^ar caluiiHiic-i aL:,M;n^t the ^icat lulci' <t'
the IVeiicli nation, whom I cun^ider as the
li'iealest StateNnian, and theahh>t ("leneial ot"
aneK'iit or modern time>i ; and 1 hi_i;-hl\ esteem
the iiati' n at w host' head he has had the m^'d
ioi tuiu' to !)C' phieed. I make tins (leelaialaui
111 tile hope, that tlie opiiiii'ii wliieh I am .dioat
t"i:!\e, ma\' not Ik' aserilied to tliat l)i-'itttal
ilhherahtx, iinlnrtuiKitely tou jn e\ alent. I l;a\ e-
248 Mil. HUTCHINSON.
little doubt, then, that, should it please Provi-
dence to continue Buonaparte a itw years longer
in the possession of that power which he has
hitherto wielded but for the destruction of his
enemies, and which power is every liour increas-
ing in a most alarming degree, \vc shall have to
contend with him for our very existence as a
"joation."
February 13j 18 11. On the Report of the Address.
" He agreed in every praise that could be be-
stowed on the courage and discipline of our brave
army in Portugal, and en the skill and ability of
its noble commander ; but he could not omit
taking that opportunity of protesting against the
manner in which his Majesty's Ministers had
hitherto supported Lord Wellington and the
British army in PortugaL He hesitated not to
say, tiiat the efforts of our brave army had not
been duly seconded by IMinisters ; the supplies
of men had neither been effective as tostren"'th,
nor seasonable as to time : the contribution, and
the manner of contributing, wore all the fea-
tures of that lingering indecision, equally inea-
pable of acting or resolving. There prevailed
througliout the conduct of Ministers all the vice
C'f half measures; there appeared to be neither*
.MK. IIUTC lii NbON
'2^9.
..,.11 ViOi' principle, design nor nic'lini; rtui-
' I'ci-iiu'nts were sent o'.iL Iih) tiiilnru in he o.
;i'\- ii>e, ii;icl thev been .^easoiKiiile ; .imixct >o
.!! iiMed. as not to h;i\e jjiove*! (t :nueh u>e.
'i;i(! t'ay bten Mirilc'ent !y l ll'ei i\e.""
"' llcduln.i! \\\A\ to iiithilj,; in L;l;)()ni\' anli-
<';patMns; ijiil. w iili rc.-ipeei b; wi. ..:.. .li pa-M-d,
'le inNi-ted. that ( )'.;r h;\.\-e I loi )p, h,.;. had to eon-
triid, ui ,1 i>\:\\- \. .\\\ []:c a/tixi' ciainx" nj^p'-'^cd
'tlhin al'i'fid, hal ai-nw'.'h tlie iinhcaih tv,
:: i -dh^it'.u.i, i'^ii..! .; I'.ee, an-l I'.e^^-ii'^-enre oi the
.Miiu-tri > at h'ar,!'.'"
" \\':.s It In- >Lieh caaitLinptiide ; h.:l(hen\ phiv
a-^ t!:<.' eoiiu'rv had witne.^-.v. d ci the pait ni"
M iiiin*( I's, tiiat t'u'\ expretcd I ) .stiike a (Ka i-
^l\c hi'AV :iL;;a'n-l till' t ! r; ; ,tai(l(ju> JoV>cr ';t'
I'lai.cc' 1 1' thv'ic ml ni wai w t . (. of m) wi^t a
,C( 'pt\ w h\ dii aiiii I i'( I!.'.- 1--!;; ( -> taken m a\'ii\\ a d
1)1 ' -( (. II' .Mil (it !i:i-i!;i'e -'1 na an'\' l;u<Ml^l>t(nt ,
^ ') w K !( !l'. di\' (; ,-pI.' 'j:i a", 'ni):i ( : 1 1. < iv. t ', U' ot Jua'
ii;;ii(h tiic >!:iiL'Ld'' \v.i-- in t!a' rnd to hr ahan
d(aii,il a.^ i";iKA->, \v\]v fxiiaii^t \\\r nu in> oi
.Mir dt l( luv ai truitirs^ spiM ipu n^ n\ Ihilid;
hi ..^.a lA ^ ai'.", .r> '^ h: hliant. but ah.'. a\ r^ una\ a 1 i' _.
250 MR. IIUTCHIXSOX.
June 7, 1 S 1 ] . On moving an Address to the Prince Regent
respecting the Military Policy of the Country.
*' From tliese examples, Sir, it is evident that
Napoleon has left nothing to accident or cliance,
but that (with the exception already mentioned,
the Peninsular war) he has invariably acted on
plans suggested by the wisest policy, and car-
ried into effect with the most consummate
nulitary talent."
*'' What, Sir, would Buonaparte have done
with our means? How would he have availed
himself of such opportunities?"
" Can we expect, A\hcn we consider the
enemy we have to deal witli, that Lord Welling-
ton, with his ])resent British force, aided I)ut by
the inexperienced, however patriotic and gal-
lant levies of Portugal and Spain, can continue
this contest with any prospect of ultimate suc-
cess, so long as we afford only scanty and inade-
quate supplies ? In the hour of our success, we
calumniate the enemy. Are we ignorant how
highly the officers who led the van of the British
army, applaud the skill and valour of Marshal
Ney, and those troops which covered the retreat
of Massena ? Do we already forget our own
severe losses on the Duas Casas, and that still
more sanguinary, though glorious conflict, of
>iu. iii^i ( H r\"v(>\
\..M,;'-.l: 111 WIKlt 'it-itC lui\f li.C I Xcrti"!!- of
JiL ciitinv ictt our arii:u'> at in ^ imjilc n: !oi
.u '/i\c operation^ i\\ thv- l\'i;:!i-ul:i - Wi-ui'i r.ot
. ^niali ii'iul'oiCLim'iit t" iii:n ;it I hi., li ;!:i'Ml
n>tai.t C()iiij)(. 1 us iuist :i \' in iit iic to cuii lii;i ^ : '
' Ale all our ]^.|(^^lnL;.^ to fud in tin -tha'
Mus^ena liavinu' allianjtcd that I'or whiohlu-
a|>[)car^ nnl to h:i\c had ^uthcicnl ioi't, has
U'tn'cd hnim a had j)M-,ni(in in P"itUL;';d, tc* In-
ll-^)Ul(^.^ ni Sj).nn. until it ^nall he hi-, rmn-c-
\'icnca' With nicita^cd innnhcr^. and at a inoi*
hi\nurahlc -ca^on. to irtmu: (.)ui pa^t and juc-
.snnt nircuin<tann(. s haw hrcn coinjjaia'd ; thai
i-, our >ltuati()n now in tlu' l\'ninsula, to what
it \\a> in lS(s. A\dic]r arc the Spani-h airnit-i
ol that \cdi: All- thc'\- not dr!'( atcd and di^-
[u'l'.scd : In who^c ImikU a:i' the t'orticsv/^ thiai
(jC( npK (1 l)\' t he S]ianiai(U .- Aic t in \- not ni ;n-
cipaiix Ml ti'.c haiuN ot tiir tiu;n\- Wc h,i\'c
ica-ioii now to (xuit, hut at wha.t " 'i'iiat the
(.UK in\ ha^ not luth.cito ^uccta dud in cxprllin^-
n-, troin Poitui^-al ! ( )ur -uccc -> ha.s tlii-> ex tunt,
no more. Ihit Ikjui oui |iic'>unt fui'Uiun^s ouu
nn<4ht he disposed to int(U- that w r had rxpuctud
annihilation. Wdiw m JSOO, did liuonaparft-
w ithdia\\' hinisclt' and his miards lioui Npain.'
\\ as !t uot to dutuat Au.-^tiia: And (l;d iw u-t
<j;ioiious|\ accomplish the ohicct ' \\ . v h.i- the
war sn loiiu- liuMfictl in the I'cui.n-u.ia - JJccau^e
'Z.'i'z.
MIL. lliJTCni NSOX.
l)i.: h:\s !ia<:i other vicu's. Is \n: not ii()'.v prepared
to enler into an(;llier contmeiitai war, and in
:inot]ier tjuarter of l-airope, should eircum-
^tiinecs render it iiccessaiy? 1 am sorry to per-
cei\e an anxiety in this country ibr sueh a war.
VVc seem alike ignorar.t of the ^trcngtli and
situation of tlie encniy, and iudifterent to the
fate of other nations ; eager foi revenge, v;e ery
for blood, reckless of the cGnse(juei]ces. it
lias often been our policy to excite the continent
to war ; and when tlie misfortunes of our allies,
possddy our neglect, have separated us, we iiave
ininicdiately liad recourse to an envenomcil
lUiheral abuse, proving oursehes no le.^s power-
ful in enmiiy, than unserviceable in friend-
ship.'*
" Should thic Emperor Alexander be so ill
advised as to break M'ith France at this moment,
what are likely to be our occi'j)ations ? If we
do not materially cliange our system, we shall
perhaps advance a little fuither into the Penin-
sula, still vviih an inadequate force, ^\'e shall
.^rd^sidize Russia, if sh>c wdl deign tortccept;
and, jjrovided no hit her n; inidiscovered rock or
pett}' i.^laiid attract our not'cc, we may send to
-ome point of the C'l'iimiair. fir distant from
"^he scciic of i.'-iion, :\m\ late in the war, a corps
nieciual to eifectua! jmpicssion, but just sulli-
''!ej;t ;o rncouiage tjie (hduded people (iiatLirally
h I I .11 [ \" -"N'
_ : i
';:-^-();itk'nt' <1 \utii liu' t\ian!A' \i,i-'-: w urh
x]\c\ t\;>!) t'> n^c :iia:ii!-; .ii.d, '.,;, i'- i ..lU'd
lli'.iii l)\' our j) I (.-(.lice, ;J)aii(l( II lii'ii! i.i tiA-i;
!(.', li:t\;UL:,- (.'xli:!!!-!! tl thnr c-ciiMt i \ , a "id i ^ ; ii>i .1
tiitiii to \\\v e'ha^t isciiKii t di' an iiaitati'd r.a-'cr.
ll'iw Ir.iVc \()u Inlhci'n Incn wa.LU 4' n. :ii
a Lia !!!! iJiaMiapai tc: P.N' c \ : :ai;-.t hil; \{-)i:i ! ; > \M!r\ ,
;al diM'cui a'jaii-- cvc H \(i!i- own jHOj''.' b\
I ( -i' ^ai iMii^ ;iiri; I al fa diiia'% \' a: llattcT \()i '.;-( '.w-
\ I ai are nial-.iii^a 'juait I'xcM 'nn, I'iaa;u-c hum n ;n!^
:. t la i :i,i ai- lU i.I ; i)iif w li:i;a d(.';d)! Ic-^, Niaiaic
accxa'dinu' in tia'>, do \ on !lir!iai\- ad'vaira-a lau'
:;uli t()\ra!(K liiintni;j,' tlic j)i)\\'jr "f J'iii'ata
u incii. i!"'>iin"(.atal !'.) :ua'juirr -tr('r:'j;ili in the ran d
in uiraa" it lia^ donr, w ',!! ^liakc Noni rni;aia, to it >
:\\ Joandat a '11 ' luit \a)n inniaanc tli i \'ai air
- tlr a" 'aaraa a; c \ cm ^o - \ mm ll:.\a'. i a. ;!a(.a', 'lia!-
aL;c d 1 !'a in :: a la !o \ oni c ,;>' ^. aa- 1 ..'.!..
-; I ( . ,.ial c >- naaU -' \', i a\'. J'T. in a T' ^ d i na
I a ! to I n I ' ; ! \ o 1 1 - \ 1 1 n a, . : d ' ; 1 a .^ a ; " ^ a ' -
. av aiiia 1 ." 'L to ;,i> ir-> , ^ ol scan: i. 'a .nal
',.> o! a( 1 laa. .d ] a apaiai" .^ a,- ; ia ai' h - t !;n a! ->
'at \ ( Ml he' f\ ( da' t o! in', d In nina ,[{'. >a. !)a--
\anana lii^ ni:an-;, :a.a! u '>.'.^r\ \nn: o\.a',
' a-tta \ ' I ia\ (.' \a)n la^f In and la in I ar ,a -' ! ,
;' 1 !:(' Ad: ,a ai; \a l iiat i lie ddaiu: s oi' i . . ,
a ) ca na ' ais na\'\' art; na.aa^^ ni . ' a a
1 ( a. s; \ t \ - a ^nr > a! ' ; i , t : ^ --
aai .na; ai a' ad I i ic i a'. - a. ; i
254 MR. HUTGllINSOX.
most of the ports of EiiropCj it would be ' idle to
question his ca])ability of rendering himself
formidable as a naval power?' You have fre-
quently experienced thcgallantry of the seamen
of HoUand, France, and Spain, to whom those of
Sweden and Denmark do not yield those of
Genoa and Venice have also had their day; why
not again? Greece and her islands have hitherto
furnished abundance of seamen to the fleets of
Turkey and Russia. All, or the greater part of
these countries, arc under the absolute control
of J^uonaparte."
Januarys, IS 12. In the Debate on the report of the
Address.
" It was a fact which it was impossible to
conceal or disguise, that the enemy had hitherto
attempted nothing in which he had not com-
pletely succeeded."
Julij 1(1, ISl'J. In tlw DehiiU' on tlic motion for a Bill
for the Freseriatlou (f ilie Fuhlic Peace.
" Every evil under wluch the countr\' was now
;:ih(Mnii]o-. inii^ht be traced to that fatal system of
MR. IIL ICi; 1 NM)N . 'llu
p'i'iii V \>, liich had Ik. '11 inaiiitaii!; t! u.y tl.i' la-L
t\'ciit\ Nf.^i^. '1 () alter tliat >\^tLiu. a.iid ua iir
to ratiiral!) MiUiu! jTincijili ^ (/t ( i()\ c i mia, m. w :^^,
111 lli^ c'^t inailM '11, the 1)(.'.i'l iiuaii-^ (j1 ail,i\ iivj,' the
(h^( nn;ciit>, ])\ i\iii()\ iiig t)r allc\aa! 1!!l;' the cli^-
ties^cs ot' the people."
Ji.'t/ Ji. 1-1J,_/. //., I), I, lie r-r/ M. Sii,:uUiu'<; nn.i'a^n
' 'j'he\' iiui'-t he ^reatlv i^-noiaiit. indeed, ot' the
leal dauL^'ei to whieh Kii^^ia wa^ e\];o^ cd, u' the\
' . . '
eoiiM eodp. m]>,ate liic j)U-ent >it;iatioii (,i Um'
eiiijure w.tii an\ other -eiit imeMt^ lliaii tho>e <!
U'giel, .:p|)H h( i; >ioii, and alai in. lie w as .iii \(,a^
til a\o',\ th.il 11" liii-sian ,-uh)', ct (oidd teel n.oic
luti n's!ed 111 e\eiy tlnnu' eonneeted with tht
wellaie of that great eii'ijiiie th.iii hinistit ; r.o:
irajie de.^; rolls lor a su c (.'(.- st id teiiiiaial.oii of t he
luineir.lous content in w Iweh she w ^s ri:!j,a_;ed
lie iKid not the snmlK'-^t donhl tiiat hrr hi/.\,
troops wonld ei'iitinne to sn^lam the Ioik ni
..lid ultjiA ol lua' ai Ills ; tli.U with \s h.il( \ a i d lii
eaitus the\ iiii:j,-ht ha\e to sfiuLiuIe. tlic\ would
n' I tail It. e\ mec their wonted palaai.e, i! -e -
256 AlU. HUTCillNSOv,
plinc, and courage: be repeated that iie wibhed
them success from his lieart, tlioughhc trembled
for the result of the contest.''
'' No doubt, Russia had sufficient provocation
for making war, but she declared it too late, and,
in a tone ill-suited to her situation ; untauglit,
indeed, by experience, nmst be those M'ho could
await the issue with any other than the most
fearful anxiety."
" Finding Russia engaged in a war with France,
we should no doubt be disposed to afford her
assistance; but he begged to remind Ministers
of the fate of the late King of Sweden, who
])t)Nsil)ly lost his crown in consequence of our
li:i\i:)g furnished him with the means of persever-
ing in a mad, une(|ual; contest. What had been
Buonaparte's exertions ? We recollected his past
achievements. Let us look to the magnificent
military spectacle which he now presented to the
view of astonished and degraded Eurojjc. He,
at least, foresaw his difiicuitics, and ably ])rej)ared
to jncet them. W'c seemed to have made
aUiance Vvitli falseliood ajid foiiy, and to I'C bhnd
to the dano'crs which ('\cn awaited ourselves,
Wiiat Vv\MX' our objections to ticat now with
Buouaparic - By tlie treaty of jViuiens we had
abandoiu'd tl;;' Bomooii;;, ;iii(i recoinii^cil him
head ol' tiiv' r'rcncii (iovei ^iinent. \v ; s it his
title to the tlijone oi' France; 1\ j c'-Ujuerur had
MR, HUTCHINSON'
fvcr t>t;il)li^hed a better, (^r to all appearance, a
iiioic secure one. He per<'ei\(.'(l that tlii> seiiti-
nieiit was not popular in the ilo'.i^e, vet he
rejjeated it, and would add, that he knew n)
C'Mupiercjr ot" aneiiMit or nioderji tin;e>, \\'\\() had
less exerted the L;-reat pow er he po<se->ed in the
eo!nini^>ion of individual acts ot' oj)pre>^ion than
had Huonaparte. J lere, aL::aiii, he t'-amd hin'.Sv'li
intenujUed bv svniptoms oi" di^nlca-ure. but he
would abide In- u hat hi' it id -.uid. A>; a eon-
(jueror. the L,n'eatest e\ai known, he had, dnubt-
ie->., to an-wer foi niueh (Hitrage and mi>erv ; to
C'MKjuer, iinj)lied tlu'se and they niu^t be in pro-
portion to the extent <jt >u''h eonipieits ' What
ndl'.ions bletl, th.at Ca^^ar iniu,ht be i^reat !' Did
ne I'oiLret ouro\^n eonduct in tiie iMstein woild
ali>ne, when we liui-. ! *'u!!\ air.i:;4-iieil tluit of
JJuonajjarte in luiiop.'- \\kM(- wr nidisjMi-rd to
pruee tmiu tlie (kji^iriN .ip.d (hlih'aitu'-, in Wiiieli
we r(jn.^;(ieied hnn at ]ia-.'ui ir.voUed in the
north ? 'i'he\" were, iiid; etk ui'cat, hut it was to
be t'eaied, n(Jt too i;!ea' ;()rli!:n to o\'ercoii:e-
Was It hi:^ hauL:;htine-s t" ilie po\u is ol' the en n-
t nent that displeased u-. : liad we, indeed, '(">
h';irn, tiiat this (K nieanoiii' was. unicrtur elv,
the too natui'.d. !iowe\c:" (jlteiiMxe, eor.c innitaiit
ot' j)rospcritN-, unhnundcd as i.ad been hith. ito
iha! ot this e\tr,.>adii,ai'v man - ()i we:e welor
'111' orotue'tion ^t' thi:> conle-i. ni the \ .iin hope
258 MR. HUTCHINSON.
of thus being able to prevent France from pos-
sessing a navy ? Look to the map 1 Wert we
for perpetual war, confidently relying upon our
own resources, and tlie exertions we were mak-
ing r Was it upon the numbers we brought
into the field, that we relied? Look to their
amount, and consult their distinguished and
noble leader, as to their sufficiency for this ter-
rible conflict, in which, howx:ver paradoxical
it might appear, defeat seemed little to weaken
the enemy, or the most brilliant victories to
advance the cause of the Allies/'
( 2Jl) }
VISCOLNT JOCEI.VN.
. '.'('irv 7) 1 '^1 -' ^^" >iioviii^; ati (imcnclmint to ihr .IJiircss
pn'postd hij Str Frnmis linnUtl.
" liiE French Ikuc kiiullcd a IIiiik' in Spain,
which they never can cxtingiii^l), lhe\ have
iai>)e(I uj) a sjjii'it au-ain^f ihi'Mi-e Iw -, w lii(-!i they
nes'er can ^nh(hic ; and wliatcNar n!,.\ he the
'.'jiininn^ ot' Hon. Menihc.^ wilii icL^aid to the
!'>hc_\ ot' the S|)ani:5h c.ui^e, whatevei- miv be
the ^'cni'ial sentiment on t!ie suhjcct, it ahva\s
n)n>t h(^ a proud ^en^ation to the iK'al't^ ot' the
Ihitish pco])le, that Spain, goaih-d h\- insults,
assailed hy treachery, and ahnost o\'ei\'onie by
])o\\cr, tound^ m thearuisot the ]h!ii>ii Uiitionj
a ciiamfjiou tor lier t !(. edoiu, an a\"en'_;,er t't>r her
m^uit^, and an udxocate lor her cau^e. Her
a:in;c>, it i> tine, havt- \)cc\\ repuhech and >till
n)a\ he .i::ain nwacoinc h\- the bet ter di^cij)hntal
t!oo])^ ot I'rancc, her ardour nia\' for a nunu-nt
be appaUed hythe vic'toi ie^ of her enemies ; but
i trust there cannot he found an\ man able to
per.-^uade the Ihitish naliiMi. that the Spanish
people, I'ormcd in tlic -ame mould, ami spnuiL!,"
t'lom tlic ^ame ^toch as those heroes who bled at
S;'.ra'j'oss;i and Cii'rona, can be tiaiiors to that
jied eau-e ol' hbert\ and mdi'pendei:ce w inch
\ I'.avc so 'lorieaisl\- eud)raced."
( 260 )
MR. LAM BE.
February 27, 1812. In the Debate on Sir Thomas
Turton's motion for a Committee on the State of the
Naiion.
" He entertained no wish to hold a despond-
ing tone, or to think meanly of" the public
jesourceSj but he could not perceive how acced-
ing to the present motion, would be any con-
fession of weakness, or betra^^ any marks of
pusillanimity."
*' If any combination of circumstances could
be imagined to create a necessity on the part of
the House for entering into a grave considera-
tion of the condition of the country, such a
necessity did now exist. To every other motive
was to be added the consideration, that the
country was now governed by a divided, dis-
tracted, and inefiicient administration ; that
Ministry had recently lost the talents of Mar-
quis Wellesley ; and he was sure, that w hatever
difference of opinion might subsist upon some
of his measures, no man ^vouId deny to him the
reputation of an enlarged and statesman-like
capacity. lie thought, therefore, that the Minis-
try had lost much of their strength by the seces-
:.i i:. i.AM u} .
i:6i
^MiiP .t' ti,c N( blc Mar(iui>, and was !)r>; k'-^, i athcr
w i'>.'u. iu-'l In tile a('cc^-,iiii) i>\' ilk' Xnhu- J/nd
( ( ':'.stlc!r;iLcii). { /jn/J cri<.< cf' /war, //cur ! ) lie
jiR'ant wo {)cr>i()nal ciiMC>j-cct ; bat trtjin a review"
of t!ie })a-t (-ondiict of t!:e Xoble Lord, tbe
eomitiy could not form anv tivourablc aiimiis'
oi lutiirc triuinpli ai;d successes, and aiLijouij^h
hv did not ah.aibe all tlie calainilous e\ents of
ti;c !::iK--i to iii> colidact. be did t!::idv tlicN' b.ud
h\ ;i 'ji (,;' ' '.- ;:_"'r,i'. .itcd b\ it."
( 262 )
MARQUIS OF LANSDOWNE.
February' 22, 1810. In the Debate on th-j Convcntitm
icith Portugal.
" Were they, after the melancholy experience
they had already felt, again to expose the army
to new disasters, while yet mourning the twelve
thousand already lost? Were the remaining
resources of the country to be entrusted to
those who had wasted the former, and who now
unblushingly called lor renewed confidence ?
It was always bad policy to become principals
in a continental war, and such we should be if
the proposed force was to be kept up in Por-
tugal."
*' After our recent and severe losses, it was
a question, if humanity, policy, safety, and
future existence, would justiiV sucli an appro-
priation of our army, when nc: a single Minister
dared to say he tliought ihe measure would be
ultimatelv trowned with success.'"
.MARQUrS OF LAN^DOWNK
^65
tlw (.v.niiKU'j,!! i i SjKiiit.
* I iihke tiK' (-oii(|iicror i)i" ilic t.\>nt iii'.'nt, who
had uainccl cvcrv tliiiiLi; b\' coiK'iiilialini;- hi'^
tbrcc-^. and (hrcct mil;,- them to one (jhjcct at a
time; our M iii'iNL, r:,^ in their vi^'our. would j)i()-
M'eiiU' i\ei\ (>l)ii.'ct at lie >ame tiiiK', a.iid the
' \ant I. ad >!ie'\vn tlie \^ i-.dom (!' tiinr J)ohe^."
' No --iiree:'-. eould \)C expected m Sj)a-;n,
liiidei siieii a ( io\'eriimeiit, or with an ar;ii\- m)
C"ii^titiite;l. and so eommanded ; or in a cai'i>
|)ai;^ii w here it was known MippUes couhl not he
j)i-oeured to enahle the armv to aet. .Mini^tei.-i
inu^t li.ive i^iio\\-n th;it no eh:;m;a' had taken
|)ki( e ^mee l]\r \)]'Ci\-d:\\'j; \ ear, t< 1 Wcuaant tlimi
in li^kiiiL;- the Tale of ar.otlicr arm\ on the ^ame
<4i oil nd w Inch had [e;M\cd -^o ('.-J mu'.m. ^ to t lie
U'a l.iiil Sir John ,\h;iiu- .^id hi,> arm\ ; ami
without j)i-o\ ithnu' IT i"iiki;;-- to t lie lutui e, < t
heiuLi,' warneil 1>^ ' ht' k.-iic!-, 'f' ti'.epa^t. U'a ;
had [dun^'ed lieadloii;;' m to tia'->ame tl,'.n-er, :\\:^[
expel le need ^till L!;i'eaU r m;>t(a'I mm-, i i:c ! 1 .i\
^. h)i '!( and lii> eninp:;!!;' '11^ in l;1"1 \', !;.!: 1.1 li i'> *
Milacad their d\ iiiL;- mo.ni'uU wil li t',; iiai- mil-
lion, that, tlmii-ii lr-\ ft, 11 -a a if.o. -, !. i'.-.
. :-in;l>^ and ii:-,i:i,te;I\- > [' M:n; -: ^ tli'ai
l';.\ \' .: e \v< [.]'[ i-; - ,. (w ful a ". .1: mn::' and
254 MARQUIS OF LANSDOWNi
inculcate so useful a lesson, tliat no future Bn-
tish General or soldier should be sent to perish
in so unwise an attempt., founded on a trust in
Spanish co-operation. Ijur, alas! even in the
very next year after they died, Ministers, as
precipitate and rash as before, again m'ouIu tiy
the same experiment. With tlieni, dream after
dream ensued, and every dream endtd in bitter
disappointment, till the world rang with the
vain sound."
*' He did cherish the hope, and would cherish
it to the last, that if ever Europe was saved, tlfis
country would be an important agent in tliat
great event. But it could never be accomplished
by rash expeditions like these, without consulting
the means of our Allies, and destroying our own
force, by dividing it on different hazards. The
desirable object was only to be achieved l>v a
prudent use of the resources with which pro-
vidence had blessed us. Such was not the use
made by his Majesty's present Counsellors, and it
was important that their Lordships shoultl he
convinced of this, from the insufficiency of what
they had already attempted."
( '^^>-' )
EARL OF LAUDERDALE.
Ju^ic -^'J, l^i;^. //; tin' Ddxite <i iJu: ^Iddicss ytSjtfu t'nr^
tiir Vote nfCnillt.
'' Wv ])ertcctiv ai::!C(.'(l u 1th his N'ohlc I'liciul
(Lord Holhiiuh, not only as to iht' [)i<)])rirtv ol'
liis aiiu'iuh:.; nt, l.uit in every >cnt;nicnt he liad
ulteiecL"
' He i'elt t!i:it tlic I'xecutivc (Jovcmnient
<jt' tiu^ ( nuutiN, h\ not eoinniLT toi waid in tlie
wav ewntein[)Lit( li \>\ his Xohle I'liend, had
I'nahled tiie iiiii |- ot' IVanci' tu make tho^e t^aeaL
.md NU(l(^^tul ( \(. I'tions t'M ;i n'ori' vilimiou^ pro-
.>ecuti<'ii (<t" ha^stilit le-."
johj .- .Mt.'-d^t nUltlit id tin />tu//<v^ nj JinniMI <'
" If, in the pie.Hair -t.ite el' the Con ; a;, nt.
(\ei\ ujitoitunate I'l.r.i ( or Ihaici-^ \\;:e to
266" i-MlL UF L/.LJDEIIDALE.
seek a rctiear and an establishment in this
country, merel\' on tlie score of their misfor-
tunes, it w as not unHkely that we might have
many candidates for the bounty of the British
nation,"
.07 )
EARL OF LIVERPOOL.
Juiir'.lO, 1SI)3. State of Spd'in and Siccdcn.
* ^^'lnf rrsiH'ct to Sj);iin, tlic ptoplf ot' tluil
C()Unir\' IkuI iiKiiiit'otL'd a spiiit and (Icteininia-
liou to i"i'><i^l tilt" attempts t.)i' tlicir iii\'a(!ci>,
which wcu'.kl iKi\C(!(iiu" iioiiour to llit: iiio.^t l;,Io-
j'iou>i {)ci ;- .!> oi' lhi;r ln^LWi^, and whirh, y^Ci-
liaps, U'c ic :: it to he cxj'crted under ti;c prc^-
.^uic of -^i'.!:! Innriuhdjlc dit'licuiti'j.-. Surh a
scene, c'\('i\ nnn iii liiat liou^e. ewiy man :n
the i/oimti \", nui^: 'i;..i \\i'.ii liie h\a-'ie^t -a!:>!,ie-
t:i)n; ;ind w ii.tt t vc r\' l;i n. i "U-^ he.ii t nni-t \\i-^!i
shouUl he (L'lie in -upn ort (-1 -i<> u'Ii/Im 'M^ ; e.ui-e,
his Maie>l\ '-. M:l::^tl :^. \^ idd I'l t 1 : t th( ir de ; \ lo
do. With i< <4anl to \*h:!t intir'm..! : )n tiu". !i;ui
reeeivecl ot the deSi^ai-^ or the i.oi (. > ni thi'-r
hrave and ]\sohite niei', \* ho, n; di. !t-nee o.' I hiii
eountr\'.> indej)eiuU'nee, wire ':\jo-;!v^- !!.,;;
-eha'> toeNciv th.iiL;' \",hiieh a ]()\v *, : '. "e'l a-ni ^ .n
LonnaiA' t\ i:'.nt eou!d de\'iM' and lo'hv:'.. :: C' .. .1
not heixpeeted \\c -I,Muid ni w iriii 'd '. Ih-
Majc-it \ '>) Mmi-tej-. w i-n ['M\ -c-.-dle o! t;:e
20s EARL OF ilVKUPOOr,,
extreme importance of tliis event; and he tiustefl
they would be found to have acted accord-
iuglj."
January 1 0, 1 S09. In the Debate on the /iddrcos.
** With regard to the affairs of Spain, the
address only went to give his Majesty a general
assurance of support in maintaining the cause of
that nation as long as they proved true to them-
selves. In what way this support had been
givTn, or how it ^vas to he in future adminis-
tered, would he a suhjectof distinct and detailed
consideration ; nor w^ould the House, by now-
agreeing to the address, pledge themselves to
approve of those particular engagements which
had been contracted. All that they were now
called upon to do was, to record a public avowal
of their determination not to desert that cause
which the government and the country had es-
poused, and that they would not he so f^ir dis-
mayed by those reverses which had been expe-
rienced, and which were from the beii'innimj: to
be expected, as to renounce that system of sup-
port to which both his A[;!Ji st}' and the nation
were most solemrdy ])lc'.]gcd, and in which it
was, in consequence of llice reverses, cvcu be-
come a more sacred duty to persevere. Hose
f .\ iir. oi I I Viiu-ooi .
-)9
will) iiitcneil tluit the cau-c w:^ (Ic-ju'i.itc, ricni
tho-c ilisa^trrs which had ah'rady h>ij)N(. i;rc!, ;ia-
^(.IUcl upon a inost contKictid and nrj^iilcrl
NK'W of tlic rchitiw situation ot ihc pailu-> cu-
LTamd in the C(Mltt.^t ; and iic mtiaaud thii.v^c
w ho were inclined to despond, hclnre tliey ij;ave
way to their t'ear>. to con>uh tiic iccoitls (4 hi>-
tor\ . and to icxiew tho>e ll'.^tanc^'^ ol nation>
\\ iio had bet n compelled to strnixi^le tor their iii-
lupeiidence, :n cIrenIn^tan<cs Mniilai to tho>e in
wli.eli tlie S[)ai:l;irds were nc)U' j)lace(l. Tlu-ie
;t wonld be loiiiuh that nation^, atter niaintain-
hil; strnL:-'j;leb tor ten or twentv \ears, in the
course of which thev had jieen ahno:^t nnitorndv
>\orsted in brittle, h.ad e\ entuaiiy >ucceede(K m
>pite ol" the ti!M!r.[irs of their ad\a. i ^aries, ni
.>ecurini^ the oiiei't toi' w hit-h tluv contended.
Il wa^ (littieidt to cor.eci\'e an\- -ituation u he/h
\\ (/ulilbt. tti. r Wii lant hopt> ot' nllnnati' miccc ,
than that c)}'Sp;i;ii at ihi^ ddv. '1 ia- ptnplc \ei-rr
i.iiiani:r.(;u^ m tlu-ir re>Ktanee to the ;n\-a(!(r;
and It w ,15 the only inst.mee since the I'lerich
re\ohituin, ni winch a whole pc^'jile had talaii
up ai!n> m thii; ()\\n deUnce. The tenitor\- o;
Spain was as laiLi.e as that of Fiance within ;t>
ancient inhits. und tiu* C()untr\- possc ^ud ni;:!;;'
hic;d ad\;int:iL:,c s \ehich \\ ere cxii enu 1\- ta\ ( ii:-
ahle lo i;> uctencc- ; advantai;(.>, tlic \a';ue ot
AcliK-h the Sjtaulsh Instoiy in t'oi r.u r times oii;^ht
S:70 EARL OF LIVERPOOL.
to teach us duly to appreciate. The Noble
Lord (Lord Grenville) iiiight, indeed, say, that
if their advantages, both physical and moral,
were so great, the Spaniards ought to be left to
themselves. Ought we, then, to risk nothing
where so much was at stake ? The success of
the enemy had, in many cases, been nearly in pro-
portion to his risk ; and because he had gained a
great deal by risking much, where we had much
to gain, ought we to risk nothing ? The cause
in itself was most interestino- to the best feel-
ings of the human mind ; it offered the last
chance of salvation to the continent of Europe ;
and taken in a more contracted and selfish point
of view, our own immediate security was in
some measure invob.ed in its fate. He asked,
then, if nothing was to be risked in support of
.1 generous ally if nothing was to be risked for
the re-establishment of the general tranquillity ;
in fine, if nothing was to be risked for our own
safety and independence r"
Jpril 21, 1809. In Reply io Eurl Grey's Speech on
7iioving an yiddress on the Campaign in Spain aiid
Portugal.
" The Noble Earl (p],arl Grey) had censured
liis Majesty's Government for precipitation ; he
EAKL or i.ivrr.pooi .
271
]\:\d (!cr!:ii; ' .1 to Ix.' his <'j.iiri<Mi, tli .f I'u'v
oii^hi t.( ,\t' \\aitcHl to .iscnt.iiii t!;c iMoiKih.iitv
I th< -iiccc>> ottiic L.iU^< oj j)ati:ij: >^,i; iw >;i.. u.
i.iL'ioiC tlll'N' fjfli'U'il IIr S|)aillli(U .:^-! 'iillt i".
I'lus was a nio-5t rxlraouliii.u \ (ipiiimii. W ihit.!
when the tV-clin;^ n[ ic'-^i^taiicc ami < ij)jirc--u)ii
was ^() >trono- and so i^aiicia! 1:1 >jiaiii. would i'
ha\c lic(n lioiiourahlc to \\\c nri;>li rii..; .k tci',
had hi^ AI iic-^t\'> ip.iiii'>tri> told t;,c L!.ai!;i;iL
Sj)aii;ai<l^, ' \\ c \\ id iioi i4:\c' \o[^ .ud wmii' xou
aiT iii,>>L ill '.'.aiii (it l^ wi.ili' N'o.ii ri!i.it>aL
'jiiKiiirijiatioii i'W 111 iiit'.!i!c\ ; h'li w r wili drier
our ;isNi^tai!cc uiinl \ (.u ;: 1 ' in lull >t la hl;; Ij, and
need it Hot:' Had >>U( h hvLii ihr !:i:iLii: ',;;c laid
Ijy ins Alajcsix's niiiii^.tca >. thi.\- would ha\(' 111-
<ka(l (k'>ci\fd ihc 1 cj)io!jai lou (.,[' c\u\ man in
the Count rv, '
" Al'ui' Sir John Moon: h.:id c-onu- io ;i dclci-
niniation of natrchni^L; into Span:, thiow,;'!! I'or-
tULi,ad. iu' \va)n.d a>k l\\c NoliU- I'.ail how, in liis
w;^(h)ni. \\c woid<l ha\c' (l:])OM-d ol ihc toicr^ of
tiu ia)unti\ tlifii upon the IVann^nlar IlaviiiL;-
(hi\(,'n the I'rcnrh out of PoitUL^al, an ohjet't
whadi the' Ciadu ian Jinita had jjiouountaal to he
01 the la>t impo! tanee to tiie (-au^e ot Sjair.
atter ha\ n^.g elleetcd that oh'n'ct, lu' wouid a-i^,
^\(>uld it have heen ad\nsabU- to Kt tlie aini\ it-
main in inai'ti\ ity, or to send them \rhcK iio-
l\\i]\'j eouM be tlonc r Or w a^ it not lather the
273 KAHL OP LIVERPOOL.
iiiipeiioiis fluty of tliose to wliom the power
and the wishes of the country in that cause
were at that time entrusted, to make an effort in
Spain, for the cause in wjjich the hest feehngs of
Englishmen were so deeply interested ? Would
it he asked, have been an adequate and suitable
evidence of the zeal and ardour that prevailed
throughout the empire, to have suffered so fme
an army to remain patient spectators, while their
ally was bleevling in the cause they had been
sent out to assist? Not that he meant that
ministers at such a period were to yield im-
plicitly to the cry of popular enthusiasm. He
Mas aware, that sucli an enthusiasm called for a
proportionate exercise of the coolest deliberation,
and the most dispassionate judgment. And here
he could not help animadverting on that part of
the speech of the Noble Earl in which he in-
sinuated, that that enthusiasm had been indus-
triously stimulated by the government. lie
for his part, knew of no stimulus greater than
the common sympathy of freemen in the cause
of freedom, lie was aware too of the indigna-
tion such a sympathy was calculated to excite,
m contemplating an usurpation as tyrannical
in the design, as it was perlidious in the execu-
tion. But he denied, that those feelings to any
criminal excess were allowed to bias the cooler
iud^ment of the government of the country, in
KAHl. OF MVriil>(J01.
iTJ
lU'ciiiinij; on the I)c.->t and l^(>^L ctl'uMi uni^ iiian-
iu'i I'l tli^posiiii;" <>t" our niilit.ai"\- imaii^ in mii'Iji;! L
t't till.- Spani-h caii^c. Ili-^ MajcsU 's nlill;^tcl-
! ( mharkini; in that cause, wcic nui >-) wt-ak.
(I Hn[)i<)\ ulcnt, ^o foolish, as to expect that tlie
111 -t etlorts of the S[)ani>h pcDple. coniendin^
With ^uell an eneinv. wnuM he eiowr.ni v.itii
uncjuahtit'd -lua'e-^; that no di^ennititure^, n(j
ch.L'ek-^, no (h^a-ter-, no irscr-c.-. would retard
ad einhaiia^-> the eail\ and laiidv' 'ij)cialain> oi
'u;i(h-ei[dnied !iia\'ei\\ w lien hioULiht iio\ui into
' '[)'. 11 pkiniSjtoecjntend w itii ihesuperioidiM ij>hne.
the bU[)er]or itrength, and the ^upoi ;oi- Lieneiai-
-.hip ot "^ueh a power a^ I'ranee. Xo. \\\ak a-
fhe Xohie laiil might, suppose niini^ter^, the\
wire not \et guilty ot' eahLdalniL:; with (a'itainl\
pMii unjio.>,bd)d ilie^. '1"1k'\- {\.i\ not e\[)cet tliat
-uch a eau^e a-- th;' eau-e oi Spam, to hi.' tou^lit
\f\ \v\\h ^u^h an tai; inx' as the itulrr ol' I'lanei*.
.(I po--d)i\ h( lit li'i inmi'd m m^- ea.mp.iign."
' I niaiiii i!n, '^ ha!<'\ er ina\' \jc the linal lesuh*
vU ih;- t(Mit('->t in w hi( h we a:e rm^-a^aah I'laiie'v'
ha- 11';' \ c t Miia a II k'd m nu hd uing Spam. I afhmi
it. Ijiionap:;; le has 'iOO.OuO im.ai iii t iiat ci aiiiti v ;
liiaf li!^ tio'ip-. air ot' tilt' hr,i\e-.t,, and in- -aiie-
raN anioii^- tiii' mo-l ^i^iilul in tiic wuiM; aiai
ahove all. tliat lie lla^ hi. i n iiiin^; 1 t'at iIa ii In >.i ,
' \ I l w ilh all t h;v, lie lia- n^t <',wt j. ' -i - a ::
; r K-\ I itni_\ than h.r laid laM \ r.a < >:i l\.<
I
274 EAllL OF LIVERPOOL.
contrary, he only holds such parts as in every
war fall to the lot oF whatever power brings
the largest army into the field. Even by
the last accounts, he had gained no fresh advan-
tages. I well remember what was said a year
ago, that either Buonaparte must wholly suc-
ceed, or wholly fail ; for that partial successes
would never answer his purpose. What then is
the fact? He has had partial success; and, not-
withstanding, he has not yet got into his pos-
session more than half of Spain; and the people
l.avc evinced a spirit that may be truly called per-
severing. I am far from saying, regard being
had to the man and the circumstances of the
case, that the Spaniards must ultimately succeed;
but at the same time, looking at the spirit they
have manifested, and at the actions that have
liappened (particularly the defence of Saragossii,
so gloriously persevered in), I cannot feel
lukewarm in my hope, that their eftbrts will be
crowned with nltimate success. When your
r.ordsliips consider the great popular revolutions
that have occurred, ha\'e they ultimately suc-
rerded witliout great vicissitudes? Switzerland
and Holland are instances of this; but, above all,
America. In that latal contest with America,
v/e had gained every battle, we had assailed and
taken every town we besieged, until the capture
tji" General Burgoyne, and yet the Americans
KAKL ny i i\ i.nvouL.
'viitiiiiatrlv siu"cct'c!c(l in flic artiuoiis coiitLbt.
Ill tl.e pirsciit iiiij)ort;Liit striig^K-. (Im not the
<-\it.iit and nature ot' the rountrv alVoi-.l a h>-|)c'
:' -uccc's.-) ' Doc.'i not its popuhit ion fuiiiid dc-
sj^aii - 'l\\v Xoh!c Karl concluded li;s >j)l'c( h
\si(h a censure on the I'onchict of l)i> ^^,lje^tv\
niinistcrs. The X<d)le I'.ail max n. 'I :i[)jM()ve o!
oiir nica.^nrc.^, >o neither do I a[)[)i'o\eof liis
(oun^el^. I do not aj)|)r"\'e ot tho^c Mdjlimc
oi)(.ralii)n^ m l".Li"\p!, at Miicn'>> A \ res, at Con-
tantinojde, and tithei' jdaees, tluit emanated iVoni
tlu^ wisdom ot' those witii whom the Xohle Karl
hasl)Cin used toact. I'pon the uliole, I liavctiie
satisfaction, in connnon with tlie rest of his Ma-
iest\'s ixovernnunt, to rellcct, that whate\ei
nia\- he the conieijuences ot" the struiXide ue are
end)aiked in. we have not lo>t tlie conlidencc
ot" the S;)ani^h [)(o]de; we know, that evei} true
S[)aid->h heai t heats hii;h for thi>countiy; wc
kno\e, that w liat( \'er may happen, tliey u ill not
aeiaisc us. Suhmi^sion nKi\' he the lot they ;ire.
fated to (luiurc in the end; l)ut tlie\ do not im-
pute to u> the eauic ot" their mist'ortiines. They
are >enMhle, that neither the thir.^t at'ler com-
merce, nor teiiitor\-, nor si'curitv, is to he iiu-
outed to u^j in tiie assistance we lui^e atioi ded
' tliem on t hi , nio>t important occasion. ^\ hat-
\ei ina\ \)c tlie icsnlt, we ha\e ch^ne oui diit} ,
^'" ha\e ni;t des[)aired; we have perse\ eicd , and
1 'i
276 EARL OF LIVERPOOLc
will do SO to the last, while there is anything
left to contend for with a prospect of success.'*
January 26th, 1810. On moving the Thanks of the House
to Lord Welllngion, for the Victory of Talaccra.
" It is of the last importance that such victo-
ries as that of Talavera sliould he rewarded by
every tribute of honour and praise this House
can bestow. If we refuse to reward the vahant
deeds of our army, by every approbation we
can confer, we take from them ever}' incitement
to valour; we deprive them of those laurels
which constitute the soldier's honour, and his
fame; which lie thirsts after, not only for him-
self, but because he knows they will be handed
down with derivative value to his descendants.
It is for this, that he devotes his life to his
country's good; and if you refuse such a tribute
to the transcendant merits of the survivors, and
the glorious memory of the slain, you will act
unjustly to the aimy, and disrespectfully to the
devotion of those who are dead. In the exist-
ing sliite of tlie Continent of Europe, it becomes
us more especial 'y to consider the interest, to
aninuite the courage, and to reward the services
of cur army. l''raiice was under the old go-
r.ARL 01 IIVI KPOOI,,
\riniiicnt a grc;it military ])t)\\ci'; hut \vc sec
I CI' a stiil move loi inidablc one in llii' j)ri>cut
(lay. I'ndcr the inonarchv, not only tlu- mili-
tary, l)iit <.'\-cry other protes^ion, \va-> eniinentl\-
encouraged ; hut the revolution, which has
clianged other estcd)li>hnients, lias altered the
whole system of oUi I'ranee. and saciiliced c\ery
thing to the interest ot" the arnu'. I'iie pro-
te^Nion ot" the \a\v has heen de>tro\ed; that of
tile cliurcii has heen (Acrturned; commerce and
trade arc' little attended to, and noihing is coun-
tenanced with honour or respect, exccjU the
piotession of arms. Xo stronger inducement
tlian the consideration of the effects of such a
system can intlucnce vour L(>rdshi])S to luia-
niniity. \\']ien the encm\' cndea\-our-5 to traduce
our nati(nal character in cver\- other instance,
tins is tlic tiieme ot" hi> oi,ten>dde uivect ivc, and
il!^ leal prai>e. \\ c know he ha-, pronounced us
a nation of ^hopkccpcrN. It has heen the good
tortune of (neat Ih itain to unite a militarv sjnrit
with our commercial [nii>uitN, and everv en-
couragement i^ due btill turthcr to promote thi^
s{)irit."
I'cb.iiaiij 22, I'-'IO.- /*; ''])'' ' I' I ' -J "le hi the
Deua:e on itie Cunvention wuh i-'oiiiigao.
" The motion of tlic Nt)lle Lord (Lord (Jren-
ville") uci.t not only ro the lci.si.'l' ''-r removing
min),>'^trs, i)ut even of obliging th..- country to
abandon Portugal. What else was the meaning
of those arguments tlieir Lordships bad just
heard? What else was the meaning of that
(ippeal, of ihat dangerous and impolitic appeal
to tlic j)assions of tl:ic people, by dis})lciying to
tliem, in aggravating colours, the losses, the
burthens, they were called on io support^ lie
would not deny, that in the coarse of the last
sevcntceii years, circumstances had occurred,
Avhich rendered an iuipiicit adherence to the
generally received and cstcd)iished principles of
our national policy, a question of great difficult3\
But nothing had arisen whicl), as far as legarded
the ancient connection between this country
and Portugal, would, in his aj)prchension, justify
a aiuUlen departure from that line of conduct
vvliich we liad observed for a century and a half
towards that power. He considered it impos-
sible that any Noble Lord, who impartially con-
sidercd the circumstances under which the war
btgan in the Peninsula, should not cordially ap-
tARL OF I.IVi;UPOO[
'J71J
!):o\c of the pronijU and acti\e asNistaiuc that
IkuI 1)(.'<.ii L;iwii by lus Majf^ty's l^ox tTniiiciil t<j
>>))ain and Portugal. Tlie feelings undn whuli
the uar cinmenced there, I'ornied a gloiioiis ex
cepiion to those that pervaded all the othei
nations ot' the Continent. Spain v a> tiie !i;st
country that tuinishcd an inst.iuee ot' a gcntial
rising ot" its jiopulation, against the in\ a^!on and
u>urpation ot" tlie Kider ot' Franee. The Fiench
m other couiiti ie> had to contend with great and
niuneKnis armies ; hut the moment tliey \\ ereo\"er-
^^hehned, the countries were concjuered. '1 ho
people were every u here neutral, and unitorndy
lemained tame spectators ofthe contest that was
to decide their late. Jjut in Spain, there was
the h()j)e ot' the support ot' a whole armed j^opu-
latinn; a hojic winch was not deceived in the
couise ot" two campaigns, l"ought under everv
eircuui>tance ot" achcr^ity and disadvantage,
rnc state ot" the country, too, was t'avouiable to
the ex[)Cctations of tliat succcvs which the
Xohle Baron had so confidcntK pronounced to he
unattainable trom the lirst. It contained mure
strength of military position than anv c/uinti\
in Europe. Besides, the state of manners, .so-
ciety, antl morals, within the Penin>ula, held
t"ortli the most sanguine })rospect ot" ag(.ie:al
and obstinate resistance."
"' It' the Xuhle Barcni was not uu hnctl to eon-
280 EARL OF LIVERPOOL.
cur in the principle of the measure, let him
declare it; not by a side wind, not by an indi-
rect attack on ministers, but by an immediate
and explicit motion to v ithdraw the army from
Portugal. If the defence of that country was of
that hopeless and desperate nature that the
Noble Baron conceived it, tlie sooner the army
was withdrawn, the better. The Noble Baron
had talked as if war had not its chances and
reverses, as if the risks in military operations
were not always proportioned to the magnitude
of the object; and had triumphantly asked,
' What had they gained in the Peninsula.-'
What had they gained ! Why, they had gained
the hearts and affections of the whole popu-
lation of Spain and Portugal they had gained
that of which no triumphs, no successes of
the enemy, could deprive them. In Portugal,
such was the affection of the inhabitants,
that there was not a want of a British soldier
that was not instantly and cheerfully supplied.
Look to Spain. What was the feeling of the
people of Spain, even iu that awful moment of
iiatinnul convulsion and existing revolution?
It was that of the most comj)lete deference
to the British minister and government; and so
perfect was their confuiencc in both, that they
placed their fleet under the orders of the British
Admiral. Would a cold, cautious, and phlegma-
i..\ ILL '1 IIS 1. 1.l'i Mil . tj C^ I
j.iMdl^ol MllljOllUticd (-' 'I'i'.i l'.;.C'' .' \\iM,:(i ii:(!il-
t^'i lu'i,' li;i\ (.' pi'o'hii'fd t!i'.-i' - 1 1 1 Ml": .ii.ii -L'lU'.l
jiM-Ml s (it' ;if]'t\'lii)ii : Wlvilcvc'r !i;i'_;i,l br tin- ; iic
of tlk- coiitCNt in >j):ii!i. Im ti.;-- mi:!it;\ W'-aM
;il\\;i">s rc:r.:iin tli;; [,iiur,l -.iti-t .'' i' mi nf ha\;ii:';
(lonrit^ (lii'\-. lie ivi\-\(\, [i.cx v. < ,\\'n\ n(\ii-
ahandoii Soum. ^(t I'ln:^- .> ;in\ ho|jc ici: i^ifd
I.|):(Uiu|)^ \;';' l,(i!;l!(i, \'\ CNilA M'llllinriil (*t
ii' iinr ;ir, (I uoim! ;a;'l:, to Niipji' i! a pri^plt' \', lio
iiad L!,'i\'cii |M(;()t ct iioiK .111', (it L;i'<'(i laitli. anddl
l)ra\(.'i\-, that had iMt luaai cxccctird l)y v.uy
nation that liad cvlv c\i^ted/'
./n,i- \:'., 1-1(1. /;/ ih' Dil.^.i!. rn K,i,l Cr,
tu>ii
' \]c unw |ii (uax'dcd ti) s|c:ils on tlif cnvairn-
staiicc^ fit' [\ic war. \\ hatc\iT dittticnri' dl'
ojHnKHi i'oi-nica l\' (\i^t( d on that suh|rct, \\c
l)(.dic:\'('d ih;it anidiiL;- all siJui', latKMial men, hut.
hal(J contrariety ' *' Maitnnmi riinanuih W'lu n
])ca(C could he hduonia'. .y aud athaulao-ei ud\
made, il would ceitainly he nio^ I'.li-ahle; hut,
tliat that, could nol he etVected at tin i"- .it
moment, Pailiament and tlie count ly ue;e juctty
-euerallv ^.ali^tlech The Nol'ie L<';d J'.aii (.lev )
282 EARL OF LIVERPOOL.
had counselled the husbanding of their resources
and the avoiding of co-operation as much as
possible. On this subject, as he had said before,
lie wished them fairly to consider the merits of
the case, and to decide whether or not such a line
of conduct would prove most conducive to the
interests of the country. If, by the co-ope-
rating system condemned by the Noble Lord,
tlicv 2'aincd trade and advantas^es which would
be otherwise unattainable, surely, then, it must
appear to be a wise policy. He wished to ask
the Noble Earl, if^ at the time a spirit mani-
fested itself in Spain to resist the foulest and
most unprincipled of all usurpations, he had
been a Member of his Majesty's Government,
whether or not he w^ould then have preached
this doctrine, and told the country * we are
acting on an economical system, and can give
nothing to Spain and Portugal.' The manner
in which the war had been conducted had
nothing to do with this question. On that sub-
ject he would speak presently ; but he wished
to ask the Noble Earl, if on that o<^casion he
would have reconimcndcd ^ total abstinence
from all co-operation "" J-'i^t^ Noble Earl would
not, at such -^ -' >sis, have pursued such a line of
^j^,i^^u He dared not do so. The country
would not have borne it. The question now
was, how far our exertions in the cause of Spain
lAiu. 01 r I vriirnoi..
CbJ
;nil PortuLral had l)(.'Cii w Im-Iv iikuK', 'r!ic\nl)!c
I.jI li.id hCt t'uiJi the ]!i</|)ri'jt\ (;t CMii>:(tv-i m^-
li]'. ( \p{'(lit'i:'"\ ot w itiidiawin:;' our !o:ct.'^ lioin
file- l\ riiir^ul.i. Ill,' i\-a\ not w i:,1i t" J.rcc . \r liy
lH)!(.lniL^ ' ''- tno s^ i,..'.i)!v' [o I,.' ;v.di/rd ;
but \iC would s'.iS, ii;!.^ it tl.rv weic
to withdiaw our tijicc^ tiOi. Mi>>i!'a now,
li c;r (-Midacr v^'oijld he uu:\('rsaii , 'ii;.;r.:^(l.
He ,; .1^ uiiwilliiij; to ^prak oii ttii^ -ul'n. ' it'cr
t'.c clear .ir<l luminous statcuicnt made on a
lotnu'i I'.fiinLi,- In hi- noMc I'lifud (Ma.i(]ui>
W'tlh blc\ ;. c\( ;\ wtird ol" wliifh mot \^ilh !iis
cntiio apj)robat!oii. He, hov, e\er, wouM say,
that tljo ^pi^lt ot' Spiiu stdl rtinuinc'l un-^uh-
dLK'(L Sirj still possessed wi'liiu iieiselt the
iiu.uis ol' making an cil'eo'ual resistaiiec. He
did not mean iu say, that t!ien'-e it nert.^sarily
I'oUowech ihat \\vv c'au.M' \rou!(l ultunatclv
})c cro\^'ned with sii(ri-,.s. '1 hat niu>t in a L;itat
mea>uie depend tjn tlie manner m wh'eh tho>e
means were apphed; on theahdit\- and inteL:;ritv
ol" those to whom tlic}' \\'ere enti usted ; but it'
KuLchind ^'\ er g-ave her as^istanee to a eau^e till
she found u Oo\ vv,,,^.,i{ .^\\ viitue and all wis-
dom to solic'it it, slie woum ,),(,bably never ha\e
au opj)ortunity of so exertini; heis.w yj^^^. ^(ni(r.
de of Spain i'or her independeiue had bei .. ,,.,,_
tiaetcd, thi()UL;h the assistanee of (inat Ihilam,
for two vears. The cause which >idl animated
284 EARL OF IIVKKPOOL.
her sons was not the ciithusiam of success, it
proceeded from misfortune, aud was perhaps
more to be admired thus arising' from defeat,
than if it followed victory. While such a
spirit survived, they were bound not to despair,
but to cherisl] it, and to strain every nerve in
the cause. His noble friend liad said, that
though the cause was such as to call forth our
assistance from the noblest motives of genero-
sity, yet, if it were only considered as a question
of dry policy, a sufficient stimulus would remain.
While France wanted a formidable navy, Eng-
land was free. What sj)ot in the world was there
that could afford France such ample means of
contestino' the soverei'^-ntv of the seas with us
as Spain? Leaving, then, out of their considera-
tion the larger question as to restoring the
balance of power, it would, from sclfish motives,
be our object to fight the cause of Spain for our
own sake, for our own security. While this
spirit survived, there was, moreover, the chance
of new hostility breaking out against France ;
but, without any such chance, thev ^cre bound
in honour and in policy, to r-^ntmue the contest
to the last. If in th-^"^' it should be lost, even
in that casp "^ thought the Noble Lord could
]in^-^-7 contend that the struggle had been of no
advantage to England, as the lengthened contest,
w^eakening and wasting the strength of our
iARl. OK M V'l UI'OUI
^.-5.)
eiittnv, ir.u>5t luiturallv \ia\c U\c (.llcft ot'
iiu'ifaMiiL; llif >cciirit\- ot our (i(Mninii)ii>. IT
j)iirsuiii>^ his economical .s\btcni, the Xihh' I'.ail
\vouhl toiljcar to iiiakc Mich ctlort^ in a c.ai^c in
which Ihit2,hiiiil couhl not Init Iccl so uirat an
intcii'st, and expose the counti} to ah the con-
secjuent clanger, then woultl his economical
.system he the most rninou> and extiava^anl that
eouUl he coneeiNed."
/'/;/(.;>!/ IJ, 1>11._/,; ^'/, iJJnlli' I'll ll.r Ai'i'ht^
"' Theic v.'as one parauraph ot" th.c spe^'cli.
.\.)\\ v\C:x, upon which it would he ncccssaix' lo."
I'm to --.^x' a lew \\oi(!>; lie meant tliat wiiich
icja'cd to the war m >[.aiii and PoiIul;-i1. II-
(ould no; h,i\-e aiiticip itt 1 .iiu ohnction to liic
; lit I rxluct lOii (,; a siih[,\-t. w[)mii which l'ai!;a;ncr;
had i(peatc(!l\- jinhjcd a.nd pronomccd it-,
decided opinion. It was iut a new piinc;p!e
ti.at \va> thiust into the ]icc. h, hut one w Iceli
has hccii no\\- liciii 1\- t hiee \ cai s hcloie 'diccoe;:
ti\". 'i"lie\- weic n-'l Called upun to cmhnk !i: i
i.evv \',ai. l.'Ut to '-ant ;:(=n tlic cont imi.iiice <// a
cont(st. in \\h:c-:. t': ('>' ...nir.vnt had c:;j, i ,d
v. ltd the advd'c ol 1 ',.: ; e: me;, t . \[ \v i. au.oi'
that si;,i(|(_^ ([ cj.die^n ndidil Cxist a> to 'he
286 EARL OF LIVKKPOOL.
policy of the war in the Peninsula, in the mode
anf^l upon the scale that it was coinlucted ; but
he was persuaded, tiiut u, vtry great majority of
the people fjf tnis country approved of tlie prin-
ciple of g!\iii^;' Spain and Portugal every degree
of assistance iliat did not endanger our ti(,.ries-
tic saiet}-. This being the sentiment of tlie
nation this being a subject upon which the
crown had so often committed itself, and com-
mitted itself by tlie advice of Parliament, were
they, by omitting so iiriportant a topic in the
speech, to withhold from their brave and per-
severing Allies, the satisfaction of knowing, that
it was announced in the speech from the throne
that the assistance from which they had derived
such very great advantages was to be conti-
nued ?'*
" The memory of the Noble Baron (Lord
Grenville) must be rather short, if he could not
recollect that, in one of the discussions which
took place in the course of last session, on the
affairs of the Peninsula, there were certain
Noble Lords who did not hesitate to assert and
pledge themselves for the correctness of the
assertion, that a very few months would bring
home the remains of the British army from Por-
tugal. Tin's prediction they founded upon the
absolute hopelessness of making effectual head
igainst the French ; a hopelessness produced, as
FAKL ()> l.l\' fc.Kl'uOl .
287
tiity stated. I)\ the iiiadciiuacN (4' the Diitibli
arin\ to niaiiitam the contest, and the iitu-r
inMilhiic'iicy tor aiiv great and tr\ini^ mihtary
enieigeney of the Poi tii<>;uese levies. '1 lie \>\c-
dietion ot" the return ot' th.e Ijiitish tioops had
lujt yet hecn t'ullillecL The prechction (;t" the
iiisiilticieney ot" the Portuguese troops had been
t'ully talsified by tlieir conduct, lie had the
tesliinonv of tlie <2;aUant \'iseount who coin-
nianded the allied arniv he had the e\ idence
ot the ctriinent and meritorious othcer (Mar^hal
Jjcrcsiord), under whose more innnechiate care
they weie, and to whose .skill, talents, and
activity, they owed the pertec-tion of discipline
w hich they had atta.ined ; that they were in
evt,ry point ([ualified to tight ^ide l)v side with
Ihitish trooi's."
n\iiii(r nt I'll ro! tu'^ucst' lYoops in liiiti.Ji pav,
'rhe\ had, in this instance, proposed the
nlecl^u^c -^nhniiUcd hy the niotiun of his noble
friend { MaKjuis WcliCsK'y ;, upon iio s[)t-culati\'e
uroniul, hut founded <jn an exjteiience ot" e.xn-
lions on the pait of the Portuguese, w liich had
(\>(((leil the expectations even ot' the n:')^L
-aiiguiur ; and tar .surpassed an\- caleulat l(ni> in
\v liich he iiiniscli" had ventured to indulgt-. A
L:88 EAilL OF LiVEllPOOL.
to the general pcjlicy of subsidies granted to
foreign powers, he had frc(juently before dis-
cussed that subject with tlie Noble Baron (Lord
Grenville). lie knew tliat it was tlie opinion
of many, that they gcueraily tended rather to
cramp the energies, tlian to call forth the
resources of those states. He was aware that it
was a common argurneiit to say, that we did not
get the value of our money. But the present
was an occasion which couid not be tried by
any such princij)le; it was made evident that,
in rclurn for tlic expenditure of the sum voted
last year, we had succeeded in gaining greater
advrintages than were anticipated by any person
in the country."
^' He appealcdt to tiie policy of our ancestors,
which had always regarded Holland and the
Peninsula as those p.irts of Euroj)e with whicli
it was essential to our best interests to maintain
a close connection. In pursuit of tliis object,
thus deenn:d of such importance, the best blood
of our country was I;!visi;ed a century ago.
That ILjusc had at one pcri')(I c<,;i'e to a solemn
resolution, tliat thi-; conijiiy ii(j\cr could make
peace with Hifely, so ]>:i- = a^ llic crowns of
France ; nd L*)j):iin wCit; nniLod in one fimily.
How dillcrcni, and ]\<y\v ir.uch inorc menacing
were the circumstances of the [U'cseut time, and
how much more ibrniidabic v/ere the projects of
lARI OF IINKr.fM
Ci^')
li)c j)i\'^e'nt rinpci'or of I'raiicf 1 It fri taiii!\- was
cli'-iiahlc t!;;,t all jtarts ot' ihc' cniuiik'nt, sinuild
!'(. i!rl;\(. I'l'd I'oiii I iu' (lommat loii imw cwriciM'd
'i\w tiii'P.i; lull tiiiTc iu!'j,iit I"" a j)(,!:m(|, \\Ih.!i
i! \v<itil(l in' iis(,'l(..s> and iiii[iru(lrnt to Iciid inciii
an\' a^^i^taiu'c, w lu'ii il \\a> at th;' -ainr li;iic
. !i (d.H'fr I I t:u' \^ i-c>t ji()'iir\' to ])ci-'j\iia- ni
> \ ( r\- rfimt [<n l iic ju'i'm I'v .it :i'ii ' ! 1 :ii' !nd^ jici:-
,:((. ot' ti M- i!:!'li ''1^ "11 I he !'(. iiin-^a' 1. llcirw
:iif to tia, i|.,r-t ':> tn i-t" |>i' u ; a-al)- .M \ . ! !<
aoiiii t:;.d it~ ni'.ji >i ta.iaa', luit (<)ii>,diiL(l (.'Xj-'--
lUa.CC a^ it^ i;f-t ti.'^t. Il tlu' 1 1 ! i - c loowrd
!).A-k to tile; (.oiniiu'iict'inciit of tin,' conU'St :p.
1 7;;;;. iic l)clic\-cd it would he ini [)()> ;i:'la to nan:c
a (.oniuncturc that iU'>aiitcal a laaai' jTo-pi-cl.
'1 !/ 'v-ai:.jiaiLiai nt' 1 ^(,), wa^ o\ c i an thiaa ir.o;;t !.> ;
oi ..^ ^i.<!t a [Hii'ul llu' Kii>-'an ^ .'A- wa. > to:!ra-
!i;tti'd; and ill a. -till -laatoi, tia' rin^-::n
11,' irir, l)\ \'..o- (-\a : ! Ill o\\ n. It l''a'\ '(c.lo'o
a ( ;' (!> \-, a- in >:)aa: ,,a.: iVatna a,
; : ' ! ! : aa:.-^c.\ (-. . a t a^- ' ii a o ycu" i 't :o!
..iir, :> ;!'. d ^la-oa' In 1 -Qo. I'l/ I! a^a ua,^
' d ' !,at it w a- j'l : ',1 o:l\ \ai a ' > > . a: land ..>_;,iaa.-'
nowii o! 1 ;:airi ; ;a !">;ii. to's ;aa'd:(a.;ai
.- K i.-,.'rd, and, in 1^11, \\a'\ >\\\\ !-'.ad tlu
ar.r a-~'. !'aaa>. IIo u.!-, 1 iv.a\,;, 1 -pi'^' l^'
''lit ! :.>:rc v. I-' la a , - aia'c jaMxaina' in "^;> a a
'a an( in\' i;ad v n i.a ta adai! ai t : i-
a^ ara c - .-tod aut laji t \a d ;. a it.-'.
ago EARL OF LIVERPOOL.
compared to any other which tlie French had
had to sustain, had heen great, had heen gigan-
tic; and he was convinced that the mind of
the people was yet unconciuercdj and, he bcheved^
unconquerable. It would be a new^ fact in his-
tory, if a nation, ri-iing as Spain had risen,
could be overcoir-e."
January 7, 1812. In the Debate on the Address,
'^ He was i'innly convinced tliat the system
tlie Noble Baron (Lord Grcnville) had so mud!
condemned, was the only one that savcil o?
could have saved this country; to the conti-
nuance of that system only, Europe could look
for deliverance, and England for permanent
i>ai'ety ; in short, by the merits of that system
his Lordsliip and his colleagues were determined
to stand or fall."
March ]('), r:-li*. O/i inovhi'^ cm Address to the Pjciwi
l^c-^Lid ri I'dlcv lo the P()rtugU(':^e Sidjsidy.
" On siith an occasion, wy Lorrls, I tliink
tlicic ca.i l;c but oi.c fcclii;g in tliis liousC;
vv'iii^'h is, that as what has l)ccn gi\en to oui
PAKT. or MVKRruwI..
'2<} I
litiiliriil al!;^.^, who iiavc stooil ^m linnoi!ril)lv
.iini '-U'.uliK" \>\ u^ nndcr llu' iiio-il ai(liiou> .lud
('itii u't ciministaiK'c'^. \'. a> an aid not '^i\\\\ m
'. .11, lait, Oil I iH- coiitiarN', !::i^ ar.sw ciw! (Nri\'
j.iii|'0-.r tliat was cNpcctt'd from if, \\t'o\'.'r it
to tia'in and to i nu srl\ cs to contiiui'/ tliat .;-5-^i-r-
aiu I'."
iutiuu 1<>!' a ( nuiiiiittt'c til iiitfiiiii iido tJii Lijud'jit I'f thf
II nr in liti J'Lntir--ula.
' 'J'liongh his Xohlo I'licnd >Ma!(jii!N ^\'c^
IcsIcn) had called it a tailnre and a (Lf't-at. i.;:
woul'l -lid contend, that tiic cani[iaM^a! \. a^ the
nio^t hnliianl achic\cd l)\- Ih it uli ai ni-^ dui ihl:
tn.c la>t ( eaituiN', mi. .udccd, at any t''i;iA: pciiod
(>t' oiii In-tMiA .
" d !u- i;ua* oli'.i't t-i \\ h..h ;lic\ lad h\a n
lool^aiLT \", a>, tiiat the wa.oii- I'oicr ol" S;i.;!,i
^ ' 1
should Ijc j)lai (-(! nndci the co:ii;i and ol' rwr
iiuhiN idnril, and thai ind:\'ii<iial, t'u- l!;ii ^a.
coinmandci. d'ii it ohject. i; td at length ''.\a
ac';oMi[)!i>!u"l, \:.r wh-aa loiac u[' the haiL'/h in
;..\'
h^'. 11 [ihued nnd/i :!,c cna..;n j"! .n' tie
,d;Li ju;-, cjt' \\\ ii :ni',tiai, w i - > li,.d n!)t.,.n v > ! 1 . a:
'jinu h (iu\einnun! tiioe hae'iit'e' e'eeii
ai:c^l. and lh>. tiM), ai va- \, i' .1 '.;, N'Mo
2P2 EARL OF LIVERPOOL.
IMarquis chose to call an unsuccessful cam-
paign.'*
" He contended that every exertion had been
used tliat could be made, both to send troops to
the Peninsula, and to supply them when there.
The success of the war was, he maintained,
indisputable. Portugal had been not only res-
cued from the enemy, but placed in a state oi
security ; and now one third of Spain was
relieved from their presence. Spain and Por-
rua-al liad set the exan^ple which Russia had so
h.appily followed. Ptussia, to all the advantages
arising from tlie unanimity of the people in
their dcleimination t(/ oppose the eneni}', added
tlie great advantage of whicli Spain was unhap-
pily deprived, of ha\ ing a Government in full
activity to direct all the operations against the
enemy, whose army had thus been overw helmed
unci destroyed. The example thus set. and
haopily followed, would have an cflect amongst
ll'e otiicr nations of Europe, and, he trustee!,.
ViC.ui r,.u.se their spirit, animate their exertions.
a.ul u:..:-! tliem in what manner to resist o])pres-
sii):; V. c.'uld teach the ni, tliiit a united nation,
d< ti i ii)':.-.l to resist an in\-ader, c(.uld not be con-
. Uv;k;':,"
r. AKL OF I i\-LKr-i)r.
CiJ,>
J tine i (j lb 13. -/// r<7)/i/ to Earl (tri.ifs (.^n^ ilL''ic< ]\>p,\i-
iii'j, the NatcZ/vv/i Tixatij.
' Tiic (lay was not tar tiisiant wlien lii^^ M>i-
jc^ty i ^cI\allt,s would haw an ()[)[)()rtunilv ot"
(..\|)lainill^ t'ully the uTounds ot' the treaty with
Sweden, and the \iew'N ot" jxiliev h\ wh.ieh they
h.id ixcn actuated m i(.Li,\inl to the le-^t ot" our
eoiitmcntal uh.tl>)li^. I]ut till the pKtper tunc
a:i;\cd Im ^'uin^- that explanalMju. llu'ir Loid-
>h!j)^ would, he \\'as ^at!^fie(l, subpend their
judginent, and not eondenin eilhei Ministers or
the tiueigai powers with wdiieh this eountrv was
connected, until the whole ^ubjeet was betorc
liiein."
lie could iu;t, hoWc\ei", allow the p^e^ent
oppoi lui;':i \ to jKi'^'^, v. ;tli'iut ^asuiL:-. that a^ tar
a^ the Iinie allow cd, tlicit wa-- I he ino>t eonijdctc
t'ulli'iiiient ot he 1 l iiLiagcnK nt^ on the part ot'
Sn\ edeu."
/"/ic l**. l^l/'. (hi vuii'ni^- <in Jihiii ts to Ow Piiiue
lu^tut oil tilt- TniUij u'itli Sui-dtu.
' There nc\ei' had heen an instance > 1 ninio
eonijjk'tc ami zealou^ exertions than !'..id been
^.liown bv Sweden."
294) LARL OF LIVERPOOL.
" The Swedish corps was then in the very
j.ituation in xvhich it couUi act with the iiiosl
effect towards ultimate success."
June 29, 1813, In the Debate o)i the Address respecting
the Vote of Credit.
'' The Noble Lord (Lord Holland) had fairly
stated the ground of his auieiidnient to be, the
distrust wiiicli he entertained of his Majesty's
government, and his behef that peace might
have been obtained, had it been atten]})ted l)y
JMinisters; but in oppo.iition to this opinion,
there was better autliority than tiiat of tiie Noble
Lord, and that Wc's the authority of the ruler of
France, wIjO, after his flight from Moscow and
return to Pai is, had declared, in one of his p:ipers,
the terms on which lie would treat ; and he
would leave it to the House to judge whether it
wouhl have been consistent Mitli tlie honour
and tiic interest of this country to have accepted
them,'"
Noremher 4, 1813. la the Debate on the Address.
" We had seen, during tlie last tv/enty years,
coalitions, whose size pr(;i)iJbed strengtli; crushed
FAiir. OF J. I vi.urooi
~U'>
M\ tlic power (>r the ciicnix'. \\'li;it, tlun. v, c
"iii-iil I'lhiuirc, UM^ tlii-^ iicu" lite whirii hud L:;ivrii
an l^ll^l^llhl(. iiiipuUc to the })resi'iU ooiireiie/ai v
ot" thi' iiorlhern lKltion^.- The leehnLi: ot' Miuioiiul
iiulependeiiee. th;it teehuLi,- which iinjjelled all
men to >t;uul hetoic the lihertlcs of their eoun-
tiie^. 'l"hi> teehiii^. \hieh hi\>t arose in the
llatloll^ nl' the PeniuNnla, gave the war a nevv
' hararter, and idVoided ^TonncU tiu ho[)e not only
t'T the (Kli\c ranee ol" tlio-e nat'oi;s, but ot' the
I'e-^t (it I-.iiiopi."
"'riir\- had hetore theni ni^tanee^ ol" persever-
anee, nnt xanipled in any other cause but that of
libertx' ; the\' had seen iKitioirs the least nulitary
of Janope, become toiinidabU-, and succes^tullv
re^i-t the best dl^Clplined tr(ji)p-, of France.
Small a> thatc(aintr\ \\a> \i\ con)pan^on to some
other nations ot' laiiope, yet the e^tal)ll^hIncnt
ot" the armic> "l' Portugal was ot the vacates t
con-ie((uenci', a^ tlu- toiindation ot the success
of the allied arnnes m tlie l\annNula ; and aN it
L!;a\ein additmn to the L^xauaal tv-ehuLj, a mihtarv
tone, niulcr the nilluence ot" which the P(irtu<:;nesc
troops had been raided to an eipnihtv with the
British. Thev had sciii the Spanish armies
eniploved, not onl\- on the (kl"cnsi\e, but in
oifensive operation, m a niONt ciilical inonun',
m which the\ had displa\ ed tiic L:,Tcaic-~t steadi-
ness. Thcoe lia[)py etfects had sprung t'icm that-
<i9G EARL OP LIVERPOOL.
feeling of national independence wliicli had been
nurtured by the best blood of this country.
He was advancing no ])aiadox, liut an opinion,
the truth of which was felt and admitted on tlic
Continent, when lie said that tlie success of tlic
cause of the Peninsula gave new lil'e to tl:.;
suffering nations of Europe,"
MAiii. or L()N(jorvi).
\.:r<',n'Kr ,;i>, 1 -IJ.- '() i ,/K. (;/;; Hu- .1'. /;.:,-.
" 1 f i ) w !.'. ! i; j); --;);'i 'Hi-. iii;;miI il-.w l)(.rii (>;;
(.tt.;rl--, h( ! .', ;;\ (", Mi'iii;.;], ii,;_:lit i;i\v' l'i,>;i (m:'
- . i!M-i_, li^s. ;iiiil iK i^\ (.\ c; '-j)lc i.c :1 n;:L^.;! l:.i\(
1). ui L.v' u -;;!:-. it Ictinir u- i.il'r.ii ti; ;r,c:va^c'
liliii t(i iiiax ;;i (Hii rxtl I lor.N ; KmI I'l,] llit, \\x\C
,;(;\ iiilaL!,c ot r.ii^Liud diiU', iuit loi' t!.i' ^:il\;:-
\n\\ 1)1 I'.iil.'jiC. ]\l-t sUCCt.'s^L-> ^'.t;t pU'(lu(> tnl'
fiu'lutuir. 'i'lit.' triiimjii> that liad altciKicd our
iiiM^, w (. rr ,i>^ula!l(^'^ tlial pci ^( N'craiK'c' wonid
a\"ai!. 1 hnc w cu' t!i')-~r wliu liai! tiMcljdiK'ti a
(1:^111 il !^^lu tn our (l)^t^^t m li.r J'rii:!;- ul.i ;
.'.ill timM^ii i'l^i-r ti-l ; IxmIiii^- Ik.iI i'tvli di^-
' jiMMiit- il i>\' I \ c lit -, \it t;ic\ \\ ( ';;'a! -;i\', iiioic
Mill I I'inaii: rd lliucdl Id Ih ^\'^\^A . i ill 11 1 .Old -hi])-
could i.ot I'limt M' iiia!.iio>t a tiath. aud th..'
1 oii!(.'in!)i\iiua' wi'uld ia)\\- Niiuiidat^' tiuni to
'j,i t. atcr and uohin I'xoi t a ai-."
' I oi t uiiatoK , t!io Miuiuaua' ot' t hi> hrdl laut.
caiii|'ai'_^ii v.\ aN not oouiiiud to tia' l\aiin--uii.
It had hiaai tolt iii tiio la naito-t cafiiua^ oi tlic
I :i Ku>S!a. tiuA h,ad -i cai w la.t aii^iil
'o I'.ouo \\\ ( op.Ntaiuv' aud iaaM\( i.ou' : iiu' in
a.ii, tl;,- Oniiull\ h,.d i'\ llimh o\ ;U1 aCtU.d
Woi
29^ EARL OF lONGFOkD.
and successful course, what might be done by
persev^eiance, and the lesbon had not been lost
on the Emperor ofllus^ia. In Russia, too, was
ah'eady seen what might be achieved by a detcr-
niincd resistance to tlic presumptuous preten-
sions or an un])rineiplcd and ambitious foe.
TliC EmDCrorof Russia iiad iH\cn <Meal hopes to
enslaved Europe. In the field he had given
proofs ofhrmness and decision; and by entrust-
ing this country with tlie Russian fleet, he had
afibrdcd a proof of his implicit fiith in England."
" Not long since, they fiad seen the whole
Continent of Europe arrayed under the despotic
dominion of Buonaparte ; but they now saw
efforts making to thrv^w o!f that odious yoke,
wlfich gave the fairest and most flattering pro-
mise. Tiiey already saw the difficuhies by
Vv hich Buonaparte was surrounded."
' It might be b.ence fairly concluded, tliat the
military despotism of our foe had received a
deadly shock, if it were not now trembling t(!
its very base. All these advantages were to be
traced to the coiuhict of this country, to its un-
dainued eflbrts in the Peifnisuia, and from what
had passed, riieir L(n"d5hips might fairly place a
confidence in ttie future. Europe had now an
opportunity of arousing from licr lethargy, and
there was reason to liope, tiuit the opportunity
would not be lost."
^ <:!.'>'
MR. I.rSMlNGTON.
Jdidnr^l i:'(/', 1^(". On ^noiid'i.i'j; llie .lii'ii a-
'' I Caiir.nl 1)11.1 \\t.\ ;1jC ^tl)I!^( I (l('>iu\ tliut
t!u IImu-i' i;i ;\ |' ;;) .11 mi .;1 j ! i;,,' t L(i and UIKiIi;
M..i!--!\ -> |'(iiMn. :;i;(l ot l-'^aitv co nf^crai loii ui
tia HI^t \ a'W > ot lil^ Li,i ALiiiiiM'n! . '1 u the cn,-
(lial niaiiiu -tatioii of tiji -,; bi'iitinii'iit'^ <>'. t'oiiia i-
arduous (aaa^a)n^, to the \';ij;('ur lhL'iai)V iii-
lii^i.(l into liir nicasnii'^ (jf hi^ Maj(>ty's l;'o\(.'iii-
nuaw. and lluau c li an^ni'i! trd to th.i.' iiaiion at
hi 1 1^1', \i (.- owe il thiat .It tins naamait diaait;
ihitani nar.a:r.-> -niuka an.a(i>t thic laation-. ol' the
'. </i hi, nnlnnt, .and nn:' i.jtalhd h\- tiic' t \ ran 11 \ or
f!('arhca\ ot IVamaa ir>noh haw licen the ac-
kn(j\\ hah_:,a-d IjenoliN I'Iowuil;- Iroin the nnittai
voice ot I'ailianient on loiniCi oiaai^ions, as-
.siiriaUv I cannot (ii m annei|)alin_L; a conhal
concniTence \n the motion naule h\ ihc Iloin
mover on this occasnjn, in\a)l\ in;j,-, a> it doe>,
tlu' honour ot" the crown, the pkah^i'ed tailh. and
ad the ^'enerous teehin^-^ ot" the nation, .nid the
onl\ lemaining hope ot" (k'h\a'ian>-e to Spain,
anil a!! th^^e nations uho lia^e Mn:ce>:i\cly
300 MR. LUSillXGToX.
fvMcn under the violence of France, and their
own concurring- su])ineness."
" I trust, indeed, that the feehngs of tlie
House, in this respect, will be as general as their
determination cordially to support his Majesty
in the vigorous prosecution oi the war in Sj.kuu;
and such a declaration seems to me a homage
which all panics must be not less anxious to
pay to our national honour and faith, than to
tlie principles they have themselves formerly
];rofcssed. But if we shall desert the cause of
Spain, in the midst oF her reverses, even whilst
the Spauiartls continue true to themselves, with
what coniidcncc can ^\-e !\oj)c tor our own safc^typ
So dcej) a stain, will, 1 trust, never fall upon
this country; for Avith nations, as with indivi-
duals, punishment follows fast upon the footsteps
of dishonour."'
Janumij 23, l!Sl(). In llw Debate on the .Mir,v.<,
" As all classes of people had been once
zealous for the success of S{)ain against hei
i]ivadcrs, and encouraged ministers to assist her
to such an extiMit, he (fid not like to see them
abandoned, or public conhdence withdrawn from
ihcm.''
(, ;i''i )
MK. M1LN1>.
F,!^:!hjrii IJ, \>\\. ()i'.:i!..in:^tlu^.l,I,h..-.
" \V\u \ l:c Inokcl t.) Sj)a;ii ,:'.;.: tl'( I'.-.ii!-
-i.!:i. w ;.:: ;i'\( r m:L:;i' In; t :c' ( ij)i ti l')I'.^ ( 1 ir;;!,\-
\\\i. ]' i ", : ^, .-Mr;'! ;;> to t i.C ] i il UA (T i !ir CI 'luiut't.
i ".;!' ir:. I Li: \ cI'i-mIimh-, t iici c, he ^U'.\ Ijc ik\ rd,
;!iLir \'.':i^ ;i() person tii-iiR-l it.mI I'i l'o ti'.c
k'ni;;!! !!" -rati n;L:-, lii.it liitlii'ito, at i^.a-^ li^rclr-
_;':- r !;;; rii> i;:\ had bi rii t'l ii-tiaU'(i. W'IkiIh,-;
'.I'-y wciv c'l 'htihi( i! wiiM il:r nii'inc^^ i4 tl\'
1 '.,;.-! I ..1 :i,^ w i.l! i M ; ;.c\ Ik i a \ c W t ,a cj';;' i- -
lu:i,. ' : ' t^ ;_ ir.iiv': \^--' -;<<.[>. and K'ad;!iu '<
l!i' ic -i:i I ' --lul ; ( : ' .1 \'.:c\ i.ail lui ii li::-
I, !,.d
i.i't I.: - t.it( t:) a(i:ii:l,
tiiat liif- I'lMi.h ;..'. u ;:'.!. Ui! w.a^ ''.;-:,] ,m 'i ;''; d.
Hal (-(Mi-^d, . d,'; i!: oda- ;^ ai;t :!.j..; d I . dj
; .iii;i d III {;.:'. i ( a' t ; \ ! ', 1 , . (. t , i ' \\a :a id ! ;
.V(. : 1 (I I C' Mi; I a- 1 li. ].[:','- (a: \. a a -;a' I' d
a!, pu -(.ait, \-. ltd '< . . p;- a : - ^ ! - ' -'. ^
d.:d MKta .\d t'a' r ,'. -. :
d ! iiai ii' '](> da' 1 I'; ;(-. 1 1 'X > d-,! :
w l.i; a -la- ;
1 I
302 MR. .MILNES.
tiie I^'.Ionitcur-- from t]ie mouth of Buonaparte
enslaved Europe liad been told, that on the ap-
proach of the Frencli armies, nut an Englishman
would be suffered to remain on the Peninsula.
Tbe government of this country had jnirsucd a
fiiffereut niode they made no such boast.
Every sober and rational :):?n in Great Bi'itaiu
supposed, that it would h'.'. a long-protraeted
struggle that it nuist nece.ssarily be a warfare
of long continuanee, a warfare of slow progress,
and tedious and eoniplicated operations. The
tin-eats of the French government, so far from
having been realized, recoiled upon their own
ar. th(/r. The British troops which were to
iiave been driven from tlie Peninsula, still
triunipliantiy maintained th.emselves there. And
M'hen he contemplated tlie increased strength
of tlie Britisii armv at eiescnt there the iral-
lantry with whiich tlisy i;;id uniformly behaved,
and the successes they had gained, he could
see nothing that could h-ad the House, or the
country, to entert.iin ar. / doubt as to the sue-
ces^t'ul terniinatiou of their hitherto victorious
caieer. '
(. :i>':^ )
VISCOrXT MfLTON.
Mnlimi Jnr ii Iji'h to LiJifil' ti.r Mk.'i'I to i.)ii/ntr, r J'T
I't'i'i f^'u Si nil i\
' Aiiiii \.\]c (l;-:>\M-s Wiiich h.ul bcrn -us-
tuiiR'd, lie a^k(.'('. w lu'llh ; ('\ I'M rlic' N('!>"n.' Lord
could nicjn to -end aiiotl'.c:' cxpt du :oii toS];;i;r.,
to turn bac'v llic tide of >iicccs'> ol' luioiiap;:! tt ',->
^. niv -'"
" il;- fi.ii'd r.ot -^cc \.!,\- li.c Xch!',' [.Old
\\"ai;*^d ;::'i',\' di-^iM'.'..,l.;t.' tro(.j.>. or [" w ! :'.l p.irt
(.;' \\,i' \o,!(i In- c'oidd ^;Il(i tluiu \\\[\\ :..'.\:A\-
T i'.c >') t!:( ( 'i;n!i\. IK (^:l;^ (ji'ii'd, li:-; ii '!ic;
[liin-!!! -itir:';o;i ( \' ;\t],iii> iii I.;;r,ij<c, t'HTc was
no |;o;:;t to 'a:..i)i all cxpidiNoii could lic -cp'.
a.iid, c(;ii>ci,iic;.t i\-. llial iii-'tad ot nr,;!:]):;- 1 ;^c
arin.c-, t'l iiaaiiiii co'.'iit;u-. v. c ow.'ot lo -In;',
oiir^ci v.'> U[ \', It!; ii o^;^^. !\a'-. ,; { li,:,'. i'l': :.
d' - ; . j)t lo;, oi U); Ci' \'. ' :co ',>,'! i. '' \\\ - ^ ! ;-;... ^
111 t \:r o ; . ! CO ol Oil! '':' {.['.::' \ '. . >.[r:]'i ' ; .a;
'\:i \v ' :[ 1 1,L- t : M : ' - c ! I ' i > ^ , i. ' i . !
.' li: ^ dii^v t'.- L x; ; ^ : ; ' ' .- *.a'
304 VISCOUXT MILTON.
present occasion; and lie could not consent to
increase ti]e ijurtliens of l;ic country, for tlie
sake of piittiiui: a larirc disposable force in the
iicuuls oi" his Majesty's present ]):inistcrs/'
F'.'hri'arij 1, 18 iO. On x^oviug cm Amemltnent fo llie
Motion for Tkaiilus to Lord lVellington,for ihc Vivtonj oj
Talavenu
" He had voted for th.e thanks on account oi"
the i^attlc oi' Vinicira : hut were tliat vote again
to give, as exj>La;ned aiul i'dustratcd by the
battle oi' Takivera, he slioukl pause before he
would j'ive it i)i ihe -.ume vrav. The ambition
of Sir Arthur AVedc&Iey was conspicuous in
both; he seemed to have fough.t merely for a
peera<?;c, certainly n;ore witli such a view, than
was consistent with 'Jie conduct of a good and
prudent commandcj/'
MarJi 'J, 1810,-./,: //a' ;?:,;'(' (^n taking ih,' Portugup^t
Troi-h^ i'iti' J^riiiiih I'dij.
" He had ;i]:]?i(;',cd of cm- oi'iginal iuterpo-
sition in the cause of S|':'.';uj but lie disapprovcti
Vlf U'N I
5 ;
I'l ' , .i-i'i'/l ,i 'Jk' \'> ;ir. and ji.ii t:ci;':M U' df :!.c
:\Liii I.,,', j'! '1'" '^'^Ij \vl;..':i \\''>:i(l rw'ii\t;'l
. s Mi.ii :^'~. 1,1 ;;.;. ' t" t in-^ -\ -tcm w u f .u : c d
'1! Si-l\ r>, ! li 111 I'lr t
1,
and
wdi.ii dti;','(\' ')! ( IJicirn!' '/r '.\ wiic 'Ikv !d.(l\' to
[( I m ^;i-,''i .1 II .'.'c-i .- {),;: Wi'li \'. I.il pit) -
|)v<I^l,t ^;;(^l.-^.-, < -idd \\: in ll)r pu-.;li! ^it'il-
t! 'M iM .tii'.i 1 > iij) Ml iliv' l\nin-n!i, an\ li>n-rr
|u-;>c\M i\- ,n >nrii a c(;ntc-^l : ^\ lili tnc I'lcnc;!
niidL.' !:.( w.ilU of (.'a(i:z, and wilIi ad tiir >,di-
<. un:- '.ancc- ct tiic I't'iiiiiMila in x'lcw, how could
.'in\ n':.>()n;d'lc man he rcroncdcd lo \''jtL' a md-
l;')n ct tlic pnhlic niont'N', tor t\\c j)n!jo-,c rc-
;cii\i! to 111 ihc inotinn.- Hut :t sur 'c^-- were
(\'ii jnactii (!)!(,. \\';i-i iL \\ !>^ lo \\i\r viirii a
<'l\ii.L \\.i -Uv'll a |>nij)o-e? It li ;d of;,-!! dcL'll
!.i,c j I ;...; ill' oi i,.;> c'uinliA' to -nl)-:ii'/(.' loiM^ai
r.io.j, ; li'.il hr i);'l;r\((i, liuil It. WCM'.' liL't'orCfll-
Icivii t in ncad ol an\ 1 niL,n-sli >tatr>inan, to '.;-!anl
^.ld^!dl( ^ to ;t l^aIn^n^^^ 1 ';\'c'. to tho-i.' in tai.'t,
ainoiio- wdjoiii the niaiciiaU Im- an .i:ni\ couM
not Lk' ronnd.'
505 VISCOUNT MILTON.
May 21, IS12, In the Debate on Mr. Wortley's Motion,
rcqjecting a strong and efficient Administration.
' He, for one, considered it to be not only the
province and riglu, but the absokite and boun-
den duty of the House or" Comuions to interfere,
whenever tliey saw n'.c:'. lues about to be pro-
pounded, oran achniiiistration ibout tojjeformed,
which were not hiicly lo meet the wishes, or
enjoy the conndence of the people."
" But a change of men woukl not be suf-
iicient; ihcre nrast be ;i wliole change of mea-
sures, to en.ibh: a mi.i.rury to stand with secu-
rity to themsehes, :\ui\ a\ ith advantage to the
pubhc."
June 11, \S]-I.On moving an Amendment to Mr. IVort-
ley's Motion, respecting the failure of the Negotiations
J or a new Alruinistrution.
^' It w.i? monstrous to see men thus liekl u}>
repeatediy to scoi'u and ridicule, brave public
o|ji;iio:!, ;tiid return into power."'
/'/'/"Mn/ 1, HIO. /;/ I'tr Del., if, nil I'r, M<,f..:iJ
'i'vlilksin Lmil l'>'u''t!:'ln!i h^r r.:.' l"n'--ni "l' '1'. \'i ; f .
' li had \n\i\ ;iIm) in^ctl. t'lia! [l.c v.'.'.'i'.cc^iw-
(I'.u'i 111 .Min>ui^ i'.ul I/'.\'ii <! -.j-i :i-'.iiil a:u! i:ii-
|.''llt u'. J If (, lilii 1 IT't -;'i- li j)')i! \. Ml ila^I^ ^llch
.l(\nl^f I oiil I he I'ouiuiid. (.\.i'Mf Inun j'al'V
'.iii!>;(k'i.:tiwii-r, W'iiat had been ll;,'-;' oiuhicl
N'.ith ic-[)ccl t(^ Sj)ain: 'Hu/v ^a\v ;i !':;. i);iij)h;
-triiL;-j,'iin^" tor their h!jcit\-, aiul \\\l'\ a'.i aiae. ;! \
N'huh. (.onrLiicd (111 l!ie:n llsc !r_d.e-[ ciedi!.
t;.;\' (.;i!,c:a\i)iir('d lo -iipjiU' tlur-c i /t r,, i^i tc-
w hieii weic iu''je--'ai y t( > j)i i i:;i ',. i;.l-.! >iivH\ --.
' Wht 11 iL w a- (Ul; 1 :ii;ii( d I !; it. a i!;d:! ;! v
(,tV,eca- -i.didd he -eiil li > Sn.i:!!, ;.; :d i.'>i 1 \\d ':-
i;:iL!tii!i h.id aiii\(d tli(ie. Me ve(!a!d ;i^!^, x-iai'd
It he priideiil lor that (>!tiee; lo ;eir.a::i !ai\c;;p. ;
ou tlk' eo,i-t. ai.d iio' eridea\ oii[- to d; :\ i- t !i eee-
1M\ iroiii I !:e la ill I .t I ::e eo':;i;: i \ : \'- :;^ h' t
iuiiaiii ii':!eli\e, ^.r m what iiMiiiu ' wa- h,
a (I 'a r .1 '. i 1 > -^ ; W .i .i i r r. > t c \ j : d : . i : " 1 i i '. ' -
all 1' a 111 a eo-Mpci ' .- ai wit '; t iw '^ ' .o -.
' . ,.d he Hot ;elo|a -'i' h ida;,- a^ \\ .. :. ;:. -'.
, '.. he atl.. uded \\ ! ' h idtiiiia'e -
308 MU. MATT1I\V .MONTAGU.
Surely, if a failure took place in consequence of
a want of energy and unanimity in the Spa-
niards, such a circumstance was not to detract
from the glory of Lord Wellington's achieve-
ments, nor dim that lustre which the hrilliancy
of liis actions had reflected on his military cha-
racter. That gallant Lord was not answerable
for such failures. lie could only rely on his own
skill ; he set a iioble example to our allies, and
endeavoured to instil into their hearts that
spirit which could alone enable ihem to legist
tlie despotism of a tyrant."
309
VISCOUNT MOUMJOY.
.V>nJi IJ. K>1 {)._./,/ //' Driuitc i,n FmiI l)arnU>j's
iiintioii /( [(litre to the rt ^ulur tuiic i-f th< kin-'xlom.
''inriii. \\\Yc ohjicts of li!_^li iuitrcst at
-t:il\C'--~ii!uU)ul)tc'(llv, no ()])j)i)i !uu!t\' >liOulcl be
'.'IllKUii "I ;i^^i-lMl^- ailil t'llCnillMo-||i^- tlic Spa-
Ill, inU iiiiJ I'ort UL^MCNC. \\liciic\i r tlicv iiKuk' a
stand and 5(.cinc'(I rc.'5t)l\ed to rc.>ist tin.' coninioii
L'licmx. It" tlu' tr()C)[>s were dcstiiu'd tor tlic
det'cni'c ot" Cadiz, w here eoulcl it be nioie desir-
able U) ciiipley them than m the la>t hold oi'
Siiaiiisii mdc'jx ndenec, than m a spot where the
loval S[)aiii;i(ls iniu'Iit liaxe dc[)()>ited their
rcniaiiiinu: tica.sure, and tViun wdiieii, in ea^e ot'
;i.n nna\ ailiPL!,' delenei', we nii-ht aid ihein in
rtsenmLi- it Ironi the i^-noe ol a lapaeiuns eneni\' ?
He .saw no po^^djle dan_L;u' that eoidd aii^e troni
feendmu" tins lorec abroad, wlule it wonld be
acting- ill eontornnt\' with the ])le(li;e w e had
given to S[)ain, and m nni.^on wilh the ^pnit
winch lirst prompted this eonntrv to opou^f
the e.iusc ot' the Soanish patriots.
( 310 )
EARL MULGRAVE.
January 26, 1809. In the Debate on the Address on ih^
ansicdr relumed io the Overtures from Erfurth.
"If any man supposed that the cause of Spain
was now hopeless, and that it ought to be
abandoned, he for one, must express a contrary
opinion. So long as the Spaniards continued
true to themselves, so long would Britain con-
tinue true -to thcni. It was the determination
of his ]Mnjesty's prjsent ministers to act on
this princi[>{e, and to consider tiic cause of
Spaivi, though a distant, yet an important point
in tl]c tiefence of these kingdoms. Though
they did not (h^pute tlie notion that our navy
jnigiit he equal to the defence of these king-
doms, they did not wisli to hazard any tiling on
a conviction of the kind ; neithiCr were thcv
wjiling to inchalge in tliat narrow and schish
fcehng, that we ought to look to ourselves alone,
and to li\e within ourselves, tlicre to await the
attack of hue cnem}-. They entertained more
cidaiged and com[)i-ehiensive views of tlie sub-
ject. They thought th:;.t the most vigorous
assistance which we could pos.5ibly lend to tJie
I MIL .'ii L I (. i;a \"[:.
I'aii^c "t" Spain, and ('f an\- dt h'jr ci lun' ; \ (1>-
j)(M(l to \\ltll^tanll liic Cdnini'Mi I'neuiw 'aij,li!
to \)C alloidcd. 'lliat w c should ii^t, id-vi; otii.r
po\\'(.'i>. scllisliiv lie 1)V tdl tlic cnrniy \va-,rcad\
to attack lis, l)iiL Niioidd cndcaN'uur, as t'^ir ;is in
us la\', to tui tluT and promote an\- more distant
rluH Iv which ini^'ht he meditated aLi-aiiist him. It"
Xohle Lords on the other side entertained dit-
leient views ot" the suhjeet iVoni the.se, let ihein
ojunl\ and eandidU- expic-s them, and let the
(oniif:\- iud_:;e hctwceii the two, \rho were
iiioit ( milled to then" eonlidenee. or nu)re hhelv
to 1)1 111^- the stiiiL^ule in whieh we were engaged
to a suceesst'ul and hononrahle is>ue. Let the
IIousc aNo iiidL;'e Ijetweeu Xot)le Lords on the
otlier ^ide, aiul his ^Lliest\^s jresent ministers
on tills ])oint, and il' tlie\' approved ut' the opi-
nions and ^t ht linen ts o\ the tcM iner, m pre teieucc
to thosr (,t' the latter, h't tl-ein at once address
his .Maje-^tx to (hMm%'> his pie:.ent in;niblcr:5
lom his council-."'
Jdnvary _',!, \>\0. /// the Ddxttt- </* tht /iddj\ss.
" So loiiL!,- lis Spam could peise\ ere as a nation,
bt) long- tlu: luMiour and tlu' interest (-1 tli'a
eountiy rentlered it our duty to suppiort her "
( S12 ;
SIR JOHN NEWPORT.
January 29, 1810. In a conversaiion in fne Committee of
Supply.
*' In the speech of the Lords (commissioners,
a strong intimation was given, that it was still
intcnued t(; carry on tlie WdV in Spain and Por-
tugal. The House had heen t;)ldj riuit in voting
for tr.e address in answe.- to that speech, it was
not pledged upon this sulricct. lie decidedly
protested again.'^.t ];!tdgini>- tl'is country, bur-
thened and borne down as tlie peo})le were with
taxes, to carry on a w ar in a (juarter, and upon
a scale, v.iiicl], wliile it must he ruinous to our
resources, was ntteily hopeless as to any ulterior
object; and if, after all tlie ndseries already
hrouglit u[)on tlie country by the endeavou)- to
defend Pojtugal (S]>ain having been, as he
undeistood, now abandoned) the same course
was still to l)e persevered in, he could see no
other result than an accumuiation of dani-ers
O
that must be fatal to this nation. lie warned
the House against suffering itself to be drawn,
by little gradations, into the support of such a
impose. They had already the authority of a
--1 K JOilN N R\V1Vm;1 .
Z 1 -i
;!i'ai r.;i'.i!:i;\' oiilccr, tiic laiiu-iiud Sir .lolm
?\fo()i(', i]i;J I'ort ii<j,-ai ". ;i^ lioi (U-U-n^;!)!*.' ; ami
: . tt \\a> the ( a-c: uiuicr the riu-ii;ii>iaiici's
iVop; \\ iii'.i! l.{ (r.ill'.i'd liiN |U(lunu"iil, liow ii,iic-li
more' iii)j)L;u'^> ii:i.>t siuii a jIf)^])('^t In- now,
'.'. iiiic llu' ai iiiifi ol' J'lar.iT, (li^ciiu-ucd tVoni all
''tlic'i' (/n|(.ct>, and in po^-c-^ion ot Spam, Cdulit
at an\' innc inanli -ucii a loifc into Poitui^a! as
nni^t o\ ( 1 w lirlni an\' ainiv this connliN could
nd t!:i:!/r! lie protrMid. t laact". .!i', auain^t
\'<>^:\\-; an\ Imh^ci om Inu^a' tiooj.s lo the
Ji-k 'i! hi'in^ (uit-nuinhfi rd, suhdncd, and, ])cr-
ila!)^, can ('W. \'A Uiw tin'\- -h(<n(d hf aide to i -cape
l)y rc-cinharkatinn in ihcir o'vn >.hiji .. He
warned hi> M;'|cst\*s n.iini^'i'rs ai2,a;n<,t con-
imnmLT t In-^ hopclc- -. conte->l . m conipliancc \s iih
tlie udiini ci' lanc\' oi' the nohle person udlo^e
alliance t!ie\' ii id lalci\ ohtameth and w ho^e
hiothri' iidi d a k iid (^t \'icc ia)\ a! t\ \\\ Fortn"'al.
1 It' plcdL^ed hiniNtlt to opjxjvc s\\c\\ a pui'pOMC
on c\ei\- <M('asH)n. and hi.' could not cva-n lei
llli^ o[)poitnnity pa^s without re^i^teriiiL^ his
dcaaded opniion."
Mai\}i \K I Mi'. /// //-< Dtliiit,' oil Idhiir^- thr I\>rtii':^U''.<c
" He was suipiised that tlie Ki^ht HoinCicn-
'icnciu v^.M'.. l\iee\al) could ha\'C -^uppo-cd tiiat
S14? SIR JOHN NEWPORT.
such a motion would be agreed to without oppo-
sition. It' an}; question couhi provoke oppo-
sition, it must be that which would make them
continue efforts in a cause whicli every one
but the Right Hon. Gentleman considered hope-
less."
" He did not thinlc the embodying of 30,000
Portuguese troops at the expense of nearly one
million, could prop tlie hopeless cause of Spain,
now confined almost within tlie walls of Cadiz."
" li' they should be obliged to embark the
British army, as he supposed they would, what
was to be done with these 30,000 Portuguese
troops ? Were tliey to be brought to this country,
and added to the already enormous foreign army
in its service, or were tliey to be sent to the
Brazils, or to be left fully equipped and ready to
add to the military force of Buonaparte? lie
trusted, whate\^er the liiglit Hon. Gentleman
might say of the difficulty of establishing a tran-
quil Frencli Government in Spain, that the means
and resources of this country M-ould not be
wasted in encouraging an intestine desultory
warfare in that kingdom. As the contest was
now hopeles!>, he would not trust any more men
to the dis])osal of Ministers, all whose measures,
down to the j)resent hour, had been cliaracterized
by a wanton waste of blood and treasure."
1)1 Ki: or NO!iroLK,
"^\'(M;i[) ill'' ]\i>''\ ()! t ( ;k "i!r;:'_;\'ii.c 111 laA
;i---'^i :i'!i 'i' 1 : 1 1 1,'' ' ,'>'' ' " :'i ''' , /) '>^ I'l I ;i' <\\' ; ii ;: ' iii-i
> . '^N '\ . 1 i>^ I 1. ; r^ta! li -1,. 1 111 t i,r ci MHi' 1 \ w:tll
\\:: .: IM(\ (.' liiti en:!!,!,;;!) :c lic - \\(;p.!i1 tilt."."
ir, I . CDiiiinoii c:!!,:-,' wiiii iIk' patriots ('t"S[':.m
i)i't':ic tiir\ a-\'i ; ..'in (1 tlu' |)riiicij)li-> upon
w'l.ich i1r'\ w ri\' ac; i'.i'j,', and tlu' t'luN which
!ii!'\' were cihUmv (an iiiu.' to ;u\oni[)h-h .- lie
owiiid !.,it tlniil-. It politic to i'!r,l),til^ ill suoh a
c.M-C' \-, ithout ^onu' p>'.a'\ ani> know i. ,o\- oi' the
(!('-il;ii- oi' ihi.' Spani-^li j.alii''^. x. I'li-'it -^onic
nioiT (iclnn !(.' ( ! n laiiiii.il :oii ol the ^aniir. c!> upon
Aehah tla\ \s'' le pi ocaa ih ml;.' to :u'l. lie hoj)C(l
ninii^lns wo.diL ni tlic pn^^llI ca-e. tal^r :\ h'->( ii
tVoni pa>t ( \]c'i ii'ina', and laeohei t thr n^uU ol'
ihif niU'rleri. lice ol" thi.-^ ( oinii r\- m I,.i \'( mhae'
M<::i 'J. \^()0. Iii III, J),l,iit. ,<,i Ills .U'//. >/./'-.' ,/,<--;. I
' 1 h:;t io\ iiediiion^ were ahouL t" i'C -ciU out
3J6 DUKE OF NORFOLK.
was certain ; and it was not regular for liiin to j)ut
any question to his ]\Iajesty's ministers as to
tlieir destination. But, if it was in contem-
plation to give any further assistance to tlie
Spaniards and the Portuguese, he could not,
although the Noble Secretary (the Earl of
Liverpool) might rank him as one of the most
extraordinary men in the kingdom^ approve of
.such a disposal of our blood and treasure. No
man more than himself lamented the fate of the
Peninsula; no man more admired the courage
and exertion of every Spaniard who had tried to
regain the independence of his king and country.
But,itmustberecollected, that the king for whom
they fought was now in the custody of the French
emperor; and that their own power w^as weak,
while tliat of the enemy was mighty and formida-
ble. Theassistance which could be granted by this
country was so inconsiderable in the scale, that
it could produce no ultimate good to the cause
of those whom we assisted ; and he was appre-
hensive, in sending out generals and armies to
that part of Europe, they would be in danger
of sliaring the fate of those who preceded them.
The cause of Spain and of Portugal was that of
an injured people, but it was that of a people
comparatively weak, lighting against a powder of
the greatest strength; and however we might
lament it, the contest on their side must be
DL'KE UF NOlirt): K.
cvrUMuill}' iiiiviu-c'csil'iil. Ill llu.-c tiii'.cs \\ c
<ni-_;nt ii')L to .^t'lul out our nicu aiul ni'^iu--, in tl c
caii-c of i)[\\LV naliouSj wlii'ic a'll our cii'"iti
uui^t !jc ill vai!;."'
( 318 )
CAPTAIN PARKER.
Maych d. 1810. iu Iha Delafa on taking the Porlugue.sc
/rco];,y iulo Bri!ii:>h pity.
" 1 T had been said tiiat the cause V\'as ho})elcss.
He cicnicd it It could not be hopeless, for while
tb'^rc was life there was hope. He asked if it
became a generous i3L;wer like Eiio;land to
abandon a fiiend in t!;e moment of distress?
Gentlenien liad ar-.;ucJ; ihat our assistance could
do no good, hut would not our relVisal of that
assistance doconsidcriblc liarm ? The Portuguese
troops had been giealiy abused, as men unwil-
ling or inca[)-d)le c>f dv.fending themselves. Put
them under soiicul, ih Irish oiiiccrs, and he would
wairant they coidd be made something of.
Let such men as tlie victorious Lord Wellington,
or the gallant ^lai dial Jicrcolx rd, have but the
leading of thcni, aud he \v;aiui plrdge his
existence, that iu-d.er -uri; men ihev would
never run awa\\ dr.egi;!:!! of iLself was wise,
but at such a Ciilicai peiird i! was) indispens-
able, and he slejuld I hcici^rc vote in sup[iort
ol It.
( :;)N
Mil. pj:i:i,.
*' TmK ilLTL^K ^^:l:l, U-Ul [',.t i( Ml. .\li(l t\l\llill\'
f./t HuolKiiv.; It-'. \v;i.^ lii;^ (illl\ -^lilnt il upon
\\:.k!i >;'.! ; -I'tX^ Ulli'C;!. Inif !() l^-i^l hllll 111
li;> I r./; >\;c';!:!;ri;N ciiin'tiMllw i; lutii niiit y \^;l^
.i!M i'h'.k! \ rc\c^^ai\ ; ar.d tl'.c Kj.'iirr t the
(nnr(.'>t 111 \\ liic!) \vc \\\w cnu;i^c(l. ifijuii c;l
!ir:t t'\(,r\' hrarl ;mi(1 liaiid shiail(i he jniiifd lo
L':\(' ^'rcp.u'li to llic cDirin'.oii c miim_'. \lv hnpccl
> !;(. iild -till \)C al)lu .':> w (_' !,;.'i hilluito \hc\\,
' lulc in -atct\ I i,!('ii'.i'i tl;.- siiw;:; ti;,a l;::(l
(!( ^;i i.\ C'd \[[c re ; ct Ijuopr; a;id t'.:,L w c
V ' , ii'd - 1 d -- ! (.-tv'!] it), ; ii a 1 ::;i;d it> -^ii. ci ,; r
t.i I-;- \v;.M ; \f:^ : . ;:l::-' ' :!;l'' 1 i: ii'r ;.:;-. .ii--l
:'i-.i l> lii'- t.v;:d. !. and \'-
U d II ^ iH
320 3IR. PEEL.
eiitcrtainiDg a s;inguin(j expectation of their
future exertions."
" Caliiniiiy, iit.de, be conceived, in unison
^v'itii genuine Briiiib feelings, bad been hivisbed
on tbeir fauhiul and persevering alHes. Tor
1:ls own paiT, lie niU:>t deprecate and condemn
the iVAjdc udiicb bad been so industriously made
use of to influence tbe public mind against
Portugal, and to excite unfavourable impres-
sions respecting tbe issue of tbe campaign in
that country, by publications, of several de-
scriptions, which were issued daily, weekly,
and monthly, aye, and he could add, quarterly,
from the press. They had been tauntingly
told, too, that tbe Br'tish name was unpoj)ular
on the Continent that while France improved
the institutions, and reformed the governments,
of Spain and Portugal, we made alliance with
their weakness and corruption. France was
represented as conciliating the affections of tbe
peoj)lc by her works of regeneration ; if so,
what was the return she had met with from tbe
rugged and ungrateful people of Portugal ?
They had united, heart and hand, in resistance
to the invader, and were now in arms against
him in greater numbers than had ever before
been witnessed in that country."
" Let tbe length of the war in Spain be but
contrasted with tbe duration of those wars in
.1 !;. I' i II. l;'j 1
i\ ]v,iM;\;p;u!c ll.ul :5tri<l''(l w \\\\ -ii-',i r;i-
i\ (i\ci tiu' prost !.iii' (1\ ii;i--t u > <>'i r.iii'i!)".
Ir. .iiiiicJ, it w ;i>, to 1)1' 111 'ul l!i:it 1;!-. !i..i:':i
1 > -i- f iMv-. ;iiiil t!:;ii {\\c c'lrp:. ; <ii' l.ii"
ir.u-L I'T iiinli\- c^i,^IM^llc(! ; i\ i; wr.sir-
iiiMiu'd lo l)(' i;^lll, iIki'l r^iil'.'jii' :'..: '..I
' 1 1 'lirii li(';(,i I' lia' :!Mn [II. r, 1 1 ';' ,ii':'.:ir. .'.,'> w i:;> ,i
i: ill l)(.Tii iiiL^cil tiMt !!'.;:i' n;; ^t 1 't :;(!:;::: t;. !
\<c incoi.i I' )wr[ i!jh". lj.it :i ^::^ (! ic't:;;;.*
-..Ui\ \c';itiiu' M >.i\ , t;..[t !.;!.' ( ' 'ii: iiuiit ii.<l
'.\n: prf-i'M* all .lU;i.i iii'iM" t;:i.;l(.' i.l >.il\';iii;;:ij;;\
lii.iii tlk' piL^Liit MTi.f cf niil:t:ir\- ;;/;io!i. 'i'iu-
hnii. ^cntK'Uiaii i^Mi'. liWiVi:;!; t Ii'"^ li.iil ;iii;u.(!.
thai tlk; (.'luiiu could c\i^il\- !(.[. i.ra c.u !V;it, '.'i'
!(.; lit '. f au\ (li^.t^tiT tli.it iDiLili' !)(. la! li::!'. llr
; v'/ivai.iji 1 cai \'. !a 11 iiiarli I , ,il ])k rn -.. a i ill I ; i >
' : M -a. a.al ( -a l u! i: , ( >! 1 :a' iia a..! t lla- i. w!
\ a 'i I \ 111 1. , i i.J !ia^' 1 1 a- ,;' '.aaaa ai oi
, ,; . : 1 . ; I a \\a:-> i i a! ii .a ! ' - 1 1 a
' ,.r \v,-ii al ;. '-.. \'. iaa!i' i' l\] > ; li' ; a '.a;-
CMp..aI(; 111 ( [, i'.i' aa; ! a;l ai (la-- (ia I a; a a. : \W:
];.al hvaid > .' ll." a.'.' ^i' S; t,, a ; ;i.c' ;, i
(ai I ha I )aiiida ; ' ai! a, aia la ; : . - ' : \ a : -
'a I \:c h a . ( a ai.d r. a a- 1 al laa i \ hi ' a . :
' a la ' ^ . \\ .- I . a \ ii a a .la; > taa ; I 1" : a a .a a._\
i.Im' a tal :-M.aia w ia ;-: iia-; <" i tiaa; ^ 1
; ' ) a. (' -' , 1 m; 1 ai ai d a >'. h ' a
< ' y- I ! ( \'. , . '. ad , i. .... .; _'.
.AIK. Pi: EL.
wiiich to form n jiKlgnient of tlie conduct of
tlu' war in Spain, he v/oiiid look to tlie columns
of tiie Alor.KCur for it^j j)anegyric lie avouU!
see in jis cillcrcvl t^nn-, in its transition fioni
insult to respect, the cxtoi;:d confession of our
gloiy aiid their re-)r')av]i .-.cd fie wouUl ask
the House, ^\heiiier tiic y needed any otliev
doeunient on which to fouiiil th.cir vote? If it
did :ij)j)eai-, that \v!!:i (jsie-sixth part of oui own
nrdiiarv force wc einj)l';ycd in Spain and Poitu-
gal one-half of the cneniy'.-^ (hs[)0sab]e strcngrlu
surely lie niight assume that it was the interest
of tlic ctjuiiiiy to pcisist in the stiuggle, and
to court the trial for an honourable issue."
" Another adN'anlage had resulted from the
cauipaigns in the Peninsula; Ibr it was mani-
fested to Europe, that the chara>ctcr of the
French army was greatly declined from what
it had been; and he felt assured that the people
of France did not look on it w ith the same
confidence, since it had been j)roved that their
career o] victoiy v,as intei'i!.p!cd/*
" Pcr1ia})S at tliat very liour, while tliey
were deliberating on tiie ^ote which they
iliould give, Lord Vr'ellington might be pre-
paring foi actioii; and v, hen he reflected
on the \cnai abuse which had been disse.ni-
natcd against that illustrious ch.nacter, he
Pel: a hope, tfuil if a momentaiy irritation
MR. I'EF.L
.']'::5
.^lioiiid iiilik' liu tciMju'i- (ill srciiii;- iliD^,' mali-
cioii, t-nn-i' )iiv. lu' Would coii-nK* liiiii-;': t' l)\'
the m-';i lal t'l'C'lill'.i' \\ llK-!l cxi^Ud in lil> !'i\'mii; ;
tor ilI^ coiiMtiA w.Miid iriiuiiilKr. tii.it lu- ii.^d
rf-!Liiu(l cvivv coiiit-irt m ordi-r to I'lLiht lu i
l);ltt!^^. and dttvnd liri' id)','iMc- ; nor would liis
L^'IoiA In' tarni-lud l)\' tlic r;i\\ of ii\aU, or tli^-
\o\y\' ot taction. lie (V.cii^hrd liu' vinii^aiino
expectation, that t!ie (I,i\ \\(nild ^oon an!\e,
\'. 'leii anoiiici t ranseend.>io , letoiA \vould ^i'.liici.'
tiie tiin'_;ue ol (Mivw and tlie ea\'ils (*t paitv'
an:nio>;r\- w hiai the lliitisli eoinniander would
be hailed, l)\ thennannnous \oioeot In-^eoun-
tr\, Willi the >entinuait adduN^cd on a nienio-
rahlc (eea^ion to anotlua' illnsliiuLis (diaiacter
( 324 )
MR. PERCEVAL.
March 3, 1808. In fite Discussion on tJie Petition from
Liverpool against tJie Orders in Council Bill,
'' He lamented as mucli as any man the pres-
sure attendant upon the war; but there could
be no general good in such cases without some
partial cvil.-s ; and the interests and safety of the
state would be sacrificed, if we permitted our-
selves to be diverted from general purposes by
yielding to complaints of a local nature."
Man i);, 1S09. //I the Debate on Earl Temples Motion
respecting the conduct of ^"^Jf'airs in Spain,
" Had it not been for the di\ersion made by
tiic Diitisli army, tlie I'lench would have got
p^osscssion of the Soutli as well as of the North
of Sj)ain, and the cause wouhl now have becrj
iiideed rendered ho])elcss,''
MK. riRcr.VAr
J.uuun-ij L'(t, 1' 10. In tlu Dilute I'H I'h. .Iddi
' I\(.-1iiil:, a^ lie did, tlic utiiic-t adinnation (,['
ilic >j>l(.'!i(lid Iulcnt'> aiul cUuiucncc ol" hi- liiuht
ilon. tiiciid (Mr. Cuiiuiiiu-), and lliinkini;- ni().>t
liii^hly ot thf ahUitics ol' his N'oblc tiicnd (Loitl
C.'a>tlci\'aglO, lu'CcrtainU f'ck hnii-cil' hniind by
;i:(iiiial:oii ;iiid dutw to do cvci'V tliini;- tl.aL was
111 hi^ pow cr t;.) (h ', to i ciaiii hot ii ot liiein iii the
Mi\'iL'c ot ihfir coiii!ti\'. 'ihi^ was his t\\\]\ o])-
ic-et. iu\t_r ha\ ii'ii,' [)ai taken in aii\ Oj)inion ot"
the inahdil\ ol" in> Noi'h' iViend, hut ihiid-ving,
that he wa> as ahie, a-5 n^el'iih and a> iMinaent a
ministef, a> the ol'liee whieh he lilU-d ever po-.-
>e.-uh"
With Rspeel to Spain and I'oitn^aL lie
tljon^ht tir.ie ciaiid exist no dilheienee ot"
opmi Ml as to t;;e pio|jiiet\- ol l:-;\ ni'j,' asvi^iancc
to tjiosr ii.iuied iialion-, as l.Jii'j,- as tlie\ lilt
the iiuiiiattion. ijv po-^e-srtl llie means (.)t' de-
leiidiii^- thenisrU t s. '
'1 he Hon. ( I cut lei 11 an \', iio had seconded the
aii'.c ndnietit (t lie Hon. .1. W. Ward), had, in his
opinion, :n a most nniusiniahlr manner, eoni-
ineiited upon liie eondnet ot s(.'\aaal oiiua rs dl ;i
less elex'ati'd ranl^, w h.o had heeii oniplo\\d ii
most important scrsarc-. m Spain, \v liom he had
eliL'-en to lerin inilitarv nnssicjuant >, a,.d whose
:\Q6 MR. PERCEVAL.
interest he hud desciil)C(l it to be to misrepresent
the state of Sj)ain, and tlie fechngs of the
Spanish peoi)le. Suicl}-. it could not be sup-
posed, tiiat gentlemen of high private character,
and great prolcssional reputation, could feel any-
thing like a personal interest in keeping up the
delusion, as it was called^ Avith respect to the
real state of Spain. But in the whole of the
speech of the lion. (icnt. to vvdiorn he was now
alluding, there was no part which he more sin-
cerely regretted, than tliat ])art of it in which he
spoke of the affairs of Spain, and of the exer-
tions of the Sj)anish ])('opk\ Tliat the defenders
of Saragos.>^a and (icrona should be represented
as exhibiting no single trait of genoosity or en-
thusiasm, was hurely not liberal. Well, too,
might that Hon. Cent, censure what had been
done by his iNbijcsty's government to aid the
Sj)anish cause, when he said that that cause did not
deserve success. I'or his part, he was persuaded,
thrti neither in ancient, nor in modein hi^toiy,
could such an cxanipk' be Jbund, of a country
maintaining a contest like that w hieh this ' de-
graded' Sjxiiu, and this degraded" Spanish go-
^ernn)ent, liad so loug supj)()rted. Never in
recent times, had "JJOjOOO k'renchmen been in a
country for such a kngtli of time without sub-
luing it. Si)ain was not subdued; but what
''i'ect on the cjiergies of S])am such langnn^'C as
MH. PEU( I VA I . :;v*7
had l)(,i'n used to-inid.L iiiiL;lit piodiicc'. it w .'.^
iiii[Mssd)U' Id jJiidirL It \\'a> iiaicli [< It 1,:-
llii'lifrd. tliat lllc >! I liL;'i;l(' ill SjiaiU WoiiK! j ! i-
lja!)l\- l)C ino-t sf ( !(. ; l"it tlii' d:t"!icii'ii a > llu\
C'llCdllUtfia (1, aiKi I'.A- la\\l^l^ lllC\' ll.ld sUs-
taiiii'd. had iioi \(.'t liad the I'tl'cc! ol' ^uhicct iiil;.-
thi' (ktcrniiiu'd k.-^i stance (A' thr Sj)al^l^h iialinii.
.At c\aa_\ dcicat. a law arni\ ^piau^;- up; and (he
SpaiiiaiaU. aiiiiiialrd h\ I'litai !:'i-tiiit\ to the
li^iii'jai I'l thtar iiiihi-^, waniid iiKtiniaiii a dctcr-
lUilud U -^i-taliCr t't tilC \..~A."
F'ljrutini ], l^lD. Oil ntin-i,i'_^- thf llliliihs (^f ill, //o.'/^e lu
" lit' cnihi. lint laha,!! I'loin cxpri -^;i;^- pain-
fid n uict .it t hr >\ nipt('!n> ct" < 'ppM^i! ion \'. hich
waaa iia. idcnla'iU nianiti'^tcd :m th,;t Ihai-e, and
w liicii ii.id pir\ ;MU^1\ hiaai niaiiik'-tc d ri-A'whcU'.
He \v'a> the iiioie L:iie\a>i a! tin- < >pj;i)Siti()n. be-
eau-e he thought ite(ai!d not he dt iiied, that
tlie aeiioii tor \v hieli \\r wa-^ ahiuit to niese
their than!'v>, wa> one of llie nio^t. -pKauhd tiia'
had ( \a 1 inaecil or (h->tini;ni>hed our inilil,ir\
aiinaU ; tiial had ever ^hed hi^tie u|)o:i n:c
Jh'lidi aiin^. Wiielher the\' eonsi(Ki>d liir
i;'n!ii)( r-, thi: hra\ei\', or the (h>e;j)line u[ i.:c'
328 MR. PERCEVAL.
enem}', the more would iIrv be inclined to
think higlily of that consiiminate skill and con-
duct, and that invincible iutiej)idity, wViich ob-
tained a \ietory over tlicin. If was not a
victory such as Lliey ^aw gained by the French
oeer ilie raw lex'ies ol' unarmed jprnish j^casants,
bu.t a vie!:e-ry over the x-eterans oi' Fiance; men
bred to war, inured to harib-^hijjs, aecuslomed to
conquer, and led by the mosi able generals of
tiiat country. At tlic present eri.-is, too, he
hci)ed gentleuicn would consider the necessity
cf establisldng ami maintaining the honour, en-
couraging the .spirit, and reuarding the seivices
of our gallant army and its commander. When
he rellectctl how desirable it was to cherish the
military sp'rit, by be>tov/;;jg on ability and
valour tlieir due meed and reward, he conhl not
help again looking for an unanimous vote on
this occasion."
FvliriioTij 1L\ IS'iO. hi roplij to flu: Hon. J. W. f]\[r(l, in
iny D(hu!>' on Mr. F/f/Zt /-'n Mviiou for Uacc to J.rhi^^ in
a liilljor I lit' (iLulilioii (i^fSifUt ure Vkues,
*' Th'/ ict lin<i' v\ bich >.cenud to be uppermost
in ti'i' miiid of i!u' ii ,,. (icnt. (the lion. J. W .
WiJ(l), Vva^, ihat \vhate^er nii^lit be the snbieet
hi;. r'::>
,; ,. 1. , (t/n-..i;ri .' .> .11. ;i ( . .: : ,: \. , . ;."
I') 1),- 'i,(iiiu!.; :'.:: i;..>t - 'N I . :,, .. ; . \
I j.u -! I :.i w.i-> 'j;;r 1 >; H , ' ", i
,i: : \ -:,!.;( ;'t I M lui;. . . 1 jk i . . t , ; I 1 .!. ( i ^ ., ' :l
i),.ii I.' - )>;!. iiiiiii';': :\ l('"l-v (.,;,. 'I 11 ['' ' 111.
. . . 1 e'
.n.i^!:..t
'\( 1 ".
w ai
iiU'U' ; aiH i ' ii: :'C, t i'.it : i ; .. ' . ! -, ;.
'i I>,C linn -."
1 1 t ! A' 1 lini -v' w..^ >: 1.1 nilhu ii\(l p', t ^ al
ii- iMr >'. iiij' . I,\' \'. I;h\ 1 ! ,(! I,;' . ,;: [i ) - i si i ( m^j \
iiiWu-Uii iiuiii ill \'i:c *,;u-,' 111 il;r !^|).iii i.n (!>
^i:lic 1 111::' ii;<ii.i li.^' i n tidw ;jnu-,:\-. and i:.siir-
ji;iti!Mi(>l I'laiar. he wm- jwi aaiilad. tiat dirrr
caiM r\isi I Id (ii-|M isi! K 111 ii; llir iitii.ir, It h ( tn
if-^i-^t iii> imtKUi. lie ", a> wall awan', ai lla:
>A\v.v tiiiir. liiat, I; iii;j,lit h' viid, tli.il llir i:.ra-
iiic i.c li;ai [') j'i;>I' -^'a la 'L.ird no! to S[.:i:i!. i'liL
t" l^.ltl!^^a!. lie a,ii^; (.olitclld. thai i.r :i;-
tc !( -t., ,,|' l,i,t ii ((.aid Ilol he vi |, ,;,,!.; C . t h.I.
'i:.[r\vy >li(add he do:a- to :'-'w aiuiLi'ii to
S30 :slli, PERCE VAL.
Portugal, would add to the means of Spain; and
that to provide ibr the defence and security of
the former country, would be to promote the
general jnterests of the Peninsula, and the par-
ticular success of the Spauish cause. It was in-
cumbent npoii him, however, to admit, that if
France should ever succeed in establishing a se-
cure and tranquil government in Spain, it would
be impossible for Portugal. \\'ith even the assist-
ance which this country could afford, effectually
to resist the attempts of Fiance. Put if this
country should still continue to hold Portugal,
pending the struggle in Spain, and thereby
menace the French forces in that country, he
was sure it would be admitted, that we should
by tliat means effectually promote tht- cause of
Spain, and consecjuentiy the interests of all parts
of the Peninsula."
'' He was persuaded, even, that if tlie House
were now, for the first time, called ujjon for any
opinion upon the subject, so far from regretting
their former opinion, they would be actuated b}^
the same sentiments and feelings, which were
not more congenial to the chaiacter and honour,
than conduci\c to the best interests of the
nation.''
" As loug as there should remain a hope of
success in Spain, it was obviously the best
policy of t))is country to kvei) up the spirit of
y.]\. i'--;c i \-A T .
;;:^I
i"("si-t;iiu'c til 1 iv'ii; h ii^iirivit -, 111 i-.i Iiij ^:-.i,, Ii
iiah' n. 1 1 ,- ;iiwri' I
re cm: .1 1 , \ >; l>c
con; j)L tcl \ CI ;; iM ;!U'.', (I'l 1 f 1 : \ -rt p i > i . i r.'c ye.
I'liii
^ ( '\ I ' r 111' !i i ( IV 'ciii'v- * l'
I ( r:ii:^c
-() lollL,' a^ ''.]r S|i,ii:i-il li:tl;i;, sli-iiid riiH-
tiiuic III i\-!-^l till i:m;i I',,: i>ai c;l' I'laH' '. .1
^V^)ul(l In !ii IT- si: \ In.' !^,,.t ]'-. iT !i)(i::;cl .1
L:u:ii I'll jii ilidli 111 lt^ ^:!(i:'.:"li .A\A (i : - ' u i-.i i i k'
InltT :l^,^',:-^! ^Mi'ii. Il \\ ..-. Ciai^CM"; lit !\-. ihc
(1;;; \' ;;-^ w (11 a t! ;' ]' i!:i'\ ni' iia - n a-.m i \-, to
ri'ihiiit : ii(! i.ta [) a!i\(' iii the 1\ 111 li^^ii 'a, tlial
^]):,:l, w !iia!i al'>i.c c'^aild ; ' ';! (a;t :a:\ h"|'i' ot'
suc'ci -> to the caii^r, w li.ali nii^lit ihii-, ])i aaiap-,
(.\-(. ntiiall\ hrc'diiir tlu'm'im ot' tiic i;!!cii\' ar.d
im 1( I M ii(!'. iiL\' < ii n a- \\ 1)1 !(l."
' l ia' ; . :il i|ai">' a ai l') i K' ron-iJcKal. t licia'!; aa ,
\\:i>.\\ h t ;,(. i , !i; I" )--( ^>a a. : 111 T' a : ul::iI uiKin -ii; li
<aii laiiia-t a a ( . t Ml 1 !< ai^- -iaaild ,m1< ipt the jM njl:;-
>'l! a ai, la t ; ;i a to Mij'i'i'ii lliii-c w liM \V(av- (ii^jio-rd
to I'l ip.l iP.ur Ilia ^l 1 r, t^^lr in t Ivvt caiunt i\a ( t, Ii\-
w illul; a.\\ ill',;,' tl.a laiii-h aiiin, to !(a\a' tiuiii Id
tlirir iatia aiul a'Miiilun tlkii caii-M,- altn^ctlirr :
'J lir (jiu'^l i< ai. la' -lani id la'pa.i!, i (.ali\ \\ a>, w iu'-
tlit'i liiat 1 loiix.- -liould d.ic'i :r,i:a' lo ^ll-!ai^ the
caUM' ot' tlir l\'iiii!su!a in J'oiIiiLial, (M, I'\ dc-
.scrt mil;' it, k'a\'r t hat ta)uiil 1 \ tn lir'i\ii. 'an li\'
I lir t iit'iiu ; in doiiiLi,- w liuli, t la \' \' > 'aid -aiic n-
d' i lo I'rancc the nio>t cain\ (.ni'iil itatajii. and
3S2. MR. rEiiCLVAi.
tlic most important iiistiunicnts of hostiiil}
against ibis country. Was that a question which
Gentlemen were prepared to accede to?"
'' If they should now tliink fit to withdrav/
tlieirarmy if t'ney should, in this instance, not
feel tliose sentiments which made tliem express
to his Majesty their approb.ition of his having
entered into a treaty with Spain isftcr lier reverses
if, in the contcmplationoftlie present diriicul-
ties, and \vithout a just regard to tlie prospective
interests of thccause of the Peninsula, they siiould
determine to abandon Portugal altogether, sure
lie vv'as, that it would be in effect to abandon the
cause of this conntiy, as \sell as to tariiisb the
character and iionour of tlie n;iti()n. When he
looked back to that feelini>- wliich induced Par-
liament to aj)})rove of a perseverance in supj)ort
cf the Spanisli cause, after the difficulties and
reverses which had been sustained in Spain, he
could not bringhimscii' to suppose, that any in-
disposition would be shewn on tins occasion still
to maint:iin the cause of tiie Peninsida. At ;i
period Vv'lien the hoj)cs of Spain were so re-
duced w h.en the cause of that countiy was to
be sustained almost wiihin the walls of Cadiz,
\v:is It, he wc'i'J.d ask, for the interests of the sur-
viving energies of the Sjj.iiiis!] CcUise, or f(n- the
innr.ediate advantage of ', he causC of tliis coun-
try, that we should witlidiaw, or profess to with-
Mi'.. [\ f '^l \ \,.
u:;.\. t..r D.ilMi aii::'. !'n :.\ W : ' .! ' Wii.il
cop.^t. CM nc'.'Ci'ulii i;-ui: !i'>in-;\ :i c i:: i.!;-it,
the iiK \ ; ,.! ''v' ^i;iiiv>'' '''ii di SjM ;i ..,; 1 T ili;-
l;'.'!, ;;iiil ti.c 111 ',\--^ 1) \' ..ir.;,!i!','ii!;it ; Ml 1 ! ti; t '.u'-
in\ s nu ;;r. - ()1 l,^'^l;', :'\ ;il';.;i: ^; i ir.- c: 'iin m \ -'
" Jlut \'. \i ;! \'. t .v' t::. \ to tl.'i.l^ ( l' t!;i' -,'i;ti-
ll'i(.;lt^()t t !l()M' ( it'Ut Ic M'A'll W '.in w ( if ;;1\\;;\ ^ (,1
oiMii-'ii, l;j..t r. \'.\;- , :;:jMi -:''\' r-r>;'i'n to h' 'd
cut ^" M'll'.,; ! !:c\ , \'. ho t' 'ill i ill- I I' ll^C ^1 I nl'tcil,
111, . L t !.c !..-.> \',\.^ ';: I" 1( ^- ;!;al i: \\;i-.\a,ii In
M r>i <.:.t 111 ':-; !.. j- !o -ic-.c:' i!- -tli.tt il"
Sj..cr. \' ,- 111 -'.. c\c(l at ..!,. -';; iiais! --iicccctl al
' iicc :.ii(l K.i't -;U' cciilri luvi r ir .iiilain a ; ; -
tiactcd (filter* aua:i'^t t':>.; (li-^>"| '1 :: i 1 ai';,;\s
:.r,(l cii' ii'i ,;s ic-ocua ^ i '1 I'racia : Sj);cii la.d
c( :r iMi. (i ' :i:' nI ; iiLLi'c l.i " 1 -^ i ! ". ! ,< 'Wa \ u ; aic i
' !l.cc\a . ll.ili'i.t I'., tl.C uhi'C.x ;; cct d' li,;
atcc 1 - i' ];;\--. CI, t .- ^'^ai-" '! l\.c ['.: ;;-cI.a ac-
t , (I ::L' in ic- I'p.ii na.c 'C ,ij 1.1 '! ;
I c >.
it. vnai ^
c-:a'/ni:
{ i ! , > L t I '
(aiC - ,
I C , t .
I . . . V : i I
CI '1 u .
.. i iCi!
I.CC tn
!C ll:
SS4 3IR. PERCEVAL.
occupy Spain with an annv, but her power would
be confiiiecl within the hmits of her military
posts ; and it would recjuire nearly as large an
army to keep possession as to make a conquest
of S])ain. There never had ex!^5ted a nation ca-
pable of subduin;.'- a rjopulation i)0SsessinL>' the
mind, and heart, and soul of tlie Sj)aniards.
T]ie\' n.igiit sustain levcrses ; hut tlie very vic-
tories aufl tlie trhiiViphs of llieir enemies would
teach tlicn) discipline, and infu-,e into them a
spirit wificli. v;oulil uirimarely be the r:iin of their
ojjpressors. Under these circuuistances, he
slioiddputit to the Uouse, ^vliether it would be
prudent or w i le to .djandou PoituL;ai? The last
AustrJan war h;id arisen in a !:;reat measure out
of tlie conte:;t in the Peninsula. During the
progress of tliat war, howe\'er calamitous its
result liad ])rovcd, it would Ijc in the recol-
lection of the iioi'sc, thiit one otlier day's suc-
cessful resi:0::nce of the French army by the
AuUnaiis, ioigot have overthrown the accumu-
lated pou'cr (yf the enemy, liini such events
nd;i,ht again take place, was not inij)()ssible. No
man eouhl anticipate what mi^'!.!: arise of this
(K'n ripiion io loc comse oi a -horl period, and
uutler all tlio oi!cuo;stancr;> of the work!; but
as long as the c cutest was oi- couhl be main-
tained in t'iie ]\n!n'-odr, he ooiisidered it the
best pr.lioy of this coioit'y to snppiort and jn'o-
mote it.'"
y. i;. ! : i;c : v
1 . .,,.., ; I ;. 1-1 1. ^' : :':' H
*' It' (!!->ipj)i 'iii; II!, i;t lia> l).(.ii c \; ri ;; i;f( '! in
an\- tM^c w lure l!i it Xohli' I .i 'i;i 1 .^ .: vi \\ >, 1. lis-
ten) ii;t> \)i\\\ C'uh'L'i'iU'il. ;t i-. Iiu- (li-.ij):; .:ii!irn,': I
ol tl'.c ciKiii \ ; l)u! ^^l 1 1 1 \ ! Ik. u c .. ii i-c no '..-.-; ]i-
jwui.t nu'iiL 111' liir i:il:iir,,:i ii-^jUN llu; ,.i.\ ( Iiur
|K-i M -u w .1, .iL n' 't; ! \ !o ( ;!!v i 1 ,,.!'. .\ ' > -; ;i." 1 : ,iU',
low III!- I ;.i' I !i,-A- I ! ! ;-i > ' ' .:. ; !.. 1 1' ^!!. ' .t 11-
tlcn.an (M'. W '; ' :v;;,i\ .Ire! ,: - .1 M .> li- u-0;,
lliat c\ ( I \- J .ii-_; ; -:i ()!(!.( i' w a> ' u-'\ -^iilc r. i li.;^
c'ouiltlN' iiom llii,' 1\. i:>i;,,.. l)(-i>, hi,'. ii;ii>'i. {,'.
iiow \\i>li that llu' I'l'.ni'.^u' I ^h; '['.vi h;.\r he i u
^u^u^<lcl rd \\i'l;(;ut the l;1( i\ d t:!i,- hi^t f.:!ii-
paiuii : 1 )'K^ ra' w i^li, thai. ;.t U r t ia' l !i^ !lUf>
wliu h \\ (.' h,i\ f --laai i M 1 i ciu h fi iirji \ , i u ip !i
tKaclu'i \ . and I'aii'ii mi-ukx i ; ; \ , Ihi'iuis
-1','aihi ha\r had i.d -Ii,.;.- :ii ihc hta -^1 i aL;Lj,(r -
D'as h,;- w '>h thai \]\ :!Mn^ -'a;aid iml ha\ i^
made a stand in the ^nK cdi lu r w :aa v ii w a^
[)(is-;hlc to ni lisn a s' uul .i_a. li--'. liic connn.un
rau ni\' nt I'nr )|)n :
' l.rt u^ . i^ 1 y\- \ me n > ! hat n.tt.- ^n Mliin!; . .-
("a <\\v iiiM! ( 1 'tan I . - h n d -iU' h\- ;.ll I he i -; fs
naf K iin, I ^ i .nn jc- ~ , , iia' I !.; r( ininu nia . . . : ' "\
i.f K \ ( inil \' nai \' wai ; f 'a tii.tt n;;; :. . .' n,
'h'Mi'in n.'W I'l a- ,,.w;e ih.ni I ' \ i .n - t ",(.i;au
336
Mil, PERCE,VAL.
by tlie armies of Fi-ancc, Iiiis nc^er yet submitted
to her foe, but is slill as uncoiKjueriiljIe in mind
and spirit as ever. It i:) in tlicse means, and this
determined Sj)irit of oj^posiiion, that our hopes
of that country are foundefi ; it is by these means
alone that an opposicion to France can be main-
tained ; and I trust thyit, \\;i:le she continues in
that sjnrit, slie will remain as invincible to France
as ever."
..'v/er.Vi 19, ISll. Gn takings tiie Portuguese troops inio
liililili pay.
* In prv;poo!ng ihe measure originally, he
liad to enceunie/r the dibcouiaging; representa-
tions of those who eonsitiered it nugators', or
worse tlian nugatory, mischiesous ; whilst ad
lie had hi nisei i to urge in its support could at
best iu)t go beyond eoiijeetujes as to its result;
but as (lie conieeti.res ]:;e tlieii entertained and
ex{)!.iir.ed to the House liad since been fully
real;zed, ;md every e,\j)e< i.iiion whicli he liad
lield )Oi!i. luhiilt (!, hi' trnsl'.d it would not now
he cou.-ii'iOiS'l ;);' mucn
lor the j^i'n.iiCs up;-!' \
) inm to chum ciedit
cii he then acted.
Thoufih SOT: e Ilori. (uniienun took lather a
gloomy view ol
c.oc he n-nst sav, that the
ii II. pm;( k\ a I..
1:.:jH- (ill the oliicr liaiul w'cic a^ ^:mL:llI^c ai
I'lc iKspili \\ :l> (ifcj) : !)iit ;iL ! !i !t t ;iiu' l!:r c'\ ( ii'
:- uiimt.im ; tlic\' li:ul H''tiiir:; p.'pJiic t"
tni!:i\- tiuir (t[)ii'M;il> lin lu't t' (;:_: ;m -^mj)-
](.,! (if" llii'ir a;-'4LmK'lU>. Now, i;M\'c\,i-, li.-
v-a^c w a> alt(,i\(l ; the clian^c w!)i.'ii I'.d ';.!.!
phu'c cnatjli'd tlicin to irta t^ \.ic cwi-.t. i i
()i(l{-'r to ^I'.cW" that i;!! tlu* arL;aii:.(M' -> mi ^':;'|'' ' '
I t tlu- t'l'iiiRi- Lii.iiit had \)cv\\ c>>]]:i>].' c'w ' ::-
l.iiiitih '1 i.c i-\ jH rtat:i'ii> h(.'i(i t'atia hi:\\.-\aM
^aii^aii.r. li.'.d h( t 11 cxiaadoh lather tiaiii (h^-
ajijMiiii : (.ah \)V the Ic^uit. L iid(.a' th.^.'^c (aiaaiin-
staiu (-. tii(-'rr!();r, u lieii (,'X]i(.'i :(_aHa' had ])r<)\cdi
the j<i([jrict\ III' iIr' Idiiiirr Liiaait, atid ^^ hii ti
( \'t. 11 tiir a^.^ci'lion, that t'l tad^c -^o hu-Lja' a p::-
tidii (;l" tiu' l\)r! iiL:;ii(;sr ihia'c ;n!>) l);,i,->h ].a\
wi'idd. \,c {(> !(,a\t' iiDlhiiii;- Id liu' i^J^tUL>al; >f
na'aai to do in t h(.' laaiiitt iiaihc o!' th'M o'aii
,a^i . I ,td tiiii'.ad <'Mt to he c'(|Uahv iir. li 'and; d
witli till -II jia .. iii> a^ titiir(.;!! .v iir\ n; \]\c
\'i i\r,j_\',c>r ; I ( . ,j)-., h ! ^^l^t(d th.tt; liu' (aMiar. !! !i-c
ai.idd icathlx and ch.t \a I ii i! \ (.onc'a: in tai'
inof ii ill ho h.id ti ) iii.d.ja
" 1 lia coiinr. M tin nnol i)o tnh\ awaino'l t!,n
inann.va m which t!ic w ai \\:!'- \'.a'^aal m Po!!n
i :.. V nin>i !r *-(;. dih' !^ i\v i" a. >i : .
( \; ; t aa. inn ' h,c iaa;:f '' li !>'. ;
'- : a o'ai-adta-.djh- poi t a n ' 't ' ; '
338 MR. PERCEVAL.
place to place, must necessarily have interrupted
its resources and revenues ; and that it was not
to be expected that Portugal, so circumstanced,
could be able to make the same efforts in the
common cause, as if no part ot^ her territory-
was in the possession of an enemy, nor any
portion of her means diverted from her disposal
to the support of that enemy. If the com-
mittee should be of opinion, that the exertions
already made had proved beneficial to the cause,
and were desircibij to be continued, it woukl
naturally follow that they must feel the pro-
priety of assisting Portugal largely."
'* He was convinced that no doubt could be
felt as lO one point at least, the propriety of still
keeping alive in Portugal that feeling and that
exertion which alone could afford any fair and
rational prospect of final success in her cause.
Different views, he would admit, had been, and
might still be entertained as to the manner in
which the efforts of this country, in support of
the Portuguese, should ha\e been directed; yet,
however ditferent the opinions might be as to
the propriety of the course that ought to have
been originally adopted, as v. e were at present
so far advanced in a ])articular plan of operations,
it nuist be allowed tliat nothing could be so weak,
so unwise, so in]})olitic, as to abandon tliat plan
at present for the adoption of any other, which,
MR. PEHCEVAI..
33(7
ti. )'.i:j:!i it iviiu-lit. have hern tiri'j:iiial|\- hctrcr,
(')irul now he revolted to Inil uiu!'. r t'.iciiiii-
sta!icc> ol" o;rr;tt daniiXT aiul (li-a(U";uil,i'j-c. lie
'V i- Mirr. tluTcti-.rc, lb.;it \\ lialcvia' iii-'lit l)c
tlioiiL^iU i \' tiic lncMit^ dl llu'|)Iui 111' ('|>i'! it;on>
iiDW 111 pi' 'JT-5S, no lloii. Mc!iil)(.-r Wdulil la'c'oin-
nu 11(1 t',) tlivMi to rctu'ad !lic'r ^t^]).-^, and make
aii\' al inai. loii ill tic ^\"^' cin hitherto act rd i.jxMi.
lie w a> >iirc, i>]\ '-'.a: co;,tra;\'. thai it woidd he
'iit t h it l]\v\- \].i''. \)vc\\ 1 :_;ht 111 t iiv- >c;k'(.'tioii ot'
the ^jM.'t on \\ hiu'li to ia!>c tht' >lainhud ai^ainrit
the c '.icinv ; a -.i)ot upon whi'h \\c could he hc-.l
cnahkd to Cari\' our (j\\ n op'cratioiis to tlic
i;rcat('^t extent with es'ei'N' advanta-_:,-e, and which
\\'a^, at tlie same time, ma pi/cuhar dc^i'ee incon-
\ en a lit to the ( iieni\ , W ilh ail tla ir opmi- >ii-,
tlR-ictoie, contirmtd !'V the e\ciil, and e\riv
I'xpeetatioii deri\ed lioin the me, i^iiic realised,
h:e couid iMt hiin;:; hmiNcd' to siijijxcc that the
ci'mniittee \'.(ni!d not tlnnl^ it iil;1iI to lollove i;p
liie p'lan ot" operation^ iiitheito ^o snecc>-it'iillv
acted npon. Hut liere lie- i]m>t hci;" K'a\ e to
adwit to certain nneaiuhd allusion-', winch it
was the praetiee ot thv' ( ient leimai on tlu- oj)po-
5ite >ide to make to t Ju' t'ailuia- nt' i lie e\['n-c"M
Iioiis supposed to ha\e hciai eiitcitaiucd i)\ nin-
-clt and hi-, eo;lcai;aie> on tlie [irolj.duc !>>iie I'l
!i!c f,.nipaiL;ai. It \va> nut t'air. he nni>l C' Uiti nd,
111 i;.L Hon. (aentltancn to -tale, tint (.aLlicr in*
340 MR. PERCEVAL.
Majestys ministers, or those who concurred witli
them, had ever held out the prospect, that in a
short period the French wouhl be driven from
the Peninsula; that a victory was considered as
certain, or even an ultimate triumph confidently
anticipated. Witliout presuming to throw out
such confident vievrs of the issue of the contest,
all he had ever asserted on this head was, what he-
was still ready to repeat, that he entertained a
confident expectation that we should be able
successfully to defend Portugal against any
probable amount of force v/hich the French
miglit be able to employ or bring to bear against
tliat kingdom. It was upon this impression
that the actual scene of operations had been
chosen ; and it v\'as in the full persuasion of the
justice of this expectation that it was deemed
wise to continue the operations there. All that
iiad happened, too, justified the course whicli
liad been adopted ; and whilst that was the case
it was impossible for those who thought with
liim, to alter the opinicms which thus had been
formed upon the subject. lie besought the
committee, then, to look to cver\- ])art of the
subject to look to the ])r()gress of th.e campaign,
and to tlic cxcriions winch had been made in
tl:e course of it by Portugal ; and he would
tluu a^k whether the result had not completely
j".stiIiLd all the opinions which iji tlie last session
HR. PLliCEVAL.
oU
he had a(l\aiiccd ? Kvcry public (h^putch, a>i \\ ell
a.-5 L\w\- [)il\atc comimini'.atioii tVup.i the aiin\,
C')iicui i\'(l in i<.prc.>(.ntinLi' the Poi tiiuik--c tiM(j|>>,,
di^cijihntd hv nriti>h otiicci^. as woiliu of ihc
]iisti iicli<)n> lhc\' iccc'ivcd, and ut" the example
that \\ as .'^et to them."'
'* W'itli respect to the character of tlie cam-
paign ah-itractedK . what, he would ask, could
he a hettcr proof ol its supt'rior merit, and
\aiuc. than ti.e lar.^aiaue cmplovcd 1j\' the
enemy- ^\'hat a iiighcr tiibutc to it'^ merits
iIkui the alteration ot' tone bo manitest in alL
tile' recent j)uhi;cationi ot" I ranee upon the sub-
ject vt' thi^ campaign - ^\'c were not now told
that the Ijritish army ^hoLfld he driven in a short:
P'criod ot" time into the s^a. It w a^ not now
hi.soK'iit !y asserted, tiiat tlie allien weie to be
suddenl}' brushed aw a\ on the lii'st apjx arance
cd" tlie I'uncii ai'iu.cs in the field auMinst ihem.
i l:e laiiguaL!,'e iio\a- held on the c(;ntrar\, wa^j,
that the ohieei "\' lt;e enem\' w a^ to bi' acc'oni-
])hshed not \)\ (hcisi\-e aetiou, but b\' j)rotracted
opeiat;on.> ; not l)\' stuldi n ;'.iid \iL;-oious itforts
in the lield, but bv ( lulc a\ ours to draw down
mm u[)on our liopes, br the proiMCss ol' time,
and by the eoni>ei|uent aecumulal lou of e\peii-c -.
'i In^ language desiLiuated tiie alleicd eliaiactir
ot the campaign; and upon this ^lound they
''\ie jusLilicd in <irgumLi', that the enemy laiter-
342 MR. PERCEVAL.
taincd no hope of being able to siilijugate the
Peninsula, but by driving tlie British army out
of Portugal. This was an operation which
tlicy had conceived easy of accomplishment at
first; but now', finding their expectations
fVustrated, and that the thing was more
difficult than they had imagined, they were
obliged to alter tlieir tone. Now, their object
was to continue the contest, campaign after
campaign, in the hope of being able ultimately
to reduce the British government, in conseii'ience
of the expense, to a\ ithdraw the British army
from l*ortiigal. So, then, after all the treasure
expended, and aU the blood wasted, in the
Peninsula, instead of brushing away the insur-
gents, who were never considered but as objects
of iheir contcmjjt, the French were now to look
forward to ])iotracled operations ! France,
then, it a[)peared, no longer anticipated victo-
ries similar to those by which she had previously
subjugated so great a poition of Europe. Whilst
the same spirit continued to animate the brave
inhabitants of tiie Peninsula, even though tlie
French sliould obtain victories, he trusted they
would be followed by ciisasters, as dire and
destructive as those which had already attended
every step of their antecedent progress."
' He was tirmly per,-,uaded that the committee
would agree with him, that as the war must be
M W. I'l.UCFVA I .
-i ;
>ili()Wc'cl oil all hands to Ix.' iiu \ital/i\- Id he cai-
iivd un ; a war, ii'it V()liiHtar\- (iii nin- |iuii. Imt
HiipoNcd on II- \>v the injustice and auuiei-Min
ot' the cncin\ ; this was the .scciu- nio-t ad\an-
tagcous for n^, and ni.:i>r in^'onvtuiiiu toitiic
iMU'niy, in whicii to cuntinne it^ u])t'!alion>. "
" \\ hatc'vcr may he the iCbuit ol' the war in
wliieli \vc are engai^ed, whatever niav he tlie
rcMilt of the rctnvit of .Ma^^eIla, whether ^a"=;
It j)r()niiM.s t'roin e\cry ealeuhition \v e can a.t
i>iChent niakt) it turns out to he a ivtical w ith-
uut a return, or \\ ht-'thir. as -^onie ha\ e {n)-
j'^^^'d to hehew, the eiioiiiicu.'. i)owcr of
jlu'MKijiai tr mar again ^u]>[)!y lij> tiooji^, and
cnahU' them to ictrare tiirir sti'p- ; wMate\-i"r be
the event, thi> measure must he hrnelleiah l>y
iiitaneini;' the advantage of DiitiNh eonneetion
a> eoni|)ared with I'reneh as^i>tanee. Tiie truth
vstah'.ished hv thii> me-i^ure may oper.itc not
!nerr!v in the Peninsula, hut throughont I.u-
:0|)t' and the \\ orld. It mav not men ly pioduee
'Aiv ( lleet ot' eonriiining one ]iM\ei:. hut ol
Muniating all puwei^ to le-i-^t thr de poti-jin vt'
344 MR. PERCEVAL.
the French ruler, and it must have the effect of
proving how falsely England has heen calum-
niated, and how fittie truth there is in every
tlhng coming from the same source by which
her ciiaractcr has been traduced."
Jpril 2G, 1811. On moving Thanks la Lord Wellingion
for the Dejence-of PortngaL
" The advantages derived to ourselves from
the result of tlie campaign are by no means
inconsiderable. This country. Sir, may be con-
sidered as divided into two opinions with re-
spect to its own pov.'er and prosperity. Those
Vv'ho liavc thouo'lst that Great Britain never
stood higher in those points, are gratified at
seeing tiieir opinion confirmed; those, on the
contrary, who have entertained the desponding
idea, tl^at the sun of BritJsii glory was for ever
set, must now^ congratulate thcmsehes, and the
country, on the proof that our militarv ciiarac-
tcr never stood so liigii ''.> at the present
nmment. To them the recent occurrences must
be infinitely more gratifying than to us who
were more sanguine (m the subject. No longer
c:in any fears remain, that should the Trenrh
.m:i. rr.iK i % a
seek (uiv h]ii)ri.'> w c .sli.uild ii^t Ik- a\^\c I') nux'l
till III. \\\' 1k;\'c ;i, IlnliMi ann\ , rdiiip. s^d ot
;i i;( ;'.(.;. il Wi/) l;;i- ()UI-'.:t:ici .;1 'v I llicii^. and
ti'Mi'iiN i)\ \\\(irii llirii ti'ioj's Iii\(' hi ( ii su!)-
(liu'(i. A> ti> ill',' ciii'ct ot' tli:~ cui j):ii'_^ii (li; tlii:
cnc'im, wiial l:i> iVi liii'j,-^ ii.i:--l \iv. a.tlu al! li;-5
hi-a.-^t^ and tliuaN a^an^t '>:< llnti-^h ai ii ^ ,
!rai\ l)r f;.^il\- ' oia. i i\a d. W 1:>. ;t ^ i llrci^ ii.av
]>'.-. i\]'rvi::\ .v. on l;.ii:i-c. I will w 't \ v iil a; n lo
j)ra(l:cr 11'. \..v ; ,.:{ i\: -i-'rAil'/wir i:i I'oi -
ti.'Li'ai in,;\' jMit an ( lui t'l tiia daln.-'on. iha! cx-
ttait lA dMniininn !^ txtcnt nt' -t-anL'*l; J. 'W
\\\y il nai\ ojinn the t \ t^ oj iju' IVam li to t''.c
intolrrahif and di^u'i .i^'t- t'^il ts'i'a.n.nx I)\ winri;
tlic\" arc at prn-iiit o|)|)K'>>n(l. t nl nic rvcn.t ^ \\ i,[
di^rlii-c. \\ nil lCL;-:ii(l to tile 1<. >1 ot' tllc' \'. mid
to jaiiopr itwid 1)1' an u-clid K --on, p-infinu'
out t lir ond\ maal lu -; < u: .1 \a"'
Sir. !i \'. a- iinji' --I'lK- to -iijijio^n. that it
C'udd hr the d;\!nn inltnti'M! ol lho\ iiKau'o
JoiiL:,- to |)(;in:i t he C' intinnainac ot' th,at >\s!iin
id' o|>]M ( --ion and uMii j>a; ain, nndci w na'h i'ai-
ioj)(' h,:d ;-o lonii' L;ioatu.d. It naiw ju'iha]'-.
I'tt he jirc'-ninptucai^ in n> tn haipo. that \n
'iia\- \)c \\]r iiistrnincnts ol dch\riini:,- tha' \\iald
Iioiii iK thiaidom. JL li not iul[)o^^d)!l. in the
'!!-j)rii>at lon^ of I'l (;n idi ma', i)nt tli.it m Hiat
'-I'v IViijii-nki ill xvhich the i\iann\ "1 li.ana:
546 MR. PERCEVAL.
has been so cruelly manifested, slie may receive
her death-wound, if not licr grave.'*
JimeJ, iSll. On moving Tliaiiks to Sir ffm. Bcres-
ford, ^'c. for the Victory of Albucra.
" He bea'ijed the House now to allow him to
allutlc to the moral consequences which must
result from this victory such a victory, occur-
ring at such a time, and under such circum-
stances/'
'* He could not but consider it as opening
new and flattering prospects to us in the Penin-
sula. He was aware that some gentlemen were
of ojnnion that there w^as no limit to the means
of the French Emperor, and that he could have
no difficultv in sendin"- three or four hundred
tl'iousand men into the Peninsula. For himself,
he should say that he did not think it so easy
for him to send any large force thither; parti-
cularly wiicn there was a ])rospect that he might
have employment for so many of his troops
elsewhere. JJul e\ en if he should be able to
place his force in the Peninsula on the same
footing as before, he would find the allies better
prepared to meet him ; he would find, from the
>iK. ri:iuh.\Ai .
.147
j^^lui'mus cxanipk' set 1)\- the S|),ini-,h tioops at
Alluicra, tai" ditlcicnt (.'UcmK -> to conteiul with.
\\ iirii \\v looked to the l;;i:c\()\is ^il^:l|)|)()|llIJn(nt.
ol the lu'jx..^ iii t!ic riKiiiw he I'oiilu not think
he ente; t:iiiietl ;iii\' ex a Liberated (.oulicKnee in
the operations ni' the wdv ; their l^5lle vv ^^ in
other hand>. \\'hethei tlie j)lea>.inL!,' hojx^ he
cntei tamed wcie weil tonnded. under ah the
eireuni^tanee>, .he ^hmihl U'a\"c tiie |)nl)h*; to
i\(\ ide ; Inr, w iiateser niii;lit l*e tlie |i >nn(iaJi()a
'.Vi hi> i'\j)LeIa'ii"n>. he [naN i'(l that (iod, lu
\\lio,,e (h^po^al thi' i>M.ie ol all I'onte^ts \s a^
placed, would g.'aiit that they bhuuid i)e lea-
Ji.ed."
Jinir'J, \^\\. On Mr. IIut>fi'ni>(in's .l/o//'.,,; jy>;;,7/;/-
thr Miittiiri^i i'o'tciiiij till Cnitnlii/.
'' If there was an\- wliere a peeuliar oppor-
tunit\, and a nioiT ta\ourahle pio^peet than
another ot I'e^i^tinL;' the eiiinn', if w a^ to he
tuund in Spain and P<)rlULj;;al. It wa^ then' he
e(ineei\ed it to he tlie ])araniount mteii^t of
the eountr) to maintain the stinuule. ^\ iih
re>peet to what had l)een said ot' the wantol'
leelinij,- displayed h\ tbmentinu' and kcCjunL;
ii\o tile war in the Peninsula, in liib oi>iniou.
348 :\IR. VEKCLVAL.
no calamity that mio-lit be inflicted on that Dart
I/O 1
of the Continent, by a protracted warfare, could
be equal to the cvii of French doniinion."
July i, ]Sl].-li reply k) Mr. Hliitbread.
" Irresistible as tiie course of Buonaparte
had hitherto appeared to be, if we indeed
thought that Providence superintended human
events, we must be convinced that in that
course he would yet be checked. This country
might be chosen as the instrument of arresting
his mighty progress of deducing good out of
the evil which had liitherto existed. What
vv'as there, he would ask, in the march of Buo-
naparte, which ought to induce us to suppose
that his ultimate success was irresistibly decreed
by Providence?"
January 8, 1812. la reply to Mr. JJliilhread, in the
Debate on the Report of the Address.
"' He would commence v/itli noticing the
misconceptions of the hon. gentleman with
regard to the affairs of Spain and Portugal and
tljc characters of hopelessness and desperation
in which he had described the war. And here
ii n. ri.ia :-.\- .\ i
.'VJ
]\" \y n\.\{\ W'.Ai to 1)1 111.:,' back to llu' UTi )',lri't ;i)ii
ol li.C H ;!(, tlif stale I'.l Ulilvil l!;CVaI sIoimI
it lie i)r':;i;iiiiii:,- ot' la-^t s. -ion ; ne w .uiM w i-h
to hi.r.L;" iiaek to tlieir lerni'.c-t ;( m. I::r I'fiii <'i\-,
aiio tc.:r>. and pioi)licr;e^, ot' tlie hoe. Liuit k'-
iiiaii. and to iiiticat lliciii to ((/l;tI^i^t t..e ; o s-
j)ect lie then diew. \\ith t'.e ie;dk\- ot' thv'
j-: ;_ >ent -^eeiie ; th.e\ x'.ou'ei t'u.d, i i; -iieh a t v'ln-
jioi^ ;i, tleit ii;-, t'eai > \'. ere niii'^aia!', : k thai h;s
( \ ; ee'.o .ini^ w.ie t.kibwi (', t'.;,.l \.:> [: ('j)i;ceies
^'.aae t. ; , < an i ai - ; a,,d \.1 ;!.e ]\> a. l'^ n: 1 'in.ai
^va-^ o:\ : I'd e[)on the - leae ua. ;:i.d^ ' 1 aep'f'-
ia n>a):i, iui:ne!\a the I)oa^'> <-. Iki' aao- .: ! a, ''*
: ejicat lli^ piojiiiLei*. s
str, V i;.c t'' < f
. : 1 V . ; I ,
Al U 1 -a^.i i iia;;r , ' a' w , : : ; :, . . r
lk'.uiii;kt ! ;:e !.! 11. :. .li! k ;e la . , . r k.
tate(! a' e' " a aad a .: aa\ . ai. d :o
kokh tk,,l < . :air > 'k-' c .:.;. \ ,.a:\ d la-
\\ on!d d , ; : I la a' 1" 'a ; i:-:' * il, <a' ! !; i ' i: \'. . >
aaiaraa aad ^! to la ! a a \' ' 'j* t" da_ a
tie- M;,a!l (aa[ l cf k la a. k A' k-
:\''''.:i^. ;) ::. a! ;;a' ; ;!, !!, k
> n k ; d < a i \- ! : M k d 1 k a k a .
k.' ( ;:(a., . ; kat t iaaa \; i - :;a. >,:\ a, ; *.. ' .
:.. lJ.I l'-! :,a an Ia- o; -aajn'Oit ',' . . Alia
- aecn.Li. ' ' a wa. w. i- \<> \y ?.: ;\ -w
S50 MR. PERCEVAL.
into the sea, and wcie not to have a foot of
ground in Portugal ; but instead of these boasts-
being accomplishedj or the gloomy apprehen-
sions of the hon. gentleman realised, we hac^
not only rescued Portugal from the enemy, but
maintained her in security against liis utmost
efforts. Since this had been achieved, iudeed,
a new light had been discovered, and it was
found that it would not have been the right
course for the French to drive us into the sea, but
that they should fust conquer Spain, and leave
US to be swallowed up at the last, after we had
been permitted to waste our strength! Would any
man believe this? Would any man believe,
that if it had been in die power of the enemy,
they would not have driven us from Portugal
Those who held the opinion that Buonaparte
was irresistible, and that it was in vain to op*
pose his designs, wondered that he did not at
once crush this army, which not only acted in
every point to the frustration of his design,
but remained in opposition to him on the Pe-
ninsula, to his disappointment, to his vexation,
and to his confusiou. Would he, if he could
have prevented it, even by directing against it
solely and entirely the whole of his force, have
suffered this? No man could think it. He
would have left every thing else to accomj)lish
our expulsion; but his power was not equal to
>1R. I'KIU'RN A I
.".,) I
lii> (l(*>irc ; aiid liic country he ruled cnultl \\(>\
t'luni^h Inin with llic niCiins nco >>;ii"\ to ilVcr!
Ill- ino^t ;iii\K)iis purpose. l)ut lluuLil) tlii-> w a-^
his oj)inioii, \\c would not, thcictoif. wit'ii iiKtt
p)lc^umpt ion with which 1r' cluirmd ti,*,' cp.iiun,
sa\ that, thoui;-;! hcrcti 'toil' baiilcd and drliM'rd.
lie ndf^ht not at -ome futuie penoil acco;npl:-h
that object, in atU'iv.ptinu- which he had h; c a
->') se\'erel\' I'oilcd ; hut lie thouL^ht it niii;i!t
tai.U he ar'jaied, iVoni a ri tro^peci ;\e \ ivv. , that
\\a' i;;iL:,ht eoiitiiuic to nKiiutaiii ou;>ei\cs in I . c
lVaiir;--u!.i, lait oiiK- to dvieat In- pihiPo ot' an;hi-
ticni. hut a^ a standiui;- t-onir,.-! to the ha^e-.l
villany e\er exlnhited in liie world! \ e>, hiC
maintained, that on all <.l" tlie^r jxMUt^, tl'cie
never \^a^ a nioie smkiinj- C'>i;i i\ivt, than ti.,i'
which appcred in tia' conduct ol' the runeli
and ihiti^h '4n\-( runient ujxii the IVrmi-uhi;
:iiid It the man \\ho ran-ed ; l had aii\- \ :l \^ to
elho.utt lor ainhil a 111. it mu-I he ii:> leo^t e.ir-
iie->t laie and iui-iiir--, h\ e\^i\ nuthi'd and
invent aui, to Km ]> il iin; (ud\ lioin t::e i \r u[
the reiMM^uli, hi,L 1)1 ; ;.. w Ol Id. I lahi lla^e
CM I iine.taii'-e-, he couM h\ i',<i lU'Miis a.L^ia'c
with the I'll. u(;i!i(;';.:u ni ii:-. \ ' w ol llo
-ul'ieit. < hi ! he contra.: \. wh.iil,,'-. -,i\v tii.iL
l)Uo!!;j j> il le hao' iioi i:;jmd. iiut ! -', ri;'o" .1.
-:\\('r tlic lu'^Miinini;- of the ]: ^1 -: - "P. tlay
la' ira>ai I' i {''.>'.. [ iw.od. (P ._.:io:\ >.;'.d
fJ^xJ MTw PEE.CKVAL.
sariguinely, and to indulg-e in the liope he had
often expressed, and which lie saw no reason to
depart from, tliat the enemy had touched the
i.ojnt of his ambition, and wouhl here find for it
:; jirave. But the Hon. CJenileman opposite hehl
(itlicr opinions. lie dccnietl Buonaparte in\in-
cihle, and that ail his apparent disasters were
only t;'e result of a design to concpaer Spain,
^ind reser\ e tlie British, as it were, for a ' bonne
7 753?
Fdmiary 'Jj. In] 2. In ihe Debate on Sir Thomas-
TiirtcKi^s v'iCtioK jcr a Comruiltce oil the State of tlf
Natioiu
" Ilii Jsohlc riiciid fLord Castlereagh) had
been char^' ,v' vA^h arensarkabic convenienee of
priiiciple. for eons,:uth]g to give the assistanee of
his talents to tiie Adaiinistration. Great conve-
iiientj of pi";'jciple 1 And from whom did this
eharge pro'jeed ? From those persons in tiie
party ot l];c Noble Lo.^'s (Lords Grenville and
Gre\ i a!:o. m ]i;:3 (^omion, Lad sljewn as much
cons'^Mi'jac.'j as \V:V\',\ aj^plieaiion, at least, of
prine.j))!.' t': tmies ard eireanistanees, as any
statesni:ai \:.v.\X c:-:" li\u(h if convenienee of
piineijjle U-. . ;i (ju'.ib'.y to be found in public
!iien, eoii,\jn:.:n:-c oi' piinci];ie in tiie sense of
ilK. Pi. U(. 1. \-A I .
:i:>r>
.ip[)!\ m<_>- pnufijijc (lit'lorcutly at (iillrrciit tiiiic^
to t!n- >anu' (jUL'-tii>n, he thought tii;it (iiialit \
\'.'as n<it to ])c toiiihi 111 lii^luT |)(.-i k cr iom in aii\
ollai |)uMirincn tliaii in 1 .01 !s ( I mi\ i!'.-. ainl
' 'iiic Prima' li.id thoii<.;li! ])roj;i i' to n't.;i;i
!.:ni in lii> scrxicc, with ail th.o^c j.r.'iudii ; -
\'. liich, at tiu- c'oiiin;riic'c;ii''n! ol ;!;r Rr-j-aicx .
hid htaii ^! luhi 'II-'n' in-^tiiltd iiiio ii'-. lhi\ ii
1 Iii;lnK'-^v'^ miihl a-.;-ain-L [\\c K!:ij:"^ M'lwiras,
ami uhi.'i piL-|U(lac"5 wvw conxa'x ad to lluni
II! an opui. tV.ink, and. ihf icl'-iw (on^ohltol \-
manner ; \ct, at tlic caid ot" th;C limited Ui'ucnew
^neh an expeiienee had lu' I'i tlio^c 'i. namt >,
so a<l\ antau'coas did \\c peieeiNe iheu' measnres
to he. >o pioduetue ol l;1oi\, and honour, and
htni'fi*. tliat hi' liad ihe ii:a.;n mm;:! \ t > a\'o\v
tht' ehanue tliat had t dsi n j'la a' m h> senti-
ment^ n.sj)eetiiiL\ them, .a:d to s:.j,nii_s li!-. [''ei-
>i!H' ih.it lia\ ai.oihd I'Milmue to admin:>t(.a
: la' .'ti'ii' s (.n the cmati \ . '
.'Ij'ir \A. I^IJ. On ih: linrrnck L<!i'n:iti's
'' li'v. eoould not obtain pe.ua' npon he-nour
:hle term^, we mn^l mamtain the \uii at .''.I
niz ir(l>, and vmder all eiia um-^tance>. and t-; ih;.
i-t >. \ II ianit\a"
\ a
( S54 )
MR. PONSONBY.
February 20, 1808. -Jji the Debate on Mr. Whiibread's
Resolutions respecting the proffered Mediation ofRussh
and Austria.
" No step had been taken by Ministers to get
the country out of the difficulties in which their
own conduct had contributed to involve it. How
did they mean to continue the war?"
June 15, 1808. In the Debate on Mr. Sheridan's Motion
relative to the Affairs of Spain.
** In such circumstances, neither he, nor any
man as ignorant upon the subject as he acknow-
ledged himself to be, could attempt to advise
his Majesty's ministers what course to pursue,
when their course was ultimately to be regulated
by that information of which they were exclu-
sively possessed. He therefore could not divine
the object of the motion of his Right Hon.
Friend (Mr. Sheridan). He denied, for himself,
that it would operate upon him as a pledge of
his future opinions upon the conduct of hi
Ml:. roN'soNiiv.
35
ALijcst)'^ niiiiistcrs in tliis iiDpoitant crisis;
a>, until he h.id w itncsscd it, lie could not posbi
1)1 \ judLic ol" it."
January U>, l^O'J.In the Debate on th>' .Jtldie^i.
" Hi> Majoty, in his ^J)ceeh, inti;iiatc's to its,
that the c(->ntcst in wliieh we are en^-ai^ed has no
hkeliiiood ot' heiuLi; hrouL^dit to a eonehi^ion t'a-
vourahle t(j the intere-st-^ of this eoantiN', or oi'
our allies, without a vigorous and peise\eiing
continuation ot' the eirorts of tlie British nation.
I do belie\e that his Majesty may iia\e formed
a very ju>t estimate of the situation of thi.^ coun-
tr\', and ot" tlk- re^t of luirope, in sosaxini;'; but
I cannot hut lament how (leej)l\- he i^ likcK to
feel the disappointment which inu^t [)n)hahly
ensue fiom the conduct of tho^e to whom he ha.s
entiu>ted the counsels ot' the nati<n. If his
INIajoty thinks that a x'l^-oiiius perseverance m
our exertions is the oiiiv n.U'an-> ot' hiin^iiiL^ the
])resint conte.Nt to a iaxouiaole c<uiclu-~ion, I do
imaL^'ine that we can tonn but a teeble h.ope, that
the same men \\ ho hit herto ha\ e ^o tcehK nego-
tiated, and who have so ineilcctuallv coiuhicied
the force of this nation, will n"ratit\- th,e \\i>l;e^of
tliC country in their I'ulure cfi'orts, eilhci 1:1 our
A a '2
356 MR. PONSONBY.
own behalf, or in that of our allies ; for never,,
I believe, since Great Britain attained and sup-
ported its present rank among the nations of
Europe, has its public force been directed with
so little skill, so little foresight, or so little
success."
" By v.'hat fatality, I ask the noble Lord
(Lord Castlercagh) is it, that all his characteris-
tic energy seems to hnve set upon the present
state of things ! li this the testimony which,
under the adnrinistration of the noble Lord,
Great Britain exemplifies to the continent of
Europe of her- military powers, and of the
strength and coniprehension of those mIio ma-
nage her resources? Lideed, if their effects
had not proved most lamentable to the securitv
of Europe, and the character of this empire, it
would afford a most prolific source of ridicule
to review tlic ministerial operations of the noble
.ord.
' The most miaterial considerations, liowevcr,
are tlie employment of th.e British force in Spain,
tlie dikiLoriness of those directing it, au-d their
total want of capacity. If it 'were wise at all t(^
send a British army into Spain, that opjjortunity
lias l>cen lost Vvdiieh appears to have been the
only fasourable one that presented itself. - In
giving assistance to the Spaniards, there were, as
I before stated, two modes oi" proceeding. What
MiC. I'ONSONBV.
i J ,
i:C "jMii.oiis of the Spamards thcl^^ll\^> aic. [
pii,ilV5-> ir._\ aflt' totvill\ i^t,Miuraiit. 'I'hc I'.u-I i<,
l.iaL tiii> Ignorance dues iK^t [)r()(,i,(.(l I'l iii .my
want; of (hliMcucc on ni\' [)art in niakiui;- nujui-
JK^; but lor want otany authentic .souifr tiuni
winch intoiinalion could be pi'ocurcd. D\d the
Sjtanlards make ap])lication lor a ieij,idar I'oicc
to be ^cnt into tlicii countr\ , or tor uioncy, aini^,
annnunition, cl-itinni:-, and ad otl:cr nccc^^arie5,
to ciial)lc tlR-ni to ])i(i>ccu!c ihc \\'ar a^'aiust ^ucii
annio a.-^ 1 ram c iiad tlic power ol'pouiniL; into
liu'M' countr\ ' I a^k tlii> (juc-^tuMi. bct-ause, il
Spam, witii ^ucii a^^i^tancc, could not c.irrv tlic
j)oint ot keeping out an\' iVc^li rcnilorccnienti,
there was little j)robab:lit\ ot' prc\ cut mil;- that
countiA' Iroui beini;- o\-(.-i-run. In i:;\ c^ti^at ing
tills matter, we should h.i\c i(ai->idt red what \v ai
the amount ot t lie disposable ti in^c- ot 1 i anee. 1 u
Liuide Us in repaid to tlu^ point, we li i\ e a i ceeiiL
document to icier to ti a lutirmal kui. In papers
\'. inch w cie laid bcti-K P.n hament m t he bei^innmi^
ot' the \ ear I hc', just at ler tlic t'ailuieot the tinrtl
(oalitKjn, then' ajspcais a mcmiMi- tium tlieC'ouit
ot' \'ienna to that ot' St. PctcasburLili. statinu" thi
anidunt ot' torce winch I'ranec could pioti.dtl;,
briUL!," aij;anist the allied po\^cl^. I'lom this do-
cument it appears, that tiie I'li-ncli torcc \v ..s
tiicn estimated at ,;()( ,()()() men, cxolusivi' ot the
nnpciial i^uards, winch consi-,t(.d "l l:)/i(^Umcn_
358 MR. PON SOX by;
This was the opinion of the Court of Vienna be-
fore France had overrun Germany and Poland,
and some other countries of Europe, and pre-
viously to her connection with Russia. The
disposable force of France must, therefore, have
been since considerably increased j and it was,
consequently, most material for this country,
before it adopted any measure wliatever, to con-
sider well the propriety of employing her troops
in Spain, where there was a likelihood of such
immense numbers being brought against them.
Never, I believe, was sympathy so strong as that
evinced in England in favour of the Spanish
cause. Yet, though such had been the enthu-
siasm of the nation a', large, and however ardent
the people might be in lending assistance to
support such a glo^^ious struggle, it was the duty
of those who were entrusted with the manao-e-
o
nient of the national forccj to consider, in every
point of view, the piopriety or impropriety of
complying with the popular feeling. That was,
perhaps, the feeling of the moment ; but Minis-
ters were bound to consult for the j)crmanent
interests of the public, and it was, therefore,
their duty to investigate and ascertain, by every
possible mode, \\ hether they ought to risk an
Enlish army at all in Spain, or confine their assis-
tznae to the supplies I have mentioned."
jjii. PossoNur.
3iM
January 31, 1^09. /m ^/if Debate oti tJu .-hJiIress oti tht
Ansxar returned to the Ocvrtunsjwm ErJurUi.
*' With ic.sjK'ct to Spain, there was no man
in that House less connnitted than lie wa-. A
XohU' Lord (Lord CastlereaglO, liad charged
him with throwing cokl water upon the enthu-
siasm of the Spanish eaubc; it', hoN^'evcr, that
NohU^ J.ord liad hccn le>s enthusiastic upon
that suhjeet (^though ceitainly enthusiabm was
not his constitutional \ ice), perhaps our atlairi
would not be so circumstanced as they then
\vere/'
Frhrtiary 24, 1S09. On inviin'^ a Rtnulution respecting
the CiUiijmii^n tn Spain.
" Ministers sIkhiUI ha\e been aware of the
responsibilit\ attached to then otVice, and cau
tif)us upon what iei)rcseiitations thev acted.
They should ha\a' been alive to the rellection,
that in their haiuK were |)laced the me.ms not
only of a^^i^ting Spam, but of defending Lng-
land; that the\- were not only to consitler the
j)robpects oi" Spam, but of tlu'ir o\sn country;
that called up(;n to atlmmiirer the affair* ot a
'360 WR. POXSONBY.
nation involved in an arduous contest, the dura-
tion of which no man could calctdate, they
:niould not unadvisedly risk the means of that
nation; that tlicy should not send out it> aini}^
or its money, unless where effectual resistance
couKl be made to the enemy."
'* Ministers could not ha\e been insensible to
this reflection, that great as our pov/er con-
fessedly is, and has been at sea, the whole dis-
posable force of the country could not alone
make any effectual stand in the Spanish cause,
or justify any hope of a successful result in
a contest against the stupentlous military means
of France."
" 1 am not disposed to speak cHsrcspcctfully
of the Spaniards, but history does not represent
them as a people lemarkable for that daring,
enthusiastic, high-spirited disposition, which
prompts and qualifies men to make a great
struggle for fd^erty and infk'pendcnce."
*' Do not let us forget this, tliat although we
have obtained glory and renown lor our ndlitary
biave.y, EngLmd has for ever lost it^ fame and
cliaracter as a mihtary nation. "\\'e!e } ou to
])r<;p()Sv' to send vour soldu rs again, as an en-
couragciiieiit anc! an aid to otlier foreign powers,
upon ajiy future occasion, ^\]lat would be the
answer? It would \)C, 'No, no' your troops
are good and hra\e: xoiiv office r> aie skilful, in-
MU. TON ^.)\ L\ .
j' '
U'lli^H i)t, and toiirai^cnws; but. tluMc i>. ^oiiul .1: .: .
Ill the i'nuiuMl> of' l'"n<_;la!!(l, or in il.r la'iiu :.ud
ir.ainu rol" t Ik' aj>[)rn'ali''n n! Iic'i' hw >( , t i,:.t : ri;-
(K'M !t 111'. ])()--i.i'k' c \'(. 1 to pLu c am iciiai.v c i.ii 11
li(/i' inihtaiA' as^i^!all(c'.
' N\\Tr can \vc icl\ a;_:,"a;n n[)oii tiic C( lili-
kiic'c of an\' j)o\v I'l ('t the C'MiMnrnr, in < ',.;
niilitaiA' i,\(. 1 ; !"ii-^. iiii'.'. (_'\i.a n ui. ai t:u'\ -.w.il i'i;i-
>C'l\a"^ n.av ui\ (.'. (air nuiiil inr tllia;-. !:;>
caiin j',,:ua!. I >a\', w ; i i 1m\ c an : uliariua- a pwu l;:e
ciiar,i>tt.a ol' JaigLiiui l"ng .;l'it.i ..li <a' u> -'aiil
(a'a>t' to ii\'c.'
' I a^lv tilt' Hou<c then to institute an cntini.}
tor the j)ur|jo^o ol" (h-^aAaa ip.li; \\\i:A IkiN'c iacn
the nicUivcs that ltd in;ni-tci^ ^'i to di--;)' i-r ot'
l\\L- I'Mfc "\ till i'otinti\- on a -^rixaa' at lir^t -0
lull ol' ('MiiticlLUvaa a:.(! la-w -(/ I'.ol ct'o'ai!;! and
nntaa taait \ . a> t-- had t.. inc laaicl' that tl.c
cam -c /!' >j)a;n is dc^jaa'.i'i ."'
"Whth rt'uaiid to Porii.Lial and Spain, wc
lia\a' ah(aid\ so tai i nLiaucd oi;r-r:\c-> w a : n :..^'-c
'antiir^, Lind ha\c;i(tcal with th;in -'' ^'aij;;
.aa\e' L::\\ai the 111 si, una n 1 ni ui a^i n.i. n'. and
562 MR. PONSONBT.
arc so bound by stipulation and alliance with
themselves and their cause; that it is impossible
to retract, or that any one can say that we ought
not to leave the money at the discretion of
ministers, to bestow upon those powders as it may
be necessary, and they shall think fit.'*
May 31, 1809. In explanation during the Debate on the
Report of the Vote of Credit,
'^ His decided opinion was, that if far other
measures were not taken by his Majesty's minis-
ters, France would ultimately subdue the Penin-
sula.*'
January 23, 1 8 1 0. In the Debate on the Address.
" This is Ro time for half measures. I do
think, that it is a crisis that calls upon the House
of Commons to put forth its penal powers; it is
no time for civility; it is no time for ceremo-
niously waving the best interests of the state in
courteous compliance to the feelings of those,
who have either betrayed or endangered them;
the present is not a time for shaping amendments
:o the imaginary niceties of those gentlemen.
MR. rON<ONBV. 303
wlu) revolt at all idea of j)uni^l)mtMlt i: i> i!k*
time to sj)Cak out, and j)UI^nc with iip.wi .ii icd
zeal, public defaulter^ ot'eveiy <le^e^!|ti(.ll. 11, ul
I a choic-e between jumisluneiit and paiddn,
I would prefer tbe former, because I tliink the
circumstances of the country inif^'riou^ly de-
mand some solemn examples."
February 1, 1810. /// the DrJiutf cii !hc Motion fur
Tlimiks to L/jni H eU'ni'^tun, Jor the I'lclory of Tala-
tera.
" He thought tlie victories in Kgvpt and
Maida \\ere suOicienl tot>tal)l:sh oui' mditarv
fame, without sending Loid Wellington to
hazard tiic ti'casure of the countiy, and t':e valu-
able live-. ()\ tlu'ir soldiers, \\ heic no ])0>5ible
LTood could re^ult frcjni it.''
February \2, ISl I. In tJw Dthatc on the Address.
'' M'ith res{)ect to the atlairs of Spain and
Portugal, he should say but lit'le, anxious at tlie
oanu' time, that that littU- should not be mis-
understood; it was sim])l_\ , that the speech a()-
364 MR. PJXSONBV.
peared to him to imply an entire approbation oi'
the conduct of our affairs in the Peninsula,
which nnqualificd approbation he was by no
means then prepared to give; but neither was
he disposed to express his decided disapproba-
tion. He waited for fuller information, before
lie could give so decided an opinion as the
speech seemed to him to cull for. It was his
anxious wi^h to avoid saying any thing that
could be painful to those present, still less
to those who could not hear his statement; but
it was necessary for all persons to disengage
their minds of every prejudice on this subject.
It could not be denied, that there were many
hopes fondly indulged in at the commencement
of that struggle, which had not since been
realized; but this he should not now go into."
" My opinion is, that the contest of Spain
and Portugal will wholly fail of the wished for
success, and that the power of France will be-
come as completely predominant in these coun-
tries, as it is over any other part of Europe."
March 11, 1811. Gnthe slate of Commerdal CncVi.
*' The Spanish contest had made a new
diversion in favour of our commerce, but whai
.Ml;. po\soNB\. :',[)',
j>ri)sjHi.t u;is llicrc that mu-'ii cnc n'o w^tu'.d a'j;,iiii
L.kv place:"
MarcJi IS, 1811. /;; t!;i DJuit, <'n < ni.i'n:nirr^' I'l, 7*.,;-
tti'j:!ic>\ tioiijK in Unlink I'at/.
' '1 he lac't i>, {].[' cur Muaa^^ (<iii->:>'i in
h.A-'.ui:: h)vt al;i;!-s: i lie \-. la I;- o! Toi I iiLJ:al, aiid
liai (-III' , ,:; \ i>. la m,,- o iiu'a;!. J, (I'laiituail i:i
ln'*'.\((.;! !,>!). ai ami C"::'a\'t. (an an\ nam
v,\- [\..,[ tiial i> la-' a t'.aa : .\ia! cam tin.' Uil;!;!
ll'in. ( iant icaaiii call li I-) t naiaii.iLiin;;- (ai:
cxiacrations, ;;i!.l s;i\-, ti.,;! ( n nikIi a liioiiral \'.i-
'a.(ail>i nn\v >j\vr :i -uh-ai\ ot' \^:> nuiiani-
la-ttad (I ( 'a' iiMi,,(a..- ])(:,^ ha i^'.i.r" nj.'M)
' t ' r,i< ((';!'!<* i h >w \' n;;- c.a Iiic
( ' -ap. '-"I '. \:.\^ V \i'anH ; I )' a ^ i n- k r.o\'.
: 'a,' I \ ; :. : -a i a >(. nd i}^ 1 1 1 >. )jo (. i I 'i a a a;;::i '
] )''.. r.: !: ", taa! tia aa a, a ! > la' , ./,:;'. up.ai
(, \ ri\- ./; a'(* ^ai!t fM ;ha! a-a: n \ - I ^..\ , liar,
'laaa' aa*iai'!\' i- ^ : ;. a !' >, ..:, . 1 (al\ a:i_v
man t'l i ;n*r:aa''i a . !! ' i tit." i;n.aiian.;
./l7". !'-ad V, !i(;n !' i' ; :v,.:_.:\ - 1 1 i- p a.\
tl.a ( nc i.a.i m at "', a . la; ca, ia i h.di mi J '. . -
tuLiuc-a ] .; ;'a I J'C h^' I ! .. ' i' n a- a ! :. .^
; 'i'l ; ; d: ;a; ait' ' " 1? . iu' . ,';: taciC
'.a . ; . : . aial .^ :i'_'a a l^j'tT
366 MR. PONSONBY.
price ? Has be considered these circumstances,
and does he think it is possible for England to
continue long- to do as we are doing? Does he
reflect upon the report of the committee lately
appointed to investigate the commercial embar-
rassments of our country ; and do^s he recollect
that wc are passing a bill just now, to relieve, by
a grant of six millions, those who have suffered
by such embarrassments? Does the Right Hon.
Gentleman think that this is a proper time to
submit a vote of two millions to Portugal under
such circumstances? He says the tone of the
enemy is much altered that instead of boast-
ing they will drive us into the sea, they have
now come to this, that they are making the war
a contest of time and money, and that nothing
can be more ruinous to France. The Right
Hon. Gentleman, indeed, must know many facts
M'hich I can only judge of by conjecture, and
therefore my assertions may prove erroneous;
but I believe tiiat nobody knows wliat policy
the emperor of France has in view. Does the
Rii>ht Hon. Gentleman know for certain that it
is not the intention of the French to send a
greater force to finish the campaign ? If it be
the intentiuii of the Frencli emperor to send a
greater force to terminate the campaign, he may
accomplish it easily, for I am sure there is, iu
his dominions, no deficiency oi' force. Frr.ncc
AiK. 1' ON SON BY.
;o7
a'loiic call t'uinisli 400 OOt) troops ht -^.J.^ tlio>,c
already m Spain aiul Porlu^al. I ^j-cak w itliiu
bounds, ami 1 liave particular nicaiis ot know-
in Li" it."
" \'oii have iiKulc Portugal the tlieatie nt*
war, and w liy sliouUl you ha\e done so- l)o
you think you ean prevent I'lanee from over-
running Spain, hy eontinuiui; tlie war in Por-
tugal ? \\'as tliere no othei mode b\ which
we could think ot attaining sucre,^,^ ? 1 >a\ , that
neither m Spam nor m Portugal, liar5 aii\ thing
happen.ed that can giN'e u-^ iea>on to hdieve that:
the war there will terminate to oni ad\an'age,
although 1 wish it sincerely.''
" \\'ith(.Hit making anv calculation ot' the
iorce ot' I'ram-e, I only ui->h \on to rellctt h.ow
l(,)ng we can go on tliii^. It v/e \vv\v likelv 'o
reduce the le^ouices (.'l" Irancr, then we migl.L
make a L'leat exertion ; hut we au- \\'<\v tluow-
mu' awM\' our money in M-aieh o! couijue^N tliat
V. ill he ot no leal \'alue to us when acijuiied.
It will he a monstrous wa^te' ol iiioiha' to puL
gar^ls(;n^ into an\ towii> in Spam or Portnual.
L j)on the w hok', i lio thiidv tiiCsc possi'>>;oi:s
ap[j( ar actually \aliielc ^, iii conp..i;son \\'t!i
the e\[)t use aitendiiig lliem.'
3GS MR. POXSONDY.
January 7, 1812. In the Debate on the Address.
" The second topic of the address was that
which related to Spain and Portugal No per-
son was more inclined than he to give a cordial
tiibnte of applause to the troops and generals
employed in the ])rosccution of the war in those
countries ; but he could not go so far as to
pledge himself by his vote that night, to sanc-
tion \\\c granting of those supplies which might
be proposed hevcaficr aa necessary for its con-
tinuance. Tiiat oi;r army had behaved with
extraordinary braverv, he would willingly agree
tn ; he was even sure that the lionour of the
country nevcf was better supported by any other
army ; but tiiough no one doubted this, yet
doubts might be entertained of the expediency
of jjroceediug in tiiis great contest at the vast
expense which it continued to cost us. It was
certainly true, that in (;ur smaller enterjjrizes \\'e
were h.ighly sucressful; but in our greater ones,
it was C(]ual!y true that we were eminently
unforliii.ate. If itsl.Hud appear hereatter, that
to prosi ciiie tlie u.ir, evcM at so vast an expense,
was a wise systeu) of coiuluct, and if he sliould
see the necessity aiu! {\\v useiuluess of granting"
such enormous supplies, tiicuhc woukl not only
-M K. ['0\-'.)\ I V .
w;j
au-'i'o to tiit'iu. l)ut U(>iil-i -i\, is V'lV- X'.itli
th.it clicoi I'ulncvs wliK'ii aiw.iv- ImIIvw .-(1 con-
' ["'II "-- urouKii^ Were I\i, ii;:;-:u^':r ^() he
^.it i-iit( i \'. .fli !i;> a(in,ii'.i-ri,;'i(;n \\ \i- ii uyow
it^ btrLiiu'i!; .I'.id c;'t;>'iriu'\ - C.'r; uiirn\- ;.nt.""
VvrrnJitT .re, 1^1 _._/; //;, I)..',,'!, o': !;u' .A'./';\vV.
" Ivii^^ia h.'.d li''t (K'!ii:;l!(ir(l i-f l|^ tn niiix^
aTi\' cxcrt'oii iii iiri lulialt mi llic iioil'i, h,'! in
Sj):.;ii ; a^ cx'i'inn^ im,m:.- I'\- u^ liicic \V'-;;l(i
In' ni<)i\' l'f!i( ill i;ii I') 1 : ; and t^ r.iii' pc. l!,:(i,
then, the N'l ''.'c I .'id I j >:(K'a^* lcicj'_;i)V\i:(! !.;n
j.'i)nt'auiii'-^. d")i.- ;!i >; '.n ,!1 ;ha' \::k' )i'-";:rtN
i)t' I'.iiLilaiid adow ( (i t lu 111 !i>i:>i; .\\\'\ -'dl Wr;',"
air [)i(i-)jt(''. ! - (Ml tie i\ ii'i:-;;:.i ]'. < !m ''jhti i lliiii
dic\' liad rrj)iL-(iit- d tiuTii ;" I'c . i\ >, m wa-
a ->(!( ^> ;. I ( ir; \' t ii: i m r an i; i; i-: I'l' ,d a r :.' -' .
1 1 \va> ii-rK'ss t ') \\ i>l</ t :( i la m 'd. . a.. I ; 1), ! ; i .;-
i\\}: ^ n[ I'daa! I'ld 1' ; ai < l)a\ ' iai:i[laii..d'a . .iid
370 ^11^' rONSONBY.
it became proved tliat the power of England
^vas not competent to drive the French out of
the Peninsula."
June 18, 1813. On moving an Address to the Privxe
Regent jjrayhig that Ms Royal Highness would disen-
gage himself, if possible, Jrom the stipidations of the
Treaty icith Sweden.
" His Majesty's ministers having obtained
this point the promised, the supposed co-ope-
ration of Sweden in Germany, we are now to
consider what benefit has resulted from it. Why,
Sir, the Swedish troops arrived on the Continent
exactly in time to w'tncss two defeats of the
allied powers ; and to be idle, useless, and
immoveable spectators of the armistice wliich
has just been concluded ! This, Sir, is what we
have got for a million of money, and the island
of Guadaloupe."
371 )
MR. ROBINSON
Jiiniuiij ly, l^O'J. On iiijviii;^- tftc JihJrcx).
'' 'J'lll !(.M(l!ll';' tO|)!C .!1 the SpCOc'.l Iv'tVllCil to
t!u' ^'..lU ill >|):i,;i, a'.iil w !ioc\cr loola'd lo tiic
.icUi.il ^iUl:i^Ol; (,l",ul;ii-, ill tli:it c ai!;' i \'. ;r:ul
tlio iialiiu di !!.(i-c ()L\'ur: r!ie\-^ tlui! l(,i! to tile
''onnci't mil w iiii our o\'. n, w oiiKi a^rcc witii iiiiii
in liio j :o[)iAi\ of II (iiioiiiL;- luti- j;r.irtio.il im*
t!i:it c'.\(\'ik';il i!KiMiii, to-.L \il;o:\^u> war K'd
r.K'St (IcoMU'dlv to -:,;o ai,{! lione-urablc jicr.re.
();;r i.'oiiiu I't U)\i ^.\ i th >] ki: n w u> tni ninl im l .\c jui r-
[)o-r 1 1\ r\,:\\)\:n[<;\;cv to l^'-l^l llio t \ I'.Mir.oii^ ii-ui"-
iKiO'Ui oi' IVaiifo, t!'..' ini'i-' oc o! whioli fo'.;M
;lll\ l;0 ('(liKol-'d r'\ the [''u/.U (>; t'O !r,('at!S
' Hi j lii i\ ( (1 ] ) aciom j)l 1 [' tin ('r' >! ii)io dr^ojii '
' >iin l\, iiM >iL'iit ( oiiUl lic nunc' ^ir.iiiil aiiil
aiiMiialiii^-, th,;ii ^iicii aja'.'j'lo, wImj^c t .iaiaotei
tor .I'j^t 1 had h<"ai ;,aii(.'(l I.t in U'\' \iiUic> , lid
iiohl',' (jiiahtu'i. ii^iiiLl' ;i'.'un^t luirii:.! m I'.i-' ;i o,
I\iaini\. and oppre-^iol!, irNoiva'd to he i; liv-
priidont, <)] i(i pciish ;n tiic nIiuu!.:'''- ^ '"I'd
^\ c wond( 1' a! tlif ^\ in pat h\ \\ h :- h I : ic p, ^ ] i.e
I.!' Ml'- .,ai!iL;v hit, at tht:c.KTuy \utn wh.i;
[ b 'J
372 MR. ROBIXSON.
tliey came forward, and at the glowii:;j; partici-
pation oi" sentiment which they expressed in
a cause so like their own?"
" The cause of Spain had lost none of its
first interest, and Britain was still bound ta
extend her mighty arm, to succour and to save."
" The contest we had iiiulcrtaken was
arduous, but we were not on that account to
despond. If so, we might have long since sat
down in dumb despair, and have submitted to
France. He trusted, thercfr^rc, that, notwith-
standing the surrounding difiiculties, with our
assistance, Spain would yet triumph over her
misfortuneSj and confound her oppressors ;
ii 'O^
Per darnna, per cct^des, ah ipso
Durit opes an'naumque, Jerro."
Fehru^iry 27, 1812. In the Debate on Sir Tliomas Tar-
ton's /notion for a Comvxitiee on the State of the Nation.
" Was it by adopting an offensive or a defen-
sive system of warfare, tliat the country enjoyed
tlu; surer jjrospect of succeeding in its objects ?
It appeared to liim that the former was the more
advisable policy, and it had been well charac-
terised, in contrast to the opposite system, by
one of the ablest writers on our military relations
Mit. KOUIX^uX
.J I >
aiid resources, as u sv;ir ctt' lidpi- :l.-;.t:Il^t ;l w.ir kI"
tear.'"
'' He tiiinly hi lieved that llie I'lc i!( h lanj^aMOi
was never engagetl in an\ >iruL;-L;,!e dl' uhieli \\c
i(j heartily repented a^ ot" the war in Spain.
Ihere weie leatures in it that rcndtii-d it \ki-
feet!y <h^tiiiet t'i<ni ihc f',!!:,; r c-a;i;pai'_;ri- aiid
operation^ of tlie {'rcite'i ;iii;.i^^. I ,( i them
eonipare the pmu-rc-,-, of Ikiouapai tc's arni> in
t.\c;r\' t)thei' eunntrv, \". iih hi^ ach;c\ enu-nts iu
the Pcnmsuhu In otiier eonntrirs, i\srl\-e
iiiontii-, hail Liaaieraliv' Ixen r'uind Mitlieient to
annihilate the armed j)0]julatif)n ; he had nou'
been engaged t'i)ur vear^ in the \ am at tempt ol"
.-subduing the Sj)ani>!i jjeople. \Viiai had heen
hii predirlioiis during that pu'i"ch ami \\o\v had
tliey been aeeoniplislied - lie had hoa-tcd a! one
tnne, tliat \'. ithm a trv/ niniiiiis, \un a >;iiL;le
village sh(.ni!d he ni a state ol iii-.ai leetHui iie
had \'aiinted that the lliili^h leopards should he
drl\'en into the sea, and tl:e rrt-i:eh i^i^les p! mted
on the t()\';efn ol' I.i-I)mu; hut oi, tl.c anni\er.-5arv
ot" the day ot" that boast () h;ipji\ eomuiemo-
ration !- -on tlie S27ili ol" oip[fnd)er were liis
veteran legion^ (iNenlnowii at Iju-aeo, h\ tlie
[)rowc>s ol' i]iitish ti'oo[*s, ami the energies ot
Ihiti-^li eo-(/j)tratiou. I usui n-et umi u.ls shll
.,!i\"e and a<-ti\'e in Catalonia, X.t^Miie, A.iagon,
*'.\d liibea\' ; but it' our a^sistauee shoviUl be
374 MR. ROBINSON.
withdrawn, was not likely long to exist. Some
Gentlemen bad deiiianded wiiat wa.s the effect
produced by a British army ? lie would beg such
Gentlemen to look to Portugal. Wi tliout British
assistance, would the Portuguese ha\e been able
to redeem their long-sunk honours ? Without
vSuch aid, would a Portuguese aruiy have exisced
capable and worthy (as Lord WeUington ex-
pressed it) of fighting by the side of British
troojDS r Nor was the possession of Portugal so
iinavaihng, or so little conducive to the defence
of Spain, as had been stated by the Flon. Baronet.
The presence of our army there compelled the
rrcnch to collect and keep up a mighty army to
meet us, whenever or wherever we moved ; and
this, too, in a country vvhose desolate condition
afforded such scanty supplies for the maintenance
of large armies. The Frencli had, in general, sup-
pcn'ted themseh es by the produce of the con-
cjuered countries ; but owing to the fatal ambi-
tion of the French emperor, of whou), according
to the advice cf the Hon. Baronet (Sir T. Turton)
lie woidd say nothing harsh, but content himself
v.'it!i a reference to his actions, Spain was so
C(nnplete!y devastated, as to furnish no means
of sustaining the armed forces which overran it.
Nor, lastly, should it be forgotten, that Buona-
paitc had some time back, by his own confession,
expended 400,000 men, and 00,000,000 franks
:.IR. R"l5I^^'l^i.
,)/.)
towanls the sultjiigatioii ot" Spain, miil liail not
^llCC(.'^.(lc'(l. Yet the lloll. I'.,li(iKt ucinii-
nuMuK'd the w ith(l!:i\\ iiiLl," ''t" nur ;r. m\ Uo:u
Spain, (A''. /'^', /I'ci/i Sir TlioDias Tio'ti'ii.) lie
kncu' that the Hon. IJaronet had not ^aui so:
yet, it" his arg-nTnent> had anv nR'an!nL,^ such
was thcii direct tcndcp.e\-. I]v Mieli u'lluhMwinu-.
we sliould lea\e the Sjumiard^ to tiieir late ; tof
thouL;-h tliev woukl, no douhl, pro\e tuiludcait
and nnniiv suhje^'ts to thicir eon:uLi;ni4; luUr,
yet he eoneei\ed lhe\' niu>t l)e eoncpacred ; and
^vould not ^ueh ahandonnient eon\<.it tlien: lV(Wn
;"iatelul iVientU, into nio^t vin(heti\ e eneir.ie- r
Would it not ruin our ehaiaeter in the eyes ot'
I'uro])e - Would it iK/t :j,i\'e colour to thee(ni-
inon a>^eitioii ot" lkiona])arte, that the I'li^li^h
break their I'aith as soon as the\ aiC j)1ism d hv
eircaiinstances ' Would it not induce ail n;.t:on>
to (ond)ine aL;-ain>t u> m one cominon ttloit, to
precipitate our iu:n? And it' luin did clique,
should we not Tail without pit\- Po.>5tei.tv
wt)uld >av, lliat Mn^land u a^ onet*, nuleed. a
iiohle counhN', and iield her>eir out as the pio-
tcclie>s ot' tlie libeit\dt' the world ; vet, atla-t,
viie disapp'ointed the hopes ol' nations ^he ;4:i\ v;
wav to her tear^ ; for the >ake ot" i^-noniiniou^
sat'etv. she abandoned her couiage -her honom
-h.cr Taith ; bhc consented to ie-i:;n all tiiat
37^ *iK.- KOBINSON,
makes existence valuable, ' ct propter vitam
*vltend't perdere causae.'' The Hon. Jiaroiiet
might, perhaps, call these sentiments magnifi-
cent chimeras ; he might ask, what, if we should
fail ? To this, he would answer
" But screw onr courage to the sticking place,
And we'll nor fail."
t ^/7 )
LORD ROLLE.
SoVtrnfiiT AO, 1^12. Iiitlw Jhbatc on t/u .IddrLSS,
' TuF ^\^tciii ;i'l()|)tc'(l ])V ]li^ Majt'sly's
<;n\criinic'nt \v;i^ prodiictiN c ot CDnNCciiicnccs,
wIikI), \\c agn'id uitli tlic Noble J'.aii j^Lord
LonL^tbrd) in tliinkiiiL;", woukl k'ad to the dcli-
\LTancc ot" Kuropc tVoiii llu' tyraiin\ and oppics-
.^I'jn iMulcr ^\hull it ''loancd,"
( 378 )
MR. ROSE.
May 6, 1811. Zn the Debate on tJie Report of the Bullion
Committee.
" It is now thirteen years since I ventured to
represent, ' that on Great Britain rested the
hopes of returning happiness, independence, and
security, among nations ; that she was the bul-
wark against the flood which threatened to
overwhelm the woild/ That bulwark, God be
praised ! has stood firm ; my anxious hope is, that
it may not be shaken ; and my earnest intreaty
to the committee is, that whatever injury it may
suffer, may not be the v/ork of our own hands."
( ^79 )
LORD sficrncLD.
Janunnj \*J. 1^'V*. On snondnv^ the Jddrc^s.
'IIis ?.l:itr>lv <4iaci')ii'^l\- ;iL'(i',iamt^ us, tliat
i]c li.i-i rnu'wcd lii.> ('ii'.';;;i;'fiiu'iit^ w ith >'|>>.m, and
<,'!j>cr\-c-^, liial tiuTi' i> no liopc (>{' ^a^ct\ but
iliioii;j,!i a \|^n^l;^^ a.iid jicrscxci ini;' piosciaition
of tlif war, ot" \v iiicli. I flatlcr invsCit", thr I'.iLat
ina^> of tli's (oiiiiliN' is ])Cit"tcti\ coiiv i.,^ cd ;
and It ;nu->t he lii^hlv cdnsoliiH!,- to ali [',!" '>|)f to
Icaill. lli.it lub M:iH'^r\ !> i{Sn'\-^'<i ir.'>,; sli\iui-
uu-l\ 1(1 Mippoit the (M'l-c <! Sjiaiii. I, i> > iii'
own t'au^C ; it is llr c. u^c' ol ]-'.:'i i|H' . iid )! ['lo
world; and w c caiiiii'l !)ii' c )-,icui :n ajtiil/.nd iiii^
thr dc'tciiniiiatiiiu ot the SjiaiiMrd^ to pci.x vcre
to th(.' \:[>\ c\ti\n]\\v \\\ the i^hnioi.s content f<jr
thcii lihcity a it'sohition worth}' oi' that noble
iiation.''
( 380 )
MR. SHERIDAN.
June 15, iSOS. On moving for Injhrmatiun relalivc to the
Affairs oj' Spain,
" Sir, I may be wrong: I am far from wish-
ing Ministers to embark in any rash and roman-
tic enterprise in favour of Spain; but, Sir, if the
enthusiasm and animation which now exist in a
part of Spain, should spread over the whole of
that country, I am convinced, that since the
first burst of the French revolution, there never
existed so happ}/ an opportunity for Great Bri-
tain to strike a boltl stroke for the rescue of the
world. But, Sir, it is said, ' if you do not dis-
trust the Administration, why discuss this sub-
ject in Parliament?' Sir, I will tell you why.
I am disposed to trust Administration, But I
Avishto demand tv/o things: I wish, first, to de-
clare, that, in my opinion, we must not deal iu
driblets; we must do nuich, or nothing. Why
do I make tliis declaration r Because no Cabinet
which has hitherto existed in this country, not
excepting even that with which I had the ho-
nour of being connected, has pursued siniply
MR. SHI III PAN.
::?!
vind phiiiily one c-lcar and (li^tillct ohjcct. In-
stead ot" stiikinLi' aL I'.x' core td' li;r evil, l!.t;
AdInin:^;|atioll,^ oC tlu.> conntiA' li:t\r Inii.cito
cont'iitcd i1]ciii.-l1\('s \".-itl\ iiibhlin:^- .ii fhi-
rind.""
' I w'l^U, Sir, to let Sj):;;n knou', tint t!;c cmii-
fiuct w liicli w'c iia\f|)i!r^L;c(! wcwill not pci.^ewic
in, but tiiar v , ,^, . _ '.iv to
stand iij) {'()[ thf .s;il\-;itinn oi' lun'Mpc. TIk' nr.\i;
(ltM;\:r,d I li;i\-L' to niaise. Sir, i^. tliat it a co-op--
rati^n with Spain he cDn^iderrd expedient, il
blionld !)e an etlecUud co-operation. I lepeat,
thiit 1 am far tVoni j^roniptini;- lii> iMaje^tv's
government to engage in anv ra^b, i(>mantic
enterpn^e; but il", upon ascertaining the state ol
the [)'ipular mnid \\\ Spain, tlie\' tii,d it is warmed
bv a jjatrit^tie and en' hu>!a^tie ardour, then, i!'ir,
allIa^k is, that that liehng >i;ou!d be mi't here
with eoi responding tneiLi\' airi enthusiasm.
liUonapMite has hithiuto rue. a u.o^t \]ct()ii(.)us
laee, lIithLito lie ha^ had to contend against
Prnu'es \sitiiout dignitx., ami .Minister^ without
wiMioni. He has lought .i^'ainsl euniitries in
whieli the people ha\e hi < n mditleient to liis
-.ueeess ; lie has \vt to li'ain what it i^ to lii;ht
against a eountr\- m which the jK'ople aie aui-
niati'd witii one spiiit to legist iiim. So tai.
Sir, tVom biinging forward a motion | laina-
Luitl. to ewib:\rras^ hi> .M;iie-st\\ L\-)\\':r.:i <^rA ,
38a MR. SHERIDAI^.
I soleouily declare, tiiut "f fne opportunity to
whicli i have dllvjU-A of a vigorous interference
on the part ot ^_,Land should aiibC, the present
Administration shall have froai me as cordial
and as sincere a suppc^rl as ix the u)aa vv iiom I
most loved were restcrvcd to life anci power. Is
this a vain discussion? Let those vvlio tiniik so
look at file present state of Europe. Vv'iil not
the animation of the Spanish mind he excited hy
the knowledge, that their cause is espoused, not
by Ministers alone, but by the Parliament and
the people of England ? If there be a disposi-
tion in Spain to resent the insults and injuries,
too enormous to be described by language, which
they have endured from the tyrant of the earth,
will not that disposition be roused to the most
sublime exertion by the assurance, that their
efforts will be cordially aided by a great and
powerful nation ? Sir, I think this a most impor-
tant crisis. Never was any thing so brave, so
generous, so noble, as the conduct of the Astu-
rians. They have magnanimously avowed their
hostility to France, they have declared war
against Buonaparte, they have no retreat ; they
are resolved to conquer, or to perish in the grave
of the honour and the independence of their
country. It is, that the British government
may advance to their assistance with a firmer
step, and with a bolder mein, that I have been
MR. SllEltlDAX,
38:
anxious to atTord to the British Parliament tills
opjxjitunitv of ex prevail! l:; the Iccliugs which
tliev entertain on the occasion."
Manh 2-^, mil.O// the Vntr of TJcinU to Cncrnt
iiraluiiii, '\< .J'<'r the l"u tcyj '_>'' BuTru.^a.
'' It thiie weie any wlio thoii^-ht we (ni^lic
ne\cr to ha\r einhaiked in the eonflirt in the
Peni^^ula, or ;'i kast. that our w i^clonl and our
policy should iia\e limited (uir a^.^istance to the
grant (jt'nione\ and bupplio which opinion he
never entertained ; if there were othei>. who,
atter we iiad in\olvr(l our faith and honoui' in
the Spanl^h ( au>e, thought thuic was an oppo]--
tunity ill which, cousi^tentl\ witli tliat Jaith
and honoiii-, wc could ha\e witluliaun which
upp(rtuuit\ he could nowT sea- ; if lluia was a
thiid cla-^,^ taud to his le^act and ^uipri.M', tl.eie
wi-re s<ime of" thi> de^crijjtion, w ho^c Jiiuh au-
thority he much respected) who tlauiuht ilKitlhe
PntiNli nation could now withiiojd its aid tVom
ihcm lie diliei'cd more than from tiic other two,
l!ut let tiicm think a^ they niii^ht uj)t)n these
points, tiiev could not po^^ihly diflcr on the
<)Ui;.t':u'i bctuie them.'*
384 MR. SHERIDAX.
July 21, 1812. On moving for Papers relative to the
Overture Jor Peace from France.
"' He must hear some very strong arguments
to the rou',r<rj, before lie would be convinced
^ that the iate oli'er of negotiation from France did
not deserve the character whicli he ijad ji'iven to
it on a recent occasion that it did not deserve
to be called perfidious, insidious, and insulting.
Perfidious, because it called upon us to be guilty
of the grossest perfidy to our allies. Insidious,
because it was evidently written with the con-
viction, that the proposal which it contained
could not be accepted, and was not meant as a
bona Jide offer to us ; for he exonciated the po-
licy of the emperor or ruler of France (he cared
not which he was called, and considered any dis-
pute upon that point as a matter of silly ctti-
quette) from the imputation of holding our un-
derstandings in such contempt, as to imagine we
should be induced to believe for a moment, that
the French government thought or meant, that
their overture should really be acceded to by the
British. Insulting, because it affected, on cer-
tain flimsy pretences, to induce the liritTsh go-
vernment to depart from the most sacied and
honourable engagements, and to abandon her
characteristic faith with her allies. To the
mi;. >i! I i; I I' AN'.
.;^.^
i''tiir;:i(l im ;ii!v\\Tr. Si iinc |)( < iplr -. ;i , -!ii pi i-cil
1;.;-. Ii ii\ li'i iiU'an> >iii[mim'(1 iiiiu. !',; -ki-
ir \ iT cMrd li '1' air. :-.. >v\-iT !n i.i ' : :'n J
j . j" -.; i' '1!. 'Ilk' Lift w .-. Iii.it \\\., u ; . i"
j); 'j. 'Hiioii 1' ,1-, I) Af\'\ \\c \' :i> 11! ill'-' .,,.1' . ; I
;ir_;-(jt!al .1.11 Witii tlic !iii->iaii 'J. iWiiwiw.U aiul
tri .lii^- thai ill'.- !i(. L!,'^ i' la! Mill 'a:.-> n I .:, >.\j; oii -o
-iirci ^-Uii' \ a- 'i;i- cduUl w;-']. ill' M ;ii :. i ( i : i .i!:
11: ' ,;,!i ; :;; < i\ it! iiU' w ii:. il \' r ll . ; I ri\': . aJ,
ii' a ; a; : ii .1 .;a : a, ja\ --: n ;,.\'. air.i:>, ,' ; - > ii: .
\a'>'. -, uiiaii' In' laaijc mi \:,c lia-^^aai lai: la.'l,
w , ri. a;'\ - ;i' ailil ; aa 1 ; i, it I ) o' .[a ai j'.r.ii.a' \\a I ii
ia,u!,'ai!l. i:-' >/. a'^ wiiliiiii' ii' ! In |>a-ii t'u' i"aia,-
(!ai\ (jt ia- (i'aiiina)!!^ Iic^' 'ad : .: !'\ raiaa -. \<)
t aa II'.- 1; prn. .< . .\ < a ha ':
al !
oS6 Mil. SHERIDAN.
that power, I will desire the acquiescence of
Great Britain in a pretended negotiation for
peace. I want 150,000 men out of Spain. I
will tell England that 1 wish she would release
tlieni by withdrawing her troops, that 1 may use
them in my designs against Russia. The answer
of England will be ' VV'liat is your quarrel with
Russia?' I reply ' Because she inexorably re-
fuses to assist me in destroying that maritime
sticngth, ;!nd those maritime principles, on
which al(>ne your existence as a great nation
dcj)cnds. ]>ec;uisc Russia w^ill not join with me
]u destroying the sinews of ^our power, I make
war ui)Oii Russia; 1 asic you, England, to lend
me \our assrstancc; c'nd when 1 have achieved
my object, I will come back to S})ain, and shall
be \ery niucli obliged.' For his part, he could
see no proper answer to a proposition wliicl)
veiled such intentions as these, but precisely
that which the Noble Eord had oi\en."
"' If ever there was a time at which C/reat
Britain might and ought to make a grand
struggle, it was tiie present."
" it was a hbel false as hell, to say, tliatCJreat
Britain ever foully asailcd herself of her maih-
time superiority. If there be those (continued
^iv. S), who think that any portion of these
lights nfiglit be advantagcoirsly surrendered.
I tell them, that I for one. and I am sure tha'
-MK. ^11 1'l;; DA \
i .mi only (* lidiiiLi,- tlic mmi! iinciit- '.f the Hom-','.
N'.'i'illil r Ului -cw; lir t ',i^ K!.;ll(! di' I'.ii'jl, i ii, ;:ii 1
!''''' It III lj( <!', ( r\'. i;i;i!!lril :)\- [,.( -Ill , I ',!Ii( i ::'. j^-
-'. ' .'1:11 I \v ' 'u!(! ^:Ilu i:(;i 1' i.ii^' ! >] .\ < ( i i^ ;:
- :'^ 1 u ii:i ii li;i- aj)j)(. !'. k (1 In :!_ ; iic -< ,;i m;' p ;-
" ns till.' L^u.j AWU ; I ';" i ', i\ '(:..: v. ;i: . , 1
:n t.i:'- li _:'' -'r i; .^mi { -r- i :.y ( ; tiii- i- .\-ii. !
Ji
his M.i:,.,, r< ,. .
' ^ V 1 1 line : 1 : l( 1 1 1 1 ; ! II \ v j 1 1 | ,< , ' i . \' : i s 1 1 > t ! ) \
. :.ii:u > ' -'... I -li' :' ^, ,.i,il I 1 ". i. -. ;.;;.l
c.^ , ^ -^i \' ' " .<Mi!ii riii':\", 'i !i:c 1 1 iriK i-.'n j ' dl'
\\\V jM)'.', rl -. I I ! !,; IM M ! ii. ;,!:>1 '1 I llvlC \\ t ! r ;i !:'/;'
' i '.iih c, >! 1 i I j.t . c'.u i! li' 1 ;.. .;^-;-: ;i r, \\ c
- . ,^ diii i -(( 111,,! I ' \\ ,1 1.1 'l I' HlMili I : 1 .;i ; r '. ' -
f ,i^ I ; ,' iii'-'i i t I 'I 1 i 1 : . . ' > ' ; ii ' ; a'^1- ' aiu'i',
!)ill f '11 till- j); : i M I 1 > - I ! i i ...i . r ! , .; I' 1' ( \ ; -- ( i; v'
- 1 ! I . Ill i ., ! K (.:, ; 1 . . II i .i 1 1 ;^_' i i ri . ; . t \ ' ;
-UC( (- ~. \V I M I i. 1 I If 1 i. . ;;!.( ;i>. 1 ,v' I ! 1 1 ! 1 : r 1 ! . , ^ ',
I .r 1! ;' : /I; W .;^ IP i! (.( 1 1 - i ' ! ; s i t' > IP' '!I,:! ( U'-' (! . :
hilt to t','_;i:: li: i\ i-i \ . :.!:(! I. > [in :-: i '- :
'A',:^ -M. And -I. ii Hill-', ! > ; i.t' I'X.i ' . . '
1; . 'l..k, I :; (MP(li;i-:i ..f .;.:'. ,
y. ' : ,ul .> iail: -. ai... \v ; i
388 Mil. SHERIDAN.
that ever existed in an\' nation. Take our con-
stitution, A\'anting, certainly as it did, many re-
forms, yet practically, it afforded the best se-
curity that human wisdom had ever given to
man. Yet with all this to content! for, we might
not be able ultimately to command success.
E\en Great Britain, f(jr her righls, and her
honours, might spend lier treasures, shed more
and more of her best and bravest l^lood, and yet
at last might fall. Yet after the general subju-
gation and ruin of Euro])c, should there ever
exist an indepentk^nt historian to record tlic
awful c\ents that produced the universal
calamity, let that historian, aftci' describing the
greatness ami glory of Britain, iiave to say, ' Slic
fell and with her fell all the best securities for
the charities of human lii'e, for the powei- and
honour, the fame, if.e glory, and the libc-rtics of
herself, and the whole civilized wovUl,"
( -s^ )
< ()L()m:l siiipli:v.
M'i
I : .r.ii I . :!;: juii-;' i v' .;- :A-n lltr [U ;iu jilr,
'.!>; \ ,"!i i;ii- v. a^ iIk I !i: iiiii and
ui.il.iij,' [) ; i;c:i a( ; llu \ -;i jijxm ; i i ! comihk iiT
1)\ thio'i'i iiiL;- ( \a 1 \ !in[)C(lin!(.nl iii :;^\ia\; \\\c\
L'xal'cd ti.r arnu h\ ciUm! ip! m /ii. and iiv in
lain\: t!a\^ lai^id l'.n,uLin(! ii\ di pu ->ni';' Ihc
^pni: '^r !,Li pc..;,;. ; and . < n. iL .h.l h. 1 aid I i\
|)n:t'r._;' l,i;'.vi!r\ in ('tlhr. .n:d di(d.niL: ''ni inl'i-
Irraiicc i n l.nii i i-.. '
- \\ ia ^t \ ( 1 I' ' ':. a i(\ "( , I a' !-; I \' .1 ia>I
; ,;i ^' , a 'L^at ^. \\ m i! , d \n ;nn,i/t(l l.'iai t^'Had-
,ain:-tr''! n- -' ('nniuait r.iuid aa^Niin ti.r --an a;
nai iMii ; I air :aiMnni -' i , 1 m in, ( nt m a-, mih aii: ; o cdi!-
aaha I nc < >! ai i ! ^ . n )(a .c 1 1 a' ii ain 1 1 \ ; one
- na, ''n tl.r ^mid \>,a^ia - anil appi ' Jtal aai di'
.(, pa'^ilc, lai- oihei al'lcCana' I'J tlr-pi-r l.a n.
( 590 )
VISCOUNT SID^IOITIL
January 2\, 1S08. In the DebaLc on liie Address.
" Here was no ground for calling in question
tlie {'iisposition o[ ministers to make peace, when
it coukl be ck)ne with security and lionour to
tlic country. The \v'ay to restore peace was, to
ach.'pt a plan of expenditure that should enable
U.3 to cany on the wiir, and to c(Uivin''e
the eneui}- of the iiopele^sne.^s of hi.^ j)ursuing it
with a \ie\\ of ruining our fniances. It was in
\ain to l()(jk tor a s.'cure peace, unless a military
^ystem sliould he adopted, that would be avail-
able in peace as well as in war."
Fchrnar-j 22, 1810. la the Debate o)i tlio Cunvejilionicith
Portii;^-a[.
'' lie shotdd feel nmch reluctance at with-
draw ing our succv)urs fmni Pojtugal, if without
too grciit a risk we could assist lier with any
])ro:>pect of success. Her long attachment to
this countr\, the sincent\ of which had been so
\rsroL"\'T '^iDMori
J''l
]i iicibK c'\ iiicrcl at (liilcii'iit pci'pi!-. -iid inMst,
j)ai t u/iihii 1\- ill 17"'J. w:i> >UL'ii. thai xtt'n-.i-ht
to \'cv\ ll lllClimbl'llI UjM Ml 11-, t'^ aii'ni (1 lui ( \ ^ ; y
a^-l^!allc^. in our. power, lie wa.s uiiw iliiiiL:,- lo
acccdr lo tlk; aiiiciKlniciii . a^ \\c t,hou'_Llii it
w'ouM he 1111 |u^l ill, ihic to \\nh(h'a\'. our iriu)[iNj
he'torc such :i iiiL-u^ure Ijccainc ahbolulcly iic-
3!J^ )
MR. WJJXTAM SMITH.
Febritcmj 2D, ISOS.In Ihe Dehale on Mr. IV hit breads
liesolniions respecting Ike proffered Mediation of liusmi
and Austria,
*' He conceived that ^^lisiislcrs, !)y their own
showing, gave \ciy little In'ipes of })eacc. lie
thonght tliat it Vvouid be acting more coii-
si.^tentl) with the honour, the interest, ami the
dignity of tlie country, to enter into negotia-
tion now, than at any future period,"
January !iO, IbOD. On the Rejmt of the Address.
'' lie condemned tlie levit\ wiUi whicli the
>uljeets of S];ain and J\)rtiigal ha(! hist night
been treaied by the gentlemen opposite. Those
g'.aitf. men did not think tlicy eould !)0ssibly
be called npon to answer tor their conduct as
culprits. AVdien tlie day of in\ estigation should
come, lie hoped that they ^\ ould be able t;-
M i:. wi i I 1 \ '.: NMi.il.
"uli':it(,' ' lu'iM-ii\'r- ; iu!t :! ii
t M;il 1 r,c T' Mil;; 1 \- \\ .>
1,
:: . i I \ t'u ,;L
c. d, .!:.;' \ - il tl'.L' i'<.'>;;U ^iii'iiiii It i! i" : ^ ii'
'iir !;iu>' a:!i!!iN tiiat !i:i- r.nil!' ;\ i;;, 1 i. \ w'
|jMa->t. w 1 1111(1 I'f (! ':;i]c!lc(l l . > \):<' ' -
I ! u n . 1 1 ; u I i ! ( > l i I ) Ii . I ! ' : \' , ! ; w . u ! d I > . i > > ; i; i ' , i i i ; , i ' 1 ; i
ol MiimiN iii\T.->l ;_vil il 1.:. \. laii.ir thr l.iiill l.i\
\. \[\ [\\< <'C y ll') [li .Mill tl (T \' 1 il t !.i '-f \\l,it
fi , ' i ; \.tv \-) I'M ( -t t ii^ ','..'.(.- ;l 11 m:;:
,:!n all,,.!!.-
( 3<)i )
EARL STANHOPE.
March lOj 1808. Tn llic Conver.^atlon on Lord Auck-
land's Motion relative to Exports,
'' He advised Ministers not to provoke com-
parisons between their own conduct and tliat
of their predecessors. In tlic conduct of tlic
latter there was every thing- good, in that of
the former^ notliing but mischief."
:)!>.^ )
.MR. st!:i'Iii:n.
,/
11.: . i:'' .
' III n;;i.i!taiiu'il. liuit tlir l:ni^ii;i'_;'(' lalcl\-
ii^rd m Pal ii,iiii(.iit \',,i> tMiv'ulaUd In iiUiir.idatc
and dis)ii!it []\c pe'dpir t'loin hcaiiiii;' up aij^aiii^L
^-iif -lMrii;> w ilii w liicli Wfwcic llirraU iR'd."
( S96
EARL OF SDITOLK.
Jinie}3, IFAO. hi ike Debate on Earl (ireyn Moiim
resj)ccibig the Stale of the yal'um.
' IJe entered into a (iiscussieni upon tlic
coiuluct of ]\Iiniste]'3, with respect to the way
M\ \\\\\q\\ tiic \\::c: wa^ carried on in Spain^ and
cxpres'-ed Lis appreliensions tliat it was not
hkely to succeed ; not, he tliought, from any
v/ant of pubhe spirit in t'le Spaniards, ])ut
from the want of that wliich of all other
motives induced men to stand forth in defence
of their country' namei}"j constitutional li-
berty."'
:''!. )
Mil. >[\AA\\y.
I-! 1/: ' n '
/; /'
W
:;. _: , :; i: i' ,.:i';:. ;U ' . i.
' :;;' 't ) ' .ii:r iv 'M ,. It :; ; . :.:: ! ! !>.
I! :M l'( ! ,! t-i ill. Ill- v' tin' ':;!'' .;.::- 1
.\-:i:i ir-ri;' lit' tin- I.':!'!;' K ;i l'> \'.\:
r ii;.(l (,-' m'u' ' 1(1 ; : ' Mil Uiidi -r'!'\ . I
I' ' >: ill t :, 1 '.-' > , ,-
, ;;!!,.( r hi::::' i
. ', 1 , : , ,'
r;- :i ! f I
i: -;i.' ]
V 39S )
GENERAL TARLETON.
Juiic 7, l"-0'J. On (lie Third Jieuding of llie Vole of
Credil Bill.
" rslixibTERs luul sent another army to the
rcnir.suhi, and wliat was the prospect? The
cnihusiasin of tlie Si)aniar(ls was not so great
as at first, and since tliey were unable In-forc
to chive the enemy, consisting of 8(),()0() men,
from beliind tiie EI;ro, what hope was there
that tfiey wouhl now be able to expel from
tlicir territories an army of nearly 100, 000
men? It seenred ilie niost liopeless plan that
could be imagined to send men to the Penin-
sula at |-.rcstnt."
Jauuiirij 2,5, JIM (;.-//( Ilic JJchalc (ni Hit /idiirest,
" He dihercd enliri^iy (Vcjiu the o])iiii()n ])io-
nonnerd hy ;>. Xubk Lore', that Portugal could
be delended,"
(. r \ in \ [. ! .. !;i I 1 1 1 \
,;()i-i
<- ijii'\ ' r,;i. lie : -].n\ \\\\ . Ill la -i > oi !.: '!! r,
till' lln I ,' - ! I :,^' y\y..c: -[]' 'ilU! I:o! !)(, MKjii'u (1
iMi') >;-^ a llKitlr. I i4 :'.>:;, -r. .,- Wa-. iii ;i <^id'
Hit .;-iH\; ! llr j-hilt ill I .:. li,.\ \ : 1 !' Ind l)',..Ill' d
I.'';ii \\'rlii;,.r:> '11, \vi:c,: : u-Mil in !.., I il.iii-c,
: I 1 1 J > ( I 1 1 \ 1 1 ; ' I ' ' i i ( ; ( ' ; 1 i ' ; , . t w . l - > i : ; 1 1 i ;
\' a^ ,>lii.i -t cm; : ' '\- I" at' I ,i)iiu .'. 1 1/ now
1)1, ;:n; (1 i.i:': ;' -i li; ^ ; ,. -!i :\-\\ :..;.\' :i:;' i >|'..!ii.
lU iKiLiiii li;L\r !.;.'.\\:i t!,,.' i" w.i^hi-' hrrc'v-
- , I r \' ^n L ( M u ; ii e - 1 1 1 : 1 ' 1 ; ; - . 1 l ' ) ; 1 1 \ ..c t : , I \ > ( ' !
i I aiu V till II' )\\ . ;;r:ii'u'- rt mid no: iiia' aii ai .d
li-!;t w i' i,'>\\\ ( al M!.:. 1 Ic ^i.(U,!i! I!l;l,i^ ! ^a.t hi-
lia.l 11' > (!i)iK li: ' :.i: w ii' lie li .i! i" a >'.,,;t ,i
t !u -r 'M,:iii()ii->. I la a^ !ai ' !i d t la," t la' aa ia\ li,ai
'aaiiK'l a'v it u! a\ ,;t l.dla^^aa ^. . \ i r \ , -
t !aa ( a lM > alia (i;-,a i\ ' : a.t . i j'.i . , ' '. , i i ;;' ihif,
ji.il itaii la aiai i^ . \' !. ,i.^ wa.ua! ri a;--l ::;;'(. ;
l,U' axtaa n :a r ( .1 an ai" a \ . 11,.: ' i!a C: a. ;(a .a! i ai
t la ( II an ai ', .i-> a ' ''ad \ ('.>:;;! v' iii>;(i> ;,;; .^la
all'! :]).;! al. a^a iif l)i,aaa. ,.
/' ' " ' I. I Hi.- -/ /; .,[, ,,, /
''.'iii \\ I i.ai'a'iiju a-jijaaa.c'i I'j inai t'^ !: ,\
4(H) GENERAL TAllLETON.
advanced into Spain npon liis own responsi-
bility; and be would ask any Hon. Gentleman
who lieaid him, whether he had aetcd the })art
ot" a prudent General in having done so."
" ile next came to the accounts of the action
contained in tiie dispatches of Lord Wellington,
whicli were, he must contend, vain glorious,
partial, aiul incorrect. A'^ain glorious, as every
man who read them woidd perceive ; partial,
because, thougli the}' contained some praise of
the Spaniards, that praise was not adc(iuate to
their services; and incorrect, because almo.'it
every line contained a statement which the cir-
cnmstanee^ of the case did not bear out."
Marcli 4, ISll. On Lord P ah ners lane's niotionrespccintg
i.lu: Army E.stimalcs.
It i' my intention to attribute to his IMajcs-
ty'.> ministers full credit for patriotic designs
and xirtuous moti\'es. They concci\-c a war
npon lliL' Continent will lessen the militar}
oov.t'j- of ljuona])arre, v;dl protect our allies, the
Sj)an'ri.iti>, and the Portuguese, and will delay,
or ultimately defe;;t. ihe invasion of the British
lslc>. On the contrary, 1 contend that sueli
opiujous, with our limited population, speaking
(.: \ i.iiA ;. T.\ !; ; ; : n.
i oil! j) ii\ii i\ cU !)i i; \. i; , ; i".'/ j' iji.i!,, ! ,i)!i (,;
1 Jill '[)(., \uii < ::;v 1" li j". a^ :;.; 1.'- ^ J . \ \ :<
;li(' li.'-^i M'l(i:ri> ol liiKa'.ii ; 'o i':i ii:-; ,^\ ..! ui'.i-
iiKil'-'x' ;ii I !ic' (Ivli'iica' ( M niii alhc-, a-!..' :ii:^-
U!i!\ lit nrili>h ii'^ourcc'i Ciii ai'-..! j,;\o u-- pic-
^I'li' ; ,"aiit\ ; and, 111 a iiujia Ii'II.dU' (l._:e^,
aiiiiii a |)w:iit and l)ra'.'>';i n'. i.il!\ .unl itUvii'iJ-
li'iii to l;k' j 'ro-* 1 at (. n.;:,.a;^ ( a iain^j''; ami
!!ial \' .c ('\ j 'and, ; uic li nar i)ii\*.' ha ii. ai.d
'V :.i.afai"\ ic-'^ aiicc > npiai t .,a v in'i;a:,:. ".id
' I I 'I >. . ill' \', >; a 'v'.l^ aiii ':la)n> t,ic !:', ..-^ >: laaa:-
n.i|i:ii If, .lad nju n a i)a>^a_L^f at an cai aaa jua id,
and \\it;i n.oic n.(.;dt\. Id cjnr nanud and nna'-
Icaatr cnrniw J'l\[)ci icnrc- and cdaa.u'.on -(.ai-c
(ili.>dl\- (-(ailirni ti;e M)nndiu>> .aal Wilaiilv rl
lla r ' 'pin :i )!;-. h an\ in/nun i n .rr; ,.:^i' a liac
I/! na ! ;!.i; \- i)j) ! /i hui l)i Nnra I ; o nic ..! -. i : . > aa-
pai at ;\ c\\ ^n v. \[\\ t a.i i^f nl \ iu' (a;i ' > . l...-
ii ^a ! ! ir n^t na ! a i ,i. i \ pi udncc a n.r.. . ;
11. ; i,al inn. C )n l ..a p: f-ani .a^'a^i
, 1 I i: I ...in^ .aa- p i\ --aadK' i a ai, ' : .
i-ia-av ; in \ a'w , I ii ; t t lie pi a\ .a. . ^ ai ,a a.
Ii taia ': d i n I ! . I I AWil in i^t.ik-a aial fa ' , , . . \ a . -
iii\ a , d lo d!-,--lt r and di sir.ial a
! "\,\\ nad.v- : a, >c >t..u mi n; . 1 . -
)> . 't d ds r.' ! ^, ti> piii\ (. t :a '' , '
a 1 a ^ ,:dni!ni>I lat :i 'ij.
' '1 I a ^ I "!i iiuaa.d i \pva iiia ill d'
I I.I- iH "j.'lc (1 laia a, t ' -
402 GENERAL TARLETO^'.
from the silence of his Majesty's ministers, and
the known ambition of the tyrant of Europe,
that the reinforcements arrived in Portugal, or
expected by the French in tliat quarter, will be
commensurate to tlie important ol)ject committed
by Buonaparte, to the arrangement, vigilance,
and charge of Marshal Massena."
" Within the precincts of this island, every-
thing has been gleaned of a military descrip-
tion, to advance the Quixotism of Ministers
upon the Continent."
'' Laying out of the question the hazard
incurred in all the quarters from whence troops
have been drawn, what have you achieved, or
what can you accomplish r"
*' Massena and his master are no\y bringing
to a close the downfal of British resources, and,
with fell and malignant joy, are already contem-
plating a mortal blow against the unprotected
vitals of our empire and constitution. In this
advanced age of the world, and in the present
state of society, few occurrences, or even difli-
culties, can present themselves, in aid of wdiicli
wc may not derive advantage from history.
You had the power of investigating the conduct
of our ancestors. Hume says, ' The English
never entered upon foreign wars, although
too much addicted to that unwise course of pro-
ceeding, except when a young king of genius, to
GFX I KA J. 1".\ Kl.l I .V
4" 3
icad I nc ariUK's, presented liini-elt t' ) t':.'' iiatioii ;
U'lieii (li^Iiactioii j)ic\ ailed a:n()nL;>t their cno-
jii'C^. ai;d l:i(.' it allien \\(.'i'e )ead\' t< > c i-ope; a'.i'
Ml t'l'M di'sii^n-.' Tlic (Mndi*a>n ot' lunojic,
a.iid liu' tailen ^ta!e d Au^tiia, niiL^ht lia\c
<'\liiliiled to lii>Ma;e>!\^ iidni^ters a saUitaiA'
l('>so!i with i'('>pect ft) the Peninsula. li'aneieiit
."!-!()r\ i> \\(irth\- i' \(ui:' ci m-ideiMt .on, look at
ihc ;.or (!' (aitlii'j.e a coii'inei'cia! ai^iin.^t a
!': ht.iiA \]-j<\' ,;. It' theiL ( io\ cninK lit hid not
d< ^ ; ':!- d t :!o h. a, rr ol it> ;ii ni\ f. a' l!u> ir.vade! >
' t ha! \ , t h,r o'.T'it iii'DW and dest re. ei i ai ;n AtVnai
n::_iht ha\chien rtaialed or ui*inia.tel\' a\'e;U'(L
I5ut it, i> m wiiii lo cite instanees iVoni h'^t 'vv
t''i yon. \\ \ on are not a(hnoi!ished h\- \oiir own
oi;o!-. \i)Li oiiL^hl \o lii\e rt in.rndna ed !h(f
hiNt dhplannrd expeihti'Mi tVoin S.i'.nn.ir.e.i,
((jniinittrd to Sir John .Mooie. \ on oii^li: ti^
ha\(. rcni( ni:)errd i\\c cnteiina-e <;:reolcd a'4'i.n.>l
M:idrn'. nndci tiie an^p'.eos of Lord WediU'.;-
foii. 1'm?;i th.c^e awiul le--oiis aie writtiai m
the blood lit \uur he^t ^o!dler^ ' a.nd \a'l \oai
!nt( !nper;ite!\" wi'j^c !;; \'!nr eoiii-^e ot t'oll\- and
radmt ^s. and ia\- ojx n tho | ist tli^|Hs;il)l(_' arin\
ot I.nuhmd, to (hin_i,(n- 0,1' that ex'ciit and
ul inn, as ^e.oh a piceious stake on^ht not to he
haltlo to. oxccji! upon (jur (\\ n siaaa-, and :n
(! '(,nc( o! Iw:f>h Idnitx' and inden."" !<an e
40-i r. KN ii. RA J. rA 11 TJ, 1 ON.
Marvh J 8. 181] . //j liic Dehale on Ike proposed conhnU"
ancc()f the PoiiiigKcsc lroo],s in BrUisk pay,
' Wc bad, diiriiig the wliole period we were
engaged in tiic contest, been niakiiig letrogade
nio-v'enients, and ruin alone could be the; result/'
" He was decidedly of opinion, that tlie House
should not, ill the present state of coniniercial
distress, send t^N\'o niilhons nioie to Portugal.
He could deuionstiate that tiie Portuguese
sokhers could have been had for one-tliird le^s
tliaii that AV'iiich was now paid them. H'e j)ro-
cccdcd to siiow that the Portuguese tro(;ps had
3icver been of any actual service. They had
never been what they ought to have b^een a
iiiancjcu\ring army, such as our local militia
would have been with the same training. The
present why, if it was to be carried on in the
Peninsula, niust be a ^v-arfare of finance; it
could never be attended with any advantage ;
and tlic fatal .trutli tnust at length be told, that
v.e couhl not niair.tain r;urselvcs in tliat country^
Tbe qu.b." n \; ;is crrt isovr. iiow our army was
to get away out of ]'(/Uui:al ; but, when that
Nlinui'' come I'j i;e the c;;.-)(-, he uiis alraid it woidd
i;e round a diiaeull ?.aucr/"
<. j;.\ n;A r. 'i /. i: ; ci- \
.{()
'/'
1 1. /./ li _ Ihhal, nu tl O.'I'in..., I\' , ,.,i
'"111 :i !1 l' V ha! ; Ir^. t'ui^i;, ]\\ [[.: ]
^- M:ll I:.' n.t. ; i;iu .1 t:,i' n-. ;,,;(;; - , idi iiu iv
xi)i ->( (1. a;!(i c'l ''.- li i ^ (1 I, M -\ ^ir... .. i:
;),'.i-!t.'
ilKikC
ii iiiii ^: - ,;! ( il' ii : 1 ! < i t ! i :. \ r i,.-. ! -m ., i l!^
nil j<i Mil i ii ' iih' \'. I 111 u! i (.- -^ii:i..^.i. h: - :; :! ^ \ '>\v:\
\\'( ) 11 ! ( i , Willi M ^ \', ( 'Jit. ;j. , I i i ! 1 1 - ( ) \',' 11 1 U . , ( i , ,1 1 1 ( 1
I ill' Kiiii;' I 'i i la! \" I) :.ii < :'a:c , -1. i !;. I i lu'
a!i',ai> (; ti.r war \\;.c v.nl \i\ i',;i;^:^(!. Jlr
i I ii-U ' 1 '<\\''.' I .Ml (1 W I iMi^L;t( '11 \\ uiiUi i c -luai -
I'al ill .ii.M.i ii-' t '.r \\ iiiiisii !a i ai!\ i 'Mi !
m! i'u;' iia' iii,.'-:l' a:i i Hmi ! !i,i la i (Ka;'/. i,a
44)6 GENERAL TAKLETON.
January 8, 1812. In tJie Debate on the report of the
Address.
'^ He could not conceive in what respect our
affairs in the Peninsula had in the smallest degree
been improved. If we viewed the efforts of our
armies, in what had they succeeded? What
attempt had Lord WelHngton made in which he
had not been baffled ?"
" Lord Wellington was obliged to fly, to
desert th.e level country, and to take refuge in
ravines and mountains, wliich sheltered him fiom
the successful foe; and when all these circum-
stances had taken place since the last session of
Parliament, how could it be said, our affairs
were in a more prosperous state now, than
then ?"
'^ That celebrated statesman, the late Mr. Fox,
had wished for the pencil of Cervantes to depict, in
their true colours, the alliances against the French
Ilepublic. How much more would he desire it
now, were he alive, to represent the futile contest
in wliich we were engaged against a nation much
more powerful than it was at that time, and
whose resources Vv^ere at tlie disj)0sal of a ruier,
in whose experience it eoniided ; and who at the
Game time knew, that he enjoyed this conlidejice
GKNICRAL TARI.ETUN-.
40;
tor what but a knowledge of tlic good wi^hc^ ot'
the J-'icnch nation, (.ould have indnri'd Ikiona-
j)artt- to ho absent from \\i> capital foi more than
si;eu months .-"
( 408 )
EARL TEMPLE.^^
'MuTj 9, 180.9. Onriiovhig Rcsohiiiorts (ondcriviing lliceot:-
dnci oj'alfalrs in Spain.
'' 'luLY were to (leeide upon those persons
only whose incapiveity and niiseoniUiet w ere the
cause \\])y even British valour had failed of
tsueeess ; why the energies of freedom and ihc
spirit (jY iVeenien liad heen inelfeelual in the
arduous eon test in whieh the eouutry had
ciiL:.ai/ed : hy whose niiseonduct the last hiilhant
spark that lirigered of the spirit of Juirope iiad
been stilled ai;d extiuLniislied."
" Buona.jiarte always t!e\v to his ohjeet upon
the w Ij];,;s of tiie eaL';k*, vhiist the Nolile Lord
(Lord Castlereagh) erept on the baek of atoi-
toise to oj)pose him."'
The present ?\rarquis of Buckingham,
t"' )
\V:\. ":\".i\\i:\.
.1,1 .,r:' !!'. |-nv._/ ' / ), ;,;, ,, / '- - ./,/./.. ,,,
'':'. :;- l.ii- I- ;.,!, 'I . t ' w.:i. ,1 1 1 i ' ^..' 1;' I
(i i::>'m' ! \' :i! -!- t (" ;. 1 , , ;: I al- i ; > . . v:i >.(1
V. ' \\ 111 .' i \ I ' M ;: I' ! I 1 I- > I ( li i:i '
i!!r,l.l .:\l' . ' . . . ' ;: 1 I '; ! iiil:'
r ^i-M:' ,1, .:1:m 1 r , ^- ,- ..,: :s ,.>> i Mi \c'
ncv'; 1 liU'i w ;< ,! MM :i. , ; , ' V ;,;,, \- , ,> > \ ; : ;ii cd
1 ; ,1 - .1' . ' ' ' : M ( :'':'' P '1 r j-.i ' \\ ,;n,
.. ( '...:'. . ' : :".! i ' -.. . ^,. ;;-. NwW.
.";^;, , ' !!/!' i I' ' . ,nv'.t 1 I ( V :,ii(i mis
(,.!! li'j,' ol \ I'i vl. ^ ' !:; l; ! ', t I 1( 111.
( i ( 1 : t '; I I n . I ! 1 , i . I \ ' . I i m r 1 . ; i 1 1 ; ' i ; ' M '('!.", i 1 1 li ! 1 1 \
I I ' > (ir iiu ( 1 ; I, , i',i;- 1:' . I ( :ii'i;'il li( !; - :;(i\ i-niu'
t iii K , !.! I ! Mi. ( ir;i! I; '111,' II. ' '! ' re ' C ;i i; m ! :,mm >
iiiit il : ,1 : ( ^- !'. ' !; 1 1' 'M, 'm |.mii --iic .1 (iit''> 1 : 1; : C' i' 1 m',
.;iiM In r 'li til: N' ii:!' ' it lur Iml' !i r : i '' ' ' "^ .mt !,. 1-
;.'(- t ; I 111 1 1 !' >.(' i I , wl ! )- ,11 1 '. : ( ' : ,1' r \ j M (ii-
' '.' )\\ 1 ' I !'' Ill'- il wiis 1:111 !'.'! : >i'- I 1:."
410 MR. TIEKNEY.
" What is the view of men in office in Lisbon,
]]e necessarily knows better than myself, but
what tlie disposition of the people of Lisbon
really is, I think I have as good means of know-
ing as himself. And from those means I do
assert, that the people there do not hesitate to
declare that they do not like the English. But
of this argument, as it is termed b}; the Right Hon.
Gentleman, of retreating upon Lisbon, even if it
were admitted that tlie inhabitants would receive
our arniy with open arms, and grateful hearts, I
will dispose by one singie question: will the
Right Hon. Gentleman assert his credence, that
any man thinks it now possible for the British
army to march to Lisbon?"
'* I merely touch on this subject, and do not
intend to argue it, because the matter must here-
after be fully discussed. There will be, I dare
say, many subterfuges attempted by Govern-
ment, but they have now pledged themselves to
meet the question fully and fairly, and I hope
all the circumstances will be laid open to the
})ublic view, so as to enable the people of this
country to judge of their conduct, and until
that day arrives, I shall say no more on thf
subject."
MU. TI I i.Ni i
-Ul
^ I. '','.' Ill tlu- Miiitid / c/;n//t;/'. ' li: !.
" H >;i\\" IK) (K'c;iH()ii Inr iim iiicn-a^f ot' (Mir
tOic\' I'.C^tlllcd Ujl tuU'lLill -l'l\ !i(.', till [\\C il<'ll-~C
blioiild 1)1' iului ii,(.(l \', !i;iL was riic iiatiiK.' t>\ tiu'
i'i'rciLi:n -ci\icr I'.i which thc\- iiiijj^iit h.' t lu-
|)lc\ r(i. '
l'ti(/If l;i' CCiw'Ul COllMUt to linpn-C lljx 11
the j'Cdj'U- the a(i(h.tu)nal hiiitlicii \\ iiu h thi.-
iiuM^uic' \\f)ul(! create, he musl I'c ^a'l^licd net
x)iil\- that a t'lirthcr iciiuhii toi'cc was r.cco^arv.
ImiI that the haiuU iutu which l\\v (ii^puMtioii
'il t!,,il Jiiicc ^\a^ In \)c cutiu^rcch wcic c(jiial
tn the <'(ii;lul( nci- ie[>o>(.(l in tiicin. At j'UMiit,
all lic kiicvv' ell the >iiiject \'.a-. that t:,e aim\
liad hi , 11 l:i^)^t >h.ametiih\' \\'a-reil h\- th( Xohie
I.'iiii I ."1 (1 ( a^th u au'h ). ^\itholll iricaiiiiiL; tn
cast tha sji-hti it Icth'Ctlnll nil nu 1 '^al hill t nl ficc I ^,
w ';in-e >kin and \.dnur ciiiitUd then, nii \\c
cniitiarx . t') the ii:^;icsi ]>iai>e, !ic wa^ cnii\-inced
thai the House aiul tht' cniintiA must dct-p!\
tWl, tliat t in' niiiitars power ni' Ihiulaiuh nndi r
thi' ausj.icc s (if t he Xnhh' I .nrch had cxpei n ma d
a innrc (hs'^iaeet'ul (hiscomtit nic, th.aii ,in\- to
whuc'ii it had e\er hithcito hi'cn cxpn^ih lie
..uadi' ;1k'-c ch..vi \ atiohs ni: i\r' nujcnt oec.i-
412 MR, TlIIlNIiY.
b'lOB, at this early stage of tlie bii3i}ie.ss, to
guard hiinselt" from being supposctl to assent to
tiie proposition, that his Ivlajcr^tv's ministers
had a claim on tl^e country to liave a furtlier
force ])laced at thicir disposal, Avitiiout having
first accounted for the wa\ in wliich tlvv^y liad
eniploycd that already entiustcd lo liicm."'
Jauitanj 23, 1810 hi the Debate on the Address .
^^ He challcniied any one to denv, thai in
whatCNCr company he had heen, liigh or low,
the present Administration was spoken of in
terms of contempt."'
Fehriiarjj 27, \S\2.I)i the Dthalc <m Sir Thomas Tar-
ln}i's Moluni J'or a Corwnlltee oi tJir State of Uu
J^aliov,
' The Right Hon. Gentleman op])Osite (Ah\
Perceval) was doubtless h.appy Jii the Xoble
Lord's assistiince, lor t lie Noble Lord had been
out to grass for about a c-)uple of years, and,
fresh and vigorous for action, lie had been
Mi;. I 1 1 RN
i ';.
ii>;\\ faiiilil, and li\iiiL;hi iMrk .li.iiii Im iii> did
\Vi>i I-.."'
" In tlir I'.'iic (if .M:. I'ltt, llu- iiv.il ;n>\'. ( ;
--l.itr Ml t Ik Hal I'tn w a^ ip 't !i i h;- tw nn i ; .i i ', In--
I'.aiM- liir (,u,,i:tr\' cr.nliiKd Ml l;'r .M;.:;^\r lii i
I. ' [> -iijM. I , t , li l!i'' ' ' ':n! : , ^\ '^t:!'! hr i (,i:;;l,\
II 1 !i' l;,^i;(l^ I : l! , ^ I ' ! ' - l ll'J ii -iird -! ,r.', -
1 .:i I ^ ' : ic 1 ; \',',, -, r iir I r \'. :i^ I I ( d a;.d
i)'i' ;i >:;;(!. i M: IVi' ; i^a ^, . , Jt tw iu' j)!'' -
^ ; ;.;i ;. 1 !u ' . i v\ ; l.a' ; c j-' - c- i d t it i i i lu> crc-
(;:l 'ii- !,'> !aK';:is " llf did iici ;li'id. tli.tt. ;! c
Ui'aii; !IiM!. liK' ( 'ii::;.L\ I'ur ( l' i!k' r.xt'i'C ;uu'\
, p.i I'd^ actt'd wi >i'l\' or 1. ir,di\' l'\ ;,n;i. ' :i : ';, u^* -
:.,; ^ r .d \ .; :u .. i : v . , ,.. , \ , . \]. .: \\,-
V,;- buL a -: !r-i.:aii > l' l!'.. x.u^ ^ 1 :. !! i;,.d
n 'I \ i ' . L 1 1 d ..1: ' ' 1 ' [ ' - ' . -( >
i.:,d d> 11 I.N \I-. ]' , ., . , ,
liii I, i : . ,; ,i ' \f' i (a . I. ,i: .1 . ' ' I . i:... ,; !';
j)' ',. ! 1 . 1, ^'. 1!;', ' ii , !**, ill -I I' ' ' , . 1 ',''!..: ;.d V ( 11
[< > ,aa'ti,^ , , u,,: ! .; - ,; \[ ^ :\': a cv u - .i ;, !:i
1 1 a d I ) 1 ; ! : ' d i ; j ) ' a ! i ! . <. ^ . ,' I u ; i ! r ,
W la I. a; U ] a.l\ : :;^ W ' 'a : , .r li; . ;! - a' ; : ,_;
\'> a-, ,il ai-I -.'-,, re, I ac, 1 ,ii,d 1 1 - i !i '/ i v d c.
'" 1 () ! . t' -' I ' a rt 1 1, ( I a \\ ,a '.a 1 .rd .
.-iKi r> irl iiL'^d. da \'a adi ' iir s ! a d ( : . ii
a-M iii.ai vt , , a' '' I. I dMM ( ,
414' MR. TIERXEV.
tliat it could be conducted and directed by none
who did not feel a violent enthusiasm in the
cause. His (Mr. T.'s) opinion was, that the mea-
sures were to he limited by th.e means ; although
there could be but one feeling in the nation, that
to the utmost of our means, die common enemy
of the liberties of man was to be resisted. If,
indeed, the government of the new Regencv
were united, if the recruiting service, from the
re-animation of the country, were more success-
ful if our finances were better managed, and
if, above all, the wliole population of the empire
were conciliated, additional inducements to more
vigorous efforts would he supplied, lie desired
to be distinctly understood, tliat he never main-
tained, that it was necessary to withdraw the
British army from the Peninsula ; all he re-
quested was, that the subject should be soberly
and deliberately investigated, and tliat the
House should not be led away by the enthusi-
astic spirit which the Noble Lord had so much
admired/'
March J 7, 1812. O??, tJw Motion for continuing the Gold
Coin and Bank Notr Bill.
'' Let the Right Hon. Gentleman, then, (Mr.
Perceval) take all the responsibiJitv of this pro-
M u. i I fc rtx : \ .
iCvilji^;^ 1*1 liiiii>(.-lt ; liL' i> kiunvii t^ pliMic mmii-
bflf iijjdii Ins ^toiit n(,',>>, and lii^ coiat iiij)i o;' n:..-
jo; i(i{"s and ii'.mkm il ic-^, and Iw lias L!;!^ d,i\ ;:%( d
a [)]( tt\ l;i lod c.j ni"-t ot it. 1 hclit \ c tint nu dt l;t^
Mlnl' tcr \'. i)u!il !ia\'c' (land lo conn' dow n toll,:,
lIouM', and [)l()|)0^c to make the pionMs-n; \
nnttri ot' a foi'poiatc 'aimniUi-Ml bcd\ a Il^m.'
tender. I.ct the Iv 'u lir I ! !;i. ( it n; !';naii. t ':mi.
ennlmui- to ad\ i^c on! \ v\iin In^ tail iil'nl diia-'--
Tdi-^; 1 .'iii.dl ^i\a' liini no liiillur oj.'j.u-ition,
])ccan^c I la'iii.\t it t.) In' utlriU n-rlr-^. ]
^liail, tiici I'.oie, i.'o;;. iiide l)\- di > hii lui;-. In'l'o.c
Cjdd, that I sjH'ak not iioin tlie in.lliu'ncc ol'
pait\' views wJRii I la\- niv hand upon my he;ii;,
and express it as tlie -ettled eoiuaetion of ni\
ni.nd, that the measure now pro'v.-cd will ope-
liite lo h'a.st toi t'\er the eiadi! ot t'e.e h.aik,
and the lln.aneial -eenrit\ ot liiecoanti\, a:.d I
.^!t(i()\\n NoJeiiinU pi oti'^t mv; aiean' ;t ..en,:'.-
ii'.ih. .'
^ -iK> )
MR. TIGHE.
FihriHir]! 27, l''-^l:2. Ou !<<.a.nidhig Sir Tlionms Turton'i
Motion for a Connnltlee on the State of t lie Nation.
'' ill wished to iiwaken tl'.e first Lord ol" the
Treasury (^Ir. Perceval) from the golden dreams
^\ iiieh visited liis ])!iL0\v', and to achnonish him,
tluit it' ever there was a time when it was incum-
hcnt on us to look wiili a steadfast eye on our
re.>50urees, ic was the present. All that the Uig-lit
lion. Cientlem: n seemed to think the House had
to do was, to furnish him with the m a} s and
means for the supplies he v>'anted. If the Cicn-
tlemcn who sat in that House were indeed the
representati\'e.'!. of tiie {.leople, they sliould duly
inquire whetlier tlie people were really ahle to
aiford tliose sums of wliich the\' were chained by
^otcs of tiiat House, without the least attentiou
to economy."
' \Vc could e-nrcrtain lillle liope oi' ultir.r.itely
gaining that for wlfieh \\ c had heen lighting,
and tiicre was no prohahuitv ol' the contest
l)eim/ i)i(>Ui>';U to a c<!n:'lusioi!, hut tluxjusih our
impotence to continue it. If, at such a cris;--,
Ministers refused to i^'O into a Conunitteeon the
;: i\. ! ! c.}ii;.
r ill.- :i\-;.'ii. :t could ii'.t l;til 1m- ^,^ d. tli .!
.A l:-. '::'_i-'it I ill- ruuil' I \- ilit.i m; !i .i -:-.: i -
;;:';::( \ \*. -iicii t<j_ tu' hi I iiii ;o '. i' .i iik \
'i;:t\- .ui.ihl .,'l" l(^nl.ll!'_;- en Ili'J ;. \ ; . -'l!.!
''.: n\' -;i; ji's u.^- a 1\:\a\'.\ .'"
I . .'
tn.j /'
/-
.V-. /: -' -, , .V ; n
; I- iMi I , f ^ I .\\ II -' r> :'.: -, uul it i:. 'I t"i)! S'W, a^ :
in-itrci i'\ i-(,ii:-,'. that lho>i' 11:111;. U is -!;m .^^'i !(.
: iS ' ;:' ;' , *:< > ! la 1: iju! - ' Aia! il' M;'-h nu .1 v". na
:'-, ;.i i.a- 1 l-aM- til lalt : , " . . !w '.Jx i-,a> ' .
- ai a''N -1 lif^'.'::
41S
SIR THOMAS i'URTON,
January 23, 1810. i?i the Dtbace on the Addo^.-if.
"' He was astonished to hear of a tVe.sU ariny
having been sent to Spain, after the ili-^asteis
whicli liad befiillen tlie foi)iu;r, which had a
nuich fairer prospect of succe:>i.."
Vehruanj IJ, iSll. hi the Debate on the Report of thf
Address,
*' He wonld not pledge himself as to the trans-
actions with regard to the Peninsula ; but he (Hd
not indulge tliose expectations of success which
some other gentlemen it appeared entertained.
The contest might add to the glory of our arms,
but nothing: more, he thought, was to be hoped
for. Its termination would, probably, be the
grave of our commercial prosperity, and of every
thing but our honour. He had always main-
tained, that it M'as idle to contend with France
on the Continent."
.^IK TlluMA-. ILKKJX.
419
MniLh I L 1 >! J . On tlw Annn F.AiinaicS.
AtUi ail, it \v:is inij)o>siI)lc lor u-) to coii-
\v\\{\ (Ml thf Coiitiin'iit with ail cncin\' wliose
j; ([nilalioii w a^ (iliinated at ti(jni ^\\\y to one
liuudicd iiiillioii^ ; he, therctorc, was of ojjiiii(;ii,
'ii;it the iiiilit;ii\- {\)\\:c ot" the C(juiilr\ uiiglil
to hr icdiutd to a K'\ cl w itii its plivsical
v':ti;:>lll."
l-'ilinuuij I'J , 1-1 J. On Dioving Joy a Coiiuiuttce on tltc
Slate oj' tit,' Satio)i.
llr -liould rnd(-a\our lo i,\]C\v the House
v\ Kat !i[.;!(.-aicd to lum [o l)c llu' awrullv alarni-
.ii:^,' -talool tlic count I \' ; and w hat, m li:>. ir,ind,
\\';i- iM'i I ho U'a>l ah-irniinj,- -\ in pi' 'in , the Ic-
i)ar;.'-\' *'l that llcnM- fur m> Iohl;- a I nnv and
V, iali' Muii c\a iits woio pa-j.^iiv.:. Hc^hi^uid oa!l
::|)on tiaai;, in thi' ininie (1 tin, n i- )un.Ii-\ . to
, '' ( i.fjni then toijioi, and a.-k ^ wvv unprcju-
dac i ::,a!i. it', rca'ij';- tho oi )n.h ; a)ii to wdiah
'h:'^ v.aar at hi>t ladncoch ha o(aiId i' >;i-.oa-n-
'aa.' ', jo i,iN hand iioon !ias 'aant aia' - v,
':! !' . ; a'-t ~i;;i'. :an' l^O'Ij: <\ ! i' \\ '^na :nto
: < a nafar.
420 SIR THOMAS TURTOXo
" He blamed not Ministers for the errors of
the Spanish government, but lie thought that
they were responsible to the country for not
providing, as far as they could do. against the
possibility of those errors defeating our co-
operation, or rendering our assistance altogctlier
nugatory."
'' Tlie armies of Spain were not improved-r-
her government had not improved. This situa-
tion of affairs aflbrded no great probability of
success : and to subject the country to sucli
enormous expenditure, without a ])rospect ol'
terminatins: the strurj-Q-le to the advantap-e of
Great Britain and her allies, was not certainly
the part of wisdom.'"
" lie, for his part, could not consent to anv
further assistance to that country, unless he
saw some pro:^pect of success. It should be
proved, that our resources were not likely to be
thrown away in a fruitless struggle."
^' He should be told, tliat this \v\as a v.ar of
an unusual charactei', and t'nat it iiad become
ncce;^sary for us, in a great measure, to make
uiiiscU'cs a militaiy nation. He iT^rrrrted lliat
it was so; ;;nd he was sorry to oh vi'\e. tiiat,
while we \\\ re deehinLi,- our \>;iriior.-, with l;ui-
rc's, \\ c i);ul al-o too ircoueiii: (;crasicii to pbmt
1i.i;;r graven Willi cypres*. He i rf^'cd lo press
(..a the eoub.ciLialioii oi' the Iloir-e. tliut thi-?
K I H O.MAS r\. UION
I CI
\^ .1- .[ war wilich couhl he ^iipporUd nulv ]i\
(X'oiidiMw ;i!;(l !)\ !ui>b:iiui ; ml;; <iwi u ^(-un c-^."'
' 11-. Ivl.t \V It WdllM l;r v;ii(|^ tiiat, lii>i;(uj\- W'Us
N'v'tli liiiii, ;:.,it the counliv ^va^ d^aiii-L liiiu, :r,.d
(ii(l ii'it \\ i-;i iliat the CcUi^<.' (jf Spain shouhl he
abaiu!<:;ie<h Xcith.er won hi he \s i^li it, it' he ^dw
:i\]\ hlxelilinod n\' reiukaiiiu' the >|)aii;^h c^aiu^c
etleetu;;! M'i\ ;ce.'"
"lie \\ :.-. ai: \Ml^l^ v.i^f t u (' an jji\)ini>e, in tlic
^in.il'; -t (it ui ei. , the h' anaii and inteiJiaitN ot' the
'i.anuv; !i,,t ^t.il he eu'dd n^a aL;iee, lliat the
jiie-;i;l -\ -leMi >h.iaud he (a a ^i'\ c led in. without
an (-iidea\(air to ><. u wiml could he done to-
waiaU [a'oeuraip,- {)eaee."
It '.' a-> one ' a (ill ; W' M -t .s\ inj)loni>. that the
[,,{]<. ol' ilie ' )niili\ and oh tint IhuiNewas -d
nun h eh inm-d. 1 h;-^ i:e attiihntcd lo ine \,nl
n: lea^e nt' (jiir nid:tar\ ( >ta!)M dnr.c nt^ ; hut that
c ia;-:(i(a ata ai .-honhl nm d^'ur lain, ,in\ naae
tiani It uUL^hl .in\ ollai' meiijhv i , t nan (h^eh,a u ni_;
a:- (!ni\. lie \vai^ ^aI pi i-^cd [n i;r,ti :t ^.ni, teat
.eenoihi/.ii'a" ^^au -,tai \ una; can ' [n i a; .' a;-. ^\ .;>
4S2 STK THOMAS TURTON,
there no difference between hesitating at a vote
of two millions, and abandoning the war? Was
there no middle way of proceeding ?"
June 1], 1812. In the Debate on Mr. Wortley's Molion
respecting the Failure of the Negotiations for a nevj
Administration,
*' The salvation of the country was at stake,
The present ministers had conducted the natiou
to the brink of ruin."
( ri3 )
MR. \'ANSirrAR^J\
]U^(S^alV In OiiahU' us to Mippnit tlu'anliu-u^
-.trau^l(' Ml wliicli liljril\- and iu-^iicr lui.^ht
a;j,-am^t t\-i-:,iinv aiitl artifice; and if tluv w eie
called ! T. lie \\'a< -o liianh.' pei^uaded ol" l!ic
j)ul>lie >j)irit ef tjic penplr. tliat he was sUiC
(licv \^"uuld iit'vei he Ijackwaid to siipj)lv tlic
niean^ \nv con' inn en.',' the t.'iimiph.^ ni" niir tlee;-.
.ind a! niic^.''
^olr/,e, , 15, Ky|3._rj
//;. 7't/'//o -/ f. , Ax'.
'" 'ihc I'cvt'uue i)i' \,\-' 'i'r;r';T had e\pe-
rieneed a C()nM(k r..' ile inereaM' t)iat ijuartei
e\C(t<ltd h\ ,j!.M,^''\V(VX) [ill' ie\eniii' (-I'lh^-
euric-pon'.ling (pia
1 tlie piLted.ni": } ear.
( 4^4 )
MR. VERNON.
February I, 1810. On sccoridiiig Tjjrd Milioat^ Ariwud-
merd to the Motion for Tltanks '' Lt-rd n'dunjto}',
for the Victory of Talavero.
" When lie looked to the circumstances of
tlic action, he could not contemplate the extra-
or(Huary valour of the army without admira-
tion ; but ill proportion as lie admired the
finimess and bravery of the army, he was bound
to <^ive w av to regret, that it should have been
notonly ui>pirfii;:J)lyer'"iph)yed, hut unnecessarily
cxposecL Lord Wehiiigrou mii^ht have learned
more discretion froui the experience of wSIrJohn
Mooie's incursion into Spain; lie might have
deri\cd salutary information from the recorded
opinions of that great and justly-lamented ge-
neral : he ouo'ht to have been nrevcnted from a
precipitate advance into wSpain with another
ihitisii army, by the example of tlie disastrous
consequences, and unfortunate circumstances,
of the retreat to Corunna.''"
" Ik' was not, howe\cr, tin- deserting tiie
Spaniards aliogciher. lie would \'.'ish to send
\v'.\r\ e^ery ti);ng u'c could assist them with,
-xcci)t a ihitisli arnn .''
1 .! ', )
Mil. J. W . W'AiJi/.
./. n
/.'
;.; :\ \' !,' I !i..i I. t'l :;' i iir a;"L'':::;.'i.' > * .'^1
. .111! ! Ill !'! !\- , (l\-;.iu'{'i! i {. -;n.' * 1 iiij; I '.
l' lV..i:cr >M;(i h: . . ;r\v-. i;!:!);!), d li\
(.' u.i.i !i;' 111' '. > ..;i !-,.;i I I'l'^ !;
'.,,:, >-> :; >'.-. \ I : n f' ; ;; : ,: I ' ; . '-r w \i' < i: aI
iii'',ll;!t(l i 1 r, :!;-i !\'( ^ \'llil (1: ("'Mli-^ I il \ : 'Ini \- .;!.
V'l^UTlil/, a! J'!M, .!l.l ;' l'\ !,,'(. 1..; 1 110\' 11.'
" i; ii! 'it (1 111 ; :ict. ;ili( ! (< ;;il(l ]\. , \]]i <.C i. \ j m C ', 1- '
niiitr <illui j)i)-,' ( 1^ anani^l th^ I'l'iicli. 'ii ii
a. A' lis m1 111 uii it!i', i ] Kdii t."
4Co MR. J. V/ \VAnJj.
Jamiary 23, iSlO.- -In tin Dthale on the Jddiei's.
' Wlicij 1 call to mind the ignominious his-
tory of their internal dissensions, when I see that
their whole administration lias been one uni-
form tissue of calamities, a foul and detestable
blot ill the annals of the country, to which
Englishmen in future days will look back with
humiliation and grief, I do not hesitate to de-
clare my unalterable conviction, that such a
Government wms unworthy to possess the con-
fidence of Parliament; and that a Government
which diiVcis from it chiefly by the loss of
tiiosc tak'uts for business and debate which
formed its great ornament, and which is a little
more unitcfl, at the ])ricc of being a great deal
\\eaker in all other respects, is unfit to carry
on the affairs of state at any time, and particu-
larly at this : and that it is tlie duty of e^'cry
.Memljcr of this Mouse, and the interest of
c'vcry man who is concerned in the preservation
of the conntrv, to contril)iitc, liy all lawful
rncavis, to its subversion.''
'' The fiist t]j;ng \vhich jti'cscnts itself for
examination, both in point of rmie, and in
point of importari'^c, is the cam])aign of Spain
?iid Portugal. 'j"ii!s subject has the advantage
M i;. J. w. \v \ III).
4':;
.>l UfiDL,' j !vi;n :n r^ril"; ai'.'-i t ' .;' ci; rinii^t.'.'.irfs
ul 1' all' a!rf;;:!\ l)i-i'<irc the |'ul)iic; >> tuat the
If'i'i-c :> (\:'.\ r,' w in a .^ilua!; a {<< ur.n) a
cnnijKttii. 'aw.ai'Ci.l um-ih tia- ii.c:;tN of' it>
a'aliur^. i lu" (1.,^ (iilluulrx' ('yn;ist> iii ik--
(''"a:itirij^ lo: ilic rfaulurr nt" thr Cimx c; m;.: ;.'
upon an\' rolciahlt.' tniwiN \vli,ittr\('r. 1. a . ! i ,
I niu^t t'airU cnnfi'ss. flait I " \. * > , ,\ (.i..-.i;l'-
to s.a :::y -j:^ rd i\ a-^a, -. Lat l , ; ' a .i an.ibla
In -^ac an\' ira^oii^ a.; a'l. ti, it r' a.a ;. \c n;-
(iu( ' (1 !ii> M .;ast \ "-. a.i!;>t'a' ^ to ( .:, ;a<' "m Hii^
>ac(iaii tanii jJiiaii. li -^^vaa- lo l,,i\c aarii nndai-
l.-i-van !ii .-^in^'ail.ii' (!( ii laca' ol ai! iho-a piaraa-
\>\c^ that ()iiii;iit to (aiua- into ill!" (oiuhict oi
allaiiN."'
' 1;, auUa (1, tiait -[Miiuiiih l>Mt idral ])U'-
tu:i.- wli a, at ilii' !ti''4aiiaiii'a "! 'lie Spanish
rc\'ohi t :i ;!, >''n.;c [)'a:>a;s la ria> i'iaiiiti\ had
joinical X'l MKai.<aU(->. ", a , in 'k- u.ii nai mniiil;
\\p un laa.- a;an ai cii triicv is I's hhcalv", lia<l
haeii raalaaal; i [', m thr h.^t ;a.-tMua\ w (! bad
laat with a /i. . h i^^ and i aaaaa auh pir.jx))--
taau'd to tla. a a'''"^; a-;. -an- . if u c hwid haon
\v (. k'laiH-d h\ a ^./rd'd ili-a. isii mii tnwaids t'l.'
on!} jH'.j ic in ill- wiali! ihai iad ^trctrhtd (Mil,
it^ ;ui:i ;' a- :>\ liani 'a the hour ot" flan
need; it' X'.'c !;j' ''>.ai'd thani aniinaltd h\ an
aidiiii. aii'.I !i'a \t al_aI-^lladl'; (!', irol nat ( a..d
iutiajHaul; la ., ''' 'aMaiUil t > make ;tll tho.c
4-b 2iiR, .K w. v:aud,
bncrificcs wliicli were ncccssaiy, in order to
aflbrcl the slig-hlest chance of success, iu so vast
;!.ikI so iinecjual a struggle; wliy then, Sir, it
would liavc perhaps hccn right, and certainly
tlie best feelings of our nature, compassion and
tlie love of iVeedoni. would liiive jn-onipted us,
in spite of failures, iuid in spite of misfortunes,
to make one more effvut in behalf of a gene-
rous, a grateful, and a sulfering nation. One
sliould ha\e felt some consolation for the blood
that had been already spilt, antl one might,
uitliout a cririiC to the country, have con-
sented that vet more sliould be slied, in what
th.en fairly might have been deemed a sacred
cause. But the conduct of the Spaniards soon
dissipated this illusion, and made it our right,
and our duty, to guide ourselves by the prin-
ciples of a colder and more deliberate policy.
Instead of gratitude, or enthusiasm, all we met
with was a bare preference of England to
France, in a choice of evils ; a mere inclination
to expel their invaders, if it could be done
without the expense and trouble of ado])ting
tlie necessary means ; all we obtained from them
was the gracious, though somewhat tardy, per-
mission of the Supieme Junta, to waste as
many lives, and as much treasure, as we pleased
in their defence."
'-' As to authority, that too, as far as we
i;. .1 . \. . \. A ;. :\
4':';
1]:[\ r tic ir.r in> ( '/ 1. ! i > > \> i p. _-,
,.L-:'in-: thi;.. Misl,;>,^\ In i
.;-'. I)., .re.
ri'i-, ;jM -,,. (-1 tn;' ahW ^t n, ;!, t!;. c. .;ii,; I's'
< \tT i>: >' i:ir;.'(l ; >\ :..), -u all lU' > .'i!. ;;i :i!i ! a'
(!i(i. 111 all \'.c \\]\>{c. :\\ \\\> i:ir, aihl b;. l;:^
(li'.itli, }>():a' ini.[i";ii U'^^l:l;Ml\ :iJ,.;a^t tiic
\'. li'.iji' -\staai oi (k [ar.w. [aj; u.. .a I la.' .Nj>aiaii(U.
-(I la a i-la;:'- sp.aa Uv incaii^ ol aa .aaix [d
r. 'aaiviad ii;ti i\ c naiiiar o; ilic ^'amtixa
' 'ac wij". d Jaivc aiai'j,'. ^ i, tiiat t'aa ojan^ai oi'
'i a aaia. i:|.(ai -I'.'i a (la^^tu)n, wciaa. ia.\a'
:a ,. . :^ a;>;\a , \>. an oj j. , d 1)\ li>)li anu '4
iija.ii a. a'i*. Ilat it" aii\- ])(.a's<ai \r^ iiiainKil
''^ cvccj'- aL:a;a^t lii^ ic-tiianny, 1 am ;.!a >,-
'.'. :liii:a' t" i<a'(:-() aM\' adsaalaa;^ Ilia; I aa^i.":
, \v (La \. (1 111 : iLi'iiinia' lii.-- aa.^iaa; ;iiaa :.;v'
!. I'lwai .a,'i r.'cii(Lil .vaia!a..a> la ba' .' lai
.M'laa. i".'" ' la it la' \\ a> ' aw i c..al,a'>,
'.:Ci Ml'-. L;a (I. li I'V a |a'il!a!:o a! t..; ,.a aai I
I' 1 I '/aiM a tnj. 'ji- ;a:a i taailar \' .a'! a: a , l... a Ia.it:
i.i a.ia. , a .i I .:^ laa , tai \' La i-">> ('l' laaa, .| n :a,
!!:> !,a y. [-. ^ !'.'. \'> ca .c^ ^ n t aat cyl tl.a M a-
!i' aaaiai ; iic il t !a.'. v. ' . an p. a (1. naiaa
and -ccj^l... aa ha (!>;ul)a:^l ll. ' / ai
' ; t !a la.i.il^i'aa' ( m ,\ u'r'd, a;al t . i. -
. a>a ;, i'A a ! i.-r
4C0 jfu. .1. \v, WAj;!-.
blackeii the mcinoiy oi'tiiis !llu:5trious njaii. who
fell a victim to t!ie folly and impjacticabiiity of
the cichig;!] in which he was eii;'/';'.2"C(l. Ijut set-
ting him abide, what were tlic opinions of all tlie
otiier officers who served upon that expedition?
They suiely were not all incapable of forming a
judgment; they did not all hibour froai begin-
ning to end under tlie inilaence of in\incible
prejudices, and incurable despondency. And
did any one of them, if they were consulted, ad-
vise a second experiment? I do not speak from
certain information, but I believe not one."
" Perhaps, indeed, one may form some idea of
the nature of the information upon whicii his
^Majesty's ministers proceeded, from that of the
agents whom they spread over the tace of the
Peninsula, and who were understood to maintain
a correspondence with the government at home.
These niissionaries Vv'ere for the most part, mili-
tary men, not very high in the profession; and
who were of course deliglued v/itli the honours
they receivxl, aud the consequence they derived
from tlieir situation, as the agei-ts of die Biitish
government. It was natural enough t]:;it j)ersons
of thi^ description, and tliat too w'itiiout impu-
ting iw (l.;:'na<\vei !min:d ni- (hi'])' ;ate d*.relicrion
of their ciuty, should, represeiiv, ( ;>' v ih;- i'-ui side
of thiitgs, that they should Ovc ii little colour-
DiT to whatcvev was '-ood, and tiaeiiuatc nil that
Mil. J. W. V. A UP.
V. a^ (li-courauiniz;. Indeed, one cdiild not expect.
(->() lonu' ;;> it was debiiable to put a t';.\()Ui able
<on^tlU(' len upon e\t'ntN, or to d!^tln^u!^h a
>ingle riy ot' hoj)e) tliat i1k\- nIiouKI ti.iu-nnr
lionn' ae(' unt> w lii( h would not < nl\' iu di^:.-
p,aee..lii to tiieir eniplo\ei^, but t'alal io tiuir
own ])i()>peet.-> ; and the etlVet ol \>',i(b tl.e\-
n.;_;bt rea^onabl\- ajijjii oend wou.d be, to put:
an cwd to ;dl their aeli\!l\' and ;!n})o)i:iU('e, ;ind
ireall th.en; at oiu-e lioni th.e thL^nilied neeuj):!-
t;on ol eoMipo^iiiL:; ],i-oi Liinatami anil di^patehie-.
to thv' iiuni!)le rt)uli;ie ol' reuiinentai dut\. 1 do
I'Of w isii 1(1 speak l',ar.'>h!\- of per'-ons wiio aett'd
to the be^t ot' their serv niodcrale abiiilie>. and.
wh.o ou'j-ht not to incur an-, ^h.ire ot" i:i..* !'i.',n;e
V, h.ielii^ e\elui;\'(I\ (ha- [> ih.e '^on ca aoncht ih.aL
einj.loyttl tfieni. ihi'v ^y< .: dr-eive pra -r I'or
then aeti \ i! '. and ^pli i!. \i[.' 1 nad\ beh-.x , . '.iiai
out of the wLoii' iiauiii.': . ''...' ^.a^ -e.<iee -t
( O' ! la adi ih ^o'.a.d |!id_; ,i_; la.an. .u\- one
\' h' --i' CO a ::<! \-, ;i^ naie:'. hiMir 'l,.a l;;.i; >.:
liu' liaiioa^ C ' i. ( iu.rnalh.- \v\.\:i. \:'. \ ^ : .;
appi'.ii-. lii:-i !..( autli' v.lv ' ;' :!!>, .vi.;hane;'
wta^hed naic w r h In- A! ^t-,'- n, : ,-*^.l^
(>upj i -a.a. tlu n; to irive j).ad ai^s ! v ; : h ' ,; i
thin !t;. . ; .;!! , ilian tiia; ot" ail ;h..-' ] - ;>
who- r I ','!!; ate. da- n; ti. I e-'l ('d o ji, a , , u .
! he e ,1 ai' a > ; a^ c ; -. aa d tna n o a ' ! ' , li
" ^ .; . --a 1',. ni :ha S' .a.i.a.'-
4S2
W. WARD.
iijjon afUial service, and llic actual trial of that
ex j)Ci'inie;V., v.iiich tlicy were about to repeat,
Tiic o[)iiKO!i or Coi. Ca.ro] stood on oi^e side.
the opinion ol" Sir Jo'in JMoore stood on tlie
i-tiK'i'. aud they prcrc^rcd Col. Carrol.''
'' Tiic only w ;iy jii which they can justi(\
themselves h)r undertakii'g this :-.v-c(;!5(l expe-
dition will be^ by si.ewiug, that soiiio such
clumgc had taken j):ace in the situation of Spain,
<ji in tliC diNpo:5ition of its inhabitants, as might
hhily entitle thoin to ex];ect a dillierent result.
If there hay been any such change, it is fbi-theni
to explain it. Ou thv^ contrary, every thing
that hapj)ened in the inter\'al a])pears to n;c to
eeTroborate tiiC ie sou^ we jniglit laive learnt
ho;n the ih^L rnelaiieiicdv transaction. It wa-
XG ' igci- possible to nhbtake the character of a
i:\\/iuti(>n. t'.c d:~gracctul peculiai-ity of which
w;-:;. ihat itii^.d not p-'odciced a single individual
cnhxcii;. either a^ a schiier or as a statesman.'"
' ] hid i;. :K;i brconic every day more e\ i-
(kx;t, tiiat liic Lii.)anish go'.'ernnient, choked up
i)V the huniicr (.f its anei(-nt nistitution:> and
ih:.v.'-, ha^l siitx. int' :..h-iiau-gy iVom whic!i it
'.:,.' ix s:xx ( ihinl; o'" r(.xi xx;-' '.':': Had we not
;_ I, ixau. th-:x; eiior,^ wei'e Jiot
(.;!.:. :-N axd i'px XXX c. but tiiat
X- i' : ii. xad xxxc d -ex if iu the
ihc^e ;...;.'-'.. .iea palriek-, c^xl com-
t :; V
1 ll X ':
JMii. J, W. \VA\t.l).
41;
j)kU(l tlu-ii ip,ca|);u-ii.y tor all useful :u\d <;c-nL'-
lou^ exertion - And that nur lunuMe i> wricin^t
the only inini-,tc;> in the W'.iM thai \'.eie think-
ing!; ot their o\\ 11 inti-ie-t^ and leennns, when
thiAou^ht to ha\'e ijeiii Iiiuikiuu- huw to -ix'i' n
l.illinu,- .-^tali.-: Xo thani'e ( ouid he expi-eted 111
>uch a L!:o\ ernnient, e\(.j;l lioni -onie gi'(.Mt
cllort of tiie [;( u[;!c ir-elf. And w liat .s\nij)toni
\\'as their, that a [)t"pie (l!\':.;ed into I'lixinees,
(iitieiinLi' iioni e,;''h o'.iiii ,-0 n.ui h 111 manners
and lt(l;n<j;-. and un.uau- ti aned In euninuiine.t-
tion fui .( Lienci.d ohject; th.it a ju-cjde howed
tor w hole ages iindei the \ oke ot' -uju i st ii ion and
tyranny, wiaild ije ahje to .^eeonipiisli that (d'
^vhl(Jl tlie nio>t united, .md the nlo^t enlig'hteii-
ednatiuns were hardU' eaji.ilju'; tliat the\' would
he ,ahk' at onec; to [uati'iiu the (haihle ta>k of
e.stahlishmL': a \ iLronais e.\o(.aiti\c i^ ee! ninent,
and ot' e\j>clhnL;' an em in\ Imm the lie. lit oi
their eountiy -"
' Sueee>-e->, nj)on whieh the hi'_;,hest honoius
and tlie hiLdiist ])ane_L:;\ ludN-. had keen he.sto\\- .(!,
were attended with iio peimanent ad\ anta'4"e->
\'v liate\-er, \\u\ iel't thi' eaiisc ot' Spam and itt
l',ui"pf iust as di^p^a ate a . thi \' I'ound it, and m
thiii' (nnse(pienees the\ le-enihled not \a-toiie-,
hut deteal-. I'"' h\ wdi-tt mole disa- 1 1 > 'n-, e- n-
-c (;;u-m es O' a' Id o ii .^r ha\'; h.' n ' !, ' ;. ei
I)\- a I'i ee i-ilale ; : '.:\d^ ; i e, i ; . ; i ; ' .
4S4 MR. J. W. WARD,
thousand men, left to the mercy of the enemy,
upon that spot upon which they had just fought
and conquered, hut fought and conquered in
vain; that spot which as it were in mockery to
them, we have endeavoured to perpetuate in the
name of their o-eneral? Bv what worse could it
have been followed than by the loss of all foot-
ing in Spain, the ruin of another army, and the
virtual renunciation of all the objects of the
war? As this species of glory increases, our
real power and resources diminish, and by the
time we have gained a few more battles, and
elevated a few more generals to the peerage, our
army will be fairly worn out, and not a spot
will be left on the Continent of Europe, on
which an Englishman can set his foot. If the
battles which our ancestors fought a century
ago, and by which they ^'indicated the liberties
of Europe, had been attended with consequences
like these, and if such had been the nature of
success in their days, France, instead of being-
humbled, would have become tlie mistress oi'
the world, and England, instead of dictating the
terms of peace, would have sunk under the
weight of lic-r own victories. But they were far
otlier men, ;ind guided by far other maxims in
foreign and i;; doir.CNtic affairs; in j)eace, and
in war/'
''- If ve liad possessed a wise government.
.Mil. J. W. WARD.
4?.
skilt'ul in {)roc'iiiiiig the i)C^t iiironiiatiun. aiut
firm cn<)Lijj;li to act upon it. in-^tcad (4" calculating
it> nicaMiro upon the N'ul^ar. iLiiu^rant ci'\ ul'
t!ic n'.iiiiirnt, w c piobabK' niNcr -ihoultl lia\L'
iicaid c\cn of the lirst canipaiun in Spain. I'ut
^ujpo-inL!' that another opimon nuLi,lit ha\c hia n
ica-^onahl\ cntc! taliinl uj)oii thai .^uhjcct. ami
tha! !t \',a- nccc-^ai\' hoth \\>i their own ^ati>-
h;ii.'';i. and ]')V the >ati'^tact imi ot" tlic eountr\',
to {i\ at lea-t U'iietiiti a l5riti^h arin\' MiiL!,lit not
Iku'c been enipi<)\c(l with etle^'t ni aih ot' the
SpanMrtU; ^tiil v. iien the hi^:o^^ and result ol
mat eanipaiiiu ua^ kno\\ n, and \v'ii( n the no-
velt\ (jt' the ca^e, and ignorance ')\ l!ie real state
ot the conntrx', could uu louLi'er he pleaded a-s an
excuse, how an\ man should haw ad\"i>eil a
becond, i>i almo~.t umntelligihle. It' indeed the
plan had pi oia ed( d tri im so:i:e ul thaj^e rouiantic
|)er^')n->. tor ^ueh the re are, who^e iina'4";nat imu
ht'.iUd upnu ti);> ^nh|(_al, lia-^ ei'iiiplettU e.\t;n-
ii.ui-m d .1 il 1 i a: oi her ta' ui! :e- ol tlan Uiuuh.. (iUc
>houlil nnt liava- ht'cn ^l!iprl>( d. ))ut tha'. f do
them in^tua', w a-> neit iit r t iie eli:;i .letei n^ir the
Iteliiius ot' lii-^ M.i]iit\ .-1 ui;ni>Ui-. h a^t ot" all
tor :ll^!ane(, ol' the Nohle laud, wlri rlu ;j p;e-
^aled o\i I t I'O \\ .a (K p ii l na iii ; a Ui;;'. ; ot a a.wiii
i;,iml, not ha!<Ie. "> I'o a> I Isi.ow-, I" ha lu-
I'eated w it h ! iie colli ;a : n , nt p ipaia a:; ' im -:,;-m ,
,.ot a jK! ~ou u horn tia- u.:'i e u.ia.e ot pati aal:-in
1 '.'
436 MB. J. W. WARD.
was likely to transport into any acts of impru-
dent zeal, or who niiglit be expected to make
immoderate sacrifices in the cause of national
independence. We nnust therefore look for
some other explanation of the conduct of the
Noble Lord and his colleagues, and the expla-
nation of it, I believe, is to be found, and to be
found only, in that vague determination to do
something, no matter what, and to keep the
public force employed, no matter how, which
formed one of the main principles, and let me
add, one of the most mischievous principles,
of their administration ; that principle too,
upon which tliey were most directly and most
ostentatiously committed against their oppo-
nent;,. It is this wliicli has been to them instead
of prejudice, instead of cntluisiasm, instead of
folly, and which has precipitated them into all
those acts which more rescni])le the desperation
ol" a losing gamester, than tlie deliberate plans
of a (u')\ernment."
''It is impossible to considei- these things
uitliout ftx^ling some compassion for the peoj)le
i;f FngKind, doomed to biificr under such great
and, complicated e\ ils; an-.^ yel I :i;n;-t fairly own,
that th.i^ sentiment if; very mi;:.:]] weakened, in
n\y mind, when 1 iccollect how much their own
pei veisrness li'is contnlmtcd towards tiieir ruin.
I cannot forget that the au(hors> (^f tlicse cal;i-
rniiic^. ill-' ihv nnin ui"ter tiudi o^nhcur!. \vliom
MR. J. \V. WARD.
4:J;
tliey rciniccd to set- callctl td j)lav tlicir liut
.^takc, wlio^c return to power, and tlic rc\ aval
of \vho>r toifign policy, U\c\ liaikcl as the cer-
tain ouuns of ^lory and success), 'llirv wcic
tiix'd of a languid war, they were disgusted
with a system of economy which would ]ia\c
cnahled them to continue the c^^tc^t, till the
time shouKl airivc w hen it might he tei ininati-d
witli houour and security. The \(jkc was not
galliiiLi; cuouigh ; their hurthens iWd not increase
suUiciciuly ta'^t. They were anxious tor new
mcu and lor new measure.^. 'i'he\' wished for
an active stiiriug administration; a Crovcrn-
ment that would do somethiug, tliat would not
let the torci' of the country lie uucuiploNcd,
thaLNsould fill tlie ua/ettrs, anil crt'atc titles ;
people who. il they could find no ol)ject^. would
make >onie; wlio, it' there were no po-nts of
atlaciv, would \\a>te wiiole aifiiie-^ and na\'ies
upou th'i^e that, weic unat tackahle ; wwd w^uld
send all o\cr Ihiiope, ca.n^'a^^iug treacherous or
unw illiug allies, lo ieia';\ f our imn and n;onev ;
and wlio would exhaust our h^st mean^ of
'letcnding ourscU'cs at home, in tottering an
iuiaginarv spirit of re^i^tallcc ahroad."
' 1 would put il [() the conscience of a;iy
(ieutleman^ whether he thinks that Mich a
Ciovernmeiit a-^ thi-5 i.> worthv oi toutidencc.
If lie dues, let Imn vote fji the oiigmal address;
43S ME. J. W. WARD.
but^ if he does not, be must, I think, support
the ameiKhiient of the Noble Lord. Let liim
consider its history and its composition ; let him
recollect how it arose out of the dissensions of
the last, how it was born, as it were, in disgrace,
and a cripple from its infancy ; let liim consider
how the great offices of state are filled, and,
above all, let him compare the Government
with the state of the country. There have been
times, indeed, before the new order of things
began, and before that system which had pre-
vailed in Europe for so many centuries, yielded
to the enormous influence of one state, times
of security and repose, when even these, or any
other persons of modjrate understanding and
attainments, might have governed the country,
though not with credit, at least, without much
danger. But now that the whole power of Europe
is concentrated in France, and the whole power
of France concentrated in one man, and that man
the greatest General and Statesman the world
ever produced, and the bitterest enemy England
ever knew, it is an absolute infatuation not to
have resource to our best means of defence,
moral as well as physical ; to the wisdom and
union of our councils, as well as to the strength
of our fleets and armies. Sir, I do not appear
here as the blind admirer, as the indiscriminate
partizan of the Gentlemen in the bench below
MR. J. W. At'ARI).
4:>j
nie, and their political adhciLiits. I am boiiiul
to thcin 1)V no tics ot" hope, oi pergonal intcic>t.
It is not tor their own sake^, hut Ini the -^akc ot
the f-oiinti\- tliat I wi-^h te) sec tlieni leluin to
ollicc. Indeed, 1 know not whethci m tiie pre-
.sent.^iruatinn ot thinL;^, olticc, wliich, under n.orc
fa\'ouraMe ciieuni^Iancc--, i>, no doubt, a natural
objcc t ol aini)it iou, is to he wished t'oi' as a henctit
to an\ set ot nu n. Thi>. at ica^t, is not a hed
of roNC^. TlicN nuLiht escape !)l;une. but thev
could not po>sd)lv acipine anv i'ej)Utation ; tlifv
would succecei to snattered linances, to unsuc-
ce.s-ilul arms, to (lis<^Taced counciN, and to a war,
tlie close or tlie continuation ot" which, it is
alike impo>sible to contemj)late witlujut alarm;
they \sould succeed to ditlicultics tliat mi<j,iit
cont'ound the wrsC5t, and to dan^er^ tliat might
appal the boldest statesman , dithculties and
danger^ tor \\1i!l!i the emoluments ot oftice, and
the j)ridc ot parl\" \ict(Ji\', would but pooiU'
compensate to men. who looked, a> I li>>pe thev
look, not Old \- [u tlh'm-^cK es but to tluMi lUiiti \ ;
to future tame, a-i \cell a> to present power.
Pcrhai)s it may be alreacK" too late, and we mav
\)C sliortlv destined. j)aitly owing to our nwn
ibllies, and partly owing t(; tl!o^e awt'ui e\ cuts
which we could not contrcnd, and whh ii lia\c
made our times the beginmiiL;' of a new leia in
tile world, to :;haie the late of the other nations
440 Mil. J. \V. WARD.
of Eurojv:'. Perhaps \vc are already in a situa-
tion which ddies the cfU^rts of the wisest and
best men among us, and wliich would have defied
the efforts of those wiser and greater men whom
we have lost. But if the country, shorn of its
honours, and humbled as it must be, can still be
preserA'ed, sure I am, that its preservation cannot
be the work of those by wliom it has been
brought into its })resent situation, or of persons
who proceed upon the same system M'ith inferior
abilit} . It cannot be preserved by the wreck
and remnant of a ministry, by something weaker
than that wliich was already supposed to have
attained the utmost possible point of debility ;
persons, whose defects arc notorious, and whose
very apology is shamefiU ; who offer us their
intolerance and court favour, as substitutes for
all the qualities that ought to belong to an
English administration. If we are not willing
to bear every thing, this is not to be borne. It is
time to try some other remedy before the last
agon}' comes on. If this empire is to be
dcstroyerl, let it not be under the reign of these
Augustull. Let its end be worthy of a state
which has achieved great actions, and produced
great men. If we fall, let us fall with dignity."
.M r..
w . \\ .\i;i'
441
i l.t i'.^ \v,.,s !:-' ,1 hiv':i\- Ml I i'.f whole nation
tii.it .'..I- I'. ! ^uririiii^ ui' ;u" li.i' I onvcinu n( I ^
ot :;! .: i> > \v i; '^-'i: ;.iil i c ^l:l 'cd 1 1 c-in tiK
sy^!,i ,.i,il h .! \)jr'\ jvi-iu'ii: !;.!\, lu' ^iioiiUl
add, tliai tlu'i'i'was not an iiaii\ iil.ud ni tl-.o
(.'ouiitiA, ^^ll() w;is not alive to tiie in: >toi iune>.
Jic'cossai il\' aiibing lioni lia\ niL;,- tin; adinini^lra-
lion ot the CJovernincnt cfMnniittcd to snrh
incaj)al)le men, ^^ lio pni >ned a course of condiiet
C(jiiall\ ineonsi^tiMii Willi common principles and
conimon ^ln^e."'
'J here was no aitu le ot cxpenM- .so i;rcar,
a> an obstinate and weak, hut proiectniLT niinis-
ti-}'. Such hciiiL!,- his seutinuiits, hcshduld con-
clude with saxiiiLi-, that the Hon. (ientleni.an
who liatl hiouglil loiwaid this motion, would
contiihute much more t( ceononu- l)y givin;;^
one sini^'le \ote ai^ainst the autliois of such
accuinulated cahuniues, thau 1)\ makiUL;' mot ions
ol this kind, which would he rejected t ven hy
the ver_\ persons, whom, uii olhei cicc.i-on.s, iie
* oiitiibulcd to bavc.''
442 MR. J. W. WARD,
March 16, 1S12. In the Debate on the Address respecting
the Po) tuguese Sidjsidy.
" He was one of those who originally thought
that we should not have entered as principals
into the war in the Peninsula ; he still thought
so, but he conceived that there was a great
difference between such an opinion, and that
which he might entertain after that war had
been so commenced and continued for years.
\V'hether they should have entered into it on
the scale they had done, and whether they
should now abandon it, were quite different
questions, for the policy of abandoning it might
be a great deal worse than the policy which
induced us to commence it."
May 21, 1812. //J the Debate on Mr. Worthy's Motion
respecting a strong and efficient Administration.
" There were two grounds for the adoption
of the motion ; the first, the danger of the
country the second, the acknowledged weak*
ness of those who were entrusted with the
management of public affairs. No person
doubted the dangers and difficulties of the
.M n. J. W. \\ AKL;,
41.
t.'Ouiii.\', Ijoth a^ to its cxtciiKil ulatioii', and its
internal condition. In -^pcakinLi' < '1 tin- p: I'^cnt
adnnni^t ration, il would In' a nl'^t di^aun c:!!)^'
ta>k to Li'c tVoni oft ice to oliicc, and jiiint > .;,l t lie
inconipctcncc ot" indi\'idnaU ; and tlii> l,;>k lie
should spare hiIn^eIt'. It. indeed, um^ a matter
(f ])uhlic tcernnj^, and (ient leiiKii could no! but
be in >oine measure aw;ii J o~t tlie' scn^e ot' the
public on this (pic-.t ion. l".\-cn beioie the death
c)l' Ml'. Peic( \al. It was (;b|ected that theadnii-
iii^tration \','as h;ir(!l\ strong- enough, hut it \\-a>
tlicii aiiswiied, that siu'h was tlic ability ot"'
Mr. l\ne\al, and >uch his charactei. both in
and out ot" thi- Ibjusc. tiait il conipcnsated
for the weakness and inclliciencv of his col-
leagues. 1 he\-, therefore, who oavc this rea'^oii
fill tiieir con.fidence in the adiiiinisti-at n-n, would
pav a poor compliment to tiie inemoi\ ol" Mr,
Perce\al, it" tlu'\- c'mtinut'd to place the same
confulence m j)ersons so ht tie cahailated tocarrv
c\ei) their own principles int'.> ellect."
( 444 )
MARQUIS WELLESLEY.
January 2G, 1810. In the Debate on the Motion for
Thanks to Lord Wellington, for the Victory of Tala-
vera.
" He perfectly agreed witli the Noble Lords
on the other side of the House, respecting the
necessity of a radical change in the government
of Spain, and his opinions on that head, he
believed, were not unknown. But that change
could not be the work of a day ; and were we
to make no one exertion, nor risk a single
soldier in the Spanish cause, until Spain had
attained the full pcifection of a free state? It
must, no doubt, be our wish to see Spain con-
nect the action of the executive power with the
spirit of the people, draw forth her own ener-
gies, and assume a part worthy of herself and of
her brave and generous ally ; but it surely was
not to be expected, that she should reach at
once the vigour of a free Government, just
emerging as she was from that dreadful oppres-
sion under wdiich a wretched Government had
broken down the faculties of her people ; emerg-
ing as she was from those inveterate habits, and
ancient prejudices^ which had so long contracted
MA UQU 15 \VI I I.L>I.I:y.
44.
hcv \ icws, and letanlcd !iit iinprovcnu'iits ;
cnicruint^as .slie was tVoin thai di-CDinicction aiul
disunion hctuccn her (htlricnt [tiovin. cs, anioni;
which, howcNcr thev niiuht loin in tlic hatu'd
and detestation ot" theii common enemw no
coidial harmony had j)i"e\'aile(l in otlicr ie.>5[)ecls.
'i he thing was ini})os,sihle ; hut wi'ie wo, there-
loie, to ahandon tiie Spaniards to the meix'v ot"
then ciulI iiiNadeis ? \\ eie we, theretore. to
deceit them in ihi-^ ciisis of their loitune^'"'
ii ''/(( j/i/ -.'2, l>lo. On )n>iv'iii!r the .4(lilnss yehulvc tu
the CiinrciituDi utlh I'uilu'^dl.
*' lie really was at a loss to coniecture wliat
( iMild lie the nature of tin- ohicetions tliat w ould
he lai^cd to the jjie-^enl nu)'i(Ui. The airan^'c-
ment whu h it reconnnended, proceeded on the
<;\'neial iiimciples ot the pohiA' \\ Ineii had so
loii<^ and .^o uiiit<uinl\ ^iinied \\\i- coiuhu't ot'
th:-:> countiN towanh I'mtu^al. It proceeded
not (jnl\ on thM-s^ ^iiu r.d plllulple^, hut also
oil the jn I he; pie \'. i:.eh iiow iiuluerd u-> to sue
(our Spam, and on t;',e i)l,tii ( >t.ihli>hed of mak-
iUL-' Hie (Ut'iiha; of I'oilULi^d au.\ihar\ to tia-
deleiK'c 1 1! ">!
I- -a.
pM leeeded on I ne piin
c: jjle ol an m;>; t le L' ." r, d coiidn iiiiiLr ! : :; ( th a : > ol
(air alJK-i m llic pi iis( -lo ;, )ri d' iho .ad^loll^
Conic -,1 ii: \', laci; l,a\ ..nd t,.: c nn;i\ wai<,
:'. 'V, euLr.i'ie'!.''
M6 marquis wellesley.
" If then, their Lordships had not abandoned
the whole system of tliat policy upon which
this country had hitherto acted towards Por-
tugal, if they were not prepared to desert
both Spain and Portugal in this crisis of their
fate, what could new induce them to depart
from the principle even of encouraging Portugal
to make exertions for her own defence ? He
must again say, that he was wholly at a loss to
devise what arguments could be adduced in
opposition to the present motion. He heard it
intimated, indeed, not long since, by a friendly
voice (Lord Grcnville), a voice which, he
trusted, would always prove friendly to him,
but which never cor Id prove more friendly
than when, as on the present occasion, it afforded
him an opportunity of vindicating the good
faith and honour of this country; by that voice
he had heard it intimated, tliat circimistances
had recently occurred, which rendered the whole
cause desperate; that it was in vain to continue
any further aid to Portugal or Spain, and that,
consecjuently, it would be useless to concur in
the present address. ilc wds ready to admit
that great disasters had lately bellillcn the
Spanish cause; lie admitted itv, ith pain and
regret, and no person could view ':^-iem with
deeper concern tiian lie did ; but still, they were
far from sinking his miee.i into despair. Still he
MAUQUIi WEI.IESIKY.
447
would contend, that it wiis nritlirr politic nor
iust to nianitcst any inlcntion it' ahandiniing
I'ortui^al. And lure he would ( all upon their
LortKliip^ di.stinetU' to sii\. \\in.'!lur tluy were
})rei>aied to withdraw the luiti^li tiooj),s tioni
I'ortugal, and thus dis[)lrit th.at eouiitr\, ami
induce her to relax lu'r elioit^ tor lier own
detencc - What a(l\ant:i^-e could he deri\-ed lV(jni
thus castini:; owr our own coMnt:.U. and the
lioj)C5 ot' I'oituual and >j)ain, tiiciu'.e and coin-
jdcxion of cR^j)air- To tell tiit in th.it the liour
ot" their t'atc wa.s ariUvd, that all attcnq-ts to
n-Mst thcni, (U c'\tn to nispnil tlu'ir exertions
in their own ck tcnce, w c re now ot no a\'ad ; that,
the\- nuist how the neck, and Md.Mi-.it to the\ok(.
of" a nic:cdL-> in\adcr. 'i hi>, Muhid. wcu'.d !ji'
t', -trcw the conqucroi 5 jjatli w,;:i tlowcr^; lc>
|nc|)are the wa.v tor h'>. truiiMdia, luaieh to the
I ho aie ot l'..e t\'. o kniLjd' '!ii>.
Jun. i>, l>|o. /; i'r I),'mte ,-;. th, M,ryns,,f Lam-
" '1 la' \i 'oie Mai.pi^^ (^l.:ji<dow U; ) h.id jii^" !\
it ited, tlMt li oar 1 '. a .jmj wa.-, to la' : ad
loan t f)e da'aiada! 'aai and om;uo^- mi ^I'.to ,; aoa
j'iC hail iiuli ijipiU laov ;;
i aai n.u-t i)-' Uu
448 MARQUIS WELLESLEY.
principal agent in the accomplishment of that
great work ; the Noble Marquis might have
added, that the fairest opportunity, the brightest
prospect which had offered itself for several years,
of re-asserting the independence of Europe, and
witli it tlie security of this country, opened at
the moment when Spain magnanimously rose to
maintain her legitimate monarcliy, and to resist
the most unprincipled usurpation of which his-
tor^^ afforded an example.'*
" The Noble jMarquis (Lansdowne) had
emphatically dwelt on the misfortunes and
disasters which attended the first campaign in
Spain, under General ]\loore, and thence had
argued, that the sad experience with which
they had furnished jMinisters, should have
Avarned them against the perils of such enter-
prises, and deterred the British Government iVom
any nev/ attempt to co-operate with the Spanish
armies. No mancould more deeply deplore than
lie did tiie calamities and disasters of that cam-
paign ; no man could more sincerely lament than
lie did, the melancholy fate of the distinguished
General wlio commanded tlie British army, or
the loss of the many brave men who perished in
that arduous service ; but while he was ready to
admit that the result of that campaign was in
some respects calculated to cast a gloom over the
fresh glory which the battle of Corunna, which
?i \ :;iOi r^ \'. ;: i
{ .
r>l ii'i liT ^i:r' ! li \ '.\]'_>; ( < .w r
ii ;,i :i .'. f [.] I )\ ( (1 ! J- i; .i\' ii'.if'.'i ' i\\.\' :
^ A \ 1 K I; -^ * .> . - 1 I ' ^ 'i v;' I ' 1 1-
:. . V \. ; ' . i;: > a .; : !i >' : i: i' .:!i:i;uii c:!^;!) v,
'^^">i.i :.'! -:i.:i ;i ri'-';';i !:.\i' !);! !'.i\ rd c\'ctv
. j!)'c ji! M;rij<i. . ^.;i\ i:c Ik 1 ^;i^ ^^Mi * ! :r,(ii t w !i;i,h
";: - l\!.' i\\ u til l!,i\ v' ]);.) ;,;)! 1 .'. > -;;, wi- lu > ;;ii.l i 'Ui
, .\ ( (L -.!'; 'li!:; (!' iu' ! I ; il' 'i;f I ;' >,i .1!!, ,!^ !
Ki p - .\
\ rr
450 MARQUIS WEI.LESLEY.
alarm, the whole of these maritime means pass
into the hands of a man, the sworn enemy of
this conntry, in whose grasp they must hecome so
formidable, not only to lier prosperity, but even
to her very existence ? Such an opinion, if it
were really that of the Noble Marcjuis, migbt.
doubtless, denote great intrepidity; but it did
not argue an equal degree of prudence. For hi>
part, he saw matters in a very diiferent point of
view, and convinced, tberefore, he was, not only
of the propriety, but of the necessity, of renew-
ing every effort to assist and encourage Spain,
and to keep alive and foment the spirit of resist-
ance which, she still continued to exert against
her perfidious invader, a resistance by which
alone we could hope to succeed in keeping out oi
the hands of France the naval and commercial
resources of that country. On these principle-
it was, that his Majesty's government agairt
endeavoured to assist the Spanish people in theis
noble struggle, and on these principles, he con-
ceived that such an endeavour was perfectly
iustified."
' lie \rould ask the Noble i\far(]uis. and tbci;
Lor(l^hi()Sj wh;it it was wliicli oiigiiiaUy induced
luighuid to espouse and pioinote the cause of
Spain ? Was it not because her exertions in vin-
dication of h.er in.'icpendenee were felt to opeiate
as a i>'>\\ eriul (hveision in fa\'our of the power-.
'r.uwri^ V
;.;)
t!..' ('>;; Mit III, tiirn in ,ii i::- ;:- 'ii-t !':;uu-c
^\ J- :t 11^ it ' '(AMU-;. ' hr-t.' I MM t ; ;:n i i S;);.;
. v.:;; '.i'j,/ ( ,t' 1;C1 ( -opt". :i' . : . ' ^ ' l..;! irv i h; ;'.l Ii
^"-c ;i:I:I:; f- '<; ii\r::i -!|-,ai'! ;lit! W'^iiiii C' ;::c
a:!!W(! \':::i all []\v li(ii\' \,,^!,:;.i- ol iii^'c.
I .\t: \" tiiiiiL:; \'. !i a li liic i:(.\u'i - ! -;;v :; i in. ui ^'' ;;'.(1
( lit I i\ (- I ;; 1 lu" a; 1!! t'\i.A u: i . \\ i.i'i i i '. c^ ::.' i.i.v .i
ai '1 r-i.r, at.Atrd li.tn 'au- ^ ..-r .:;" : t, aa! ::...'.
( !]<a t \\aiiM !.f ^t!-,a;a .i lo. ; aa iaiaa!: I'a.ii ,aal
(I( >ti ar' ,1 ai ^ il tla^ r ^aa! i \ . 1 Ta-. ^\ :^ 'ha u'a it
j>!M,i"j'lr \Oi,'!i aataaad t!a- la-*. aa"li r- ' ] tiia
1 'i\ a .'li i i VI .!a; ;i a. I ,a\a i >a! t! aaiai' a w -
: aa 1 ! : , < a i . i > a . a a a : \ i ; - , 1 i i a . a . , a a ' a \'. . - .
.,: a a ' a,!>! a^.a' a aa to ! . ta; aiai i a' a.'. \ : a ii
( I 'aai an.c a' , I)ia , t a :- ; i a-, a. a,., a', a.' t ;a . -; jaat
to ^', hall -aaii a a,! ad ;'^ j li.(a,.a '.'a II' ^ -a >,.. ;it
a^-air' . I'a^ l.iad a!' aa' ^t' uI in a ,; \v \ cf ' ''''
' >iaara' -a' : a > ''.;. .a !'. a aal i a
45<
MARQUIS WELLESI.rr
How, then, were tliesc daring projects to be
met ? How, but by cherishing, wberc^e^ it
might be found, ])ut particuhirly in the Penin-
suLi, tlie spirit of resistance to the usurpations
of France."
* For my \r.}\t, niy Foids. I can discover
nothing in tlie aspect of Sp;inish affairs tliat
wears any tiling like the fiue aiid complexion of
despair. If. indeed, it liad appeared tliat thi->
spirit bcLTan to hmguish in tlie breast of the
patriotic Spaniards, if nfiscarriagcs, cHsasters,
and tie feat:-:, liad been observed to danip the
aidoiT. and bitak down the energies of the
Spani^ii mind, tlien migiit it be believed, that
furtber assistance to the Spanish cause would
pro\e unavrdJing. But, fortunately for this
country, my Lo.ds, not only is there life still
in Spaiii. b:U her patriotic heart still continues
to Ijcat lii^dn The generous and exalted srntl-
irst prom])ted us to \v.Uil our aid to
iicni ,;
]. f
rlic cause of Spain, slunild therefore be stili
inaintained in tidl i'orce, and sh( uld ^till in-
-j/oitus to continue tiiat iiid to the last moriient
<;f hci- rchistriiice, 'i'he striiggle in w hicli Sp;iin
!S iio\'; (.;:;2;:;;.:^ed i-. u(;t inertly a Sj)anlsh strug!j,le,
Xo, ]; y .L(ii(':,, iu that ^nu:>glC are ccnnmii ted
lu ])c>i', li;e \crv \;lal iiUcr^sts of i-jiii'lanch
"With li'c fate of Spain, tl;e f.le (;f England is
iiu\: in:;!'; ai Liisl v bieuvicd. Should '\vc nor
JUARQl'I^ wr [ I ! - ! I \'
4:'rJ
tiicrctore. staiid l)v livi to i!i'- i.i-t r I'm-
iii\ i):iit, p.iv Loids, a- an a.iUi-Li <>\ [lie
( r(;\\ n, 1 ^!ia!l not cca^c [n ic.-ninnirin 1 tuniN'
S )\-(.'!riun. to a-^i-^t Sj)aiii to tlic !alc>t ino-
i;:Li!t ot her rc^istaiK't*. It. ^h()lllll not (ii^-
Ik'aitc'ii u^ tiiat Spain aj)j)('aI^ to be in the \cr\'
(ri^i> ol Ikt t'atc ; wc >h(uihl, on the contraiw
extend a nioue anxious c'.iie o\ U' hoi' at a mo-
ment M)(i;"i<M!. l-'oi' in n.atniw anth aho\-c' all,
n Spam, ho\'/ olton ha\ c the apparent -\ nij.)-
toii'i^ ot ch-^-o'iii ion heon iho pu-a^o^ ot' iiew
ii'r. and < *, Kno\a.t((i \!l;"U1'. 'J hereloiCj in\'
I.oich, I woiiUl ehiiL^' to Spam m hei la>t
sti uu-Lj.le. thcielote I woidd wateli hei hi.^t aLi,'o-
nncN ; I wonh! \va^h aaul heai her \\()uncN, I
^/.onUI ] mvc hiei' p.iitMiL;- hrtiile I woidd
ealeii and oh.eiidi the i.:^l \ilal spaih oh hoi-
e\; irniL;' pat r:ol i^n; ; \ ( ->
I) i>.^ ^ i'u'n-r^: . /'/'''
iJ': ,:.;,".
\oi K-t thi> he deena_'(l a n:i'ir oUioc (it paai-^
nantx'; no; an e\a'_''i;aa at; d lopic^entat eai ot
iii\ 1( (-hnu^-i : nor an o\riclia:urd piolnrc ot Hi.;
oil^al!n,^ta!lee-- that eall tiiom lorth In 'he
;anNe ot Spann the t'an^e ot lionom ae.d I't
mtore-1 i^ i'([!i,dl\' in\(ii\a'(h and mMpii;d)!\-
aU;vM! It !-> a oan'^e m ni\'oni ot ^\hieh the
45 -i
U A R Q U 1 S ^V E :. L i: S I . i: V .
finest fcciings of ilie heart uiiitc with the sound-
est dictates of the undcistaiKiiiiLr."
3jarcJi2l, 1811. On proposing tltc Conllimance of the
Portugju'sc Troops in Brititli. Fay.
' The exertions made by Portugal, inde-
pendent of tiie aid she reecivcd from tliis eoun-
try, were of tiiemsehcs eonsiderable ; but liow
nuich more cfucaeious tliese n sight be rendered
with due assistance from tlfi.s countiy, nnght
be inferred iVon^. what was now well known to
ti^cir Lordsliips to hive resevltcd from the lud
ah.eady afforded by us to Portugal. She baid
liceii stimulated thcrjbv to a (k^gree of exertion
before unknown in tlic annals of the country,
and these eiibrts, assisted by and combined
^vith those made by Britain, h.ad produced a
tide of success iin])aralleled in the histoiw of
any country in Europe."
" Tlie only remaining qn.estion to l;c eon-
sideied, then, was, whetlicr the projvyyed aid
towards the defence of Portugal should i;e con-
tiruied, or wlietlicr h.e would not u jC a stronger
term we should with ;m untimely hand, after
rousing the slumbering energies of this people,
. damp the spirit whieii had been thub createil,
MAKQL'IS WVl.l.l il I y.
4J-
i!i>tca(l dt' tccdiiiLi,' it, and re iic\v'iiiL:; ilb \i<_:,i)iu -
^Vhctllcl w c ^hiuild lint -stiinulutc lla cxci-
tKJiis, (.ii(:()Ui;il;\' llic Impr-^, and t'uiiii^h aid, to
llic patriotic cllDrts ot" a coiintr\ iiohK ^truL;-
ghni;" tor her iiidi'pcndciUT : \\ licthci Me
should not knd Iki' additional a-si^tancc tu
^[rcnL;-tlicii and irniuoiatu llin-r powci 5 ^^dlich
alrcadx cxi-^trd. and w ric in a tram ot' ^Ul.'cc^j,
to iin;)io\c th'>>,t.' !j,i\at :\ui\ incalcnlahlc :ids an-
tau'c-^. uliicli >uch a tiaiii ot'^ilcunl^tanc(.^, and
Mirii a -tatc ol' thing-, natni'ally and ubvioublv
i>i'c-cnt( ( 1 -"
Jj'ni 10, !^l!. On jiroiidsnij^ RcJ'tt-f lo the I'uftugtuie
Siilim It,
' llic con--t'(iiuiiC(,> t-l" tlic cxanijilc of I'oi-
LU"'al nn^ht piosr a.- hcnctu lal to other nations
ot" F.iirop,!,-. a^ tiicA had hitncit(j hc(.u \\>i her
own (U'loma. Tin- ineavuii', thcioloie, he
wonld repeat, -lood upon tiie L'lound i>t the
il, suh^taiitKd pol:e\' ot cneeairauin^- what
pro\'ed -o ad\vtnlaL;,i()U-^, and not MnijiK' of
<;!d a! ' lehinriit . tiiend-hip. and aUianeo. It
st(_H/d on the ground oi thie oiiU hope ol aehu'\'-
ing an\' rhmg 111 the bliape ot' >('enrU\- !< r an\-
p. lit ot' l.'iiopr. It eoinhincd piinujU>, in
'Aliieh ancient aUunee, and ['.irncular and ge-
iiad
456
JIARQUrS V\-K].Li:S].LY.
iicr.;] safety, were cciually conccrnctl. lie was
sat!:5ficd that tlieir Lordships \\,)u]d Tiot rcini-
(liatf tlv'Se grounds ot'acli'ni tiuit ihcy would
not repudiaic such old aiui iidiu'ttcd jMinc'plcs
of national cor.vinct, ^^l)u:il were in such j)ei{eet
consonanee t{>cv\iv (ln:late oi' iii(;i\ils and ol ic-
ligion. 'Idle j!rine!|des ed' our niea.suies in Portn-
gal were not to be eharaetensed as t hixalious
and roniantie; they were eonneeted with evei-y
scntin^.ent that was dear to iiritidi liearts,
IJitlierto we had g'i\en our aid li be rail}, and
there were tiie best rea/^ons lor our continuing
to do- so. It was tVesli in the reeolleetion of
their Lordshij^s^, that they liad ;ieted on a Isroad,
fair, and liber.d scale, lie liooed he had not
lived to see tiie day, >]icugh lie had s(>met;ines
been suipiised by hearing sonietJiing like ir,
v/hen it shouiil l>e said, tliat ancient faitii, long-
tried atUiclnnents, and close coii nee t ions wdih
our allies, were eircunistanceb to he discarded
fioni our cunsideration ; and that tl:ey si;ould
]>e saei'iheed and abandoned to tne n^.ere >iig-
gestioL'S and calculations of a eold pohev."
Novanhcr ;iO, \i>]2.-Jn I'he Dilictc on the Jddrc^s.
" Ii,s great purpose was to enquire and to in-
stigate thei]' Lordships tc* en(juire, uheliier tjie
M .\ K'M' 1-^ '. : !
P.; w
; ! . .ii i 1
: . : ( 1 \ . . I ; . I I
\ 11 -w.-n ,!- t!;
i 'i ' 1 I 1 t , i
j , . ,
j
1 i 1.' \ 1 1 . ; ,.i; ! .. : I" :;;.;' V t li)-
U\'t I .. hi., 'i ( ' M,! -> W :;>, Mill i ; !11\ I , \ .-li I I ,r ( .-
; ' !'i iM I .M I": cMrli ::i i.tir^ i'; ::! >; ,.!i. '! . '^
- I : ,; I i.ii i: ai;' ; j.i ..c! : ;i ' ' c' .
i \, ,. - ; . .:''( ' ' - 1 ; :i ':< i .. .<i (!>;:;;!!
Hir'r 1, '^ :- . \\ : 1: \'. l . .,: W /N i;,
< 1: ','' 'i :..,'! I'^ ^ ii (' :ic ' ;;l M . l'
i; j).:-;.!!!; :il .
; , : :i \\ : : I ; - ;. d. \>r ',['
'.ill i t : . I I .1 ' '1 I' I I \ . \S : -' I '. , ,;iM 1
,'.',( ' ' ' .
" > M . , . ^ , 11 .i: ,-:,:. ..K '.,.. !!: ;t \lr
l'( : , , II ~;i 1 t ; ,. I 1 M I li c.il uil Mil II. .i
. c ( 1 U : 1 1 ( 1 < ) I ! : ( I ) 1 1 ( ! ! 1 1 ' 1 1 ' ; I i ; '.
! li . 1 -'..(. (1 ,.-'!:(, 1 , i;v ,iK:l
II :ii... 11(1
43 S MARQUIS M^ELLESLEY.
must reprobate and reject was, that plan of em-
])]oying the resources, of exposing tlie sinews of
our strength to lioarly danger, hearing liaul
upon our finances, yet accomplishing neither
oliject, but falhng dead as it were between
both. Such a pian as this cvciy one must
concur in condemning. It was essentially hos-
tile to thiC principle of economy; it was expense
without fruit; and yet tiiat was tlie system wliicli
iiad been [)ursued during the last, and during
tlie preceding campaign. A vast expense of
blood and treasure had been lavished, and oar
resources enfeebled. M'ithoiit accomplishing any
one definite or precise object. Wheie it was to
end lie knew not; but it would be insidious to
call upon Ifiin or any one to say how closely
calamity nfight tread upon the footsteps of erroi-.
Wiieii France was meditating fresh wars in the
north of Europe, and when we saw Russia pre-
pared to resist her ambitious designs to the last
extremity, v.'hat more vigoi'ous or effectual as-
sistance could we have irieen to Russia, than bv
prosecuting the war in Spain. The best succour
Ave could afford to that country, the most essen-
tial aid that we could bestow, was by carrying
on the war in the Peninsula upon a broad and
extensive scale of operations. But it was not so
carried on; and he charged upon that system
tl>ercfore, m the first instance, a defection from
'I.\ l;iH i .^ w I i I i.^i..- V
-l.'.'<
tiic r:iii-r (,t Uii-^wi. li( (I;<1 lint iii(l:r(l i)\ au
IM (ii-[)iit '. t:i:il the c\c'nl- d "Ik ,,,-t i,j,;j),wL'n
had :.')L hcLli hriu ti'-ial t'^S, i.i.; i.u' iii^ <-!;-
|rrl ,1(11 *'.:>, t h.il liio-^C he i.( :,; ^ \'. 1 : c- iir. I I i !- ,; 1 V
.5CLurt,'(l. .iImI tint \\\i v ci,'.;: i \.ii[ h.- (.]".;!(; l)
he |)v'i ii'iiiUciit. ()ii nil ti.'. . ! ii);i:;(i , . (';;-!i'i.,'i -
111 'J.' ;ri;m>tcr-> a-, c. :! ,..h!; .ji \'. ;i :,;ii "Ith; _ i, ri ;l i,l
-~uj)])h(.'-, ht-l(;rf !::_ C'r,;!'. ,iu.!( ii' t:,>;' p.i! ('i
Ihc-^pir^'h \\ hie h -:)'>!.(' I 1 I ; .c (>.(,:,'.',-.( 'i L,c
Sj).i:.l^h intliMI. i,r Iliii-t i;; JiiiwMl.id whilC iilC
hc'iu III > ai imul:' (.at. ' m die -c exert ii)ii-> \\ l ic to he'
! ' 1 1 1 1 i ( L
' l),-m:^^iiiLJ,' tiu' !op:c '.t'thc 1\ iiiii -iiKiT \v'.ti\
he adw 1 U'(i to liic hojH .> hrhi out ol' a <h\( i"-io;i
tioi.i S>'. r(h'U 111 l,',\our ()! ;:,c ( ';)ei at l^)ll^ ot
ic CDisal ii'it comaixa' an\ti:ii'._- more
ciiohe.ai^ in j.''>he\', (ir in co-opcu;; ;o;i. 'lain "he
hlH" ot coialllr; [ail-;iil Witil u^.^rd [n tll..^
j.owaT. .\n a aj;jaaud to i.i- iniiid, a le.ao e.x-
1 , aoii 1 iiM;\' aot oi (hij'i'aii; e\ i, ad in \aa' o.caiicil
tl
t u a' \' w hiaai * lo iiiiin-Ie i -^ h.al c^ ai-
( huh'd Willi tia' -oxtiiiiiaait i-t SA(d,(ii. \\ u as
a ':ei1\ w iiieii pioiiiivt d e\t;\' a(!\allt.l^e to
S\.ed'an, N^iliuail miaraii t( ^ ai'j,' :,ii\ t( l"iii:iaiuh
1 1 w a-^. in taet , a lie at \ iii w '.aeh, a-- iL 1 i.id he i u
(aieo >'. !M;r--;e'ai'\' oh>ei\cdi iij^oii a ^iiiular r..ii-
ti.iar, t !u' ; eaajMooitN ^\a-,;dl on one ^ido. 1 or
\'> v' haw eii'_;:me(l to alVoid Swadni ,id the a^-i^t-
, . i ;;) Ol!' I'o", el, '.:\ he.r ope; alie'iis a'-aiiisL the
46~0 MARQUIS M'ELLL.SLKY.
enemy, or for her own protection, wliile notljing
aPDearcd likely to be done for us or for our al-
lies on her part."
Mfirch 12. IS 13. On moving Jbr a Connniltec u)i tlie con-
duct of llie fVar in the Peninsula.
" ?v[y Lords wh'dt secret cause amidst the
splenchd scene that has Ijcen exhibited on the
Peniiisula wiiat malign influence, amidst the
lejoicings and aecl.imations of triumph., has coun-
teracted the brilliaiit:. successes ol"our arms, and
has cOineiieci t lie glad feelings of a just exulta-
tion into the bitterness of regret and disap])oint-
mcnt? With au army, in discipline and sjjirit
superior to any that had evei l)een assembled ;
uniting in itself (paalities so various, as never to
have entercii into tlie composition of any other
such assemblage of force vvith a general, pro-
nounced by the wliole ^vorid to be unsurpassed
in ancient or modern times, the pride of his
country, the refuge and hope of Euro[)c with
a cause, in whieii Justice \ icd with policy, com-
bining all tluit M'as ardent in the one motive,
with all that \\"<\s sober in the othei-; with the
eyes of Europe tixed on our movements, w ith
the admiration of the worki excited bv our
M A i;i:i IS \' : 1 ; I -^1 ;
r.'
ht t 11 i\.i-m1 ()iil\ to I).' I i li >':,.'>.; 1 1"\\ i > il
t hat \\ ( lia\ r 1 i. \ li a. 1 ! i\\ (. i. ! ; ^ . i; ( \ [ (V'-
t.it :i)i! I 1 a!! .!!','; . i.u ;mil: > .< ; ' >^,
< 'i.i \- t" lui.i .!(i ! \.c li* it 1 c'-. I '- : ^ : i; lit ('! (Hir
\'. .vK > ? W :,\- ii.i-, a >\ ^U :;; < ;' ; ^ \ .: ; 'rr - im!-
(U l; !\' ai;(i i n \ ; ;..; ..\ d. ^ .. > . \ . ; : i : in ' a
\ ^Icw] { \i \u.i' : \\ , V ...'* ii. .!\ -;; vIIl;
I . . ail I i; Ir :^' i;!M ! ., .- ! ' a' _ a i K ai >
i::i at
; '. 1 , (. I
( a-. :
a, -arpia:
\\
>. :..a 1 ;c laah
a . . . ; ' a 1 s 1 11 < i a :
i.i ac la . !. ( '\v 1
.: ^- a>, h,.s:,
-. -;i ai ' :\' i!, -
.! (a:; iia:!!..- y
; !..; i! \- ai.c
( ! I;
( mm;
:\ , It
' ' a J 11
II I.
4Cy2
lAIARQUIS WELT.F.SLEV
only honest o1)ject, tiie only great object which
v/e could pursue, or hope to obtain by our
operations in Spain), was, the exjHilsion of the
French, or at least a considerable dindnution of
tlicir power, with a view to the heedoin of the
peojijc, a:Kl the iri(lc{)cn.(leiiee of tlie Sj)anis]i
inonareliy. Tiiis was certainly tlic nKiiii object
whieli we oup;ht to have contemp]atetl; tlie ulti-
mate obicet of the jhatish nation was certainly
by tb.e (ieliverance of the Peninsula of Spain, to
lay a st;lid foLi^sdation fer the establislunent of a
perniavieiit and honourable peace."
" Wi at I ha\^e contended is, that tb.e efforts we
liave UM-A^ have not been equal to the resources
of the country; that Uiey have not been such as
the niaj^nitude, the infudte importance of the
cause demanded, aiul as the hivonrableness of
the opportunity particularly called tor; tliat we
liave not made even a laint ap/j)roximation to the
object of the was the expulsion of the French
from the Pen'nsula l.nit that the French ha\c
been en liled, by oi>r reverses, to consolidate
tlicir power in S!)ain, aiul to svstenuitise the
moral and mifitary suhjup;ation of tlic country.
We oughi: 11) have called fhrth all our resources.,
and we have made i!0 extra-.rrd'nary sacrifice; wc
ought to have -trained every nerve at this ino-
inentoiis crisis, and ^.ve have remained little
better ihni idle spectators oi' the fate of Spain,
M A IIQU IS \vr [ M SI I V. -4!).*
(;iic';ilati()ii> nt i \pc'ii-~'.\ \'.:;r-:: :.], h ; t. a^ t!'.r
il'ivt ill t :;f !i.ilaiu.\'. "
V,
I, I ~1S. /, '.. I),h^!tr o 'ir .11,1.1. ->.
' 1 ! \'. .-:u !i to - Litr iKl'Tf lic -at ii.u'n,
\'...\ t,.at .lI : -t ,ii't ! Ill \' ;, ch 'ir lei' :;i rM-i^niuii
\\ ill I f l;c- *.-n;, iil I ; :,! !..: v'. \'. ,,- '.\ I'll ii: ilj ;; ])X\\\-
V ij'ii^ and I'm . ~c;:ti;!\ ^!. 1' '.\\.- in l -o iiuicli
!)ecMi:-c Iiic-'.- '. \ ( !i' '".i'l :,.!^,!l t i.' i:iMi;>ii\ la'-
putal:'-:; of lii;- C()a;.:r- aiid fii' 'a;i ail:i'>. r.\-
j.i\A: - (\ \\\..\ 1.1 ;,iv i,d ;: ;\ (.i-;.^t In wlanii
\ ai lie :ii li . ^ ( v --
1;.;';;,;J !< dt i i' u
.-.c::-.d . 'd, td
..l.:i (da. I -.'.._ a \\
dad lac li aiu'-^L
. 'c 1 :k' \ We ! (. t lit-
.i. I . la.- r:,i.a;-;iu s,
a I a' (.1 \ .L;(iui',
I ' i;. !;! ii.it .. Ml .iiul
aid 11', t K.,|. idll-
t at -lb aa - > d\'
II; w . a I i d n ' a
I; 'a aia< - ; l;i'i I, a
I, i,c- V, a- r. ill V ,;,. id
! ; , ' ' ! \ I : I < V. i ( d
i ii ; ,;i l.c >
401
MAKQU lb WELLESLKY.
in ti'.c Xoiih of Kuiopc, were to be traced (o
the i<M!g trdiii of ])eise\'ei-inii^ counsels per-
sisted ill \>y the Ciovernineht of thds country.
Thon .>;!] i!;c,m: counsels iiad not always imrne-
di,;leiy proj^uect! the rcsalls. that were expected
b}- tla-c wi\o r;i;crtained them, they were not
the lc:i ihe cause of wiKit had ultinuileiy taken
pl.;c.a T:;e h.-a.; p-r-cverance of thii countiV
sho\r..d in I'le n.c-it convincing nuinner, the
d!spo^i '(;]. wh.eh {;er'-'adcvl all I'ank^ and condi-
tions 01 its iniiah;:;-*!'.). \fhde \vc were en-
dea\ou)a: ^n cai- h tl,e hi-t Ineatfi of expir;n<^
opj)osiru)i;, ciud Lxcrl-n:; ourseUes in a stru[;L{le
ap]);.r(a!tly I'op/iess. . :i:at i.e)n;ent, the j)uhi!c
conn'ch of t'hs c-a:nl;'i' \re;e cd' tlie utnu-st,
importance to I-hoe; .'>av hb^rty; lor an onpor-
tunitv was ihub ;.,:\an to tiie rest of Europe
to lecousuier -;e:r ioiia^r crioi's, and to learii
that Liteat les,-oti wlw/U the example of JJrilaiii
at}br(ied tlieC'. X;):id';,;- .culd 1)0 more true
than toe hi^t word^ \\ h;ei: th,.l ;;reat statesman,
Mr. Pitt, ever (ji. i ; v'er;_'d in public, " iliat I-bui;-
land bad sa\a'd la v-^ili hv la r in aoie^s, and had
saxad Mthcr ;aO:'a.> hy her cvaicplc ' Wdiai a
5;at;ot;iC('_;r-." an(- c ,. ^aicc ]"''u: ;': i.-n it. wa-^lor
us, that lioni t!., .;..ind aa.;!;in t'le :i:u.'icil
wa'^ers i)i JJl.^d. :;:; acd [:\i<w iiad (; jwed, \\ bich
at bi^t oN'ci >p:'. .;d i!a: :.;; i ,it>.-\f jKOt of Ihiropc;
that to the {)crsevei iaj pirit of this counti-\- i!
MAliQL' I> WKI I F.SI i;V.
ttjj
\ra> nwiiiL!,' [\\di olluT n:iti'ii> weifat la^l aiii-
inalt cl ti' (ic'!.il> \V(Htliv i'\' the nuhlc c.ai-f iii
wiiicli t;.-. \- Wire t.'nL^au,c(l, and ol' ll;c Li'icat
cxaiiiuu' \\ linh wa.^ >l1 Lo IIk'hi."
H tl
( 466 )
MR. WELLESLEY.
February 12, 1811. On seconding iJie Address.
'* Buonaparte had essaye(] all tlie arts of
his policy. Gentleness and security were used
in their turn, and equally without effect.
Nothing could unbend the resolution, or crush
the spirit, of the Spanish people. If such were
the effects of that magnanimous zeal which
first prompted that gallant nation indignantly
to spurn the yoke of a foreign despot, what
might not be expected from her future efforts,
now that she had the best incentive to exert,
and the most gratifying recompense to reward
them, namely, a constitution according to law?
The Cortes has been assembled, and possessed
the confidence of the nation. Thus was the
spirit of freedom now endjodied in a representa-
tive Government, and directed by deliberate
wisdom; nor could the attitude which the great
council of the Spanish nation now ])resented
fail to remind them of tlie ancient Roman
senate, who sat in the calmness and majesty of
national deliberation, while the enemy were at
M K. Wf.i I J SJI \ .
tlk' \ (.: \- fill's of Koirc. 'Tin- Clltl.ll^M^t iC
patriot !^In of tlic Spaioaid^ \\ a> i-\ a i \ w he la-
in acli\it\'. Tile Ino^t \aliialiU' iiiai 1 1 ara' pi m-
Naiucs ot Sjiaiii. Miii'cia, (laliicia. aiiii \ aUai-
caa. waaa-, \\ v.\\ tln'ir own populahon, al)k' to
keep in awe the i('>j,ai!ar aiamcs ol" Jviiopc;
\\l)iUt. ti,r intiaior ol" tlir foiiiitiN', a:al f\ rn
tlu' pauicc I'i tilt' usmpiw. at Madiid. l):ai i.ol
!)(aai -afc Irom ihc iiuaif^ion ,iiul alt;' k ol' ,'!>
\'u] aal^ ljiHla'> ot pai t !>aii-^.'
I 408 )
EARL OF WESTMORELAND.
April 2\, 1809. In the Debate o;; Earl Grey's Moliort,
for an Address on the Campaign in Spain and Por-
tugal.
" The Noble Earl (Earl Ore}) ^aIio brought
forward the motion, vj\d those who folio svecl
him, had been pielt}' liberal in their een.siires
on Government. According to them, Ministers
were wholly unfit to hold tlieir places, lie did
not doubt b'tit thev knew of persons who, in
their opinion, rni<'ht be bubstituted with o-rcat
advantiige. lie thouglit at tliat kite liour it
was uuiiecessarv foi' him to eon:5ider what pre-
cise line of comhict I/ngland ouglit to have
pur^iued ; but tliis lie would sa} , tliat h(;nour,
jasrice, and, al)0\e all, pobc\-, caHed upon her
to hup>p()i t the S;.)uni6h cau.>e l}' every meaii>- in
her power."
t.'.-- )
MR. \\'iirri;ui:Ai).
!' ./' / Jl. h-'-. / : /;, 'il,' , :c t;u ,/;./;, yy,
" 11 . ,1 Willi cw'.ici 1 P. !u' I 'ii-; r\ . il t ..,-!;
tiirir \\\i^ ]]i) ai'iiiMoii wii.ilcN .1 11! li.y -jiLcr'i U)
,1 pl'i-jKTl (il j>:m,t. ( in; I .' ir.L II w^ii- ;,: jnjs.
-i - ; Ml it i.> -> 11' 'iiir::! ~ i,; ii \\\c vi,;,,, cl d'
p< ac( ; aii'.i l.i' w > \\\c lo uj'C.iL i!;.iL i;; the
llC'L;'(;t KllKUl \\'li;Cll ll.ul t.ikc 11 ji'.itV !.ilc!\ Wltil
I'l.tiicc. t h ;t ' iliK'c't WM-) !()-', i;>;i I iriMi; --r l-';-;::;.'r
\". .^ al '."..; \ > wi'i;.^". l);il !iv*'.iii-r 1 ,;i^"i;iiii \'.\i-j
iVc'jiM.'ii! !\ \'.ii '.!_, ai.i! ;i;il :!i,;!.\ I 'jM.'>'. ; i;i.i:.v :j
I il (.'tire! i;i'.'' jir;i T i, I'l i-; . .; 1 -' ,
" 1\':..T. Ml li: - I 'I'll. 1 '11. \\ .;-. lU'Cv -^:,; \ t( .
t !;; -.M \ ,1! : I'.i I t l;.r > ' u n ", i \ ; '>:i t 1 w . u; :il
Mlii.i l!ia; III; >. ''i;i;:\ -.. -i.'d ]u:'-:i, t:i.::i >iii;-
llill t, :i (h -;: 'M' iir. .;/!. p. ..' ."
\\:-u ( i>'i;;^ :i,i 11 ! .[\i \ '; i 'u' i':i-j-ri\t v
I i'l I . ;(' ] r. ( 1' i 111 ; ; \n'iu --^ ( 'I
1 .!. i i> 111 ; , >i i i 11: ; "^t.ii c i ^ ! > i: i
-:^. ^^ ii-tii;!- .:i ii'.! in, ' .
: \^ 1 >:;! i;, ; i i;. .' > c Mi
1)1: m1 >r.':: : " \ I Inl i....\ !; \' ii!'! !\'\ vi
\\ y ii ,. ^ ' : .: ':;.:. \ ^ .m> a._\i!';^.':
dl t . .( (.'( ;';;i I i \ . .,11'
! ; > ; ,H'i 'liir-t,. \ . .'.Ill ,
i.'M.i;i.-c- lu \, n;M
\',\: I \\i iu!( : !; ' I'i T'l
470 Mil. Willi BU AD.
France, and reduccil all tlie powers ot* Europe,
except Sweden, to a btatc of subserviency to
Trance, to a power, the greatest the world ever
saw, and governed by an individual as able to
wield that power as any person the world ever
produced."'
February 29, 1808. On moving resoluliuns- relative to ilie
proffered mediation of Russia and Austria,
' At various epochs of the w^ar, persons
speaking in this and the other House of Par-
liament, have used the epithets, alarming, dis-
astrous, tremendous ; and each has appeared to
be appropriate to the period at which it was
spoken, till at length an accunudation of events
has brought us to the crisis of our fate. It still
remains to be decided whether that crisis shall
lead to the destruction or salvation of the
empire. I profess myself to be of a dispo-
sition rather sanguine umler the pressure of
political dilhculties ; and I am so, not only from
constitution of mind, but also upon the prin-
ciple, that no man ought to enter into tlie
business of common life, without a determina-
tion never to despair of the public welfare.
Such is the power of true wisdom, when once
31 U. WHilUllKAD.
471
rippiiL'il to tlic C(Jiitliict (;l" hun)aii uiruirs ; buch
is w IklT iii.iN 1)0 tt'iiiicd its lis tncdicatrir, that
no .Mtii;iti(ui call be iinai^mccl >(j desperate as nut
to admit ot leniedv. It i.s al)S(jiutely necessary,
lnnw\ir, to u^e the lime u liieh yet lemaiiH
'A nil d.x'reticiii, and we are iu a situation in
uliu ii IK- licsli error can be eoiiiniitte<l with
nr.fMniir\. I h,i\e lel^ it, thtietoie, to be my
<lui\ ,:? i!it> paitieular moment, to biiiii^' tt/
fhc leeul!. i' I .;i ot ' he 1 buise, t lie transactions (jf
tiie Li-^t U'vv i.M)ni':is, and to j^ropo-^c the expies-
s'oii oi an (.j'i'iion upon the coiuhiet cjf Mmis-
*< Is wi;ii KL^viTtl to our loreii^n relations during
'lie time tlie\ base been in power, and a mode
ot ()i"eee(lin^- tor the liitnre. 1 am not pre-
-VIII, plu -u- euouL!,h to imagine, that wliat I shall
>uhmiL !o \our eoiiMdciatioii will pro\c au
intaliiole k n.c.(!\- ; hut at lue same time, I liavc
a ight to hopi' that in\- adv.ee, if adopted, inav
piohihI\, or |M)-s:bl\-at hast, h-;ul top(;liIieal
-aI\at;oii; \\i\ the expennunt wliieli 1 ha\e in
s le V I..!- I.t c Ii ;,it iiei to ab-Mu;tei\' uiiliietl. We
aie a' ;vc-tr.r, m iii\" ^lev^ and estimate (.t
'hinij,'-, Li,'i ' i\ riiiii'j; in tiioi. 'i iir eountr\" i^ in
a -.'a'c (! dciUMon, \', huh \sa-5 at the first
;.i t.U' . ,l:y <iruti(h and which has Ije;;n kc[>t uj)
irtiiii ; :i;e to riuit' ti>i' interested j)Ui[)o-i>. thl ,i'.
! I \ \..<: '.'. i 'i!e eomiiiunitN" ap[)r,ii-, t.) be, ;ii an
'iiiii: iir (ic.orc, ttie toi) wllin ' shi^e of it^
472 MR. WHITBREAD.
own prejudices. Afy object is to dispel tlicse
clouds to lead the House and the country to
tiie true knowledge of the circumstances in
which w^e stand; to a:^ccrtain whether our ruin
be inevitable, and our salv^ation impossible ; to
induce you to act with justice both to your-
selves and others ; that if it should please God
that this great nation sliouUl at last be over-
come, we uvdy meet our fate with the resolutioji
of men who had done all which depended upon
them to avert it ; and that if we do perish, we
at least may ])erish in the liglit of day."
'' The circumstances in which we stand are
rendered more alarming from the spirit and con-
duct of administiation. Putting; asivle for the
present all consideration of the means by which
they obtained tlieir power, I look only to their
character wdiilc in power; and if I contemplate
the repulsive arrogance of their communica-
tions, their destructive activity of enterprise,
their |)erp!exed and crude eflbrts at connnercial
regulation, mixed with the symptoms of narrow-
minded and cruel policy which 1 see in this
House; if il^.e fate of the countiy be really
doomed, it a-ppear.s to me tliat thev ;ire exj}ressl\'
d'.^ignatt'd tni' it-, consunmiation."
" 111 the place of tliat political v^'i^dom whicli
is expert at seizing tho-e more,en!s whicli foiiv
overl(K)ks, and in(iiscietiv!U neglects, the whole
M K. Will I r, tn A /).
47.5
in;ii(l (I'l till' aditi :i:i>t 1 :it nMi is t'liip.MN 1 1! m
ali-urd ( ii-!ni i-iii)iiM' 1 cmi! 1' !Mii>. \\ h;cii i,r\ci
(ill i.'v" rxrriilrd, hiil W I i i <>\\\\ Iciii.Mia I1,(<1U1-
iiK'iit i)t t li', 11 jH lU; I, a! w r,iisiu'-.N ''
' \\ ill ic is i! ])()^NiMr ti) iiKii^r au\- inipu's-
^')ll llj;''!! liaiRf: W in IC ( 111 \n;i (iiiHL' ill
miitact Willi iu'i- \]y \\ iial l',u'all^ oi in wiial
(i:rt_'cl icn can \i>\\ ii -^ xmir ain.its ti-i the jaii-
j)i >; ''I !; ,. !v ; r.L; I ( r ( :i> , i > a:-> < 'i | a a'a' :
It c',,n he -.;;i!. ': ..! Ihc -i .r ;-;;;;'.;m' oi tiK \', a;i'
made ii\- I'l .:,:.,.d ia;^ d.eii lia' nhtainmu' o: ;i
- I . : ( .A\'\ ii; 1 m.aia'n'i i ( .la . It it l.ad. t lie
iM^ii' iai\r !;'. 11 laji'l'MJcd 1im;._i- aLi'n.
1 1 d(a d, l! l!a( li !,a\ , a !,a\a' liarli i; l: dca t a!a U. "
K . M -,i a
a . ' a I a ;>' aac
'! !k.t i.a-
. : he ' UL
1 ' a . 1 i ( a . ' j '( aa-
'.: , , a , \ ,' ; I ^ 1 1 ' / 1:
(, ' . nit .-xa r !.c
<;''.. a ' , I - \'; ; li \'. hadi
ca ! all. , -' ' /W 1 , lat j' aua' iai-.
M ':i .' ai' a. ' li la i a-t ai d !h ! \'.a v n i a;t ,,ai ai";
f ' w d. la \ . :^ '- aa' t iM- : tn , ' 'i'
a, ! ( ', (!:. a^a.-
.-. - a"iiiP-.a:,
I ,ai V .: 1-. 'jial
; I ' 'W ;
Mf I;.
. \'. , , . a
474i niu vvHrriiitiixvij,
you arc secure in peace - If you wait until you
can have security that tlic peace which you
make shall be maintained during any given
period, you must -abandon all hopes ol' peace;
but I should enter into negotiation, expecting
that it would terminate in peace, and hoping
that such peace would be permanent and secure,,
or as much so as at any other period v/ith any
other Government.'
'^ Sir, we have now drunk the cup of expe-
rience to tlic diegs ; and 1 think the most
infatuated enthusiast in politics can no longer
look to the Continent for any hope of curtailing,
much less of destroying, the power of France."
." It is not consistent w'ith the policy or the
dignity of a great nation, to approach anotlier
power with a manifestation of feelings of dis-
gust, of suspicion, or personal antipathy. Such,
nevertheless, have been the maimer and feelings
with which the emperor of France has always
been approached on the part of England. There
has been no period in which the conduct of
Eng-land towards him has been wise or conci-
liatory. There lias been no person employed on
the part of England, M'ho, in my opinion, has
understood the character of the war. At no
time has he been treated with the consideration
due to the situation which he ocrupcs, and to
the achievements which he luio performed."
M li. Wll rn'.KF A D.
47
'' Sir, it will \)C obic'ctrd liuit Mich is the
iiinrdiiiatc aiiihilioii ol" 15ii(Mi.i]);;rIr, there can be
no hope that he will be >ciic)ii>i\- iiu-hiicd to
jjeaee. 'iliai hi^ ambition i^ L;'ii'<it, iiobixK can
(ioLiht; but It is an ambilioii tnueh under the
^uld.^ue ot piiidenee ; he ne\er tails to take;
ev"e!\ pieeaution tor his M-ennU- ; hi- ne\'er ])ro-
errds witliDUt kno\'. aiof. in easr oi ye\'eisc. hove
lie i- to rctiic; and his aminti'Mi h.i^ nc\er \et.
as tar as 1 h ;\'e hcaai able to obsersc, tcinptt'd
Inin t" u() n.ueh hc'vnnd thv true liiu' of hi-
iiitcir'-t. In tal !-.i !!__; wl' iiKjiahnate iii insatiable
ambition, wc mean that passion when carried
to siieh an extent as to pie^loniinate over pru-
dence and discretion. Such was the and)ition ot'
C'liarlt - ii)c XUlh, which was tinU in->atiab!e,
anil, disda.n iiL^- e\cii tliC si;_.|iU'vt control,
luiriicd inm to 1)!-, luai-, Init tiie ambiti'iii ot"
Ila'aiapn ;' ijas ;,.'ea' - been suh-'i\;cnt to Im
' If, 1 l:c n. np '11 a rc\ leu' of" t ic w i,./,'; of iii ,
(:<;. dii'l, I pt :c' :\c thai us |H,iir\ h.i-. cdiitK.llcd
hi> aiiih.t a '!!, .lud ha- aiia\ t d. it not ex t inLiin^-hed
h.is tliirst ImI' ie\en<j,c. and I a' ti.es,inc tMi;e
pt 1 eel vt . t lilt ll would !)! coi'.ducix e to hi- , ii'e-
ie-5t, (\eii ii"\', to ii,.ike peaei- witii I',nai-i:"d ;
III} hop" ' ; a'a onij)liNiiin<^- sueh a pc..c< i- not
'v ith'ait 1' .a udat :o!i. and nn dcsiic t :; it M km-'i i >
\S'()ii'd ai 'cii p! t'' ip'.n a nf.;o; !,t' a ai :- in)' \\'.
47 6'
MR. WHIT CPE A I).
tinied, or improper. Sir, I am no apologist oj"
duy crimes wliieh be may iiuvc committed; but I
am aware that I may be represented by my
opponesits as tlie apoiogi-it of tbe French empe-
ror; I know that I am not so. I am endea-
vouriup; to do ^ome degiee of justice to tbe
character of tliat cxtraoichnary man, in order
tbat Minisrcrs may do ju--tiee to the country."
" Bat is it tlic powei of France that wc now
contemphite r Sir. 1 maiataiu tbat it is not tbe
power of France, but the power of the Frencli
emperor. Ihe ndglirv mass of dominion which
you in your attempts to dicstroy bim have placed
witiiin bis gras]>, iie al^nc can wield; none but
IJlys.jts can bciid tr.e bow of Ulysses. But, as
in the course of nature, his life must at length
terminate. (God forbid it sliould be cut short by
any improper mean;-) tbe power of France would
tl'.f'u no l(nifrcr be wliat it is now. Nay, even
suspend ioi a Uivc tlie operations of war, and
tbe power of the French Emperor would be
no longer wliat it is now. I]y your resist-
ance you create{i, aiid !jy continuing to resist, yon
consobdare tiiat j}t)wer. It is tjie contest of the
iii;: tlie tempest of
,;i-;tv'r all tiiorjc ties
. iciit powers of the
:;C L^iiial influence
X to (hsunite anil to
wind and the ;.un ; by ni
war agaii^st bini, \(
whicb iiave o'a/i.d
cartb undci' his e;;.;
of peace w; !:!:! [end
(fr^voive tbeii!/'
M K. V, 111 r r. i; !
-47
'' W r CAW I'i'i i(i'.'_:rr 1, !>]). ' ::i' t ik' cDunl i u -
\vlii( !i ill ii i -(''..: ;i. u (i \'- ; '1 ! , - : ;i < ..'!'; u ,il
II' i^-. ;.'.(1 \' !,ii i':\ !1U;! if'.W c.HX' !i\ l:.C
I n , I - - , ; . ; ^ I ' 1 I : ; > 1 1 oo i i > . ' 1 ! m r \ i > . i ; 1 1 1 1 * i ii : 1 1 1
tlb - I ,-. > ''ii-- !u c'!i in ,i!i'. :;i;(l t ,.c [ ; i i ii t i"P ^
ol *!; ( :i''-ii: 1 ..li'i tO(ij-l p;')[);:( t . who t'l ^' > ! ' ^1(1
t i u ^ r ami ;;/. , i '- . ' c v : , i ( i ' i . j M r I c I \'
iM-Mi 'I. 1 !,i . :; .' ; 'i'\ ( 1 ^ (iT t lie
( iiii' iiuii! til .!;..!: ^ M ; ';':: i' i'. :.!'' J'l;'.
I K juMl th.it I /.: >, ' .' ._;!-t (,' [':..' c \
I aui Mu ,iii\iK\i!c lit I'lV'La.ii. I \\ .'.'\' \'! -!.c\\
1 1 ; I .: I - I 1 1 1 1 1 I i . , 1 1 ! I ! > ; \ I ' ( , ' : r ; 1 '. I ' n I \ c ! \ : a ' i' - ' i : 1 1
t.' ill i\c jii tar. ai;;l :'>--. i'!a to ir. .:!;t:ii!i i! ; ami
tiiat lllc;^!-' v\ 11; ) w ( 111 id >t 1 1 1 iiKJiiaa u> tn hv iu \'C
Iiiat, tliru 1. aiiN ]ii.i-[w,at i<\' ' !)! aiiii ii'.j,- hcttiT
t; ' ir.- ' li Ml \'. v' (\A\ la .'. ii..\ a, ai ai;\ 1 ii'iiu'
|)aia)ii, '_i!'-i;ii:i((i apiMi ai.\' i-t ll ' ai ai.ini a.i- [i|,icc
tMjja> waiii iaa.a |i-tii tiwali iij''Mi pa -m n,:iii\-
Nial.^, ilaXC r,n iiHiin! \' < '' '- r Miail a>^Cl I K m^.'
A> ha I. a! uii:t'aaii\ aiaai^iitd lac inca-ii re-
ol taa [a(^llit ai 1 ill ! ii i>t I at a Mi since tlic\ a.aac
iiitn ' '!!i. a, ,;^ Jir laad mill' a i!il\- <!' aala,al aia!
(1 - Mi-irii t 111 in. lie ^ia aiid not w >\\ inapn to i.y;\ c
tiiena l:'I ,aa; ton-! \a li> ai inlidi la-o np' ai a l;: eat
;i';d ino-t nnnoiLMit ciis;-. Ai I'lie siitne time.
478 MR. WPilTBRKAb.
he was positively against giving the information
required. He had often heen reproved as a man
too prompt in calhng for information: in the
present case, he knew how to draw the line. It
was, however, a topic of national feehng ; and
he was well aware, when his Right Hon. Friend,
like another Timotheus, seized the golden lyre,
what an enthusiasm he would excite; but he
doubted very much if such enthusiasm might
not he productive of more harm than good, if
prematurely called forth before the brave Spa-
niards were furnished with the means of resisting
their formidable foe. When he heard so much
said, in the usual tone, of Buonaparte, calling
him the merciless drspot, severe tyrant, plun-
derer, common enemy of mankind, &c. he wished
from liis heart that England could come into
the cause with clean hands."
July 4 f 1808. Spain.
^* When this subject was submitted to tlieir
consideration on a recent occasion, by his Right
Hon. Friend (Mr. Sheridan), he had felt it to be
his duty frankly to state his objections to the
impropriety and inexpediency of then agitating
M K. W H \'l Kl; FA 1).
47 f>
it. a> lie ua- iippiiMK'nsivi' tii.it ?;ic ...>cn--i(n at
liiaL tiiDc ii,'L;-i:t \i.ivc ])U inaturi'U' (;i)r;i:r,n ltd
r! (! \vb."li.' Sp'.ui^ii nation witii Ti. .:!.(. S:iic-c
ili.it ;.;'. si. ii.i\w\a'r. tlu' fa-.c w a- iiiatcMalls
al'civ''!. t';a' >:i;iiii>;i natinii \\a>> now coiiiinittfii
watli l-'iai;C(,' ; i/. \ri \\cit.' a people tai^.-'mii in a
inoif arduous and Im'^uiui .iM." -! ii- '.'.(', and i.v
pr :i\ I'd ( I! m' t ) ( [Wi\ ['::< A v !!' I I > \'. I ' W A -UCCCm.S
.IS l;na! j- t i.ei: t li i t> \\ e; c _,: a ioa>. '
Jd'ciu'ii 1!\ iM.a. /;. /'m /)c,'>,':/. .-/i //ic Jd'Jrc.i.s:
'' lie conid net i;e!;) noticing- and eondrnminir
ti.e l;^lit :a;d '..m it d n,;Mincr m wliudi the
Noiiic L( i\i (I. '1(1 C"a>t i'-^ea-li) li.id sjioken of
(a:i can;[;a.ui; :n >j)a.e. 'n i,; n i t. \\ a.-^ ( < aiMileu d
tliat one id \\:c g:vA'r-' aiinies \^ Iik li tlii^
' ('untiv !;.id cwi- -ep.t i';!') the hJd wa- i,i.\\ in
Sj..;in; t:.at i' \^";;- uin! t an otlieer ot tlie Ih^f
n 1 e !" : [ i n n i s i a ' > t e ^ - : ' a i . j o - m - v n 1 1;- 1 1 1 e e* > n 1 1 d, ( n i e
oj tne ( ioN c I link 111 and liie eounrix ; and that.
i.'\ ( r'JKae^^. it ^va^ under the ne(a'^->it\' ol
: et 1 (\tt iiP'; ; wluai i' was c ijii>ideua!, 1 1 ai t law -
In.d .i;:i\t'd thi-^ \ar\ (!..\-, t' Phumi ;pa! t r, uii'h
111 a;nr. t'-.ui- t ma ^ siipti :.ii , ho\ e: .;:_: :<.;; it,
: i.d t i;;ea!eii:nu' I's i !ij;;il wiiii;, .i]\d \'. la n :t \^a^
ai-o t ei.-Kiui d, til ;l p(ihap> hcloi^ the Ihai^r
480 MR. WIIITBREAD.
should break up that night, it was not impro-
bable tliat inteiligeuce irhght arrive of still
o-ieater calamities ; he did not conceive the
Noble Lord was justified in talking so lightly
of our operations in Spain, lit must declare
that the country Vvas now coining to that state,
whether by the mismanagement of Ministers,
or by the force of events, that party considera-
tions must cease. The hour would, however,
arrive, when the House would call on Ministers
to render an account of the use which they had
made of tlie immense power which had been
put into their hands power which, perhaps, if
wisely used, might have led to the most glorious
events. He should rejoice much to find, that
IMinisters could clear themselves from any charge
of mismanaging the resources of the country,
and prove that all the disasters which had
recently happened, had proceeded only from the
course of events which was beyond their con-
troul. If. hovvever, these disasters should appear
to proceed from the misconduct of IMinisters,
he thouo-ht the House should demand condis^n
punishment on their heads. He could not blame
the Ministers for sentling a British force in the
first instance, to co-operate with the Spaniards ^
but since then, they had had time enough to con-
sider whether the sending of a British army into
Spain was likely to be of any service, or whe-
M U. \\ 11 ITI^UEAD.
4S1
tlicr, on the coiitiaiw the leticat ot" it \\'(;ulcl
not do a iJo.-?it;\c ini>rhu'l, 1)\ (ii^iicai '.cihul;- the
Spanish j;atiiot>. It Wd^i\<>v, doultMul \s hether
wc had not heen pKH'i'cahr.u' on I'lUe mlwiniat ioii
all aloni'-, i.iotii with rc^pift t<< Spam and l'(n-
tiiu il. W i'vv our tioo|)> a^^-iccah'.e' to l\:C \!ci>\Ac ol
Poi'iigil. nr \'> nc wc not ohli^ed to krcj) acei-
ta;n loiet.' fhi ic\ loi tiic pwrj 0-,^- ot Lctpin^' tlic
pfopK' (|tii(t, that 1-, to .-^tiikc tii'ioi' nito oLir
liiciid^ m-itcad I'l th,c eiK nr, : W Cic our t loops
(/! w crt tiu'V not wck'oiiK- t(; t he pe(;j)le ul' Spain '
J Ii- had n i-on to douhi uNo tiiat taot.'
(nal loihio that we -iiouhl ahandon tiie
Spani-ii laii^e w hdc it \\ a-> po^^lhle loi us to
supj)Oitit with any pio->pcet ot" ^ueee^^ ; hut he
wa-> t.n' lioin hcin^- -mc that tlie time niiuii' not
come '.' Ik 11 \ee ^iiouui liaN'i' to lu-at witn IVanCv"
aiU'i' -lie -^;ioidd totaiie iia\c ^uhdu; li Sjiam.'"
'' WIk'H the Spaio.^h I'at !:(;!-, wire >;l(\\^^:ed
hi^t -iimnu-r. notiiin^ wa^ -^pol^cn (jt. (-i tiiou^ht
ot in tiii-> counlrv, hut tiu' uttei lum i.'l Da-aM-
pai'i'; and iiiui\ j^ohtuianv ot \:<c o'aI --'!.- d
\\ vie t iiailx im;' I \a n o| t iir (h\ l^:oll^ mi w ;iie' ,
Trauce wa^ to h( (,ait uj'. I; w a- m :--aKd>,^- l^r
t ! u o o u n t I \ t o he 1 r d - o 1 a 1 h \ c \ i 1 \ t ; d e o i >4-( o d
-iK'vt -. He \\:i-> Ilicd ot tiK' \ aimt lini c N ;'0'-
^ion> wl.^aii ill- had \irc\\ [[-(i\ I i iiia: m tl;i*
Ihai^e loi the hl^t -sixteen \: .i-^ a'.'-ML ;:
482 MR. WHITBREAD.
destruction followed, as they uniformly bad beeii^
by the aggrandizement of France,"
January SI, 1809. On moving an Amendment to the
Address on the ansu:er returned to the overtures frovx
Erfurth,
" Buonaparte was progressively advancing in
his career to the subjugation of Europe, his
power was by no means diminished."
" lie repeated it, we must finally treat with
France. The conduct of this country in reject-
ing so often on good terms what it must finahy
take on inferior terms, brought to his mind the
memorable incident recorded in ancient histoiy.
when, in the earliest: age of Rome, the Sybil
came with her nine books, and proffered them
for a price which was refused. She afterward.^
tendered six of the nine for the same price,
Avhich being refused also, it was at last thougln.
advisable topurchase the threeremaining volumes
at the price for which the first nine had been
originally tendered. He hoped this story would
be no illustration of our future destinies."
" It would not be easy to say, when we might
calculate upon even as good tenuis as in the late
overture we hud been ollercd. We knew not
what the next news from Portugal might brinji
iLy; perhaps, before this, Portugal was re- con-
,MU. \^'im JiHIlA D.
48;;
(jUCictl. 'i'hc hiihblf with rc^[iCL't in tlic rcc;;j.>-
luif of Macliid 1)\- the Sj.;uii;ii.i-, IkkI ah i'a(l\
hiiist. J)iioii.ij);ii !(. was ha^t( iiiiiL^ to t'uilii all
his |)i"<)|)hrcit.'s ; )t" \]c had wnl aha'a'!\- ciov, ncii
hi- hn^lhrr at ^hl(hl(i. ]\c \ct had thr pi'wcr ol
crow iiiiiij; liiin ; lie liad ci. i taiids howcx'cr
gloiKju.^iv tor tlic l]iiti,-di anil- hi- had \ci in
t-tlcct, ohlii^L'd us to c\a> ualr Spain, aiuh j)cr-
Juip>. \^ a> iio\v' (HI hi- wa\' to ])lai!l !:!> ca^ici on
liir towcis ot Li^hoii. \\ nil 0--j)oci to Spain,
he- ronlcs>C(.l the li'>pc'> he once iiad were iieaiiy
lioiie. and that the xarious repnrts t'loin dilierent
<iuartcrs. 1 luni .snme. ol' the wantot' wi^don; on
tile part ol tlie (m)\ ernnient. tVcin otheis. ol
the want of eneiL^y on tlie jjai t (A' the peo[)ie
ot that cDLintry, wi.-re not eahuhited to i-e\a\-e
iiiein. ^\ liethei it \va> wa.iiL ol' enthusiasm in
the oriL!,aiKil, as sonic sa.d, w: asotlieis more
[)ia;i>ibl\- -aui, tli.iL tiial enthusiasm ]\:.i[ -u!j-
sided, ]\v hal not \ct\ saiigume hope > o'. the
-iicccss (,i; Siia'.n.
IkU t,f a^:,ri'i^ ty th, nn,)''! nt the I .lU >'t' ('>. J'i'.,
" He aLi;rerd that it was iiL-ht th.it .Mi:oste!s
Juadd he xe-ti'd \''i*ii a jio\\(_r to a--i^L ^pani
Mid I'o; tui';^! ; lhoU'j,h lie douijt'd mueii. tujin
I 1 'J
484 3MR. WHIT BREAD.
appearances, and from the exaggerated state-
ments both of our commander and Ministers,
that the contest would terminate in the subju-
gation of the one country, and in the other
being wrested out of our liands. He did not
wish, however, that Ministers shoukl have no
power to afford to those countries such assistance
as they thought proper and miglit be necessary.
While tbcre was life, there was hope. The
Peninsula was engaged in a glorious cause, and
after the share we had taken in it, he could not
say that we ought, till the very last moment,
to abandon men who were fi<>htin2: for what
was as dear as life itself liberty and indepen-
dence. He could not agree with a member of
administration, in another place, that the cause
was as hopeful as ever, but still he did not wish
it to be abandoned without another effort."
" He would still assert as his unalterable
opinion, that as from the events which had
already taken place, and from those which he
thought would certainly take place (God g-rant
that he miglit be mistaken) it was probable that
Austria, as well as Spain and l?ortugal, would
>hrirt!y be criisbiCd beneath the power of France,
and we alone should have to \v;io,e war with
fearful odds against the enemy, our resources
ougiir to be most rarefull}' lius I Jimded, that wc
;;.ightbe enabled to make the l^iiner stand."
MR. WHITBRI AD.
-IS 5
" He could not ic'lVaiii iVoin rcnr.rkiiiu-, lluil of
all iniMcjJicsciitarions. lluil w::-^ the ba.sc>L whicli
Hincas(jiKil)l\ fk'xatc'd tiic puhlic iniiitl. hv
linldiiii,^ toitli the expectation ot' happN- ic>ult>.
^vhlell ne\ei- could be leali/ed. A ^-alhtiit (ithcer,
to wlifjin, w he ther a!)>ent or present, lie ^luudd
pay the sineere-t tiilnitc ot' ic^pt'ct, (Sir A.
^\ eilesley) had ^'one (Uit to ['(jilug-ah and in the
1 lie accounts icccivcd tVoin hun, had certainly
made some exaL^'^-cratinn- ; hul liic^e \\a\c
iiothiiiLi,- when eoM.jKiicd to t!ic t'\aLi'u,'ciations
contained in tiu' iclki- ni" a Nolde Loid to the
Lord .Ma\or. on the -^uhjcct ot" that communi-
cation. In fact, it had been .stated by that
Niiiili. Loid, that Mai>hal Soult was xampiishccl
in tiiiei' .sucecs-iw battle--. In hi- opinion, our
arm\" was unl\- cn^aua-d u'llli the icar ^naid ot'
tlu: tiiLiiu, and j'.ot w :'.\\ il -- mam Ii(kI\- under
Sfiiilt. i le would w ;>h t(; a^i^, \> hat twrce (ni our
part \vtuld be cliicicnt lo insure ultimate -ue-
ce>s, it' not maiiil\-, ami m principle, .supported
])\ the pcuple to whom we were L!;l^lnL:; assii-
tviuee.- Within a tew da\ s, a.ccounts had ^onc
abroad ot a second e\acualionot Madrid; but
he ually behevi'd no dimmuticn ot' the I'u iitli
t'oree in Spam liad taken pi, ;ce, on account ot
the I'lemdi emjxrors attention hem l:," c. died to
Austin, (ju the contrai\, he coi.c(l\'ed tlieir
turce in that cwuntrv to be n;u^ h nK>re tliaii
486' MR. WHITBREAU.
equal to the resistance opposed to them. The
Hon. Gent, remarked on the dissensions of
Spain as attended with considerable danger to
its caiLsc, and particularly adverted to the ac-
counts latel}' received with respect to dissolving
the Junta of Oviedo. Were we not compelled,
he would askj to husband our resources for the
last contest we might be engaged in i'or the pre-
servation of ourselves r"
January 2S, 1810, In the Debate on the Address.
" He now turned to tlie affairs of Spain,
Even with all his respect for Lord Wellington,
he could not approve of the battle ofTalavera
it had no good tiu\, and onlv tended to establish
what was never questioned, the superior valour
of our soldiers. Our victories, indeed, were this
night the particular theme of congratulation;
and Maida, Corunna, Vimiera, and Talavera,
were held up as monuments of our eternal glory.
He beheh.l them only as so many gladiatorial
^'"xhilntions. None of them were liappy in their
consecjuences. or beneficial in their results."
" The Right Hon. Gent, had said last session,
that a battle ought never to be risked in Spain
r:ntil there was an efiicicnt i^ovcrnment in that
5in. WHITRKEAD.
48:
(\ninti\ ; yet lie uow recanted the principle, bv
c<iiteinn<^ hnnoms upon Sir Arthur W'ellc^Ux
tor \',honi, and I'or the country, it would ha\c
hem niucli in(jre honourahk-, had he never
chaiig-cd hi-> name. IIi^ eonducL in Spain seemed
the result ot" intatuation. '
' There \va^ not a man m tiie counlr\-, tVoin
the <_^rkne\ ^ to tlic Land's end, x'v ho did not j)ro-
nounre him (Mr. l\ree\ah, and his admini^tru-
tion, weak, iiu'apahle, and incllicieiit. Kveii
^^ ith the addition ol the two colleagues, who
liad desertcil them, thcv were teeble ; but
then the\' >tood on a principle, or lather in op-
position to a|jmuij)le; but now, rejected h\- all
v/ho were woithv, the w eak, and old, and inlirm
weie e(jllct'ted iVom tlie hedges and hiL!,'h loads,
andcons(jrted with tor w ant ot' better, 'i'he motley
comb mat ion ^\.L^ dulv appreci ited b\ the people
no one ie-j)ected tluiii -tliev miLiiit now ex-
claim ' 1 he cluireh l^ m dan^ei,' but e\'er\ one
would know liu \ meant, ' My place i> in dan-
ti;er. Now the time \\'as come when it would
be manit'e^ti'd that lhe])eo[)le had a voice as
u ell as the ero^^n, and \\'oul(l not he imposed on
b\' a set ot ad\eiilui(.M ^, who had UMirped the
cToveinment, Mippoited b\' nt)thinLi,- but thela-
vonr ot the ciowii.''
" He L;a\'c :l a^ his sincere acKice ; let an
cconoimcul retorm be instituted, betorc tiie last
488 MR. WHITBUF.ACc
ounce was exacted, and the country reduced to
despair. Let a government be removed, to
which the people had refused their confidence.
Let our rehttive situation with the enemy be
"well considered. Let the policy of succouring
Spain be also weighed under the existing cir-
cumstances Austria gone the French force
concentrated, and that country tlieir only ob-
ject. It was said, that we miglit defend Portu-
gal with i30,000 men; but would not Buonaparte
know our foice even to a drummer, and where
we had 30,000, lie would have 60,000. Who
would stru^'iile against such fearful odds? Our
remaining some time unmolested in that country,
should be no argument for our continuing there.
We remained just at the will of the French em-
peror, anfl at his option he could drive us out
of it. But what could be expected from such a
ministrys or rather from a single man, for the
Chancellor of the Exchequer was now alone
alone, after soundinghis ineftectual war-whoop
alone, after fully ex])0sing his Mcakness, and
shewing it exceeded only by his rashness."
'' Peace should be the cry of the nation.
Peace particularly because tlic fliialdoni of
millions of our fellow-subjects was the tenure by
which this inca|)al)le junta held their offices.
* It has been said by our enemy (said Mr. W.),
b.'',t the genius of France guided our armies.
M !i. WIl 11 iili : AD.
-IS J
AlasI il now prc'^uU'- 111 our v>tl),;n,'r ; for suvi-l\-,
wl.clhcr \'. c (' >ii:5i('.(.'i' their iiiibcriht \-, their
bigotiA', or till' tatc with \v 'i:;e'h Pio\ ulcncc viMt.s
all ihrir iiic;i>urc-^, our ciirniN, luui lie the r.or.u-
iLiliiiii, could not ^clcrt. UR'H more suitable to
h,^ tiuK, oi more peMucHuis to oui interests."
FJnililV'.l 1, l-!lO. In tf.t' I)r!;illf DH tJh' ^fntln^} foT
ThauLs tn L.'ia HWlihdn'i^Ujr tli. iutorj oj lala-
' \\c \'>vHil(l not aL;ree \o L;'i\n.' a premium t<~>
i.ishue:,'-. 1 he S])aiiKh eiu^e \\m> now more
hoj>i.lc^^ throi e\'ei. W here, then. \va^ the ad-
\aiitaij,-e of the \ietor\ - lie could not a^rec
th.it the arm\- \^a^ broonu' >! iDii^ia ^iiice, than
belort' it~< lo-^^N; and it^aided mir late conti-
nentcd (iri'it^ a- e';ileuialed to -,in!v llu' n'ulitaiy
charaetci oi IliccounliN, thouL:,li the\' had failed
that oi the soldiery, wiio-e Li'allantiy wa^ indis-
putabii'.
4Q0 MR. WIIITBREAD.
February 1 2, IS 10. / the Debate on Mr. Fuller's Motion
for leave to bring in a for the abolition of Sinecure
Places.
" The Right Hon. Gent. (Mr. Perceval),
talked of ministers being the defenders of the
crown, but he denied their title to that charac-
ter ; they ought rather to be called the tools of
the crown, instead of its defenders; when, in
defiance of repeated majorities m that House, in
defiance of the contempt of the whole nation,
they still continued in administration."
March f), 1810. In the Debate on taking the Portuguese
Troops into BritisJi Pay.
*' Buonaparte, it seemed, knew, to use the
language of an Hon. Gent. (Mr. Jacob), the
period of despair, and proposed tojineet it. We
should ])rofit by the lesson -fas est ah liostc do-
cerf ; let us know when all further efforts will
be a fruitless waste of blood and treasure, and
cease to continue to make them."
" What, in the name of common sense, was
the object in keeping up these troops in Portu-
gal? Was Portugal chosen as the arena in which
XI R. Wfl ITPTir-A n.
iwl
tlu'v were to (i'j;li! (i\cr a^.iiii tl.c IcU^'.v's lor tlic
Iilx'ltKs ot Luroju..' (>i \Vi;i; ti;i-. i.ad hecii
iftascd iiiMit i iictiLi" aii>]>,<'''> \V( I .' t'ni.\- to impc
to ^^tlil uiiii^l tilo>c t!i;H \:\ W I( s> l'a\'oiii ,i!jk- -
'i'\\c Jli^hr 1 1 Mil. t iu' CIkhiicHoi- t^.t'tlii' 1'. \clK(iiici
had talked ot'tlu ln'iirllt ol'aii .\ii-!i':in Wa:. \>\[[
he >ciiiud to ior;;rt tiMt liic >! ! iiat w 'i, ot I'll; < >[)(.
wa'- ciMiiutd -lh.it the r.rw I'lra id iiiai i ;;;lC(.'^
and ttt(^ dii'W t !u' ((Mill, ctii ii oelwccii l:ancc
and Au-tiia cio-;,;. ai.d iikkU' it funu'i': tliat
M'liat Au-tri.i If'-r l)\- thr war. ^iir w a-^ liarlv to
^aiii 1)\ i1i:n inairiaLi'tL'; an e'\aait so loi tuiiatc. for
luT lirokt n down condition, that it niii;ht well
be >aid, ;is it had in a tbrnuT instance ot' the
-\u-ti i.iii 1 oii;aiinLi.- I'aniiK',
' Kt rh't, M .^ < -.-jnt a'iK, I'tilc'i u:U til: /'.;.;.'
' 'l'h(,'\- liad lir;ii(l a u-<mh1 deal (d" I',ni;h--ii
waloui and how tar it nML;ht he u hi'd on in ic-
.itonnL;' the cau^o 'd' Spain. IK-, toe, tli'ai^h.l
hii^lih. ot' ^',ll^ii^h \ah)nr, ainl he llionu-Jit as
iiiL;'!il\' ot l-".nL;l:sh jiaticiua;; hut patient a> the
])(opleo{' thi> eounti"v \'. ere. that jiatieiiee, hke
e\u\- thiiiL:- human, h.ad its hunts. Tlie \ iL;'onr
ot this \ iuoidus achiiinistiation, nii^ht wwai out
at ki-t. l!iit. it' ihe\- were to N'ote ihi- nidhion
ot'inoiRy. he w-hed to know wheie it wa^ to
ue lia(k
49^2 MK. WIIITBREAD.
Jime 15, 1810. On the third reading of the Vote of
Credit Bill.
" In the course of the session, then nearly at
an end, many events had taken plaee which \verc
wholly unexpected. But tliere w^as one, and a
most important event it was, which, though at
one time daily and hourly expected, had never-
theless not taken place he meant, the dissolu-
tion of the present administration (a lai(gh from
the ministerial benches). As soon as the gentle-
men on the otlier side had recovered from their
expected smile of derision, he would take occa-
sion to hring some fev circumstances to their
recollection, which would shew, perhaps, even to
these Right Hon. Gentlemen themselves, that
the expectation of their fall was neither idle nor
extravagant."
" The Right Hon. Gent. (Mr. Perceval),
called for three millions, it would be desirable
that he should state, to what point of Europe he
could direct the application of any armament he
might fit out with that sum. The House must
be aware, that on the one hand, every power in
Europe had been reduced to subjection by Buo-
naparte, whilst on the other hand, every thing
had been tried unsuccessfully by us. A con-
siderable addition had been made to the navy
MK. Will rr, ui- A n.
40 J
tliia \c'ai\ and a wia' Iai"'j,c c^tal/ii-hniiMit \nfti!
tor llic aiam. \\ hi'ii lliiif \'. a- llaitlMrf no
poiiU aL:;ainNl which an cxpcdi'Mu cduM Ih'
directed, and when a \c'r\' ccii-idci ahlc iikk a>(' 'o
tlic .strciiL^t h ot" the ainu- and na\\ had h( en a!-
rea(l\- amjtlN piovidcil tor, lor wlia.t othci- pni-
]K)sc conhl the Kiulit Hon. (khI. want thi-
money, hut to enah!e hini to [ait ciV the nni'iiiL;
of p II haiiuait to a (h-tant d-;\ ' '
' He inn^t he ann\v-cd to Li/ixe w:.\' t(j an. ( \-
prc>;sion of' \\\-^ leuatt. that ihcie iiad no! been
ill that llon-^e. .n the w hc'lc eoni-c' ct the ^e-^;on,
an\ [)cirt icidar (h^'au^ion upon fhe al]all^ ol'
Sjiain.'
'' It \von!d hi' endues to ennmerate all the
Mi^taiiCi'-- ot tl;r (hploi.ihjc wea.h I'.e^s and the
ei m.inal nmconduc' ot' the l;o\ ei nineni ot' Sj).iin.
I nder Mich iinhc( dit\' and iiniioUiicr, :t w a^
liiipo^-iihlr lo lo(k upon the eau^e ot Sj.;.in. at
an\ jjciiod ot !t, otheiwi'-e than hop(.-h'>^ ol
>uccr^^. and <,( rtaiii ot" ultnnate ^nhi(\; ion. '
' At the time the Sjan'ivli nation tii^t hn;^L
loith lilt" aet;\-e ie-^;^t:;nce to thr u-nr[>:i;:on ol'
]'f\i!K-c, he w a-5 u\id_\ to a\o\', liiit iu' t'cit san-
!;u;nt' in their caii^e, h^eau^e he e- nhnhn! !\- (\-
j)CctLd lllat in ll:C p TC ; - (0 U 1 1 o 11 ol' I '; ; (,;;',>!
the\- Nwa.id t..ivc dl^pl::\^d the > ;!; e ( la i :_'. ic-.
ihc --au'c ucncouiN a.olonr. the ,:;e i.,,"'o
VphUiiClLr which .. ,d hem the i oaid di 'ir.ct.' ;;
4S4 ^IR. WIIITBREAD.
of their ancestors, in ihc btst periods of their
history. The result, iiovvcver, had frusti-ated his
fond expectailoiis, and, with whatever rehietant
feelings, h,e found liiiyiself eoustrained by the ir-
resistible fcrcc of facts, uncontroverted and un-
controvertible, to cxchani.>:c tlie ao-reeable an-
ticipation of the ultimate triumph, for the
melancholy certainty of tlic present desperation
of their ciuryjf'
*' For his own part, as he considered the con-
test hopeless, he was of opinion, that the sooner
the question was decided, the better : and under
that ipipresfeioii, lie wished sincerely that Lord
Vy'ellingtnn and his brave army were safe back.
If that Noble General, however, should be at-
tacked in the position he occupied, he had no
doubt, he would obtain a most glorious victory.
l>ut ]]e feared, like the victory obtained at Tala-
ver.'i, it \vo\dd prove barren and unproductive.
It would g'ive the French another specimen of
J3ritish valour, but he must deprecate such a
waste of JiLiiiiaii iiie for the mere purpose of
l:cwing what had iieen so frequently and fully
demonstrated/'
" TlioMgii VvC might find resources to con-
tinue to .^end ;:ut men to Spain, and succeed in
pi'otiacting tiie struggle, yet it Mas not an)
assJstaiice of ours v.'hich could, in his Oj)inion.
-prv^vcnt the final subjugation of the Peninsula.
MR. \\ Ml IT.r, F.A n.
Uj5
It lia<l \)LC\\ rt.'[iroVv, ntcd, ;iiul \\\i^ adiiiitttd,
lliat the" Port i!iMi(..sL' ti'C'Oj)-, had uii-atlv iiii|Mo\f(l
in (li>ci()hiK' and t'tVicicncx , hiiL tiicii ^ tea lines'!)
was _\c't to he tried ; and t \'t.ii >nji|)>i- l:^ tneni
('(jnal to Ihitisli tiDOji-, \\ ;;al clianc^' wnuid
ti'at l:i\'c ot' an\' jh"(>l;ic>.s m Spam .- ^\ a.s any
n;an so ahsurd as to iniai;i;u', liiat il' th.c I'ilTic Ii
were onei' c.-on:]iletei\- nnis'iu- nl' Spain, the
!i'K-e no\\ !n Pditn^'-d w < nid he sufli lent: to
n-amtain [)()>>-(, .x;,>ii , \' that eountrv' ri^ainst the
\i hole conee ni ratid pow or tl" I'ooiee- lie
tiusttd ihic \- >h(inid lal >()i'\\ au am hear of a
!<r;lisii itinu' ad\ a.neinu- into S[)am. It was
>> arc(I\' t(, \.[i\c heen snpp(_)>ed, liiat >neh an
event would ha\"e so soon oeeniii-d, alter the
; .tal (.xpeiirnce ot Sir John Mooir s cainpai^in
'h!;e exp't 1 mu !.' , how e\ er. h ad ;n_i on ht c n t: ied ;
I. Old ^\'climL!,ton not onl\' .uiNancad mtt)Sp)ain,
ijiit staid theie. nntil th.e u.nt. i ' .ol stipjdios
olii'Ued :..m to \'. :thdia\\: it w,- tohohojKah
fheiatoir, tiiO Oio l',o'>h a.in\ w oiiid ai^ain he
St. n t o.t" ^ji .m. 0:0 d 1 I ;:\ -leai -I (MO ;t \ ul ihu
n (. c s s , o \' s 1 1 j I p 1 : 1 ^ V I : ' a I . d i ; e o h t i m ( d . '
' A- th:n^- ]] ,\\' s'- d, ."sp,*,!] w ;., C'olll-
pleti'-. (' -(_d ,:'J0!!-1 liv. >.j j':j; 1 1010 hiofMliLr
to .Oiv O'o.Of. ^i [\]i ]':.
tnr
i-ai ain,-, 111 >j>A II.
:a; 1: ' . d w ;!ii(jii'. a \\ , ! loi^
,' , , '/ .n I \ jH I ' i:;^ li'ioi; icii t .0 1 1 \ , t i);;
49^ *1R- WillTBREAD.
fidcnt would be glorious, though he feared it
would be barren; and which would be the re-
result of any attack upon the British army on
the Portuguese frontier. Were they not ap-
prized that Massena had arrived at Salamanca,
and taken the command of the French army ?
Was it not known that he was concentrating
his force to make an attack upon Lord Wel-
lington ; and was it not likely, that Lord
Wellington would consequently be committed
with the allied army against superior numbers ?
Whatever nnght be the case, he had no doubt
of victory attending the British arms; but he
was no less sure, that such triumph would be
fruitless, and that the British army would be
compelled to embark in the course of a very
short space of time after the achievement. What
must be done at last, he thought ought to be
done in time; tiic sooner, therefore, the British
army should be withdrawn, the more it would
be for our benefit. Operations in Spain were
quite out of the question. It was not upon
the arena of Portugal that we could fight for
F.urope, and if VvC sluuild be mad enough to
attempt it, the final redaction of Pcutugal
would necessarily follow the subjugation of
Spain."'
' Though he had stated strongly his con-
viction that the cause of the Spaniards was
Ml{. W 11 11 I',U] A I).
-i'X
h('l>i:lr^>, and rlic uhiin.itc MihjiiL^Mtinn of the
\^"h()ic 1\ niii>iilu bv the i'lciu'li, lie liartd \s a^ but,
too cc'i tain ; lie pJaiiiK' ^uw , ho\vc'\-c'r, thai the
iVciich had ^till iiuich to do mi Sj)aiii ; it would
\)f a iiio^t uii(.ai>v j)o>^c^bi(Hi ; it" c\c'ii they
couhl Nurecfd in the ieiluetit)n ot" Cadi/, the
eontt'st uoa'd w^l he over, nor would then"
woik he coni[)hlc'. Hut thib coii->idei'ation aUne
\ra^ Hot ^.>'j:eit.'iit to indiioe the eouutiA to ex-
haust it^ roouiee.s hv i)ioloii<j^inL;- the itrngglc,
when Irom ihc ixperu'uti' ot' the pa^t no future
eo-opcratioii \i.a5 to Ik expectcal, either iViJin the
chaiactei ot" the goxernineiit, or from the moral
or j)hy>K'al energies ot" the people, at a time
\".hcii I'rauce, diseii^'aL^ed Horn otlier (;l)|eet$,
\va> at hheitv to emj)lo\- all lier va^^t military
re^ouree> fo)- her Mihjn^atiou. With all his
iieait and >oul. therefore, he wi-^hed the I'ritish
aiinv \\'as safe out ot' Sp;i!n and Portugal; tijr
lie eould nt \cr aliow, tiiat the protractiin^ ^''^
i)eiiod of the:! final coiMjuest, for a >hort time,
v.'a^ < t' .in\ \aUie wian compared w it!i the
\\aste ol" Hie'm^ and ieM)nrees \viiu-h would he
: *<;. ;ii i 'on - ; ( 'ueuce ( 1 the ninieitak '.nu'. '
49^ ^'^^''' WllITEilEAD.
February 13, 181 1.- On the Boport of the Address.
" Should even a brilliant aiul decisive vic-
tory, such as that he had alUided to, he
achieved, lie could perceive hut faint hopes
likely to result froui it of the final rescue and
deHverance of the Peninsula."
May \f 1811. On tlie Question respecting the Sicilian
Treaty.
" He would take this, the earliest opportu-
nity that had been aiforded him, of expressing
his regret that he was not in his phice on Fri-
day, when the thanks of the House were voted
to Lord Wellington. His absence was occa-
sioned by avocations of a public nature, to
wiiich his attention was indispensable."
'^ He particularly regretted the necessity of
liis absence on Friday, as he should liave con-
curred most cheerfully and most cordially in
the vote of that day. He should have bccu
enabled to bestow praise e\en on Ministers a
praise Vvh.ich they had never before receive! 1
from him for their selection of a General
M ;; \' li 11 i;ivi \ :>.
4D'J
wl.n-c (mIwi.! ii;i(l v, luii\ j;i-;i:i,>i '.in: c-n-
l"n!cir.\- tii.il li -d i)vcii it;<;-.'(! iu iui:i. He
-liiuiM \i-!) li.r.v- i'.\'n nu|'])\ nil i.i.i: (Mc.i'-M in to
>la'c-, iii.i". ir i; w I lii-'jiul.i.^' llic U')iil);> \'. l;:c!i
It^t.i loi iiK i ;\ ( \;n!c'iI 111 i!l^ Uiiiul. a 1 1 - . 1 1^; ! 1 1 ' III
111- l;: ili;I aiuc <>l' ll.c p.ilt iciil.il b oi J.'.'Kl Wi.i-
! .:iL;lwi)',-, j-.HK> '.(ill! , , ni i'.r' 11^,:'., irAwith-
-laKuiii:; i!ij i,CT:l i;,i)ii wi.:. ii tii>J^L (iiji.ii)r> liatl
nccu^ J aui!. 1:01 v\ l'J!^t;;Il(i:iiLi he l.ail KuiCicd
i;.al -lonif j)ai '^ of Iik'^'j |)|-(>..'i'. (Im'Jt wcic ijuci-
t!')ii>iM(. i.uw tliat tiic \vl)()lc \v'a^ tic > l iupcd,
ami |)i<)\t(l In '.; liic coinl'M'.atior.s ri" a iiia.-,tL! !y
j/iaii, !,(. 11,11^1 w V;;:iil;!\ aclNiu) .'. Uai^tai llif Ni>ljic
l-nid'.-, L'-irat Liiciit^, ahd pa'nl l:;in ihc 'u-^t
li liuitc ol lii> ;:(l;n::Mtiwi!."'
' At l'.':C >:::\:i Mir, a.iui lie*. \\ i' li^laiid mil;"
'!.> -j)!rhdi 1:1 ' r \W:-::[ L\cii;>, Al :ii>'i.a > c)ML:lii-
i'< cciidiu'' I !u'i;;-c U c- w i ; ; 1 llic im '(IriMtiuii
uiiU'li i)(.\ai..i' -.uw-i-, aMil iii'Nr: l<> \r,^c -iL'.il
u: t he jii .ii'.'ij.'.c' a jn ;'.. ;.'.i' w ia m lie iiad v \a i
T! aiii! aiii'.ai. ;i',d v.M.c.'. !;r -li'iiid cwr ;i.,i!ii-
Ki:i' :l;al t',c v)hl\ K'l^ilaiiatc ol'Ua'* o\ l\^\\
'. al, and n! tlii^ ;i!; -\>- .'ii o'iul' \. .ll'i-- a 1 1
i-i;i-il \vi:i( ii oiiuh' I') !). i::a iiraia'-t aiid 'lU-
(!' aw'-t i( ( I \ a ; laiu-.it ,11 1 i.c" pia'scn! ('j)iii\ .-!
lal : ' l 1 1 .. I < I 1 i il : \ and ( , .c \'. . v ! i v\ .1 > ]'''.-'\\
l.\( i\ I lali i" ' ar 'aj.iii tu \)r n: m'i, !' i: idea
' iir late -aiw-- ^ a\ a;!.'!dc ; > t ,a:f (.1.-!. i !
' i , 1 i I i ( 1 ')('-: I; , d 1 1 ; f .. .; , \\^,i J ; a [.:.,. [^ . i ( : : -
-idor; hut ii was his sincere feeling that it Wa>,
a contcni[)hiti()ii which ought ever to be upper
most in the minds of Croverniiicnt."
" There had been many op{}ortunities in the
Course uF the war when the Emperor of Trance
nfigfit, in his opinion, have been suceesstulls
approached with o\e]turcs ot' peace. It might
he a visionary prospect, but lie conld not help
thinking that the present was a most auspicious
moment, and tliat it ought not lo be allowed
to pass wilhout some pacific cli'ort on the ])art
of the British government.''
June 5, J fell. (>;/ the l^ule of Cred'd.
" lie should not hesitate still to say that he
wished the advantaoe nnoiit be taken of the
present favourable postuie of affairs, to try whe-
ther peace was practicable or not. He knew
that he was charged with being ready to accept
any peace at any time; but he trusted that he
would be as unwilhng as any Gentleman to
accept of peace on terms tliat were not honour-
able for this country. He was ready to pay the
warmest tidjute of his admiration lo the merit
which had heen displayed l)y Lord Wellington.
Xothin;; wiii.'h could happen in future could
;. v.ii n ii!.i:.\ p.
/,01
i!-iiv<." liiin !i-ti:;ct lliat |>:aiM- w ircii ];{' had
Li-i\-cii to w li.it I.nid Wcilin^N 1! li ul a!:;'u!v
d'-Mic ; l)ur, looKip.i^ at tiu' nian\ uloiaai.aiul
>ai\ii-niiiaiy i. attics w hicli h^-.d latrh; t,l'^rIl p!arc,
hr >a\v IK) L;!wii;id tor (.-oiilidwai: i\- an ; ;. : ji.iiir ^
;i ta\()uial)Ic re-^idc to ll:t' uai'. I !;
thought it \'. d-> : ia-')i).
', K ''11 t'
1" III;!" to i;\ w K
li' t>.()l, -.lie t ' 1
./'."/ 1,1^1 1. ')o ,.:'i--j; tiir atltuti.r: ,1' Mi,,i^t'<y t. the
." 1 trin, ,' I' '. . '/ /'.>/ ,''(/. :.i?i..; ir.l ?.; !h, n^.s(us.-iU(itio':
Oj JilKJU'ljX,! \ ,
" Witii rf>j!i'c' ;> Cc i.ii.vidiiai 'Alai \\ais
U\t ::iinicd!atc olijicf ol 'lu -c aljoiniiiahlf dot,'-
tiiii.'-. was it to i;t' iuia.wd tiiit I^i o\ .driicr,
^\ ho to; in>rriitahii' |)Ui I'o-', -. had i a!^('(i up i ii it
ex t I'ao! diiiai \ man, had 1; d !i,'!i m -al' \v ; !ii 'inuh
daiiL^ta s <>\ i-\ c; \' (h'^ci ipl: >]], w \)^) laui pi c-t i \ c d
h. ;; Ml l!ic la ill ot' hattlc, and ^a ho n,.d ^incld;d
him tiom liie l-.nifc ot {\\c .. : -^in - \\ ;> it 'o !\
hchiAi'd t-hal Piov idciua' \N on.d, ahox'v ;[ ohjcrl
to hr I'i u-^tialcd l)V the |>un\ t tlort- ol Mn h
>,hort -M^litrd l)(.a!iL;^. w ho^r \>i'i\^ 'l^ '>w aid }?c
j> I'l uilh'^.-^ a-> tnc\- were rrimm.d.""
502 MR. WHITEHEAD.
January 8, \Bl2.~0n the Report of the Addrcaa.
'' Kno'A'iDg the disposition of the coiintiy
towards the cause in which tiiey were cin!}arkcd;
knowing" that no effort which Ministers couhl
make was Icfc unmavi.e ; knowing tliat no voice
iVom one end of the kingdom to the otlier,
cried out against supplying, and supplying in
abundance, tiie means whicli were necessary for
such a purpose; and seeing tiio.-e means entrusted
to one of the best officers of ids nation, an
offjcer capahle C/T coping with the l)est (ienerals
of .France seeing ti;is, and then looking to the
present state of the Peninsula, he could not
agree to hold out to the Pnnce Regent and to
the country, a language, which his experience
must tell him, it was rash to use, and which
was calculated to excite hopes which nuist in
the tnd be defeated."
" For i]is part, he did not see wliat hope
could be entertained. The more he allowed the
merits of the cause, tiic more lie allowed the
i^eal of the invaded ; the more he allowed that
the whole heart of England went along with
them in their resistance; the more he allowed
the abilities of Lord Wellington, and tl)e valour
Mu. v.nniiiti.A n.
nlld (il-^( IpllP.C of I'l iti>h -MKi:( IS ; tllO IJMlc UM-*
liC lilclllU'd In (li -^jxyp.d, to (It -[):'. II' "t viic-'T-^ oil
lookiiiu' t" t'lH' icsull oi a'l iii(>(.' ;'i\'oiM.\!)!('
0'M)i|ji;i ,t iOIlv."
I;.:i'
O'i '' . }lil,-,:,i: I\'::..it,s.
11 -M,.,:
<:i,r._i-. ;i i'\j)ciivc'> C' '111 iiHU'il t ^ .ivi'iri'iih'.'c.
>,; (1 ir,c',;i;> io (im.mi^ii, t!u'\ imi'-l look i n
; . !;ri to a pc'icr with 1 1n" ( minw ; [>r;a i' w 'icii
]ii> mcaMirc^ had i riulci'cd ii!Ki\ oid d)h-. 1 ii thi-
! ; aii^at'' lon^ ot past \ cai.-^. \\c ^nw mkiIU' urcit
a.al <j,-ioi !( 'lis iippo! till:: t .(- ol cndiiiL:,- tiiis war
lU'iilacU'd and lo-l, \^ iihi' at ])U-ciil t he -\ ^tl'l!l
ot" the lvij:lit Hon. ( J(a; t l.'i!i:iii \va^ cahadalrd
to produce: tiu' ii('Ci.'^-!t\ III pracc h\- ^uhir.;^-
' W'oidii tha' It'uli! Hoi!. Ciiiilicnia!! iMi.
I\iT(\-al , lOohaiLi,- hacl'v to tiial ; i-!o;\ m waiu h
ho u'as -OX', ci! K id, pMiiiomu'c !t tf.i hf h:- opi-
nion, that Wi' were hiu'altii' hlaa\ !o (.hi, an
>noli do^M'ahu- (aniui t mjUt I'i pracc. a> ini^iiil
11 '.\a' horn ohi, oucd .M an\' loinua pmi'iU: 1 iic
i^iL!''o ihai. ( i(. i!t hanaii !)oa-tfd ot' oui itcaiL;' 1 ac
'_'HMt and oni\' hai ; .cr to Ihnni i jkii Ir - ih'-iir o:
nn:\aa^.d (ha!,aiiini. ()n tli -> , ';ni lliiac could
504 MR. WHITBREAD.
be no dispute. Why were we so ? Because it
was the pohcy of the authors of this and tlie
preceding war which liad made us so ; which
had first made Buonaparte consul for life, and
afterwards, in alHance with his own talents, had
made him emperor, and had enabled him to
trample upon every hostile state. The same
errors and fiillacies were still circulating, and
still believed ; one day Prussia was said to be
arming against France, on another she was
described as uniting her force with that of
Trance, to assist in crushing the only indepen-
dent state remaining on the Continent. It was
his duty, then, to ask the people to be misled no
longer by the fatal policy of Ministers; and he
would ask the Right Hon. Gentleman himself,
not to become the victim of his own infatuation,
by bringing the country to the end of its
(f sources."
July 10, 1812. J the Debate on the Motion fur a Bill
for the preservation of the Public peace.
" There v/as but one remedy for all these
evils, which must unavoidably be borne so long
as peace could not be obtained. But peace
ought by ail means to be obtained, if possible;
MK. WHlTUUtAl).
5(iJ
ior tlu' count r\- ^\';l^ LioiiiLC proi^rcs^ivcly into a
state ot linuLi;"^ iVoni uhich cvciv thing was ti
])c trarcd.'"
" Peace was the onlv remedy tor our internal
^rii \a:'/(>. and t!ie onl\ remedy tor our external
m,r\aice-) ai-^o. And, 'n hi^ ('piiiion, a more
ta\-oural)le occasion for a L^cneial peace never
existed than we had at that tinu\"
/w/;/ 1,"), I'-^IJ. fi: th( I)il)utc on the :^~rri)ud rcadlv^ n^'
t.'u- jiti'srn-iiltnn nj tltc Puhlu' pracr lidl.
' The abolition (;t' the Ordms in (\^uncil liad
done nrnch to !'e>.lore trancjudlitN-, hut the iest<"-
ration of a general peace would do nsore ; and
iic reconnnended to Ins Majests's nnni.stcr> to
lake this oppoitunit v ot" ascertaining whether it
coui(i n>it he made on ta\onrahli- term>. He
'iinuglit this a most t'.iN'ourablc o]portunit v.
Soulier, Ik'W cv (_r, than make peace <'n an\" othei
than honourable terms, he would risk the exter-
mination (,)t the British empire. IlekncN'. that it
the iiu'.nutac-turers u ere convinci'd that the delay
in makicg peace was not the t"aultot'( iovernment,
but o! the enem\', the\ would -^it (lo\s ii con-
tcuLcd uiuk 1 ail their sutlcrmLT--. Jhe Hon.
(lentleman smiled at what he ^aul ; he hojied it
506 MR. WUITBREAD.
was not tlic smile of disbelief. lie must repeal
that it was tlic bounden duty of Ministers to
make an atten)pt to procure a general peace for
the world. He never knew a time more pro-
pitious than the present."
July 21, 1812. In the Debate on Mr. SheridMi's motien
for papers relative to the Overture for Peace from
France.
" Of this he was certain, that if the opinions
just expressed by his Hon. Friend (Mr. Sheridan)
prevailed, if the House gave way to the elo-
quence with which they were urged, if the pub-
lic at large adopted them, there must be inter-
minable war between England and France. It
would be impossible to make peace, it would be
impossible even to treat for peace between the
two countries, as long as Buonaparte lived."
^' He was not the defender of the political
immorality of France, any more than that of
any other country ; but he contended that the
present was not the time to inflame the })eople
of England by diffusing political errors, by
nourishing a feeling of false honour a feeling
inconsistent with the real interests or the true
policy of the country."
ilK. W lin llKIA In
V)7
It ( rit;uiil\' (iui aj>jH-.i; t" li.in, lliat tlic L;!.c
occa-^iMii w;;- one in \\ iiitti aii ainnij); ,it ni i^o-
tuiTKih nil!, lit lia\c been iikuIc wkh L:,i(ai( i' i.-.o-
!i .'' ii'\ <'t ^ncce-'S rliaii al aii\ t>)jir,>-i jk rioil.
lie 'ki;. ,'. lie i ui alua\^ leen eon^icieini a> au
rnliUiMa-t I'll tlie >ul)|ee(: (A [eaee, aiui he
undonijtedK did reeolleet inans in^tane^.^ in
\\ Ineli r iitr\- -v ;!^ _;:- r lea- > -n In llwiik a l.iii open-
iiiL^ a; [eai, A 1 ,; Me'.jt lalion. ll innst i)e ;ii liie
r.ieni'>;\- nt t'.i- iltni>e. that al I.ie eoii;nu'ncc-
nient nt ilii war m S|)ain, he had iCL,Mi(kil lliat
.l^ a 1 .^'uuiahie moment, when t li!-> ( ioxe; nnunt
ini^'ht to liavf b( nl a Miin'^tiT to ili'.onapaite at
J)a\onne. W hen, too, after tour \i'ars ol nn^UL-
ee^-itul \eai. on the part (jt l-'ranee, Spain
lemamed iin>uh(hie(h and 1- ranee heeanic eneum-
heii'd h\ a eonie-^t with Au-,tria, he ti.ouL:hl that
was :niotniT opportiinitv whKii on^ht r.ot to
haw heeii lost ot al tt mpt in^- t o negotiate \\itii
llnonap.ii le. At tlie pie^enl nii^ment. a'.^o,
\v iieii \i\c L.m])trni ol JiaiKC was (hsiraettd
with am'tiiei war, when he wa-. (hsappomied iii
\]\> lehaiiee ujion the pt i>on w hoin l.t liad e>ta-
hiish(d as the' exaailnal hen to the eiown of
S\eei':;n, \\l:en lie was he^et w itli ditheidtas at
luam- -Miniai lo tiio-e' whu'li disturhed <air m\\ n
e<aint:\. lie' (hd tliink that tins was .i mo-,1
t'i\a)ii : ahie e'oii', ni i ciu e ot eiie niiistaiua >, and
lii.it It w>aild U,{\L l)een piiiiient m MiiiK-^leib,
508 MR. WHITEHEAD.
had they even advised the Prince Regent to send
a direct proposition to France, for the purpose
of opening a negotiation on the basis of good
faith and sincerity.'*
" Were Ministers prepared to proceed to any
negotiation? If not, if it was their determina-
tion to wage incessant war while Buonaparte
continued the ruler of France, let them declare
it in the face of Europe, let them shut the
British ports to every flag of truce, and refuse
every overture that might lead to peace. But
if this was not their object, if they wished, on
the contrary, to give repose to this harassed
country and to the world, if they did intend at
any time to proceed candidly in the business of
peace, there must be some terms in their own
minds upon which they would be willing as a
basis to treat for peace. Now, looking to the
recent offers on tlie part of France, what was
the fair inference deducible from them r The
Emperor of France had conceded all the points
which had been the subject of former negotia-
tions. He had left an opening for further dis-
cussion on points on which difference of opinion
might exist. And was the conclusion just, that
the whole was intended for delusion? Was it
not rather to be inferred that, finding himself
pressed on all sides, unsuccessful in Spain, about
to plunge into a war with Russia, and harassed
MR. WHirHHFA I).
^(H)
\)y (lonicstic diti'icultic^. the I'lnptior of France
caiiu torw.Md at biich a crisis, and inadc pio-
j)()^al.-; to fills country in the icmI >\>\\\\ ot" sin-
cciity- Iiuh'cch It was his linn ()[)ini()n, that
IVancf h.u! alwass l)et'n .^iiueix' in licr (n*. i turrs
Inr la'acc. He knew that thi> was \'cry unpo-
puhir (ioe'triiic m tiiat Ih)u>e; he teaia-d that it
\va> unj)o[)ular doetrine m thecountiA. Ihit
Nueh \\a> hi^ decided opinion, and lie woidd
never hesitate to declare it."
" Tlie \sai- had now histed -o h)no-, that
inend)eis of' tha.t llou-^c who wilne-^sed its coni-
ineneeinent, iiad l;iowii old during its eonti-
nuaiiee. For hi^ part, he knew not \ehy it wa>
onnneiieed, he knevs' not wh\- it had Ijcen
iC-eouiuit iiiad h\' tlie rut)tuie oi tlie peaee of
AuiiLiiN ;oiii i;e knew not wii\ a PCL:;ot i:it ion toi
its tu-ni!iia;. ion vhouul not r.'-w 'c euteieil into.
A-1 to the \ lolent liitred ;'l;-;;M1>i tli:- eounti\',
wh:e!i h ^ il'Lflit IhMi. Friend a ^ Mhed [o Xapo-
ieoii, no i ;, would (.\i.\\\ tna' :t could i,i't lie
^*iol,^e^ lli ,11 ()i!i> ;;_; iiu-t Inn). A-^ it li ijijaned
in. I he ea-v o'l Foan- .\I\'t In ollierwov /,, ( r nuid
Mi'>iil>iju< , cseiv pel>on ill t :u> ( o:in.t I \ seemed
k.'cix ;o lni\ e a .-oil oi pei-^oind iiuMiii \\ ,[b.
Ik.i' n. ijM : te, an.d to ic'L^ard Iniii :;s a pni^. ii',,.|
Miein'. . 1(1 teed thi-- nation.'t! enunite. t!u' w.o
Imd heen e.Mne'l on , \\ w;i^. i.e\-ei ! iieie-^. \)[i'. ..
' \ uiisa; !-!'.. 'o;\ f. (Fiiin' 'o o!>.<; J. in .1 n a' ion.
510 Mil. WUITBKEAD.
and had better be repressed, as leading to inter-
minable warfare. No one would deny that
Great Britain had made the si^eatest cftbrts
against France by leagues, by subsidies, and by
the direct assistance of her arms. No one would
<leny that continental powers when beaten in the
iield had made treaties with Buonaparte, which,
through our instigation, they intended to break
at the very moment that they concluded them.
If, therefore, we persisted in this course, if we
placed ourselves in this position of irrecon-
cilable hostility, and if our object was avowedly
the destruction of the French ruler, then, of
necessity, his object must be our destruction.
A century had now eiypsed since the treaty of
Utrecht. Some time before its conclusion,
Louis tlie XlVth was so humbled by the blows
Wiiich the power of France had received, that
his situation was ahnost pitiable. After a series
of disasters, lie was thrown at the feet of the
deputies of Holland, who abused their success by
trampling upon the [)roposals of this once mighty
monarch, wlio had threatened their existence.
'I'hey thus drove him to an extremity; and by a
i'hange of measures in ihi^ country, and by tlic
efforts produced by despair, Louis ultimately
(obtained the object which had cost the allies so
miich blood aiid treasure. He retained most of
hh conquests; ami the family of the iJourbonf
.M a. will 1 I'.HKA ]'.
11
>.". as l^t.l!)Il^ll(.'(! upon lliclhnuu' i m' Sj):'/!!!, ;iinl
even oil tiiat ol' Xaiilrs and >:ci!v. ]'.\:iiiij>u >
"l" that M)it (;iiLi,!iL to tcacli 11-5 liic Ic-i-^uu or
cinbr.'.cm;;' piopo^als ti.ai i.ad t!u' a.j'juaiaii'a;
"t' ^a;Im'^-^; lor 1)\' a:i!;in;;' at loo iniicli n\'i
in!_ht lose !,'\"ci V tiling."'
Miiii^ttT-,. however. M'C'ii.cd to ha\'i' been
iir.i>ic.'[>a:(.{l Tor th.i,' 1 11 j)t n;a- ijet ucn Ku>>:a ami
I'i:'.nrr. l.'ird i.'.t'i'iirt v.'a> now al.'out to .>eL
out as cind'a^-^ador lo the Uu^.-^ian (.-'.uil ; hat/Uot
hc'lni;- (juiic -^o .'ani;"a:n': a> ->onu^ 1 Ion. (icntKancn.
he ^^Mia \\'.^ ^hould n.;t he' sui piiscd if Ijuonajiai tc
aniwd at i\-U'i.->!)ni'<:'h h. toic hi^ Lorddiip.
And w hat \',;i^ to \)c ^anual b\- ihc content :
W iial \\ as iIr- .-i:tuati{jn ot" the- Ku^>iaH linr.iua'-^ -
W as it to \i'j aLiaaii [Jiojiosfd '.hat n;oiu'\ siioulu
be (haiiud fioiii our jioc'kcts? Was tiic v .:v > 1
(T'adit to he (.xp'jndcd i\\ subsid sini;' Swiale n and
Kus-!a' .IndmnL!,- I'loni tlu- t >. lua '.encc of the-
\j.>'. ueic sahsuhts hkchv to ; fi'e r an\- I ;;:i;^
te)\\aid- liie' atlainnu-nl ( 1 a. pea Miaiie'Lt peMe'e':
11'' \, (jiild 1 I! la i' till" coi;!)! 1 \ should p; I isJi i hau
-ubn.iL t(,d'i.:n\ t hmu' di-'hoia ai:,d>!e- ; but let it
r.ot pt'n-.h,, Iv.-: It riot bfeiaiu- lliv secure. t' inlia-
n.d e'on\ ul- ion, tiom a tal-e no! au) ol hoinaii ."'
' I iiti,) w nut a sea ne wc'i e v> e [d ani;; !!.. ! .1 i.aA'
eoahtion I aanui^- a'^auint Tiairaa ;.nd > n o -,ti-
na! a ie-t\i>al on 1 'ur pa: t te) ii >' i a f o < \ . : \ o[!;
'' aac' 'Una. ulaiLi- an"
512 JIK. WH! J iiK]^^iy,
November 30^ 1812. On moving an Atnendment to f'j-
Address.
^' If ever there was a time when enquiry and
information were called for, it was tlie present ;
when topics of so great and vital importance
came before them for discussion and decision.
Hewould ask, whether the House recollected the
lamentable situation in which the Executive
Government was placed? Were they not informed
that the recovery of his Majesty was hopeless ;
and that the frequent paroxisms to which he was
subject, rendered his life so precarious, that the
existence of the present Parliament was likely
to be of very short duration, unless the Noble
Lord (Lord Castlereagh) should think proper to
propose, what he had heard was his intention,
early in the present session, namel}', an act for
the continuance of its sitting, notwithstanding
the demise of his Majesty ? Whether so bold an
experiment was to be tried he knew not ; but if
such an infraction of the constitution should
ever be attempted, he would oppose it, if alive,
to the utmost of his power. If, however, such
a proposition was not intended to be made, the
tenure of their existence was mx-r-isarily preca-
rious j and it behoved them, theiei'orc, lo take
MR. WUITBKKAi;.
13
tiie ea^lic^t opportunity <Jt' applying to tl:C Prince
lifUinit tor iutbniiation on tlit^ ^l;itc <;t at!"airs.
Ht: (lid not believe that iveii the Xoble Lord
ul^hefi to ititie all encpiiiy into the transactions
of SjMin, or the nei^otiati.jn with America; lor
cv( 11 now the Xoi)le Lord had said, that a negotia-
tu)n \\as on tbfjt with America. Why biiould
not the Ilou^f he made acquainted \v ith the step?
f !; It h:id hceii taken with le^pect to that country ?
JIc ti listed tiiat this ti:m>y pretence \eould
neither hr ollered nor be received as a ground
tor witiihuUhiig tliat iiiteHigeuce from Parlia-
ment, wimh he e(jntended to be >o indispensable
to their taking a right view' of the political
interests of the country, externally and inter-
nally."
" 'i'he\- u'cre toKi that the piosj)erity of the
eoiintiA' wa^ impi'oNcd, and that the nation was
m a gioiiou> and u^ranil situation. W hy ?
P'lan^e Diionapartc w a^ on his ri-treat to liis
i{--oui\e- ; his force not annihilated, though
ccrtaiiiiv ill gieat (hiiiger. Tins wa^ what the
Hou>.t weic to c<jngMtulate them.-^elvcs on, and
tor xvhich thev were to go to the Prince Regent,
'. ith ;in address on the prosperous s*ate ui' llie
>( Mu'iis ! It" tii;-, situation of alVairs cii th.e
("oniiiieiit \\ a^ gtjod tbi aiiv thiii'.;', il wa^ this
til.;' ; hi- Pm{MTor (jt" Prance leaving failed in his
'.il'"';', in on;i' ii iunit\- wa^ n(nv (jttcred when it
L I
514 >1R. VVUITBREAD.
would not be inglorious, and when it would
certainly be liigldy useful to propose to the
enemy some arrana;enient (oi{)eacc. The Noble
Lord liad by no means satisfactorily answered
the question put to him by the Right Hon.
Gentleman (Mr. Canning), respecting Sweden.
It was, indeed, surprising, that this country
siiould become so easily tlie dupe of every
state with which it ha|)pened to be allied.
Great expectations were entertained by the
Government of this country from Sweden; but
he saw nothing in the connection but fresh
sacrifices, and fresli disappointments. The rear
of the enemy Mas to behaiassed by the Swedish
armj^, under that great French captain (as he
was called) the Crown Prince of S\\ eden !"'
" As to the state of Russia itself, and the
result of the present campaign, lie differed
altogether from the Noble Lord with respect t(<
the resources and population of the Russian
empire."
" If, however, the efforts of Russia had bceu
great (as great, tliey certainly were), how stu-
pendous nuist have been the power and flic
efforfs of the Empeior of France ; wlio, without
being necessitated to carry his arms into Russia,
and having" tlie war of Sj)ain already on his
liands, began tiiat great undertaking, penetrated
to ]Moseo\> , and would, in all probability, have
.\i i;. Will IV hi: \i>.
:tcC()m;li;^^!^.^l }ii> puipnvc, l)t:l loi the ;i\vl\il act
i III/ (..;'>. >f t*; >j',l!!l s(\'i)l;'(! IKU <') ll()[)dl,;l
.'!> t!lL N :>!'.(. LiimI ]]:>a\ (.'ilDM^U lo l\'])!\'^Cllt it.
\\ if ii 1 '^ai (1 Id {\:V c li' 11 1 s \'. hicii li-ul Ihhii !!;:i'.ic
ill till' j iM^t cii;i./;i ot' ti^!^ war, \\c liad to
oh^vrvc. tii.,t w . .:, " ar was r::'.ai(a! i-n iii any
rn;ni;;\. I'.A-iv \-. ., > ;; )r a (!';a!)t tl'.it tha iiuist
\ uoi"i:> (1^(M!^ \\\a v- 1:10 iiK^^t l;\i '\ lo ioad to
a-~;Ka(i\ lai aiini! a)ii. 1 Marc \'. ,s t a 's d; ii' rciffa
Ik'I '\a (ai an mI; ai-: > < a;al a 'Ka. a ^:\ c ^\ ar tli"!:
an Mtni:-:\a w n 'ni..'!!t a.iw a\^ lo l^a , "/a.i ot
^p.i.t- \', i.ai \ :'. .r.'a,. -, -Ii'm:-, I'a..- ; la, v.oc
i('-)o!\ial ;) i'c inaiia in ^jaan, tiitaa r:.^i.' ' ; he
iiM i!n..r t.) r!,al\aaaa!a la't an aj pla'ai ion,
! unci i a (.a a naiMa t(( t ,.a riaiua ila-^ai;r. U' is now
iV'aji iiiui vva, :!u"; 'la- iriaiit--t p' :!);. i:-c had
liCt 11 made !'- .\l ., ^\ :-. -^l tna inaans w ilh
waiicjl t i:r\ \, va a ail'! a-'; 1 : 1 a a a ' \ : !' a "^i ! ' :e
war, hat'av' a in : _: ''> a <:ca:-, )i\ on ta^ laaia's
;it .Mllll^^ca-. ( r i ac (; lail >: li ' \ (a ti'c ua: .
haina' ii> i '' '''^' ca;;..! i-nx'. I'li -aiar^-. i'j
waa^ tai ti"'M w.-iaa^i;- lo ;a!i;-a .Mira-'a.-^ tlic
means maa -.^ a \ lo aoiix > n tia- oopacst m
w lii'.ai wa wa:r eni^iaa'-i ''> ; ^aaa, -.-tnl ;^-la;
lai(, tr. liiU', i'l ti'C ;(', 'ia. u^oaian ; niaiai' a ai-
i;, 11 la! id iiiii I Ian -, aid I iiira'an; d w a ii die .man-
( :,d ;.la,'' :a- . i' ti.a Ui-iit IJMa. ( uailiiaiani
c'anoa.a, la' ^aoa 'lit iha Ln'. ;avjn!aa> ^t' tiia'
5 16 Mil. WIIITBREAD.
country should not be granted, without sccurity
that they should be properly apphed."
" Under all these circumstances, he was
desirous of imploring his Royal Highness to take
into consideration the measure of enquiring
whether or not it was at present possible to bring-
about a pacification. We now stood in a situa-
tion in Spain, glorious beyond example, in so
far as related to the sj)lendid achievements of our
armies; though with respect to the main point,
the expulsion of the French from the Peninsula,
we were not so near our object as some people
supposed.'*
" He knew he should be told, as he had always
hitherto been, on making such a proposition,
that the interference of Parliament on such a
subject,would cramp the powers of the Executive.
But when he saw that one Ministry after another
took no advantage of any favourable conjuncture
otiered them for tlie accomplishment of this
object, and that the moment a victory was
obtained, instead of considering it as instru-
mental in leading to peace, the end of all war,
they seemed to be immediately filled with the
most frantic and unreasonable hopes, he was
i'onvinced that no Ministry would ever volunta-
idy enter upon negotiation ; and that the House
v.erc tiieielore now called upon to interfere,
ilKit an event might at last be brought about of
ilK. V.im I^Rh AD. j] 7
>o much importance to this C')iintr\-, aiul to tiir
world. Witli ti c>.f imprcsHoiis, and consideriii"-,
lastly, tliat in tcndcrncvs for tlic Sjiarward.-. our
aihcs. \vc shoiiid allwu' ihcm some time to sctt'c
their form ot' (i(ncinnu-nt , he luul no hesitation
111 saving, that, without (kha^inL^ tlie (h_initv
ot the coiintr\, we miu:hi take sunie ^li p-, \<,
ascertain wiiethcr or not I'Vance wa^ i'>j omhI to
h-^ten to pacllic o\ertures.''
Dccembtr i, 1 81 J. In tl^e JJcbali on tlw rci.urt of tlu
Addrtas.
" I'hey must all recollect that, the 'j)ec\]ies
tiom the throne, dunn^ the l.i>t tM-enty NcarN,
contained in general, a pa^'t.age e>:j)rLv>;\a- ni" a
desire to conclude a [)eace with France, and with
all the world, if it could he i)iocurcd on tcrni<
conimen^uiatt' uitli the sat'elv and diLinitN- ot
the country. Hut noN'v there w a^ a t(jtal silence
on that point ; and he wished to prevent tli.tL
bare and naked expoeition ol the ^tate ol' the
( (jiintry ; lie wished to prexent tho-^e distresses
'dhich the war had pri)duced and nui-t conliiiue
to j)!o(luce, being hlazoncd throiigiiout I.uiope.
jlc wished to save the c(juntrv t'lajin bem^- placed
m a siUiati'tn sirniiar to th.at \\\ whi' h slie had
518 y^R. WIIITBREAD.
been plunged by the repeal of the Orders in
Council w lien it was too hite ; and this could be
clfectcu only by a timely [);.eilication. No man
was more ready tlian himselr' to endure privations
for the public good ; no man would feel more
repugnance to endeavouiing to pre\'ent the peo-
ple fiom niLikiiig any sacrifice Vvhich. tendcci to
n])li0ld the honour (^f the co'untry ; inr w lien
he saw tlie Governnient placed in hajids which
lii; R;g!U Hon. iM'icx-.d (Mr. Punsonh3) was not
himself dispot^ed to support, u hen lie saw a
Govt inment possessing power hut without con-
iidence, when he saw the infatuation which
prevailed in tlie countr}', from the prriod of Mr.
Pox's motion in i793, for opening a negotiation
with France, down to tlie present hour, he
thought lie acted coricctly in endeavouring to
check the evih lie wislied the Prince Regent
to he informed of the true state of the country,
before fitsh exaelioui, wcic placed on the peo-
ple, that n)easuics might he devised to prevent
their necessity ''"
*' J3u(;napa!ie Va as at present in a perilous
situatir-n, an.l e\ery e::erlion ought to he made,
bv taking acv.uitage ol" ir, to procure a peace.
But a feelnig se:med to })ervade the minds of
certain per^oi.>, Jiat a peace should not be con-
cluded witlj tiiat man a feeling which lie
\vi;dic;d to eradicate from this countr^. Por in.
M l< W li 1 I r,U! A I>. ,) ':*)
<'hl!U((l [n 111, , la' j>c:aT witii hilM. I.vl liim,
t li'.Tcl' i.'T. I).' sr;it ti> Dpi t:l\ ,iii(l in:iiifu!i\ . 1 !).
iatc (>t t lie ill>^;'..i would !iL' -1 cedi! \ kiiow ii, ;iiul
llie !->U(' wcuM l)c ;i com lei .' ill ow tlie ne.nd ot'
e\eiy (<i,e, wlietiier a ju lir.aiieii! ara! liuiii)ur,,Mc
I'eaee CtJiiM In' iM'neuied niiint.'
'' He t-nii-.; Jered liie vote iii!lu:tel\ tuo uTeat ;
!m' he- hid IK) h<)j)e of heiiiL;' alih- to iiuhiee the
J loii-e to nai iiM\' tht' u'laiit. On tJie lii^t (hi\' ot"
t:e' ^^!-ll, he h.;.,i ]nM\cd an ad(he^'i to ti;c
P. h.ee K. ^' lit. iiiipiT -s'iil; uj on hi^ lh)\ al 1 1:.^-':-
in'^-'., au(i upon Lne coiin'.iA, l!ie exjaahmey,
wlien it \v,t- [)o^-!!)K'. oi ai.hie\inij,' t!ie uai'at
\>,o: k ol'jK.iee. Siure tliena L:;i"e.ii "\eith.iow ol'
tlie iihii" o; i :,:!ua; had tahi n jdaee, >ii -ii a>
couid r.ot iMNe !)ten exiu'ctid i\' ^o;i;!r,,)ii
nieaii>.'"
" lle<jnee more ihoii^j^ht that a fit iiioinent
lor negotiation, ami tor ( llV-et :n'_;- an adwin-
t ejeoa- peaee. TiieN i.ad a'^vi.n, h,o\ee\\ i . t' ,'in(h
tliil in-iti'ad ol thr ]>o\'.a-i ot !'i ea e he . ; , i^ ex-
h.ea^ted, I's lu'.er iiad hrouLih; l'";'Aaiid a t^'iee
iiMie L;iuantK- th.an an\ w h; :i had h^rn pro-
dnci-d b\ thai eoimtrv -inoe t ,v l';.:, h ie\oh'-
520 MR. WHITBREAD.
tion. The allies, though once more concentrated
on the Rhine, had certainly been compelled to
retreat beyond the Elbe, and almost to the Oder.
Once more terms of negotiation seemed attain-
able ; and it appeared to him ahnost impossible
that this countr}' should not offer terms of peace,
when the Swedish treaty appeared to frustrate
that expectation. Before the vote of credit
passed, however, at least as soon as it did pass,
he should, in terms as moderate as possible, put
on record his opinions as to what ought to be
the conduct of England at tliis important pe-
riod. The allies, in the present contest he did
not believe to have at heart, one more than ano-
ther, tile real benefit of mankind, or a sincere
desire to establish peace on the Continent."
November 4, 1813. In the Debate on the Address.
*' I do not rise, Sir, with any view to disturb
the unanimity of the vote winch the House will
shortly come to; but rather, if tliat were at all
necessary, to add my cordial approbation of the
address moved by the Noble Lord. There may,
hideed, be one or two exceptions to my entire
approval of that address, but they are not of suf-
ficient weight to induce me to dissent from it m
M li. W Ml 1 lUlhAD.
3'Jl
my vote. 1 will tVcc'l\ own, I dul not expect,
oil an occasion like the pre'^ent, to tiii'i in the
speeeh (4 his Ko\ al Hii^liuess the Prince Uc:;ent
that inotleration of sentiment, and that iVeedoni
Ironi aii\' intoxication of langna<;e, which it
di.^pla\ , and so far, therefore, tlic nuinucr ot" it
has niv entire a[>prohHtion. Xor w.Il I he lu--
tra\'cd int(j an^ dehatc b\ toucliiiiL:: npon st'.eral
topics introduced bv the Noble Lord who moved
the addicts, and b\ the honourable and elocjui-nt
Member uho seconded it; butattlie srmie timr,
it would be unmanlv in me, and unbecoming
that deep and rooted conviction which I feel, ii
I did not a>.5ert my lirm disbelief of one thini^
in j)avtieular that has been advanced, tliat the
delnerancc of Europe, and thesj)lendid acliievc-
ment^ recently passed, arc to be ascribed to
the jM)licy l)egun by a Minister now no more,
and to the foUowiuL;; out of tliat policy by liis
.succcss(.)is. CJreat, I admit, that Minii^ter was ;
but if the counsels of his j^rcat adxer.sary had
been li^tcned to, Europe would never have been
pluiii;rd into that disastrous state from uhich
she now seems to be emeri;inu;, nor uoukl the
dic.idful carnage of the pre^ent campaign have
been necessary. So far 1 feel it nece^sarv tosa\-,
from the hone-^t conviction of my soul ; and I
also l(el it necessary to sav. that the proud
exultation of this dav is haded bv no man in
522 MR. WlilTBREAD.
th's House, or in tlie country at large, wirli
iiioie tnthusiastic feelings tlian by myself. I
cannot, however, help adverting a little to tlie
JDConsistcncies of tlie nol)le mover of the ad-
dress, and the seconder of it. We have been
told, tlic'it ]\Iorcan Vived for the liberties of Ku-
ropc; if he did so, tlien has Great Britain been
fighting against the liberties (;f Ivtirope : if, too,
Ecrnadotte, uliosc consunmiatc abilities I wil-
lingly acknowledge, and to whom, fov the exer-
tion of those abilities in the way they have been
exerted, the whole world is indebted, has, on
every occasion of his life, fouo-ht for the liber-
ties of Europe : then, I again repeat, that Great
Britain has been fighting against those liberties.
Upon this point, however, I will toucli no fur-
ther than to express my entire approlruion of
the magnanimity with which the Piince Re-
gent's Ministers confided in the co-o])eiation of
that personage ; a magnanimity so nobly and so
amply rewarded. I give great credit, also, to
the present Administration, and to him who was
at the head of it, till removed by the foul deed
which every one deplored, for the great and
steady confidence which they placed in the ta-
lents and genius of our noble commander, the
Marquis of Wellington ; and 1 can assure the
Noble Lord (Lord Compton), I should feel as
happ^> a:> he would, were he now among us, to
-M u. wii n i; k!:a d.
ciiJDv tlic i'liM'^of 111-. Lii-".!!-, apji '> '!c-t.ii',
with that cl'iill('llCt.' \\ hu'h. ]U(1'I'M In 1,1111,
thr ^plt'iuhd ^llt\^.'-^t^ wiiicl: ii.'.\r ' r^i I !( ('. '
*' I raucc. ill l!u' coui">c ut hrr caici r miuc f':C
tc'\'iihiti '11, (hNtuihfd ami <)\ t i ' h.rcu' liu- aiUK i.t
iiiuii.ti .1:11^ ujifu tiif iti;.tr\t lit t!;(. ,1 t\r;;iMy
and dc>j)()ti-m; but whin th'^c static pa-^fd
inuici t hi- ]). iw u of I'laH'c, \\ an w a^ to I d)i a atf
tiuan r 'r,.c\- tramd ihi !!'.m.1\ ^'> Mihtati ai to a
dc'-~j>t)t l^'al >till nana' odioii^, t.) a t..i";h!om stdl
ira'.ic iiis'i] jioi lahic. 1 nc l'.ni|a i<ir ot thai (.amii-
\v\ I- at t;i;^ iii'aii'.ait in a caMuhtH-n to wl ah, I
lirah'. ii '.uac, lai'JiiiiL:, I'lif lii> own i'->.th > and
L;ai;-ant ic anih;: ion ia)nhi havc i a dma-d h.i;.."
" Willi ia--j,aual to tlic aid and a-MNtanta- w In h
aic to he atloidva! to t!c alhatua- h\ t':;. I'l an: ' r\-,
I (hiiik tiicv -'nould ha\-c noothaa liiia.t hat liic
po'.vii ;int! ia>ou;aa > I a ! il' c nn', i'. .'-ra : to tiu'
ntiiio-t \'.r ( an li'o, with ..''.'. '> > a;nl\a'^, to
thiat c\*;nt wanwd 1 \vi--!i to '-i a ^ 'aply
a{]Mid,d.''
' \\ ::h thc'M' views ot' tlic ])i(">iaif [awrnia- of
alL.is. I -lad! i^ive n;\ >n[ijMiri to tia- addu'ss
nio\(,'d hN'thc Nohli J.oiai: i!;c (a\'sii:,w- Adiiii-
ni>ti al 'ill air entitled, 1 think, to e\ (i \ jir a-c ;
ami it h\ a w :^]\ it \\ere ]hi>-.d)lr t^a' ire to c uate
an\ ehaiiLic in the Ihiiiee ite^(a;l\ Maa^ids^
i xia jit . pi 1 haj)-., ti I Mieiease a hi I ie t laai .stien^t h
Ml the (jiic-ition 1 ha\-c jn^l aliiuKd to 'yllic
5i!4 MR. WHIT BREAD.
Catholic question), that wish should be un
formed."
December 20, 1813. On the Question of Adjournment.
Though I agree with my honourable and
learned friend (Sir James Mackintosh) in all his
general principles, and concur completely in his
wish to oppose long adjournments, I should con-
tradict the opinions which I have declared re-
specting his Majesty's Ministers, if I concurred
in opposing this motion of adjournment. If any
thing had occurred to diminish my confidence in
them, I might be justified in my opposition to
the present motion, but, instead of any thing
having occurred to diminish it, the adoption this
night by the Noble Lord (Lord Castlereagh) of
the splendid declaration, dated at Frankfort, De-
cember 1st, has increased that confidence."
( 520 )
MR. WILBERIORCE.
JuJij -1, \^0^. Si,<iiu.
' Till, {^'clmg ill t,i\'()iir at" S|);iin was .^o iiiia-
iiiiiiou'-, z.'alous, and decisive, that it was next
to an nnj)">>iljil!tv tiiat it could le nii^takcn ; it
u a^ ^o noionous, tiiat fvcrv I'ritoii joined in
cIltlul^Ia^tl( piaNi'is ti) the great ruler of events,
to 1)!cts uitli its merited .succe>-5 the struggle of
a gallant people in hehall'of every thing dear to
the clMibtiai), the eitizen, and the man ; and in-
deed tlie iiotoiiitv )t^ell iiad heen ^o extensive
li.^, perhaps, to super>e(ie the iieee>:5:tv ol" any lor-
iiial aiii;uii(i:'.t ioii on ihc ])a!t o\ tiiat Hou^e,
upon a hiuhjcet eoiu (, rii.iig \v;.:/ii the po{)ulation
ot the cir.iM'e enlei t.wued !jut one sentiment,
U'leat and geiieious ;;s ilic >j,!,i:n'Us eau-^e that
ilAW !l 1)11 il."
( 526 )
MR. WORTLEY.
May 21, 1812. On moving an Address for a strong and
efficient Administration.
" It was notorious, that an Administration
was now upon the eve of being formed, which
no disinterested man thought adequate to meet
the exigencies of the times an Administration
which was so far from b'' ing able to conduct
the government of the country in any way con-
ducive to the safety and prosperity of the em-
pire, and their own honour, that it was to be
apprehended their continuance in power would
only serve to plunge us deeper in tliose difficul-
ties from which they v/erc utterly unable to res-
cue us. For himself, he was free to say, that he
tliouglit it a more manly part to resist m lim'uie
the formation of such a government, than to
look idly on while it M'as forming, and after-
wards commence a systematic opposition against
it. A speedy and determined manifestation of
public feelinix, mio-ht lead to the formation of an
Acim'uistration entitled to the conlidence of the
Mil. \vo;:i I.: ','
Cf)'iiit:\-. III.' u I- s;;i\-, lii.it !" \'.\c rr .! - .1 -r ,
t !u' jif()| I',- \\ :,(( M\ f\ (,>!'."' '.< Viw . K J I'.t
t i:iiutL;!i t!U':; ci '.^r i;ut : '.. .1 ( .i__; ; ii ir.y- i N . > of
('MMii',i!s, |ir>i\ 'P'j,- ti.r a l:c\ n ':!r.i.'iil lu'ttcr
<\;'l'i; i,tt( (1 I') i.:trt ;iic cii.an^ ot tl.c j-.t^: r,t
.'.A In I ciisi^ ::f f(.!t N:[f isti"',l, t'';il if .slid) ;;ii
..:thc>s Wfic I- . ! 1, ,!, ,: imi-' '.;:. u >i;it(,'ti\' tn the
I ; iiicit 1011 Di' a .> ' r ai, i r.r .:!)ir iDiii!^' r\ . I Ii' diil
r.dl 1;,' .lii :.) j)!(,i. M' ; . a' 'i'MM- 1\- iht;; | aa-cnt
\()!f I<i !!'.( -ii]'[i' :', (,t all lliC iiica-i.: -s o; ;;Ij\'
'_;- '\ rriiTia nr, 1, \\v\ -v...' uait t.r (a); irkai in;
iic;rni.a (ial lu' :;a'..n to | '-'.iii:!' iLr Iliii^C l<)
('![>(, vc ;; ! the iiaa-^iin'-. (>\ caii tia' jMc -cnt Ad-
i!ai;isl 1 al loii. \\ a ir I la n' t;) ron; iiair. lie nicaii*'
iia:i'i\' to call \\\" n that IIo;..i' to a(hlia".ss has
]ii'\al 1 1 .'_:,hi:' s. ji.i\:h._; han to :\r:-\ an (t:i-
( .(i.t Aiiiriiiii^t la! a 11 ; t:(';ch\- i ip.pl \ !)i'_j-, tiait;
r ta J.' 1 -'ai > I ! '.'. a''(- . . \'< he < ,.' ,c(i to. and to i a*
((Mi! a Hit ii ai t hf adinm; ,.t a)n 01 jjiaa ir ..il'iir--,
'hi i/.' ]' -' -^ ll.c cor.lai: la a ' I ta" r aintr; a
S^'t ; . '! ]..-. ( h|: c! ; la' ^:'ah,'l nuw -Mf;,'
I I a ' a ! ' a a ', s ( ; 1 \\ i a ( 1 1 lie i : - ' ; i 1 ! a ' j : . ^ a n t
na )t a 11. ( I 'f n a ^al mm ' ' t 1 1, ^ k i;ai, ha'
li.oii'jht t'.i'.f (.(( \' hfMic^t la. 01 1. laj.t \i.a'l
I a' liatc (]a(^';ais !, ii;> (on>(aia'( 'a-i.
waa a h' I , ;:t I '. r jii ;-a n t a . a ^, an ( n.i n nl
J'. .', ( : nna ii*, j-o-- -.^uil:^ tla ii:ll (aaitidinca' ot'
t la' ni'oi.la, \vai^ a' ' .i!)>o!ut J\ nt ( ( -s.a \ : Tla-
a!a n.-ai.i!lN la', .iai ih--
528 31 R. WORTLEY.
present government possess that confidence :
And the thiid question was, whether all had
been done that might be done to form an Admi-
nistration eflficient, and possessing the confidence
of the country ? On these three questions he ap-
pealed with confidence to tlie judgment of the
House. As to the first proposition, he thought
it would be a waste of time to say a word upon
it. To enable us to continue our strup-ole, wc
must have a government in which wc could con-
fide as a guide. As to the second proposition, it
might certainly be thought by some more dispu-
table, but in his mind it was ecjually as true and
certain as the former. He admitted, and was
proud to acknowledge ihe terms of personal
friendship upon wliich he was in the habit of
communicating with leading persons in the pre-
sent government, and the relation in which he
stood towards some of tiiem; but that conside-
ration, however strong, should not influence his
conscientious judgment of their capabilities as
part of the present Administration. It would,
however, ill become him, so circumstanced, to re-
sort to any language that could indicate towards
them any thing like an irritable feeling on his
part. He felt none ; he thought, however, that
they of themselves could not supply the place of
that eminent person of whom they liad been so
recrntiy de{)rived by an act of unparallelrd out-
Hn. r/ORTLY.
.-529
ia^c. lie never in t!ic coin>c of his experience
III tlial. House, ni'jl with .'i iniwi nime tornKcl to
u'viide ii.> proceeding's witJi temper, 'ji^ood >en.se,
and a 'oneilia'ory ^pirit, th,.in [\\c hUc ^li. Vt.u
ceval ; hnl it' tlie present lioverninent were not
^ ( r y ^^trong, even with the aid (jl"iMr. Peree\;d's
L:,rcat i;:!eius, they uerc ceituinly ^vor^c than
v/c.-ik v/ithoi'L th'-iii.''
; 111
( 530 )
MR. YORKE.
January 22, 1808. In ike Debate on the Report of the
Addre^c;,
" PIe declared it as liis firm opinion, that there
was no probabiHty of obtaining from the pre-
sent government of France any terms of peace
compatible with the honour and security of the
country."
January 2d ^ 1810. /n the Dehate on the Report of the
Addresii.
" The country was said to be in great dan-
ger. He thought it was, and that the dan-
ger Avas much nearer home than was generally
imagined; it was in our intestine divisions, and
that j)arty animosity that made us hate one
another more than the common enemy, and in
the exar>'(ierated manner in which t\ery thimr
was staled against tlie Ibrtuncs of the country,
and in la\uur of tliose of our enemies, indus-
triously circulated a:, such exaggerations liad
been by those who were enemies to our consti-
tution, both in church and state.'
Gidi^c SidncN. I'linlcr,
K':'itliu!ubciiiuid-hU(.(-'t. Stiandc
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