Thursday 8 March 1810

Lieut.-gen. sir Stapleton Cotton, bart. and brig.-general George Anson being come to the House, Mr. Speaker acquainted them, that the House had upon the 1st of Feb. last resolved, That the Thanks of this House be given to them for their distinguished exertions on the 27th and 28th of July last in the memorable battle of Talavera, which terminated in the signal defeat of the forces of the enemy; and Mr. Speaker gave them the Thanks of the House accordingly as followeth, viz.

"Lieutenant-general sir Stapleton Cotton, and Brigadier-general Anson.

"Upon your return from the eventful wars of Spain, whatever variance of opinion, whatever alternation of hopes and apprehensions you may have found to prevail in this country respecting the progress and final issue of that awful contest, nevertheless, your distinguished conduct and services have not failed to call forth one universal expression of applause and admiration.—The British cavalry has been long renowned in war. Victorious in other times over the troops of France, it feared not again to meet its former rivals, flushed even as they were with the pride of conquest, and the spoil of many nations. Led by your swords it again displayed a strength and valour irresistible in the shock of arms, and renewed its ancient triumphs in the hard-fought field of Talavera. When the history of these memorable days shall be read by our latest descendents, be assured, that your names will be repeated with exultation, and your deeds recounted in the list of those heroic achievements.—You serve not an ungrateful country. It well knows that military fame is national power. And this House, ever prompt to proclaim its gratitude for eminent services in war, has therefore conferred upon you the honour of its unanimous Thanks. And I do now accordingly, in the name and by the command of the Commons of the United Kingdom, thank you for your distinguished exertions on the 27th and 28th days of July last in the memorable battle of Talavera, which terminated in the signal defeat of the forces of the enemy."

Upon which Lieut.-General sir Stapleton Cotton said,

"Mr. Speaker; In endeavouring to express my sense of the very high honour which has been conferred upon me, and which has been communicated to me by you, Sir, in so flattering a manner, I fear I shall fall far short of what my feelings are upon this occasion.—To receive the thanks of parliament is one of the highest rewards to which a soldier can aspire; and believe me, Sir, I shall ever consider it my greatest pride to have been so honoured: This, I may venture to say, is the feeling of all my brother officers and soldiers who had the good fortune to be commanded by one of the most able and distinguished generals that has adorned the annals of this Country, and who will, I trust (should an opportunity offer); again prove to the world that a British army is not to be beat by a French force of double its numbers."

Brigadier-General Anson then said,

"Mr. Speaker; That any part of my professional conduct should have been deemed worthy the particular notice of this House, and of my country, is no less honourable than gratifying to my feelings: I must, however, be allowed to confess myself more indebted for this distintinguished honour to the exertions of those brave soldiers with whom I had the glory of being associated, than to any particular merit attached to myself individually.—I beg to express to this honourable House the high sense I entertain of the honour it has conferred upon me; and that it will ever be the pride of my life to have been thought, in the slightest degree, deserving of its good opinion. To you, Sir I must beg to make my warmest acknowledgments for the very handsome and polite manner in which you have conveyed to me the sentiments of this House, and for the many very gratifying expressions with which you have accompanied the communication of this most flattering distinction."

Ordered, nem. con. That what has been now said by Mr. Speaker, together with the Answers thereto, be printed in the Votes of this day.