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Sir Arthur said, that he did not see how Sir John could be employed in any important command, unless some explanation took place. He was certain that it had not been the intention of Ministers to behave unkindly to him, as he had often heard them express their respect and good-will. Lord Castlereagh, he added, was cold and cautious; and there might have been an awkwardness in employing Sir John in command, after what had passed in Sweden, until some explanation had taken place with that court; and this might have been mistaken for offence.

Sir Arthur wished to be empowered to express to the Ministers, that if nothing had been intended by them to displease Sir John, he was sorry at having been deceived, and of having expressed himself as he did that at any rate, he had forgot, and thought no more of the matter.

To this proposal Sir John said, that he had heard nothing from any individual connected with government since he left England and as no opening had been made by the minis

ters, he could not, with propriety, enter upon the subject with them. He had been aware of the consequence of speaking as he had done to a minister; and could not, for the sake of obtaining any situation, make a submission, or anything that tended to it, which he thought unbecoming. But if Sir Arthur interested himself sufficiently about him, he might communicate this conversation to Lord Castlereagh; and state that he had expressed his sentiments candidly, and had no ill-will whatever to Lord Castlereagh, or to any member of the administration.

They had been wanting to him, which he had told them, and there with him the business ended. As it was naturally Sir John's wish, that any impression which hindered his being employed should be removed; he added, that he should be obliged to Sir Arthur Wellesley, or any other friend, who would be kind enough to do it.

In this singular conversation, Sir Arthur seemed fully impressed with the opinion, that Sir John had been mistaken, by considering

what was merely omission and forgetfulness, to be an intended neglect. He was anxious to be empowered to make a greater advance to the Minister than Moore thought he could in honour make; but promised to say no more than he was authorized.

Sir Arthur sailed next day for England, and left upon Sir John Moore's mind the impression of an exalted character.

When an account of the Convention granted to Junot reached England, the terms were generally reprobated as too favourable to their enemies. Loud clamours arose, a military Court of Inquiry was instituted by Government, and Sir Hew Dalrymple was recalled.

CHAPTER XVI.

THE CAMPAIGN IN SPAIN.

A FEW days after the command of the army had devolved on Sir Harry Burrard, despatches arrived from the War Minister, containing the appointment of Sir John Moore to the chief command of an army to be employed in Spain. These letters were dated the 25th of September, previous to Sir Arthur Wellesley's arrival in England, and consequently anticipated the communication he intended to make to Government. A private letter from Lord Castlereagh to Sir John accompanied the public despatches, assuring him of his personal assistance in everything respecting the public service; and begging him to write confidentially, and privately, on subjects connected with his command.

Moore replied in the same amicable strain, and resolved to act conformably; which the

good of the service required, and he thought

of nothing else.

Before relating the proceedings of the British army, it is requisite to notice briefly the events in Spain which followed the compulsory deposition of the sovereign.

Napoleon had despatched his brother to Madrid, to be proclaimed king of Spain, nearly as he would have nominated one of his officers to a vacant commission. And this appointment was supported by seventy thousand French troops, who were soon augmented to a hundred and ten thousand; which force, commanded by experienced generals, was considered adequate to hold in submission a dejected nation, that in latter times had not been distinguished for military prowess. The insurrection, however, which burst forth against this audacious usurpation, proved far more formidable than had been apprehended. The infuriated populace rose up suddenly, and attacked stragglers, and

*

History of the Peninsular War, by Colonel Napier.-Vol. i. p. 45. Appendix, p. 86, from Official Returns.

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