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gade, climbed the fortified eminence, and charged, in his usual manner, with the bayonet. Such intrepidity proved irresistible; for the French retired towards Alexandria, and Moore, next day, received the thanks of the commander in chief, which were issued in public orders, and renewed in the public dispatch transmitted to England.

In the subsequent action of the 21st of March, during which the British troops were attacked with great impetuosity, and the commander in chief killed, Major-General Moore distinguished himsclf once more, while leading on the reserve, against which the principal attack of the enemy was directed. According to the official letter of LieutenantGeneral Hutchinson, the troops commanded by him, "conducted themselves with unexampled spirit, resisted the impetuosity of the French infantry, and repulsed several charges of cavalry. Major-General Moore," adds he, wounded at their head, though not dan gerously. I regret, however, the temporary absence from the army of this highly valuable, and meritorious officer, whose council and co-operation would be so highly necessary to me, at this

moment.

66 was

He recovered, however, in time to assist at the siege of Cairo, as well as of the castle of Marabout; and after Alexandria had been reduced, and all the French in Egypt had submitted, he was appointed to escort the capitulating army to the place of embarkation. The commander in chief bore testimony to his conduct on this occasion, in the dispatch addressed to Lord Hobart, of which the following is a copy:

Alexandria, Aug. 19. "MY LORD-The last division of the French troops who surrendered at Cairo, sailed from the bay of Aboukir a few days 42. There have been embarked in all, Bear 13.500 persons, &c.

"Major-General Craddock having been confined by illness, I intrusted the command of the troops to Major-General Moore, who, during a long march of a very novel and critical nature, displayed much judgment, and conducted himself in a most able and judicious manner. Notwithstanding the mixture of Turks, British, and French, the utmost regularity was preserved, and no one dis agreeable circumstance ever took place."

After, the reduction of Egypt, the major-general returned to Europe, and

spent some time in the bosom of his family. He was next employed on the staff of the army, in the Kentish district, and actually commanded a camp at Shorn Cliffe, a few miles from Dover, whence with the naked eye the tents of the French troops, then threatening an invasion from Boulogne, could be easily discerned in a fine day. At this period, a son* of his old commander acted as his aide-de-camp; and soon after the Honourable Captain Stanhope, nephew to Mr. Pitt, served under him, in the same capacity.

But it seemed to be decreed by fate, that the subject of this memoir should never remain long in one place. In 1805, having attained the rank of lieuteof the 52d regiment of foot, he was disnant-general, and obtained the colonelcy patched once more to the Mediterra-' neau and assumed the command in Sicily. He was recalled, however, to act on a less distant theatre, and accordingly repaired to Sweden, with a view of assisting a prince, who has been doomed to lose a portion of his dominions, in what has been justly termed, "the common cause of Europe." The extraordinary conduct of this young monarch; his refusal of support; his behaviour to Sir John Moore, (who had, by this time, been invested with the ribband of the Bath), and the arrest and subsequent escape of that gallant officer, are subjects, as yet, involved in some degree of obscurity, and must be left, so far as concerns their details, to another opportunity.

Sir John was sent with a body of troops to After spending a few days in England, Portugal; and as hopes were entertained dicate their independence, and put a stop that the Spaniards would-be able to vinto the progress of the hitherto victorious French, he was ordered to advance to their assistance. He accordingly marched forward with his troops, and, amidst innumerable difficulties, reached Toro. On December 28, 1808, we find him at Benevente, anterior to which point, hẹ describes the army as marching through snow, and with cold almost constantly that has been very intense. The wea ther within these few days" adds he, "has turned to rain, which is much more uncomfortable than the cold, and has rendered the roads almost impassable. On the 21st the army reached

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Sahagun; it was necessary to halt there, in order to refresh the men, and on account of provisions. The information that I received was, that Marshal Soult was at Saldana with 16,000 men, with posts along the river from Guarda to Carrion."

No sooner did this object present itself to his view, than the lieutenant-general determined on striking a blow. He accordingly gave orders for his troops to advance in two columns, on the night of the 23d; but, during that very evening, he received intelligence that the enemy had obtained considerable reinforce ments. This, however, would not have prevented him from carrying his resolution into effect, had not the Marquis de la Romana informed him, nearly at the same time, that the French were advancing from Madrid, either to Valladolid, or Salamanca.

On this, a retreat was instantly resolved on, and Lord Paget was placed with the cavalry, so as to give notice of the first approach of the enemy's infantry, their horse having already advanced. On the 30th of December, Sir John arrived at Astorga, whence he proceeded to Villa Franca, and continued to move on towards Corunna, amidst innumerable difficulties, such, in fine, as scarcely ever occurred before. On this occasion, a large portion of the cavalry was destroyed, in consequence of the severity of the service, while many of the officers and men died from fatigue alone. To prevent the military chest from falling into the hands of the enemy, some thousands of dollars intended for the pay of the Troops were buried; but the object that lay nearest the heart of the general, was the preservation of the cannon, the safety of which is looked upon as a point of Honour, among military men. It may be easily conceived, that at such a period, every thing likely to encumber the troops, was thrown away, and it has even been said, although perhaps without foundation, that, at the passage of the last bridge, a sufficiency of tools to cut it down, was not to be obtained.

At length, the port of Corunna, being the place destined for the embarkation, presented itself to the view of an army, already overcome with the difficulties of a long and fatiguing march, during which they were but scantily supplied with food. At the same time, however, the pursuing enemy appeared in sight, an enemy flushed with their recent victories over the native Spaniards, and not a little bonst

ful, that they had beheld the English for the first time flying before the conquering eagles.

About two o'clock, in the afternoon of the 16th of January 1809, after forming various columns for that purpose, the attack took place on the front of the British position. The part against which it happened to be first directed, was the right, occupied by Lieutenant-General Sir David Baird, the second in command, who received a severe wound, in consequence of which he was obliged to leave the field. The commander in chief, who had instantly proceeded to the scene of action, made the most able dispositions, and forced the French to alter their original intentions; for being unable to force the right wing, they endeavoured to turn it, but without effect, and they soon beheld their own left threatened by the movements that ensued.

Their next effort was against the center, but there again they were manfully resisted; on which, varying their designs according to circumstances, they obtained possession of a neighbouring village, and advanced against the left of the British line. But there again, they were foiled, aud obliged to give way.

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Meanwhile Sir John Moore, who had exerted himself, with his usual anima tion, fell like Wolfe, in the moment of victory. His death was occasioned by a cannon ball, which struck him in a mortal part, and he was carried towards Corunna in a blanket, supported by sashes. While his wound was probed, he said to an officer, whom he desired to attend him during the short period he had to live, "You know I have always wished to die this way!" Although suffering great pain, he appeared eager to speak again, and the first question put by him, was, "Are the French beaten?" On being assured of this fact by several officers, who arrived in succession, he exclaimed: "I hope the people of England will be satisfied! I hope my country will do me justice!" Then addressing himself to one of his aid-de-camps, be continued: "You will see my friends as soon as you possibly can-tell them every thing-say to my mother There his voice failed; but he resumed soon after in a still weaker tone : "Hope-Hope--I have much to say, but cannot get it out-Is Colonel Gra

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bam, and are all my aides-de-camp well? —I have made my will, and remem bered my servants!"

On the appearance of Major Colborne, his principal aide-de-camp, he spoke most kindly to him, and then turning about to another, he continued: "Remember you go to and tell him that it is my request, and that I expect he will be friend Major Colborne, he has long been with me, and I know him most worthy of it." He then asked the major, "if the French were beaten?" and, on hearing they were repulsed on every point, he said, "It was a great satisfaction in his last moments, to know he had beaten the French!"

After this, he enquired if General Paget was present? and on being answered in the negative, begged "to be remembered to him."

tion of importance during the two last wars, in which he had not participated.” In the course of the same night, Lord Castlereagh, in his official capacity, as mmister at war, expressed his sorrow at the "loss of one of the ablest of our generals; possessing in an eminent degree every valuable quality that can dignify the man, and enhance the superiority of the soldier; at once in the prime of life, and the prime of professional desert; giving in the evidence of his past life the best assurance of what might be expected from his zeal, intrepidity, and talents." He concluded with the following motion: "That an humble address be a monument be erected in the cathedral presented to his Majesty, requesting that of St. Paul, to the memory of the late Lieutenant-General Sir John Moore, Knight of the Bath, who, after an honourable and meritorious life, fell by a cannon ball, in the action near Corunna, on the 16th of January, 1809, after having, by his judicious dispositions, skill, and gallantry, repulsed an enemy of superior force, and secured to the troops under his command a safe and unmo

"I feel myself so strong," added he, "I fear I shall be long dying;-Iain in great pain!" He then thanked the medical men for their attention, and after speaking kindly to Captains Stanhope and Percy, he pressed to his heart the hand of the first aide-de-camp, who came to his assistance, and died in a few milested embarkation." putes, without so much as a struggle.

Thus fell, in the prime of life, at the age of 47 years, surrounded by his suite, mourned by his companions in arms, and at the conclusion of a critical victory, which preserved the remainder of his ariny from destruction, Lieutenant-General Sir John Moore, a name that will be long dear to his country. His brilliaut exploits have already been detailed, and it only remains to observe, that in the course of these, he received no fewer than six wounds; one in the head from a sheil, at Corsica; three in Holland, before he could be prevailed upon to leave the field; a musket shot in the leg in Egypt did not interrupt his exertious; and a cannon ball in Spain bereaved his country for ever of his services!

On the 25th of January, the Earl of Liverpool, as secretary of state for the home department, while moving the flanks of the house to those officers, who had gained the battle of Corunna, paid a high eulogium to the memory of the depart ed general; "whose whole life," he said, Ahad been devoted to the service of his country, for there was scarcely any ac

Sir John Moore was born at Glasgow, November 13, 1761. He received the honour si knighthood, and the urder of the Bath, on his return from Egypt.

The commander-in-chief, also, in general orders, dated "Horse Guards, February 1, 1809," paid the following tribute to his memory:

"The benefits derived to an army from the example of a distinguished commander, do not terminate at his death: his virtues live in the recollection of his associates, and his fame remains the strongest incentive to great and glorious actions.

amidst the deep and universal regret, which
"In this view, the Commander in Chief,
the death of Lieutenant-General Sir John
Moore has occasioned, recalls to the troope
the military career of that illustrious officer
for their instruction and imitation.

the profession with the feelings and senti
"Sir John Moore, from his youth, embraced
ments of a soldier; he felt, that a perfect
knowledge, and an exact performance of the
humble, but important duties of a subaltern
officer, are the best foundations for subse
quent military fame; and his ardent mind,
while it looked forward to those brilliant
atchievements, for which it was formed, ap-
duity, to the duties of that station.
plied itself, with energy and exemplary assi

tained that correct knowledge of his profes-
In the school of regimental duty, he ob-
sion so essential to the proper direction of the
enabled to establish a characteristic order,
gallant spirit of the soldier; and he was
and regularity of conduct, because the troops
found in their leader a striking example of
the discipline, which he enforced on others.

"Having

"Having risen to command, he signalized his name in the West Indies, in Holland, and in Egyypt. The unremitting attention with which he devoted himself to the duties of every branch of his profession, obtained him the confidence of Sir Ralph Abercromby, and he became the companion in arms of that illustrious officer, who tell at the head of his victorious troops, in an action which maintained our national superiority over the arms

of France.

"Thus Sir John Moore, at an early period obtained, with general approbation, that conspicuous station, in which he gloriously

terminated his useful and honourable life.

"In a military character, ob ained amidst the dangers of climate, the privations incident to service, and the sufferings of repeated wounds, it is difficult to select any one point as a preferable subject for praise; it exhibits, however, one feature so particularly characteristic of the man, and so important to the

best interest of the service, that the commander in chief is pleased to mark it with his peculiar approbation.

"The life of Sir John Moore was spent among the troops.

"During the season of repose, his time was devoted to the care and instruction of the officer and soldier; in war, he courted service in every quarter of the globe. Regardless of personal considerations, he esteemed that to which his country called him, the post of honour, and by his undaunted spirit, and unconquerable perseverance, he pointed the way to victory.

"His country, the object of his latest solicitude, will rear a monument to his lamented memory, and the commander in chief feels he is paying the best tribute to his fame by thus holding him forth as an example to the army."

We shall now conclude with some observations relative to to his family. Dr.

Moore, the father of the general died a few years since, leaving behind him, a most excellent character in private life, and a high reputation in the republic of letters. His mother, whom he mentioned with his dying breath, still survives her eldest son, and is not only deeply afflicted by his loss, but has to bewail the deplorable situation of his brother Charles, who has been recently deprived of his faculties.

Mr. James Moore, a surgeon of great promise, in 1789, obtained a prize medal from the Lyceum Medicum Londinense; Captain Graham Moore fought a gallant action in the Melampus, and took the Ambuscade of forty guns. He acted as commodore of the fleet that conveyed the Prince Regent, and royal family of Portugal to the Brazils; while Mr. Francis Moore, after being some time pri vate secretary to the Duke of Leeds, is now deputy secretary to the War Of fice.

On the 8th of February, 1809, a subscription was opened in Glasgow, for erecting a monument to the memory of the late General Sir John Moore, K.B. when 1500l. was immediately raised for that purpose, and next day, being a national fast, his fellow-citizens attended divine service in mourning.

* Mrs. Moore resides at Cobham, in Sur rey. She was a daughter of the late Dr. Simson, prozessor of divinity in the University of Glasgow, and a near relation of Professor Robert Simson, the restorer of ancient geometry. Mis. Porteus, an aunt of the general, is still alive at Clasgow, and another, Mrs. Mackintosh, lately died in that neighbourhood.

Extracts from the Port-folio of a Man of Letters.
[Communications to this Article are always thankfully received.]

HOGARTH.

Un visit to the Lord Mayor, and having, protracted his stay till a heavy shower canic on, he was led out by a different door from that which he entered, and, unmindful of his carriage, he set off on foot, and got home dripping wet.

PON setting up his carriage he paid

at court, his lordship, by way of banter, thus accosted him: "Doctor, I am yours

to my shoe tie." Barrow, seeing his aim, returned his salute obsequiously, with "My lord, I am yours to the ground ” Rochester, improving ns hlow, quickly returned it with "Doctor, I am yours to the centre," which was as smartly followed by Barrow, with My lord, I am yours to the antipodes." Upon which, Rochester, scorning to be foiled by a musty old piece of divinity, as he used to Barrow meeting Lord Rochester call um, exclaimed, "Doctor, I am

When Mrs. Hogarth asked him where he had left his carriage? "He said, he had forgot it."

BARROW.

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NIDHARD,

A German jesuit, who accompanied the Arch-duchess Maria to Spain, when the married Philip the Fourth. That monach made him his confidant and mipister, which occasioned many disputes between the jesuit and his rival the duke of Lerma, to whom Nutthard once said: "I is you that ought to respect me, as I Lave every day your God in my hand, and your Queen at my feet." He was a mistrable minister, and brought the affairs 44 the nation to a very poor condition.

NEWTON.

Sir Isaac had a great abhorrence of initelity, and never failed to reprove tase who made free with Revelation in tus presence, of which the following is an Instance. Dr. Halley was sceptically inclined, and sometimes took the liberty of sporting with the Scriptures. On such an occasion Sir Isaac guid to him"Dr. Halley, I am always glad to hear you when you speak about as nomy, or other parts of mathematics, because that is a subject which you have udied, and well understand; but you should not tattle of christianity, for have not studied it; I have, and know you know nothing of the matter."

BONIFACE VIII.

I said to have frightened his predeces sor Celestine into a resignation, by denamcing to him at midnight eternal dimuation if he did not quit the pontifi.

cal chair. ing it was a supernatural voice, obeyed The credulous pope, think the command next day, and the crafty cardinal was elected. This happened in 1294. He commenced his pontificate by imprisoning his predecessor, and laying Denmark under an interdict.

CASSINI JOHN D.

He had such a turn for Latin poetry, that some of his compositions were printed when he was only eleven years old. In 1652, he determined the apogée and eccentricity of a planet from its true and mean place, a problem which Kepler had pronounced impossible. In 1653, he cor rected and settled a meridian line on he great church of Bologna, on which oc casion a medal was struck. In 1666, be printed at Rome a theory of Jupiter's satellites. Cassini was the first professor of the royal observatory in France! He made numerous observations, and in3· 1684, he discovered the four satellites of Saturn; 1695 he went to Italy to examine the meridian line he had settled. in 1653; and in 1700, he continued that through. France which Picard had begun.

ANDREW MASSIUS.

In his comment upon Joshua, he says, that Noah kept the bones of Adam very sacredly in a coffin, and after the worldhad become dry, divided these bones with the world, among his three sons: and that Shein being las pet, he gave him the scull, with Judæa.

JOSEPH ACOSTA.

In his Lib. i. de Natur. Nov. Qrb. c. 16. gravely decides that no second ark of Noah landed in America, nor any angel conveyed the ancestors of the Indians through the air.

ARNALD DE VILLA NOVA-JUL. CAMILLUS-THO. GARZONI.

These writers maintained that a real man could be made by alchemistry, they absolutely made the experiment, humane semine vase cum quibusdam sime plicibus medicamentis incluso! Fo Uaiv. Gurzon, disc. 41. This is a flight of alchemy, to add to the philosopher's stone, &c. What a feast for Spallanzani, had he lived in their age.

DEBRIO.

He and his Epitomator Torreblanca de' Magia l. i. c. 4. l. 2. c. 32. and 33. decide that a real man cannot be created by magic; because God made him a perfect man at first. See Macrob. and &c. Lepsius in Physiol. Stoic. 1. 3. diss. 6.

BARCEPHAS.

This writer in Lib. de Parediso, says. that in the beginning of the word, and

the

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