Moore was so strongly impressed with this sentiment, that he made the following declaration to Sir Hew Dalrymple, in the presence of Sir Arthur Wellesley: ' If hostilities ' recommence, Sir Arthur Wellesley has ' already done so much, that I think it but fair ' he should have the command of whatever is 'brilliant in the finishing. I waive all pre'tensions as senior, for I consider this as his expedition. He ought to have the com'mand of whatever is detached.

6

For my part, I wish I could withdraw myself altogether; but I shall aid as far as I can for the good of the service, with'out interfering with Sir Arthur, and take

6

any part that is allotted me.'

Soon after the arrival of the new commander, confusion arose. In military manœuvres and arrangements Sir Arthur Wellesley was experienced, but Sir Hew Dalrymple unpractised. And instruction is best acquired in subordinacy. A scholar is misplaced when empowered to command masters.

The defects which were observed became

VOL. II.

I

the subject of discourse, and the source of discontents in the army; and had hostilities been resumed, bad consequences were to be apprehended.

But Junot, instead of being enraged, was depressed by his defeat; and anxious to return to France, without further contest. And Sir Hew Dalrymple was equally willing to get rid of his enemies voluntarily. Consequently, the negotiation proceeded to a convention; by which the French were embarked with their arms and baggage, and sent home; and Portugal was restored to independence. After this expulsion of Junot's army, the next object was to aid the Spanish patriots in their unequal contest with France. The Supreme Junta at Madrid made urgent requisitions for help, but sent most erroneous information of the state of their affairs. While Sir Hew Dalrymple continued undecided how to act*, Moore received a letter from Sir Arthur Wellesley, expressing a desire to

*MS. Journal.

converse with him on the subject of some 'discussion which he understood had passed 'between Sir John and his Majesty's Minis'ters, previous to his coming to this country. This Sir Arthur regretted, as he feared 'it might prevent Sir John from being employed in the manner he merited. That a change in the command was quite necessary, and the and the army and the country natu

Irally looked to him.'

Sir John, who had little previous acquaintance with Sir Arthur Wellesley, was much surprised at the receipt of this letter: he answered that he would be happy to see Sir Arthur, who called upon him the same day. A confidential conversation took place respecting what had occurred between Lord Castlereagh and Sir John Moore, which had been communicated to Sir Arthur from England: Sir John frankly told him his feelings on the treatment he had received: that he had thought it incumbent on him to express them; and that having done all he thought becoming, he felt no more upon the subject.

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