should have known the American government would not fail to fit out a flotilla on Lake Erie, in furtherance of their views on our possessions, but particularly on Upper Canada. They ought to have foreseen, and to have provided against the danger, whether the requisitions of the colonial government had been anticipated or not. If his information was correct, much that was useless had been sent out, and little that was found useful. If this was the best explanation that could be given, he could not say much for the defence set up by the Admiralty. Mr. Croker denied, that the explanatory statement he had made had been offered as a defence. He had purposely reserved himself for a time, when, looking at all shewn that what had been said to the discredit of the Admiralty, was altogether unfounded. Their proceedings had been grossly misrepresented; and while some invented injurious statements, others endeavoured to give them currency. He thought he had a right to complain, it having been assumed, that because the action on Lake Erie had terminated unfortunately, there was a disposition to throw the blame on the Admiralty, where it was not deserved. If he might be allowed to speak as the organ of the Admiralty in that House, he would affirm, that there was nothing whatever to warrant this assertion. He repeated the declaration, that the Admiralty had not been concerned in fitting out and preparing captain Barclay's flotilla. When the sub-parts of the transactions which had beject was fairly investigated, it would be seen how injurious were the statements which had been in circulation, and how little disposition there was on the part of the Admiralty to recede from their responsibility. The hon. gentleman asked, why were not the Admiralty prepared with a force on the Lakes at the commencement of the war? But the hon. gentleman almost defeated his own argument, by admitting, that when the war broke out, the Americans and the British were in equal strength on the lakes. Assuming this to be correct, would it not have been a profligate waste of the public money to have sent out a force where it was not to be wanted? If government had received information that the Americans were increasing their strength in that quarter, then, he admitted, they would have been guilty of negligence had they not met it by a corresponding increase of the British force; but without such intelligence this conduct would have deserved censure, as a waste of the public money. He was glad the subject would be inquired into. He would at present only say, that any requisitions made from the authorities there were not only met, but in many instances anticipated, and not only to the amount called for, but to treble, and in some instances to more than quadruple the extent thought necessary by the colonial government. Mr. Baring said, that forbearing to send a force to the lakes till it was known the Americans were about to send one, was the way to ensure discomfiture, as our additional force could not arrive in time. At war with America, the Admiralty (VOL. XXIX.) come objects of attention, he should be able to shew, that all the rumours circulated to the prejudice of the Admiralty were as unfounded as the last statement of the hon. gentleman, that much had been sent out that was useless, but little that was useful. This, on the most satisfactory evidence, he could positively contradict; and he thought he should be able to prove, that all the other reports hostile to the Admiralty were as deeply erroneous. The Resolution was then agreed to. On the Resolution, "That the sum of two millions be granted to his Majesty, towards paying off and discharging the debt of the navy,' Mr. Warre said, he had understood that, twelve or fourteen months ago, some ships had been constructed to be sent out in frames to Lake Ontario. He should be glad to hear that the information he had received was incorrect, that on their arrival in the river St. Lawrence they were found totally useless, and sold by public auction. Mr. Croker admitted it to be perfectly true, that on the advice, and in consequence of a requisition from the admiral in that quarter, and on the information obtained from persons best acquainted with the rivers and waters in that part of America, two frigates and two sloops (without at all putting a stop to the ship building there) were sent out in frames from this country to the river St. Lawrence. This idea had not been taken up by the Admiralty, but in compliance with the requisition of the admiral. The statement that they had been found useless, and sold by public auction, was not at all true. One of them had been carried (N) up the river, and he supposed would be launched on Lake Ontario; but as they required great means of transport, it had become a question with sir James Yeo, whether at that time it would not be more convenient to avail himself of other ships then at hand. As nothing would be lost by postponing their conveyance, they had not then been forwarded to Ontario. Whether one of them had not been taken to Lake Champlain, he did not know. No doubt was entertained of their being found most useful; but it was a question at that particular time with sir James Yeo, whether it would not be better to avail himself of other vessels under his command. Mr. Whitbread wished to know if sir James Yeo was the admiral from whom the requisition for ships in frames had been received? Mr. Croker replied, sir James was not an admiral, nor was he the officer who had sent the requisition-it came from admiral sir John Warren; and was complied with, without at all paralysing the exertions then making on the lakes. Sir Joseph Yorke described the vessels sent out to have been of the most useful description, and added, there was no instance in which the Admiralty had not, in every respect, outstepped the demands of the colonial department. Mr. Warre had not meant to criticise the construction of the vessels, which he thought exceedingly proper, but had wished to know if they had reached their destination. He was glad the information he had received proved to be incorrect, that they had not been sold, and that one had been conveyed to Lake Ontario. He hoped the other three would follow with all convenient speed. The Resolution was agreed to. The Chancellor of the Exchequer then moved, "That 1,650,000l. be granted to his Majesty to discharge the remainder of the bills of credit, or other securities, issued by virtue of the Act of the 54th of his Majesty, intituled, An Act for giving effect to certain engagements of his Majesty with the emperor of Russia and the king of Prussia, for furnishing a part of the pecuniary succour for assisting his Majesty's said allies in supporting the expenses of the war with France,' together with the interest due thereon."-Agreed to. The right hon. gentleman next moved, "That the sum of 12,500,000l. be granted for the discharge of outstanding Exchequer bills, created under the 54th of his Majesty." Mr. Ponsonby inquired, what was the grost amount, at present, of outstanding Exchequer bills? The Chancellor of the Exchequer said, the amount would be laid on the table in a few days; he believed it to be about 59,000,0001, Mr. Ponsonby observed, that 54,000,000%. was the greatest amount of outstanding Exchequer bills he ever before recollected. It would be well, however, when the account was laid before them, if the amount was not found to exceed the right hon. gentleman's calculation. The motion was then agreed to; as also another granting the sum of 15,000,000l. and 10,000,000l. for the discharge of the outstanding Exchequer bills issued for the service of the year 1814, charged on the aids of that year outstanding and undischarged. MONUMENT TO MAJOR-GENERAL Ross.] The Chancellor of the Exchequer rose, in pursuance of his notice, to call the attention of the House to the merits of a most distinguished officer, who, in the midst of a career of military glory, had fallen in the service of his country-he meant major-general Ross. In the short sketch which he should give of that gallant officer's military life, he did not think it necessary to take up much of the time of the House, because his achievements had been so frequently recorded and acknowledged by parliament, that such a proceeding would be useless: he should only claim their attention to a few of the situations which he had filled till his honourable and brilliant course was closed in death. Passing over the early part of his life, he would commence his remarks by adverting to that period when he served in the campaign in Holland; here he served in the capacity of major of the 28th regiment, and first displayed those talents which afterwards shone with such splendour. During this period, in repelling the attacks made upon sir Ralph Abercromby, the 28th regiment took an extraordinary share, and called forth the strongest expressions of approbation from the commander in chief, who had witnessed the conduct of major Ross, which was particularly marked by gallantry and intrepid daring. Towards the close of the action he was severely wounded; and thus, for a time, quitted the path of glory. In 1800, however, he was again in the field, and signalized himself in various occasions [182 on the shores of the Mediterranean. In the | Americans themselves could not withhold expedition from Sicily to Calabria, he was from him the meed of praise, for the temalso conspicuous; and in the battle of per and moderation with which he exeMaida, added new laurels to those by cuted the task assigned him. The public which he was already covered. In this buildings alone were destroyed, while pribattle, the superiority of British arms, and vate property was in every instance rethe superiority of British bayonets over spected. The Chancellor of the Exchethe French, which had never since been quer said, he could not help expressing a withstood, was triumphantly manifested. hope, that this vengeance thus signally The 28th regiment, on this occasion, by inflicted would be the last, and that no an admirable movement on the flank of aggravation would render a recourse to the enemy, commenced that discomfiture similar measures necessary. He would which ended in a total rout. In 1807 the also take that opportunity of stating, that gallant general returned to England, and instructions had been sent out to the coast accompanied sir John Moore to Portugal, of America, to abstain from further inflicand from thence attended him in the ex- tions, unless rendered necessary by fresh pedition in which that lamented officer enormities; an order which he was satismet his death. In the battle of Corunna fied general Ross, had he lived, would he again distinguished himself; and having have felt sincere pleasure in promulgating. returned from thence to Ireland, he em- A short time after the affair at Washingbarked for Spain, and placed himself ton, an attempt was planned on the city under the command of the duke of Wel- of Baltimore, and here it was that that lington; was with him in the battle of event occurred which this country could Vittoria, and exhibited such proofs of in- not too much deplore-he meant the death nate talent, that he was selected to take of general Ross, who, while reconnoitring the separate command of a brigade. He the force he was about to overwhelm, was now had new opportunities of displaying struck with a rifle ball, and had only time, the energies of his mind; and in the battle ere his eyes closed for ever, to recommend of the Pyrenees, by his extraordinary abi- to the protection of his country his wife. lities, drew down the particular thanks of and family, a protection, in the grant of the commander in chief; who, in speak- which he (the Chancellor of the Excheing of major-general Ross's division, said, quer) was satisfied the nation would feel It had distinguished itself beyond all the most heartfelt satisfaction, [Hear, hear!] former precedent; it had charged four and would not fail to take such steps as were times, and at each time was headed by not alone gratifying to those tender conthe major-general, who had three horses nections, but honourable to the country, by killed under him.' In the attack on St. which the services of the gallant general Sebastian's too, he had borne a full share were so sensibly appreciated. The right of the éclat which that achievement had hon. gentleman concluded by moving, gained; and concluded his high and im- "That an humble Address be presented portant services in the peninsula by new to his royal highness the Prince Regent, instances of bravery and unexampled ac- that he would be graciously pleased to tivity in the battle of Orthies, and in the give directions that a monument be erectpassage of the Neve. At the close of the ed in the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, war with France, he was one of those London, to the memory of major-general officers who were dispatched to America; Robert Ross, who, having planned with and here, while he brought his renown to the greatest judgment, and executed with the highest pitch, he terminated his trans- equal valour, decision, and conduct, in cendant career. In conjunction with ad- concert with his Majesty's naval forces, miral Cockburn, he planned that attack an enterprize against the city of Washupon Washington, which, in defiance of ington, the capital of the United States of the difficulties which were encountered, America, which was crowned with the and the superiority of the enemy's force, most complete success, was killed shortly was crowned with success. Major-general afterwards, while directing an attack, Ross was, on this occasion, chosen to re- which also proved successful, upon a sutaliate upon the Americans for the out-perior force of the enemy posted near the rages which they had committed on the frontiers; and while he inflicted chastisement in a manner to convey, in the fullest sense, the terror of the British arms, the city of Baltimore; and thus closed an honourable life, while yet at an early age, and in the midst of a course of the most meritorious services to his country, which deeply laments his loss; and to assure his Royal Highness, that this House will make good the expense attending the same." Mr. Whitshed Keene apologized for rising a second time on the same evening to offer his sentiments; but, after an attendance of three score years in that House, he was too well aware of its, disposition, to doubt its indulgence. He felt a deep interest in the motion which had just been made, for he had been long and intimately acquainted with the brave officer who was its lamented object. He had known his father, who highly distinguished himself in the campaigns of 1757 and 1758, and under whose immediate instruction this young man, his third son, was brought into his military career. No doubt the House would amply recompense his family for the pecuniary privations they must sustain by his loss; but it was not in their power to repair the loss which the country had sustained of such a man. He possessed the happy talent of conciliating by his disposition, and instructing by his example: he possessed, indeed, all those private and distinguished qualifications by which alone a commander could acquire the full confidence of his men. His military knowledge was great and complete; for it had been the result of practice and constant experience; while his foresight and example in the field were such as to excite the enthusiasm and reverence of those whom he led to victory. It was highly gratifying to the House to hear the details of his successes, which the right hon. gentleman had so interestingly described; and he was sure that there could be but one feeling on the subject of the motion. wish, of her who had been dearest to general Ross, to have it understood, that she never sought or expressed a hope, in any way, directly or indirectly, that she or her family should stand chargeable to the country. He mentioned this circumstance, because, perhaps, it might furnish additional reasons for yielding that provision to which every individual must allow the family of general Ross were most eminently entitled. It was impossible to add to the eulogy which had been passed on general Ross: there was one thing, however, which he could not help remarking. He was sorry that the gallant general had been selected as the individual to execute those plans of vengeance, which, he had hoped, had been abolished in civilized warfare. He did not mean to say, that the Americans did not deserve punishment for the outrages of which they had been guilty; but he was sorry, in one sense, that the execution of that punishment should have fallen to general Ross, as there never lived a man who would have felt more pain in executing such an order, unless impelled by dire necessity. In another sense, he was glad that he was chosen on this occasion, because he believed there was not a man in the British service who would have carried the orders into execution in a manner less injurious, or attended with less mischievous consequences. In conclusion, the right hon. gentleman expressed a hope, that the circumstance of the family of general Ross having never expressed a desire for remuneration, would operate as an additional claim on the liberality of the House. The Chancellor of the Exchequer confirmed the statement of the right hon. gentleman, as to the family of general Ross having abstained from making any demand on the government for remuneration for the severe loss they had sustained, and observed, that be considered this as an additional motive for carrying into effect, in the most liberal manner, the wish expressed by general Ross in his dying moments. Mr. Ponsonby said, it was impossible for any person who had known so much of the character of general Ross as had fallen to his lot to do, to give a silent vote on this occasion. There never lived a man who deserved more, or who had received more of the confidence and affection of those who served under him, than this lamented individual. Whether in the field, or else where, he was alike distinguished for tenderness and gentleness. In private life Mr. Whitbread said, that as he had anithere never lived a man more distinguish-madverted upon the attack of Washington, ed for social virtues, and for all the amia- on a former evening, he thought it proper bilities of human nature. The right hon. to declare, that he never meant to cast the Chancellor of the Exchequer having intimated, that it was intended to make pecuniary provision for the family of general Ross, he wished to say a few words on that subject. He was desirous of stating, that it was the wish, the ardent the slightest blame upon the conduct or character of general Ross. On the contrary, he fully concurred with the senti ments of his right hon. friend, that it was happy for humanity, and the credit of the empire, that the extraordinary order upon that occasion had been entrusted to an officer of so much moderation and justice. Mr. C. Grant, jun. passed a high eulogium on the character of general Ross. He compared his conduct to that of a celebrated conqueror of antiquity, and quoted a passage from Sallust, as applicable to his great talents and humanity. It might be said with great justice of the departed general, that although his country could supply others of equal ability in his place, yet his name had been made sacred by his bravery and unfortunate end. The motion for the Address was then put, and carried nem. con. ABSTRACT OF THE ARMY ESTIMATES, FROM 25th DEC. 1814, TO 24th JUNE 1815.] Lord Palmerston presented the Estimates of the Army Services for 25th December 1814, to 24th June 1815, of which the following is an Abstract: ABSTRACT of the ESTIMATES of ARMY SERVICES, from 25th December 1814, to 24th June 1815; both days inclusive. |