“SIR,--Captain Blakeney of the 36th Regiment (late of the 28th Regiment) having written to me for testimonials of his services whilst under my command, to be submitted to you, I have the honour of stating that he entered into the 28th Regiment very young, and that he served with it until March 1812 in the campaign under the late Sir John Moore, on that retreat and at the battle of Corunna. He was in the light company, and distinguished himself particularly at the Bridge of Betanzos. His conduct was also conspicuous at Arroyo de Molinos, and was noticed by Lieutenant-General Lord Hill upon that occasion. I beg to add that he is an officer who will put himself forward and distinguish himself whenever he may be employed, and to recommend him for such reward or promotion as His Royal Highness the Commander-in-chief may be pleased to grant. “I have the honour to be, etc., etc., etc., C. BELSON, LIEUTENANT-COLONEL, _commanding 28th Regiment_ MAJOR-GENERAL TORRENS, _Military Secretary_.” The above letter, which was enclosed to me, was accompanied with a note containing the following few words: “MY DEAR BLAKENEY,--I hope the enclosed will answer your purpose (and in justice I could say no less) to promote your wishes. I have not time to say more. “Your friend, “C. BELSON. “P.S.--The first troops that leave this country will be your old friends, the 28th.” The above strong testimonials I never had an opportunity of presenting to the illustrious personage for whose perusal they were intended. The Duke of Kent did not survive to return to the capital. His Royal Highness expired at Sidmouth, the place from which he did me the honour of writing the letter quoted, the last perhaps which he ever either penned or dictated. Thus in the general calamity which afflicted the nation by the death of His Royal Highness, I was in common with the whole of my fellow subjects doomed to mourn a great national loss; and for myself deplored the untimely fate of a royal and generous prince, who would have extended his protection to me, as his letter, I think, clearly demonstrated. [Sidenote: H.R.H. THE DUKE OF YORK MAKES A NOTE.]