History of the Peninsular War, Volume 3 (of 6)Southey, Robert
History
History of the Peninsular War, Volume 3 (of 6)
Southey, Robert
Peninsular War, 1807-1814
disgraceful delay before our troops were sent to Spain? Why had not
some of our Princes of the blood been appointed to lead our armies?
all those illustrious persons had been bred to arms, and for what
purpose, if they were not to be employed? Why had not the Portugueze
been called into action? He knew them well; they were as brave a
people as any upon the continent of Europe, and under British officers
would have presented an undaunted front to the enemy. Ministers ought
to have known their value, and if they did not, their ignorance was
inexcusable. If the House of Lords did its duty, they would go to the
foot of the throne, and there tell the Sovereign the bold truth, that
if he did not remove those ministers he would lose the country.
♦LORD GRENVILLE.♦
Lord Grenville said there was but one opinion in the country concerning
the base and treacherous, the atrocious and cruel invasion of the
Spaniards; but one opinion as to the cause wherein they were fighting
against the Tyrant who unjustly and cruelly attacked them; but there
had been no prospect which should have induced reasonable men to send a
British army into the interior of Spain, though fleets with troops on
board, to hover about the coast, and take advantage of every favourable
opportunity, might be of essential service. We had injured our allies
instead of serving them. We had forced the Junta of Seville to abandon
the excellent system of defence which they had arranged, and, by
sending an army into the heart of the country, compelled them to engage
in pitched battles with regular troops. Care must now be taken not to
waste our resources in Quixotic schemes which it was impossible to
accomplish. Our army, brave as it was, well-disciplined, and capable
of doing every thing which men could be expected to perform, would
find employment enough in securing our own defence. If the country
was to be saved, its salvation could alone be effected by maintaining
a force upon a scale commensurate with the increasing dangers of our
situation. But, said he, I have no hesitation in declaring it to be
my most decided opinion, that if the system hitherto acted upon be
farther pursued, and the whole armed force of the country sent into
the interior of Spain, the destruction of this monarchy is inevitable;
and that we shall soon be reduced to the same condition with Prussia
♦EARL OF LIVERPOOL.♦ and the conquered states of the continent. To
these speakers it was replied by the Home Secretary, who had now upon
his father’s death become Earl of Liverpool, that it would ill become
us to be dismayed by those reverses which were from the beginning
to be expected, and to renounce that system of support to which the
nation was solemnly pledged, and in which those very reverses made it
a more sacred duty to persevere. He entreated those who were inclined
to despond that they would call to mind the lessons of history. There
it would be found, that nations, after maintaining struggles for ten
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account