Moore could not at once agree to this proposal. “Not a word has reached me since I left England,” he observed, “from anybody connected with the Government. No opening having been made on their side, I hardly see how I can properly myself take the initiative. Of course, when I spoke to Lord Castlereagh as I did, I was quite aware of what the consequences might be. But to make a submission now, merely with a view to obtaining a higher post—that is out of the question!” Sir Arthur was not convinced. His one thought, then as ever, was for England’s good. He knew what the loss of Moore’s services in any degree could not fail to be to England. It seemed to him that personal feelings, and what might be thought of any personal action, were entirely unimportant compared with the one great question of the Country’s need, and the one fact that Moore, beyond all other living men, could supply that need. He still earnestly urged his own view of what ought to be done. Presently, in response to further arguments, Sir John partly yielded. He remarked that, if Sir Arthur were enough interested in the affair to care to mention this conversation to Lord Castlereagh, simply stating as a fact known to himself that Sir John had not the smallest feeling of ill-will to any man in the Ministry, he was welcome to do so. “I spoke out my mind plainly,” repeated Moore, “and there, so far as I am concerned, the matter ended. But naturally, if any wrong impressions are held which might prevent my being made use of, I should wish to have such impressions removed. I should be grateful to any friend who would kindly set things right.” Further than this Moore refused to budge; and Wellesley, though absolutely convinced that no slight whatever had been meant, had to promise that he would keep strictly to the terms dictated by Moore. He sailed next day for England. But before he could carry out his generous intentions, such action as he most wished for had already been taken. Dalrymple was recalled; Burrard was superseded: and Moore was appointed to the supreme command of twenty thousand men, to be used in the North of Spain, conjointly with the Spanish armies, to drive the French backward. Ten thousand men in addition were to be at once sent out to him. Had the Duke of York been allowed a free hand, Moore might have had the command of sixty thousand.