"I have the honor to be, &c.
"EYRE COOTE, Major General.
"Lieutenant Colonel Smith, &c. &c."
They having done duty under Major General Finch, during a time, in the 1st Brigade, that Officer, in consequence, thus conveys his sentiments:
"Brigade Orders, August 5, 1801.
"Major General Finch, on taking leave of Lieutenant Colonel Smith and the Marines under his command, requests him to accept his warmest thanks for the order, regularity, zeal, and attention that have uniformly marked their conduct during the period he had the honor of commanding the 1st Brigade, and he shall be happy on all occasions to bear testimony to their merit in the correct performance of their duty, in every respect, which has come under his observation."
Although ulterior in date still, for the sake of connection, I am led to insert the very flattering encomiums of Lord Hutchinson, the Commander in Chief.
"Jermyn Street, June 28, 1802.
"Sir,
"Your sudden departure from Egypt rendered it impossible for me to desire that you would communicate my thanks to the Marines who served under your command during the campaign. May I now beg that you will assure the Officers and men, how highly sensible I am of their meritorious services, and of the zeal and exertion which ever marked their conduct. The order and discipline preserved by the battalion does great credit to your military character, and is equally honorable to the respectable corps which you had the good fortune to command.