[C.]
GENERAL ORDERS.
His Majesty's Ship Audacious,
18th January, 1809.
The irreparable loss that has been sustained by the fall of the Commander of the Forces, Lieutenant-General Sir John Moore, and the severe wound which has removed Lieutenant-General Sir David Baird from his station, render it the duty of Lieutenant-General Hope to congratulate the Army upon the successful result of the action of the 16th instant.
On no occasion has the undaunted valour of British troops ever been more manifest. At the termination of a severe and harassing march, rendered necessary by the superiority which the enemy had acquired, and which had materially impaired the efficiency of the troops, many disadvantages were to be encountered.
These have all been surmounted by the conduct of the troops themselves; and the enemy has been taught, that whatever advantages of position or of numbers he may employ, there is inherent in the British officers and soldiers a bravery that knows not how to yield,—that no circumstances can appal,—and that will ensure victory when it is to be obtained by the exertion of any human means.
The Lieutenant-General has the greatest satisfaction in distinguishing such meritorious services as came within his observation, or have been brought to his knowledge.
His acknowledgments are in a peculiar manner due to Lieutenant-General Lord William Bentinck, and the brigade under his command, consisting of the 4th, 42nd, and 50th regiments, which sustained the weight of the attack.
Major-General Manningham, with his brigade, consisting of the Royals, the 26th and 81st regiments, and Major-General Warde, with the brigade of Guards, will also be pleased to accept his best thanks for their steady and gallant conduct during the action.
To Major-General Paget, who, by a judicious movement of the reserve, effectually contributed to check the progress of the enemy on the right, and to the 1st battalion of the 52nd and 95th regiments, which were thereby engaged, the greatest praise is justly due.