“Portalegre, November 24th, 1811.
“My Lord,—I had an opportunity of witnessing Lieutenant Blakeney’s zeal and gallantry at the head of the light infantry which formed the advance guard of General Howard’s column at Arroyo de Molinos on the 28th ultimo. I have therefore much pleasure in forwarding and recommending his memorial herewith enclosed.
“I have the honour to be, etc., etc., etc.,
“R. Hill,
“Lieutenant-General.“Lord Fitzroy Somerset, Military Secretary.”
From Lieutenant-Colonel Browne, C.B., late 28th Regiment, commanding 56th Regiment.
“Sheerness, October 4th, 1814.
“My dear Blakeney,—I have to acknowledge yours of the 28th ultimo, and am happy to bear testimony to your gallant conduct as an officer whenever an opportunity offered, which was conspicuous in the battle of Barossa, so much so that it was the cause of my recommending you to the protection of Sir Thomas Graham. And believe me, my dear Blakeney, your ever sincere friend,
“T. F. Browne.
“Captain Blakeney, 36th Regiment.”
From Lieutenant-Colonel Cross, C.B.
“Kilkenny, August 23rd, 1814.
“Sir,—Understanding that Captain Blakeney is about memorialising His Royal Highness the Commander-in-chief for the rank of major in the army, founding his claims on his services and wounds, I have great pleasure in bearing testimony to the fact of his having twice volunteered to serve with this battalion in the Peninsula before he was effective; and that upon every occasion after his joining that the regiment was in fire his conduct was highly meritorious, and his gallantry when it was the proud lot of the battalion to charge and carry the enemy’s redoubt on the heights of Andaya on November 10th was most conspicuous; and on this occasion it was his great misfortune to receive the severe wound under which he is still suffering, and I accordingly with great respect presume to recommend his case to the favourable consideration of His Royal Highness the Commander-in-chief.
“I have the honour to be,
“William Cross,
“Lieutenant-Colonel 36th Regiment.“Major-General Torrens, Military Secretary.”
From Major-General Sir Charles Belson, K.C.B.
“Fermoy Barracks, August 22nd, 1814.
“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 RegimentMajor-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.