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 Dalrymple was recalled; Burrard was superseded: and Moore was appointed to the supreme command of twenty thousand men, to be used in the North of Spain, conjointly with the Spanish armies, to drive the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.
The news of his appointment was received by Sir John quietly, with no sign of exultation; and he at once bent all his energies to the difficult task before him. It was a task far more difficult than anyone in England imagined. The Spaniards were to prove themselves utterly worthless as allies. Money for expenses was eked out in the reluctant style which in those days still characterised the British Government in all matters of warfare, no matter which party might be in power. Moore’s force consisted partly of raw recruits, and largely of officers who had never before seen active service. He had a march ahead of between five and six hundred miles, with every possible hindrance in the complete lack of any organised transport, and in the shape of stormy wintry weather. Yet within three weeks of his being placed in command, the headquarters of the Army removed from Lisbon!
He had been so strongly impressed during the interview described, with the lofty and disinterested character of the future Iron Duke, that it must have given him pleasure to receive from Wellesley a letter, relating what he had said to Castlereagh, as well as that nobleman’s hearty reply about Moore, and adding:
“I find that by the distribution I am placed under your command, than which nothing can be more satisfactory to me![3] I will go to Coruña immediately, where I hope to find you.”
Unfortunately Sir Arthur was kept in England for the military inquiry into late doings under Dalrymple; and Moore had not the help of his presence during the coming campaign.