stigmatized as weak and pusillanimous ; furious at the first onset, but suddenly disheartened by a repulse.

"The British commanders, it is true, have, by their gallant behaviour in the late action, effaced this impression to their disadvantage. The several noble names which stand distinguished in the list of those who received the thanks of their general, are so many shining testimonies, that the officers of Great Britain are not ignorant of discipline, or regardless of glory. But though this stigma is removed, it is not wiped off by you, my Lord. It was for you to clear the staff from the stains of reproach, that it might no longer be said, that English soldiers only wanted French officers, to be a match for the combined force of Europe. In short, you had every thing great and glorious in prospect: you had nothing to lose-but your honour; for a soldier's life cannot be properly called his own.

"A commander, when he receives his commission, devotes his life to his country. He undertakes to be valiant; and, in consideration of that engagement, he holds an eminent rank in society, and is honourably supported at the public expence.

Why do thousands obey the nod of one man, but because his conduct is to guide, his

example to animate them, in the pursuit of glory? In the day of enterprise he is to repay his countrymen the obligations which he owes them, for the hours of honourable ease which, at their cost, he enjoyed in time of peace.

You, my Lord, have too much reflection to have suffered these considerations to escape your notice. You must know what was expected from you: you must be sensible what you owed to your own character, and what was due to your country. How comes it then that the busy voice of Fame makes bold with your reputation, and proclaims your behaviour on the day of battle to have been such as is totally inconsistent with every motive which can influence a wise man, or determine a brave commander ?

"Public rumour begets public prejudices. It is fit that you should be acquainted with the reports that are propagated relating to your conduct. It is friendship to repeat them. Knowing them, you may, and I wish that you may, be able to remove them. Thus then the tongue of public report tells the black tale against you.

"It is said, that on the 1st of August, when the confederate army was drawn up against the forces of France and her allies, when the immediate security of his Majesty's German dominions, when the honour and interest of your

king and country, together with your own reputation, depended on the decision of the field; on that signal day, when the action grew warm, and became worthy of your interposition, it is said that his Highness Prince Ferdinand, the commander-in-chief, dispatched one of his aidde-camps to you, with orders for you immediately to attack a particular body of the enemy's troops.

"Instead of an instant compliance with these orders, it is reported that you hesitated, and at length intimated that there must be some mistake in the delivery or the injunction of those orders. On the aid-de-camp's persisting to repeat them, it is said (which, I own, is scarce credible), that your confusion carried you so far, that you inconsiderately asked the aid-de-camp, whether the orders he brought were in writing? Upon his answering, with some surprise, in the negative, you are further reported to have added, 'that you would speak to the Prince yourself.' Before you could find an opportunity of addressing yourself to his Highness, however, the occasion for which your service was required is said to have been irretrievably lost: a consequence which might reasonably have been expected from such delay.

"A consequence nevertheless extremely fatal, and which renders your supposed failure more

grievous and unpardonable, if it is true, which many affirm, that the greatest part of a whole regiment of bold and gallant Britons were cut to pieces, for want of being supported by the attack which you were ordered to make. Highly culpable as, from such behaviour, you are supposed to have been, a further opportunity yet offered, as it is said, which had you embraced it with vigour, would, in some degree, have restored your credit, and made some reparation for the calamitous effects occasioned by your former unaccountable failure.

"When the conduct and valour of the confederate army, though not seconded by your endeavours, had repulsed the enemy, and routed their forces, his Highness, we are told, again sent to you, by another of his aid-de-camps, and ordered you to pursue a flying party of the enemy.

"To these orders likewise you are supposed to have refused obedience. The reasons affirmed to have been given by you, in justification of your refusal, no less disgrace your capacity, than the refusal itself seems to dishonour your courage or your integrity.

"You are said to have answered the aid-decamp who brought your orders for the pursuit, That you were a stranger to the road, and unacquainted with the passes.' Had this weak answer contained the least apology for your disobe

dience, yet the supposed reply of the aid-de-camp stripped you even of the shadow of an excuse. It is asserted, that he offered to shew you the way himself, and conduct you with safety.' Thus driven to extremity, and left without the slightest pretence for disobeying the orders you had received, is it to be believed that you still demurred, and pushed your expostulations to the verge of mutiny? The answer which public rumour has put into your mouth, is indeed incredible. It is just that you should know it. It is affirmed, that, persisting in your disobedience, after long hesitation, you declared, That you did not think it adviseable to hazard his Majesty's troops.'

"Such is the shocking and dismal light in which your conduct is represented. The colouring is truly hideous: at present, however, we only see the dark side of the picture. It remains for you to exhibit the bright one in your own vindication.

"It is difficult for men in public stations to avoid creating enemies. Enmity and malice will aggravate venial omissions into capital failings. We ought not therefore to conclude you guilty of such glaring absurdity and unpardonable delinquency, till you have been heard in your defence.

"If, however, it should be found that you