116 BECOBBS AND BEMINISCENCES OF GOODWOOD 



Britisli army would before long have to fall back 

 upon tlieir ships for refuge, and be forced to return 

 to tlieir native land defeated and disgraced. 



"The glory of the British arms was not only 

 maintained, but the flag of England was planted on 

 the soil of France. The feeling that on his own 

 personal exertions, as it were, might depend the fate 

 of the day, would ever lead the British soldier to do 

 his duty. ..." 



Still he would not put the case of the petitioners 

 on this ground, but he would regard it as an act of 

 justice ; and in this light he was sure the country 

 at large would also view it. His Grace's eloquent 

 appeal in behalf of the warriors was delivered with 

 threat warmth of expression and listened to with 

 great attention. 



Unfortunately, the appeal was not supported by 

 the Duke of Wellington, who did not approve of a 

 petition to Parliament to seek a decoration or reward, 

 the bestowal of which was vested exclusively in the 

 Sovereign, and could not be exercised with impar- 

 tiality if the subject were referred to that or the 

 other House of Parliament. 



The Duke of Eichmond in reply to those remarks 

 asked whether the officers of the army lowered them- 

 selves by coming here and asking for a boon ? "He 

 (the Duke) thought not at all. It was very well for 

 those covered with decorations to say, 'Don't give 



