THE DUKE AND THE PENINSULAR MEDALS. 363 



tuted when given to soldiers who fought and won 

 those numerous battles in the Peninsula which 

 are the pride of our country ; the men who took 

 part in the forlorn-hopes of Badajoz, Ciudad Rod- 

 rigo, and San Sebastian, and who gained for the 

 noble Marquis the Peninsula medals with which he 

 is now decorated." 



Continuing in the same vein, the noble Duke 

 produced such an effect upon both Houses of Par- 

 liament, and upon the country at large, that the 

 tardy act of justice to some of the noblest soldiers 

 that ever faced wounds and death with indomitable 

 fortitude could no lono^er be withheld. At last the 

 Peninsula warriors were crowned with their well- 

 earned laurels, and every soldier in the British 

 army knew that but for the Duke of Richmond 

 this debt of gratitude would never have been paid. 

 The much-coveted trophies were served out to the 

 survivors in 1849, and after the Duke's victory 

 in the House of Lords came his own well-merited 

 reward. It was proposed " that his Grace the 

 Duke of Richmond, K.G., be presented with a 

 testimonial for his exertions on behalf of the 

 Peninsular heroes." A committee was instantly 

 formed, with the gallant Lord Saltoun for chair- 

 man. It was composed of officers of every grade, 

 and in each of the English, Scotch, and Irish 

 counties, sub-committees were appointed to carry 

 out the desired object. Subscriptions were con- 

 fined to those who had received the medals. 



