Page:Biographia Hibernica volume 2.djvu/282

278 . GRAY DON. and Military Order of the Bath, I cannot but express how much I feel gratified that it should have fallen to my lot to be directed to confer this just and merited honour, and special mark of royal favour upon you; for I cannot but reflect, that I was an eye-witness of your high merit and distinguished gallantry on the memorable 2nd of April, and for which you are now so honourably re warded. “I hope that these honours conferred upon you will prove to the officers in the service, that a strict perseve rance in the pursuit of glorious actions, and the imitation of your brave and laudable conduct, will ever ensure them the favours and rewards of our most gracious sovereign, and the thanks and gratitude of our country.” Sir Thomas Graves died March 29th, 1814, at his seat, Woodbine-cottage, near Honiton, Devon. CAPTAIN JOHN GRAY DON, Was a brave and fearless soldier in his majesty's 88th regiment of foot. He was the third son of the late Robert Graydon, Esq. of Killeshee, in the county of Kildare, and on his entrance into the army, served with much credit in the West Indies. In the hopeless attack on Buenos Ayres, while sharing the fate of the brave but unfortunate grenadiers of the 88th regiment, he was carried, severely wounded, from the mouths of the enemy's guns. In the glorious and sanguinary conflict of Talavera, this gallant young officer was among the first who fell, displaying to his heroic companions an animating ex ample of that enthusiastic bravery for which he was ever conspicuous. He had scarcely attained his twenty-fourth year, and was equally distinguished as a christian, a hero, and a friend. While writing this article, we have to regret the want of information, relative to those warriors who fell covered with wounds and glory, at the head of their respective