enclosures.
“Sir,– Although it was with the most anxious concern I observed the casualties of yesterday, and remain most solicitous to hear that they are not as great as I might apprehend, from the nature of the service, yet it was with the most lively satisfaction I witnessed the skill and energy which overcame obstacles apparently insurmountable; and I only wait more certain information, to express my public thanks, both on the spot where the service took place, and to the commander-in-chief at home. Offer my cordial thanks and approbation to Lieutenant Debenham, for his extremely good conduct at the passage of the bar.
“Sir,– In reply to your letter of the 4th instant, I have to inform you that the letter you put into my hands on the morning I met you off the bar of the Adour, was, I believe, sent by me to Captain O’Reilly, to inform him of the state of the troops; but its nature fully warranted you in ordering all the assistance in your power, which might have proved the only safety to the troops who had passed and were trying to pass. Your coming yourself, and ordering the other boats to follow, was highly to your credit; and all your conduct on the occasion marked the zealous, good officer: of that conduct I have borne testimony, both to the commander-in-chief, and to Field-Marshal the Marquis of Wellington. I am, &c.
“To Lieut. Debenham, Agent of Transports, Socoa.”
“Sir,– The rear-admiral expresses himself highly pleased with your conduct. I transmit you an extract of my letter to the Board:
“‘Rear-Admiral Penrose expresses himself highly pleased with the exertions of Lieutenant Debenham, in crossing the troops over the Adour, where he was most useful. I have ever found him correct and steady, and if entrusted with any particular duty, very diligent in the performance of the service: to say more would be presumptuous on my part; to say less I could not.’
“To Lieutenant Debenham, Socoa.”
