Note 27 — Chapter VI
Reading edition
Sir John Moore’s sentiments upon this occasion are expressed in the following letter, which displays the pure and elevated patriotism that distinguished him through life, and rendered his death heroic.
“Portsmouth, 23d July, 1808.
“MY LORD,
“I am this instant honoured with your lordship’s letter (by messenger) of yesterday’s date. As I have already had the honour to express my sentiments to your lordship fully at my last interview, it is, I think, unnecessary to trouble you with a repetition of them now.
“I am about to proceed on the service on which I have been ordered, and it shall be my endeavour to acquit myself with the same zeal by which I have ever been actuated when employed in the service of my country. The communication which it has been thought proper to make to his majesty cannot fail to give me pleasure; I have the most perfect reliance on his majesty’s justice, and shall never feel greater security than when my conduct, my character, and my honour, are under his majesty’s protection.
“I have the honour to be, &c. &c. (Signed) “JOHN MOORE.
“To the Right Honourable Viscount Castlereagh.”