inhabitants, that language is insufficient to express the succours and effectual assistance which your Excellency has afforded in all enterprises, and your heroic constancy in annoying the enemy at all points of the opposite coasts, occasioning to them irreparable losses, which will always occupy the memory of the Cadizians, by whom the illustrious name of your Excellency, and your meritorious subalterns, will be an object of the most grateful remembrance. The constitutional magistracy of this city wishes to convey in this paper, with its true efficacy, the esteem and regard of the people of Cadiz for such famous warriors; but which cannot be done to the full extent of their desire; they beg that your Excellency would be pleased to receive the heartfelt expressions of their eternal gratitude.
“Your Excellency, a happy witness of the good conduct of your subaltern officers, of their valour, and indefatigable zeal; knowing the merit of your worthy officers; and affected also with the distinction with which the people of Cadiz beholds them; will have the goodness to signify to them, in the name of the municipal body, who are their representatives, their sincere demonstrations of gratitude. Cadiz, free from the treacherous siege with which the enemy has molested it during thirty months, now enjoys the satisfaction of seeing its independence secure; and a wise constitution restores to the Spaniards their liberty and their rights. These advantages, as well national as allied, are owing to the brave defenders of this island, the English marine, which hath taken so active a part in all operations, not only has deserved the esteem and gratitude of the inhabitants of Cadiz, but also hath rendered itself entitled to the rewards and distinctions of the English nation.
“If your Excellency, by the knowledge of the merit of your captains, officers, and ships’ companies of the vessels under your command, especially those of the Flotilla, and of the great fatigues they have undergone in the midst of the greatest dangers, would be pleased to intercede in favor of those meritorious officers, the city of Cadiz, which is so much interested for their welfare, will have the satisfaction of seeing rewards distributed as a recompense for such signal services.
“The constitutional magistracy of this city, have the honor to depute to your Excellency a legation, who by word of mouth, will express the sincere gratitude of the people of Cadiz, and the high consideration with which their representatives offer to your Excellency their respects.
“May God preserve your Excellency many years,
“Cavetano Valdes, President.
“To His Excellency A. K. Legge.”
The Rear-Admiral replied to the above address in the following terms;
“H.B.M.S. Revenge, Cadiz Bay, Sept. 22, 1812.
