“Shortly after this the necessity of moving nine hundred miles farther into the interior was communicated to us, and we were on our journey with an armed escort, when an opportunity offered, of which I most gladly availed myself, to make my escape. I will not further trespass on your time by commenting on the many circumstances I conceive so evidently conclusive, but submit the bare facts to your better judgment. However, I cannot debar myself the satisfaction of acknowledging here the obligation I am under to many individuals, and the kind and generous treatment which I myself, as well as the British officers in general, received from the inhabitants of the town and country of Buenos Ayres.
“I have the honor to be, “Sir, “&c. &c. &c. “(Signed) D. PACK, “_Lt.-Col. 71st Regiment._
“_To Brigadier-General Sir Samuel Auchmuty_, “_Commanding His Britannic Majesty’s Forces_, “_Monte Video._”
“_His Majesty’s Ship, “Audacious,_” “_18th January_ 1809.
“The irreparable loss that has been sustained by the fall of the Commander of the Forces (Lieut.-General Sir John Moore), and the severe wound which has removed Lieut.-General Sir David Baird from his station, render it the duty of Lieut.-General Hope to congratulate the army upon the successful result of the action of the 16th instant.
“On no occasion has the undaunted valour of British troops ever been more manifest. At the termination of a severe and harassing march, rendered necessary by the superiority which the enemy had acquired, and which had materially impaired the efficiency of the troops, many disadvantages were to be encountered.
“These have all been surmounted by the conduct of the troops themselves; and the enemy has been taught, that whatever advantages of position or of numbers he may employ, there is inherent in the British officers and soldiers a bravery that knows not how to yield, that no circumstances can appal, and that will ensure victory when it is to be obtained by the exertion of any human means.
“The Lieut.-General has the greatest satisfaction in distinguishing such meritorious services as came within his observation, or have been brought to his knowledge.
“His acknowledgments are, in a peculiar manner, due to Lieut.-General Lord William Bentinck, and the brigade under his command, consisting of the fourth, forty-second, and fiftieth regiments, and which sustained the weight of the attack.