The government was contemplating the dispatch of an expedition to Burma,
with a view to taking Rangoon, and a question arose as to who would be the
fittest general to be sent in command of the expedition. The Cabinet sent
for the Duke of Wellington, and asked his advice. He instantly replied,
"Send Lord Combermere."
"But we have always understood that your Grace thought Lord
Combermere a fool."
"So he is a fool, and a damned fool; but he can take Rangoon."
-- G.W.E. Russell