I have managed so, however, as that I shall not lose much, in case of being obliged to leave them behind. Ask Louisa if she would like the prettiest little mulette that ever was?
You must not expect long letters, for I am very busy. And when one’s mind is called aside by fifty things at once, one cannot write a gossipy letter.
I have sent B. twenty pages about Spain, and he will send it to you, if you desire. It will complete my journal.
I wrote to General Stewart as soon as I got here, and have a very kind communicative letter from him in return. He is at no great distance, and I think we may meet ere long.
General Sherbrooke, too, I have seen, who appears remarkably well.
I expect to quit Lisbon in a day or two.
Give my immense love to dear old Dad, etc., etc.——Yours, my dearest Mamsey,
Charles.
Departure from Lisbon
April 16, 1809.—About the middle of the month of April I left the capital of Portugal. I was to bear-lead a party of artificers and some mules laden with intrenching tools, and among other désagréments Mr. Louis came to me already thoroughly exhausted, and could not for love nor money procure a beast.