December 22nd.—Napoleon quits Madrid.
To the Empress, at Paris.
Madrid, December 22, 1808.
I start at once to outmanœuvre the English, who appear to have received reinforcements and wish to look big.
The weather is fine, my health perfect; don't be uneasy.
Napoleon.
No. 10.
To the Empress, at Paris.
Benavento, December 31, 1808.
My Dear,—The last few days I have been in pursuit of the English, but they flee panic-stricken. They have pusillanimously abandoned the remnant of La Romana's army in order not to delay its retreat a single half day. More than a hundred waggons of their baggage have already been taken. The weather is very bad.