My men returned by Peña Cerrada, whilst I, encumbered by two horses, crossed the Guadarama. I nearly perished there, having lost my way in the darkness and tumbled down a precipice. But I am now in Madrid and, if not well, trusting in the Lord and defying Satan. I shall probably be in England within three weeks.
I remain, Revd. and dear Sir, truly yours,
G. B.
To the Rev. A. Brandram
(Endorsed: recd. Sept. 28, 1838)
Madrid, 19 Sepr. 1838,
No. 16 Calle Santiago.
Revd. and dear Sir,—I write this to inform you that for the last ten days I have been confined to my bed by a fever. I am now better, and hope in a few days to be able to proceed to Saragossa, which is the only road open.
I bore up against my illness as long as I could, but it became too powerful for me. By good fortune I obtained a decent physician, a Dr. Hacayo, who had studied medicine in England, and aided by him and the strength of my constitution I got the better of my attack, which however was a dreadfully severe one.
I hope my next letter will be from Bordeaux. I cannot write more at present, for I am very feeble.
I remain, Revd. and dear Sir, truly yours,
G. Borrow.