Marched to Sarnadas.
6th
Marched to Niza, crossing the Tagus at the bridge of boats over it, and through the pass of Villa Velha.
7th
Castello de Vide and Esuesa.
8th
Visited the town of Marvão, surrounded by a wall in good preservation, and situated upon a high mountain. It has a few guns mounted upon the ramparts. It ought to be almost impregnable, if in good hands, when besieged.
14th
I had been very unwell, and had kept my bed for some days. Suddenly this morning, the order to march came; my servant brought me the news. I instantly jumped out of bed and dressed myself. Dr. Burke, our surgeon, saw me mounting my horse. "What, sir, are you mad? You cannot go in your present state with the Division. I have got a car to send you away with the sick." I thanked him, but observed, "I am determined to try." I was exceedingly ill, but during the march I was violently attacked with vomiting, and in a very debilitated state got into a billet with my captain at Portalegre upon a padre (clergyman), who gave me some chocolate and a comfortable bed, and I was somewhat better the following morning |15th|and went with the Division to Arronches.
16th