I have been very ill, so much so that I never expected seeing eithr of you again, but with the blessing of God I am a very great deal bettr, and with the kindness of yr Fathr and the attention of yr Sisrs I look forwd with the hopes of seeing my beloved boys once more under their parental roof....
We have been extremely healthy for a length of time that y Fathr and Bror make great complaints some time for want of something to do.
Poor Rd Binfield is no more. He payd the great debt of nature about three weeks ago, after being a very great sufferer. When he was taken to be buried, his Corpse was preceeded by six Girls dressed in white with white turbans, and baskets of flowers in their hands, whh they throwed into the grave as soon as the Corpse was let down. The Pall was supported by six of the schors in white Hat-bands, and the whole Schl follwd in the same way. It altogether was a pretty sight, but rathr too romantic, but you know the woman....
Yr Sisr Sargant is not in very good health, and is gone to Cromer. It is upon the Norfolk coast, and is a very fashionable Bathing-place. The rest of the Family, I am happy to say, are well. As for yr dear Fathr, I think if you could see him you woud think he had grown fat. We all Unite in Love to you and Tom, with best wishes for yr healths and prosperity. Pray write soon, and may God Almighty preserve you both is the fervent prayer of yr affece Mothr,
E. Smith.
Eleanor desires me to say she is much oblidged to you for yr Lettr and will write soon, and Betsy also says that unless Tom will write to her she never will write again.
Addressed—
Brigade-Major Smith, Light Brigade,
2nd Light Division, Portugal.
Post paid to Falmouth.
Letter III. Endorsed—“15^{th} Oct. 1813. From my Father, saying my Mother was pleased with my Letter after a fight in Spain.—H. G. S.”