Whittlesea, Octr 15th, 1813.
My Dr Harry,
Your Mother receiv’d your letter the other day and myself one about a fortnight back, both of which gave us great satisfaction, particularly as you were both in good health and safe. We were in hopes as the French were so much beaten by our brave fellows, and Soult having had so good a specimen of the superior Abilities of Marshal Wellington (superior they are indeed, for he is certainly the first General in the world), that he wou’d have been glad to have got hived, and not have exposed himself again to the second part of the same tune.
I was very sorry to hear of your Horse’s accident, as it must be a great loss, but it was an accident and cou’d not have been prevented. My Horse I bought for you to send into Portugal has turned out very unfortunate. He has had a bad Cough on him for near a year, which continued getting worse, and I was fearful of its terminating in Glanders. Had he been quite well he was worth two hundred. However, I was under the necessity of sending Long Will to Bridge Fair, and selling him for what he wou’d fetch, which was fifteen pounds, leaving me a loser of at least £100, for I was at great expence with him.
I was happy to find Capn Stewart’s horse turn’d out so well, but you clapt your seal over the amount and we cou’d not read it. Send me the amount when you write again. As to news I have none, for Eleanor gives you that in all her letters.
I must say I feel hurt at Thos not writing at all.... I am very proud to hear so high a character of him as an adjutant. Major Percival came from Portsmouth with Bob Hotchkin to London, and seeing an officr in the coach in 95th uniform, he asked him if he knew Capt. Smith, and he asked him which, Henry or Tom. They had a great deal of conversation, and he said he believ’d Tom to be one of the best adjutants in the service. A poor unfortunate Cripple he was. Bob was with Gen. Murray at that noble business. He came Home extremely ill indeed of Dysentery.
I am sorry to tell you poor Mr. Moore[250] I think is wearing up fast. He has been severely afflicted with Rheumatism. He is better of Pain, but left so weak and low that he can scarcely ride on horseback....
If any one is coming home that you can trust, I wish you wou’d send me some flower seeds, but I am in great hopes you will bring them yourself.
The Allies seem to be licking the French in Germany well, and I hope will drive them into Peace.
We one and all unite in Love and affection to self and Tom, praying God to protect you both is the prayer of your affect. Father,