Yesterday at 1 A.M. Marmont left this, with his Cavalry, taking the road to Toro, and only leaving a garrison in the Fort or Convent, which appears to me sacrificed, for they cannot hold out. Our Cavalry passed the Tormes without opposition and occupied the town, avoiding the streets which lead to the Fort, and the left column and Advance Guard moving to the Villages in front of this, and the greater part of the Cavalry. The Enemy attacked the Cavalry Picquets in the evening, but were immediately driven back, and to-day, when we rode out at daybreak, we could only see them at a great distance, where I suppose they will watch our movements, but most probably retire as we advance towards the Douro, which appears to be Ld. Wn.’s plan, and the French have yet no force to meet our Army. But I do not suppose Ld. Wellington will himself advance further than that, but he keeps his plans a profound secret, and the whole Army follow him with confidence and affection wherever he chooses to lead us.
We have been everywhere received with the greatest cordiality and joy by the Spaniards as their deliverers from the oppressive tyranny of the French, much more than ever I saw before. At this place yesterday it was quite affecting to see the joy of the inhabitants. Many absolutely cried for joy, and we were embraced, or had to shake hands with everybody we met. One old woman hugged and kissed Ld. Wn. to his great annoyance, and one man literally kissed my horse as I rode into the town. We were followed through the streets with cheers and vivas, which have annoyed the Frenchmen a good deal, and they revenged themselves by firing at everyone they saw in the cross streets leading to their works. They have pulled down a considerable part of the town to lay open the space round them, and down to the bridge, over which nobody can as yet pass safely. But in two days I hope they must surrender, or be taken by storm. It is such an insignificant place that nobody except the troops immediately employed in making the battery or covering the workmen, seem to trouble their heads about them, and walk about the streets, men, women, and children, in perfect safety and with the greatest unconcern.
I am perfectly well though a little fagged, as we have for the last few days had an active life both for mind and body. We generally get up at 3 o’clock and ride till 11 or 12, and sometimes again in the Evening. Everything is done to avoid the heat of the day, which, however, has not been very great, as we are very high above the sea in this part of the Country. There is almost always a breeze, and at this moment the Bejar mountains, which are at no great distance, are covered with snow.
Parts of this fine city have suffered very much from the Enemy, who have destroyed part of it to make their Fort, and yesterday burnt a suburb that was near it, but notwithstanding there are some beautiful buildings left, particularly the Cathedral, which is magnificent. But the monsters fired at the steeple yesterday and knocked away a very beautiful buttress, and nobody is allowed to go there, to avoid drawing their attention in that direction at all.
I quite agree with you about the state of the Country (sc. England). It is most lamentable though most disgraceful at the time, that in the middle of Peace our worthless manufacturers, excited by still more worthless because wiser Politicians, are killing and rioting amongst themselves. In this town, yesterday evening, the people were, in the very centre of warfare, dancing and gay in almost every street. Such are the dispensations of Providence. There is no accounting for such things, and it shows how little people know when they ought to be happy and contented, and how unjust to repine at whatever our fate may be. But it is Human nature, and I blush to think that I must cease to consider the British the high minded generous people they used to be. It can hardly be believed that Englishmen could glory in the most cowardly of all revenge, that of assassination, with which they have so often rebuked other nations.
Your countrymen (sc. The Irish) have behaved very well, and most sincerely I wish them the reward they deserve, and every civil liberty which is compatible with the Constitution of the State. I have written a very stupid and hurried letter, which pray excuse as I have been up since 3 o’clock, and did not go to bed till past 11, besides a long ride, but I never was in better health in my life, and so are the whole army. Yrs., etc.,
Wm. Warre.
I am so tired I can hardly write, so pray excuse my stupid letter to my dear Father.