Wm. Warre.
I have opened this to say that I have a message from the Commodore, saying he is sorry it will not be possible for me to land, as they only wait for Sir A. Wellesley’s return from shore to make sail. They are making dispositions for the anchoring of the fleet and landing. Spencer is to join us. I am much disappointed at not landing or communicating with shore.
A Deos,
Com as mayores saudades.[6]
[6] “With greatest regrets,” or, as we should say, “With much love.”
Monday evening, July 25th, 1808. Off Ovar.
Dearest Father,
The enclosed is a second time returned to me, and as the Peacock’s boat, by whom it is to go, is delayed a few minutes, I have opened it to tell you we are making all sail for Figueira, where we are to land to-morrow morning in order, I understand, to cut off a French Corps marching to Lisbon to Junot’s assistance, and then to march to Lisbon and try his mettle. I cannot imagine what Corps is meant, as the annexed is the official account of their disposition in Spain (minus 18,000 said to be killed in Spain, and some must have been in Portugal), viz. (?9000) at St Sebastian, 6000 Pampelona, 15,000 Barcelona, closely besieged by the Patriots in great force, 10,000 Burgos, 2000 Vittoria, 50,000 Madrid and adjacent country, 16,000 Lisbon, said to be now reduced to 12,000. I have no accounts of the state of the country. We made sail to the southward immediately, and not a single boat came on board. Adieu.
I will write after our landing, if opportunity offers. The most anxious moment I ever felt was seeing Porto and not being able either to write or go near. Every house I could see looked beautiful to me who felt how happy I had been there.