W. W.
P.S.—Everything should be moved from Porto, I think. I will write by first opportunity.
Our cavalry have distinguished themselves. This letter in perfect confidence from Yrs.
W. W.
We have had tremendous weather, particularly during our march over the mountains. As long as I have health, however, I do not care for myself, though I am not yet really hardened enough to misery and wretchedness, not to be unhappy at contemplating the miseries of war in our men and the wretched inhabitants of the country. May our beloved country never be a scene of warfare. Better ½ of its men should die on the beach.
Barfleur, at Sea, Jany. 18, 1809.
My Dearest Friends,
I have just time to say I am quite well, and happy in the prospect of soon seeing all my beloved friends, after our disastrous and most harassing retreat from Lugo. We arrived at Coruña and found no transports, they arrived a few days after, but before we could embark the French attacked us on the 16th, with all their force, in our most disadvantageous position. They were repulsed by a valour which only English troops can possess, though exposed to a tremendous commanding fire of cannon. Poor Sir John Moore was killed. Sir David Baird lost his arm. Our loss in killed and wounded is very great, though not so much as that of the enemy.