Wm. Warre.
[15] Nada feito = no transaction, nothing done.
Lisbon, 25 Sept. 1809.
My Dear Father,
I avail myself of my friend Bushes going to England to send you my claims for losses at Corunna, which I will be much obliged to you to endeavour to recover for me from the Board of Claims which I hear is sitting. Van Diest can put you in the way, as also to recover for my horse killed at the Vimiero, which I was informed I had been allowed, at Salamanca, where I gave in my claim, by order of Sir John Moore, and which having done precludes my including it in my losses now; and being at a distance from Hd. Quarters I could never receive it.
I intended to have written a long letter from this to my dear mother by this conveyance, but have so much to do to-day that it is impossible. We go to St Ubes, Palmela, etc., to-morrow to visit the posts in that country, and I fear before we return, in two or three days, the Packet will have sailed, but she shall hear from me the very first opportunity. We are getting the army clothed and disciplined with all diligence during this quiet interval. The French are, I suppose, doing the same, as all the armies have been for some time in statu quo.
We long for a Packet. Never was a more anxious moment. I flatter myself with the idea that, if the affairs in Austria were favourable to the French, we should have heard them. Both parties seem to await some decisive news from that quarter, and the Spaniards, I hear, promise fair. I don’t believe a word they promise, unless I see more sincerity in them than hitherto.
I have taken no steps as yet about dear Clara. It is needless to alarm her or her friends, till we have more certain intelligence and reason to act, for, whatever I say or do, people draw conclusions from, and judge of the situation of affairs—and above all things we must avoid appearing to despond, or give the thing up. I will, however, shortly inform you of my plans, which I hope you will approve. I am in perfect health and latterly as idle as any private gentleman need to be. I wish we had something active going on, and were in the field again. I always think I like Lisbon best when away, and vice versâ. Such is human nature.
Adieu, my dearest Father; kindest love to all my dear friends at Hendon and elsewhere, from yours ever most Affectionately and Dutifully,