The money for the encommendas I will remit, as also Drafts for two pipes of wine, sent by your house to Sir David Dundas and Capt. Otter by desire of Col. Delaney and Major Brown, who will forward the bills of loading. I am very much obliged by your kind attention about the encommendas; which are much approved, though I think particularly the hat ornaments tawdry, and such as I would not wear, and Souza’s sabre of wretched quality and badly finished, which it will be right to tell Hawkes. I am vexed at it, for the prices are for the best. Rankin I have had tried by a General Court Martial for robbery. Never was such a scene of iniquity as I discovered. I fear it will go very hard with him, and am therefore glad that I only prosecuted for what he stole from other people, passing over my own losses.
Pray give my kindest love to all at home, and believe me ever, my dear kind friend and affectionate Father, your most sincerely and affectionately,
Wm. Warre.
Pray tell my uncle Wm. with my love that I have received his empenho[16] for Corporal of the 6th, and will do what I can for him.
[16] Recommendation.
Lisbon, Oct. 26, 1809.
Many thanks, my dearest Mother, for your very affectionate letter.
It is still uncertain when we leave Lisbon and must depend on circumstances. I long for a more active life than this, though far from an unpleasant one. We yesterday received a pleasing account of the defeat of a French Division of 12,000 men commanded by Genl. Marchand, Ney having, it is said, returned to France. They attacked the Duque del Parque, who was in his position near Tamames, but he completely defeated them after a very sharp action, and took 300 arms, 1 12-pounder, 1 colour. They left 1200 men dead on the field, and were pursued 4 leagues by the Spanish Cavalry and Light Troops, who killed a great many more. Their loss is therefore estimated at 2000 or more, as they retired in great confusion to Salamanca, near 8 leagues. I most sincerely rejoice the Spaniards should have done this by themselves. It will give them confidence, and persuade them that with a little perseverance the invaders can be conquered.
The Spanish cavalry at first ran away, but falling back on their Infantry Regts. they fired on them and forced them to attack the enemy, when they regained what they had lost in so infamous a manner. The Spanish Horse Artillery, which is anything but light artillery, was taken in the beginning of the action, but most gallantly retaken by their Infantry with the bayonet, and they throughout appear to have behaved with great courage. I am ignorant of their force, but know that they had not been joined by Ballasteros’ Division, which they expect, and will, I hope, make some use of this victory. It augurs well in young troops, and I approve greatly of the system of firing on those that misbehave. It is thus the French Revolutionary Army gained such victories at the commencement, when indisciplined and badly officered. The Duque himself appears to have behaved with great valour and conduct, and to have exposed himself everywhere he thought that his presence might avail. I know him, and I confess am agreeably surprised, for, though very gentlemanly, I had little idea of him as a soldier on a great occasion.