Rankin previous to his execution confessed having robbed me at different times to the amount of 40£ or more. Others were perhaps more immediately guilty than this unfortunate fellow [but] I fear having no other proof than the confessions of a condemned man, it will be impossible to bring them to justice. I have fortunately discovered the most valuable part of the property, and am happy in being able to restore it to its owners. The sum of money found, and which he confessed to have been in great measure mine, the Court martial ordered to be given to the fund at Lloyds, as they were ignorant of the right owners. I have no objection to that, as I could not wish to possess this money after prosecuting him, but should have felt as well pleased to have given it myself. The money for the encommendas I will remit as soon as I can collect the whole.... I have written to about the protested bill and have no doubt he will pay, though I fear he is still much distressed. Public news of any consequence we have none. Lord Wellington leaves to-morrow for the army; when we go is uncertain. We most anxiously look for news from Austria. It must decide almost everything.
Adieu, my dearest Father; believe me ever yr. affectionate Son,
Wm. Warre.
Lisbon, Dec. 1st, 1809.
My Dearest Mother,
Your affectionate son does allow that you never miss an opportunity of doing or saying everything that can contribute to his happiness, and that it is indeed a very agreeable way you have chosen of making up to him for his anxiety at not hearing from home....
Poor Rankin died very penitent. It was the most afflicting scene I ever witnessed. Could my exertions have saved him, though duty forced me to prosecute him, I would have been happy indeed. I am sorry to tell you his accomplice, and I think instigator to wickedness, has been detected and tried, and will I fear share the same fate. He is a private servant of the General’s. I hope Ld. Wellington will think one example sufficient, and mitigate his punishment. However convinced I am that it was an imperious duty to society, who can help feeling much annoyed at the idea of being so instrumental in bringing these poor wretches to justice? Nature pleads sometimes louder than policy and right, and I regret I ever knew anything of the matter.
Our departure from Lisbon has been repeatedly postponed for some reason or other. It was fixed for next Monday, but I believe will not then take place. A tour round the provinces at this wet season will not be a journey of pleasure. But it is absolutely necessary we should know the board on which we are to play our game. We must do our best. The country possesses many great advantages for a defending army and the business may be prolonged. Providence, however, must decide the issue as it pleases, though I certainly think the Peace with Austria, and the late total rout[17] of the Spaniards, augur ill. No considerable reinforcements have yet arrived from France. A very large army must be left in Germany. The season is greatly unfavourable to attack, particularly in this country, which abounds in Rivers, in winter impassable, and in difficult passes. All these thoughts leave room for conjecture how long we may remain quiet. The Spanish army was completely destroyed and by their own ignorant dispositions, and their obstinacy in persisting in their old system, and if they continue, it will be so, every time they meet the French. Never was there a stronger proof of how unavailing courage and enthusiasm are against discipline and order. Their men are led, and go to the very mouth of certain destruction, by the ignorance of their generals and officers, and these are so bigoted to the system they fancy they know, that nothing but such woeful experience can cure them. I do not wonder the men run away. I wonder much more they ever go so far, knowing as they do the ignorance and often treason of their leaders. I send all the letters open enclosed to you, and beg you will seal and send them.