We have been unexpectedly delayed in Lisbon some days owing to the dreadful storms we have experienced for the last 8 days, during which it has rained in torrents, and blown almost a hurricane. Great damage has been done in the River, and for several days and nights we have heard nothing but signals and guns of distress in the River even above Lisbon, though I have not yet heard of many lives being lost. I comforted myself with the idea that it will fill our Rivers for us, and render all the fords impassable. We are likely to remain a day or two longer in Lisbon and then go to Coimbra, which for the present will be the Marshal’s Hd. Qrs. The enemy has latterly been very quiet, and we have had very quiet winter quarters, a luxury very rare in the present system of warfare. This, however, cannot now last long, and I hope ere long some movement will be made on one side or the other.
The supineness of the Spaniards is truly distressing. Poor devils, they have been most shamefully betrayed by their Government, and public confidence appears in that country quite lost. It is really mortifying, for they are an enthusiastic and spirited people, and have shown on some occasions that they are not deficient in individual courage. I wish they were in half the state of discipline and organisation of the Portuguese, and the French would not then find it an easy task to maintain themselves in that country with their present force; and nothing but the French being perfectly well informed of the real state of that unfortunate nation could have induced them to make the rash movements which they have, for, in any other point of view, they appear much allied to absolute folly.
With regard to this country much is to be said, but my motto is “Nil Desperandum.” Our Commanders are very clever, and of course know better than anybody how they can defend the country, and every Officer who feels like a soldier should not form, or at least communicate, theories of his own, but make up his mind to share their fate, be it what it may.
To put my mind at rest I have obtained an order to remove dear Clara to the Convent of the Esperança at this place. This from the Nuncio who has also written a very kind letter to the Bishop of Lamego to facilitate the business. These I gave to the Patriarch a fortnight ago, and he told me to set my mind at rest, and that he would arrange the whole business for me in the best manner. She will be within reach of the Marshal’s protection in case I should be at a distance in time of need, should it come to that extremity, and my friend the Marchioness of Louriçal has promised to treat her as if she belonged to her family, and it is to her exertions and friendly interference that I am indebted for having her admitted into this convent, which is the best, and the Lady Abbess a friend of hers. Should they be forced to embark, of which I see however no present probability, she will take her with her, and even should that not be easy, I feel confident I can depend upon the Marshal’s friendship and protection, therefore pray tell my dear Father, that he may set his mind quite at rest, and she is truly deserving of all our love and affection.
My stay in Lisbon this time has been anything but amusing. There has been very little gaiety, and my time fully employed with my friend John Campbell in compiling a set of regulations for the Cavalry, the last I hope I shall be bothered with, for I know from experience that we may write out our finger ends, and nobody thank one, even if we were to put the regulations into Hexameter and Pentameter verse!
Pray give my kindest love to my dear Father, etc., and remember me most kindly to all my friends. Ever, my dearest kind Mother, your truly affectionate Son,
Wm. Warre.
I have not heard from any of you for some time.