Our troops as well as the English are well, and in high spirits, though in my opinion these cantonments in small detached villages are greatly detrimental to their discipline, of which, however forward and astonishing, they cannot have acquired yet that habit which will admit of any relaxation. I am, however, confident that where they are commanded by British Officers they will behave well, and that, at the end of the Campaign, they will have acquired a character as Troops. It will indeed be heart-breaking to poor Marshal Beresford if they do not. His exertions have been Herculean and indefatigable, and their good effects felt in every branch of the Legislature, and has even now done enough to establish his character as a very superior, strong-minded, clever Officer, and should his labours be crowned with the success they deserve, he will become one of the most eminent men in England, and have deserved more of this country than they can ever repay. I cannot sufficiently admire the firmness and understanding with which he has overcome difficulties, which would have disheartened and overturned the plans of most, even very superior men. He is just the man for this particular service. Waters passed through this place yesterday with General Stewart. He is quite well, and gave me great pleasure by the accounts he gave me of all the dear family. By him I received the chart of the Tagus, for which I am very much obliged to you, as also for the drawers, which I fear are somewhat too small for me, but must do.
I feel considerably distressed at the accounts from England. I always felt that we had nothing to fear against our foreign enemies whilst united amongst ourselves, and have long observed the struggles of a particular and very infamous set of men, to sap the public confidence in their Government and Constitution, for it is at that they now strike direct, and neither the respectability of the King, nor the critical situation of the country, can prevent these fellows from endeavouring to create confusion and a revolution, in which the mob are to have the lead, for by that alone can such designing unprincipled miscreants be countenanced or exalted to any power. I consider the question as no longer one of opposition against Ministers; that I should not mind. It is in the very nature of our constitution. But the question is now whether the country is in such a distressed situation from unhappy political circumstances—whether the want of unanimity of Ministers, and the state of mind of the dregs of Society, are in such a state, that Sir F. B.[21] and his gang can expect to be able to overturn the constitution, and raise themselves upon the wreck of their country. I have no patience that such fellows have so long gone on without punishment, and the seeds of civil discord once sown, there is no knowing where it may end. There are never wanting factious, needy men to foment it, who, having nothing to lose but their lives, would sacrifice their country to gain something in the appearance of power. Respectability is out of the question.
Adieu. Pray now and then send me the general opinions of the day. To us at this distance they are highly interesting. Pray give my most affecte. love to my dear mother, etc., etc., etc., and believe me, Ever my dear Father Your most affectionate son,
W. W.
P.S.—
Fornos D’Algodres, May 23rd, 1810.
Masséna is just arrived to take the command of the army of Portugal now between Ciudad Rodrigo and Salamanca, which consists of Ney, Soult, and Mortier’s Divisions. He is one of B.’s best generals. I dare say he will shortly attempt something, but we are too well prepared to fear much his first attack, but how far we shall ultimately be able to resist numbers upon numbers, unless Spain assists us, is another question.
[20] Well employed.
[21] Sir Francis Burdett.