Kellerman with all his Divisions of cavalry cannot prevent the excursions of the Peasantry to the very gates of Valladolid. We have also reports of great disturbances in Madrid, and the movements of the French Corps make me believe it.
We have had no affair of consequence since my last to Emily. The Eagle which Silveira took with the Swiss Battalion at Puebla de Senabria arrived here. It is an imitation of the Roman Eagles, and I think an ugly one. It has, however, its effect upon the volatile courage and vanity of the French. To them a cap of liberty, or emblem of slavery, is equal, so long as it flatters the self-sufficiency and vain-glory of the grand nation. The Battalion is gone to Coruña to embark for England. None will return to France. They will almost to a man enlist with us.
I must again request, my dearest Father, to consider this information about Spain as confidential for the present. At all events not to mention my name, though I do not see any harm in your mentioning it, though not as coming from me.
This is the anniversary of the Battle of Vimiero, and at this time that day we were warmly engaged. I hope our next day may be as brilliant. Our army both English and Portuguese is in excellent health and spirits. I have great faith that our Portuguese will astonish the French most unpleasantly for them.
Adieu. Kindest and most affecte. love to my dearest Mother, etc., etc. Yr. ever affectionate and Dutiful Son,
Wm. Warre.
I have written this letter in such a hurry that I fear you will have considerable difficulty in either reading or understanding, but pray excuse it, as I have been every moment expecting to be called away. Adieu, Adieu.
May every blessing and happiness attend you and all my dear, dear family.
P.S.—I had little idea I should have had time to-day to write when I wrote this yesterday.