Wm. Warre.
From some deserters from the enemy’s Cavalry who are come in we hear that they are practising or rather drilling their men to charge with the bayonet. It is rather ridiculous at this time of day, after pompous boasting of having carried everything at the points of their bayonets. They cannot drill their hearts and minds, and we shall always beat them at that work, as our fellows’ minds and nerves require no drilling.
Falmouth, Nov. 14, 1810.
My Dear Father,
I am very much afraid you will receive this letter before that I wrote to go by last Packet, and which, owing to a provoking mistake, was left behind and goes in this. By it you will see that after I rejoined the Marshal my illness and pains returned with increased violence, and it was intended to prepare you for what I feared would be the consequence, my being forced to return home. But still I was most unwilling to quit my post, and give up at such an interesting crisis, the chance of an opportunity of making myself known. And this made me bear for upwards of a fortnight the torture of laying on the ground with but little comfort and less rest. It could not, however, last long, and my horse falling with me and on my bad leg and bruising it, forced me to go to Lisbon, and have a consultation on my case, when after some deliberation it was determined that I should go home, and I accordingly embarked on board the Walsingham Packet, and after a very rough and tiresome voyage of 10 days, we are at length arrived at this place, at which I shall be forced to delay a day or two before I can venture to travel. When I came on board I was almost a cripple, and suffered an agony of pain beyond anything I can describe. However I have, thank God, for the last two or three nights been able to sleep a little, though I am very weak, and the cold pinches me much. By avoiding with great care catching cold, and by slow journeys, I trust when I arrive in London that I shall at least be free from pain. I hope to be able to get to town in about 8 days or less, if I find I can bear the journey well. Poor Ross is arrived with me and will remain a few days. He is better, I think, considerably than when he came on board, but still very weak and low. He goes to Bath, as soon as he can travel. My last will give you all the news, since which things remained in statu quo when we sailed. The general opinion was that Masséna was about to retreat. Loison’s division had passed the Zezere. With most affecte. love, etc., etc., yr. affecte. son,
Wm. Warre.
Honiton, Nov. 18, 1810.