We are here four in a very small quarter, and not a pane of glass in the whole house, or a wooden floor, which we should not mind at all, if there was anything going on or likely, but the French are as glad, and as likely to be quiet, as we are for the present....
I see I am gazetted as Major at last, and the Marshal has recommended me for the Portuguese Lt.-Colonelcy, as I am nearly the eldest Major in their Army, and several have gone over my head, to whom I am to be antedated.
Lisbon, July 5, 1811.
I am quite well after my very tiresome journey with the Hd. Qrs. baggage, for the Marshal has been here these two days and left me to bring the Hd. Qrs. Staff. A pretty set to be bear leader to indeed!
Lisbon, August 2nd, 1811.
My Dearest Father,
... Nothing can give us greater pleasure than to see you in this country, and I assure you the Marshal will also be very happy to see you, and I think your presence may be useful in the north at Porto. I think this country for the present quite safe, and if Russia declares against France, or even continues her threatening posture, so as to occupy a large portion of his force in the north of Germany, things have never looked better in the Peninsula. If not, it is quite impossible to foretell the events of a Campaign, or what may happen from one moment to another, particularly if the Spaniards persist in not doing anything. It is a curious perverseness their dislike to a foreign command, particularly where they confess they want it, in their armies, and their pride and vain-glory, which one would naturally expect would be the stimulus to anything, in order to avoid subjugation, will probably be the real causes, with the ignorance and treason of their gentry, of their ultimate fall.
As to a battle immediately I do not see the least chance of it. I think the army will shortly make some movement, but as yet I know nothing about it. I pay no attention, and wish you would not, to the nonsense of our wise politicians of London, who speculate mostly, either from very bad information, or as best suits their views.