My Dear Father,
I have not written to you by the last Packet, as I wrote to some of the family, and had really nothing in particular to communicate. We have been for the last four or five days in Lisbon, as the Marshal had a good deal to arrange with the Government, who, as usual with the people in power in this country, are the more impracticable in proportion as the danger is removed; and foresight or a liberal policy is not to be expected from people who cannot carry their views beyond the present moment, and though quite impotent in affairs of State, and as ignorant as obstinate, are extremely jealous of the power entrusted to them. Scarce a plan or arrangement, even military, is proposed by the military chiefs, but becomes a subject of discussion, and if not rejected, mostly so delayed that the object is either lost, or rendered far less effective. It is most disgusting, and if they do not alter, it is quite impossible but the army must go to pieces in spite of even the exertions and firmness of the Marshal. The Brother[25] to your friend is the worst. Nothing can exceed his vanity and self-sufficiency except his ignorance.[26]
The Marshal is quite well. The coolness and fine air of this beautiful spot agrees wonderfully with him, and, if we remain a week, or a fortnight longer, I think he will have acquired so much bracing and strength, that he will be fully equal to a campaign, and after next month the heat is not very oppressive.
Lord W. has invested Ciudad Rodrigo with his cavalry and light troops, but not quite closely. I hope we shall be more successful in this siege than our last, and have acquired a little more experience. The accounts we have of the number and state of the garrison are very favourable to us, and you know I have not a very great opinion of the strength of the place, but we have but very little experience in this sort of warfare. Hd. Qrs. are, I believe, at Fuentes Guinaldo. I hope the Marshal will have arranged his business and move up in time, as I do not expect we shall break ground for this some time.
Jack is returned from his tour, with which he is much pleased, though it does not seem to have increased his military zeal. He saw some Divisions on the march, which has given him some idea of the miseries of even a summer campaign, and of the fatigue and inconvenience to which Regt. Officers and men are exposed. What would he think of one in winter? I think it will do him a great deal of good. I wish a great many more of our English country gentlemen could see a little of real warfare, which they affect to discuss so freely. Jack is quite well, and both Lord Balgonie and he were, I believe, heartily glad to get back to Lisbon again. They had not time to get used to fleas, mosquitoes, and no beds.
I am extremely anxious to hear when you determine upon coming to this country, though I fear it will not be before we leave this and Lisbon, as I was in great hopes you might have contrived. If you are to come, I think it is a pity you should put it off till much later in the year. But pray let me know, and what you wish me to do. Such as they are, I hope you will take my rooms at Cathariz, which I will have prepared for you, though I am afraid that, if we are out of town, a large empty house is not the most pleasant abode. I can make no arrangement for you till I know whether and when you come. It will be most provoking if we should have marched to the army, and therefore pray do not delay longer than indispensable....
The Marshal has sent the Brigadier Lemos his military secretary to the Rio de Janeiro on business. He will return almost immediately. As I think it not unlikely the Prince may send some honours by him to his officers, it may be a good opportunity to get Dr Ds.[27] to write directly to the Count de Linhares[28] about the Commandos. As to the other business we spoke of, from what I hear and know of things in this country the idea gives me far more pain than pleasure, and I hope it may never take place. You must be careful that Dr Ds. has not a hint of my extreme dislike to his brothers and their ministry. Yrs., etc.,
Wm. Warre.
[25] Principal Sousa.