Cintra, Sept. 7, 1811.
My Dear Father,
I am much disappointed at not hearing from any of you the last two packets, though from my not having any letter at all, I must think it is owing to some mistake either at the Horse Guards, or at the Army Post Office, Lisbon.... I hope this will find you preparing to give me the pleasure of seeing you in this country, as I should be extremely sorry, if you intend to come at all, that you should delay it till much later in the year, and I had hoped you might come while we remain at this place or at Lisbon. The Marshal does not yet talk of moving, but I should guess we shall not remain longer than this month, as the business that called him to the Capital appears now to be nearly concluded.
We continue to amuse ourselves very well, and certainly if we are to be quiet, could not be in pleasanter or better quarters. Jack is with us and very well, and, whenever the time comes, I shall part with him with great regret. I have met few better hearted or more sensible fellows, and he has made himself much liked and esteemed by the whole of our Staff.
I do not think the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo is now likely to take place. The supineness of our Spanish neighbours would enable the enemy to collect a force much superior to us for its relief, without any risk to themselves, and Ld. Wn. would fight to a very great disadvantage encumbered with the stores and train necessary for a siege; and, in case of disaster, the loss of them would be serious indeed. In the present demolished state of Almeida, that place could be of no assistance to him. Were it otherwise, the siege might be undertaken, as in case of their advancing in force to relieve it, he could in a few hours place it (the train) in comparative safety, and in case of a defeat, it would enable him to cover his retreat, and get some part of it away. At present Almeida is rather a weight than otherwise to us.
Marmont has moved up part of his Corps through the Puerto de Baños, but I do not know that he has advanced himself, though it is not improbable he may draw near our cantonments to observe Ld. W.’s motions. He is not strong enough to prevent his Lordship from undertaking the siege, if he wished it, but I rather suspect that the Corps which was collecting at Benevente, whatever its previous destination might have been, will also move to that quarter, in consequence of the advance of the allied army, and perhaps join with him, for I can never suppose that the enemy will allow us to take that town, which is of such importance to them, if they ever intend to enter Portugal again, and which I cannot doubt they will; and, for many reasons, notwithstanding the happiness it would be to me to see you, I should recommend, unless your plans are fixed, and that you can come immediately, or that your presence is quite necessary, that you would delay it till the spring, for I think this winter will decide much as to the fate of the Peninsula, which, (this is quite entre nous) I fear, if great reinforcements arrive, and that Napoleon’s attention is not otherwise diverted, the unaccountable folly of the Spanish Government, and the consequent apathy and acquiescence of the people, has again placed in the balance; and it appears probable we shall have another active winter in this country again.
The Spanish Government have received, I hear, within the last twelvemonths 18 millions of Dollars, of which latterly 5 millions; and, notwithstanding, I do not hear that their rabble, called an army, is a bit better provided, or that any effectual step has been taken to organise them, or oppose more effectual resistance to their invaders. It is truly lamentable. It appears that Blake has been defeated at Grenada, and I believe it. It was to be expected, and will always happen where he commands, for I do not believe there was ever a worse General; and these defeats completely destroy even the slight remains of confidence the naturally brave Spaniards had left. They will soon not fight at all, and I am sure it is not to be wondered at....
Genl. Le Marchant has been here for a day or two, and has been quite delighted with the beauty of the place. He is quite well. We have had the Duke of Leinster and Lords Clare and Delaware and Mr Fitzgerald, who left us this morning. They are remarkably unaffected fine young men, and an excellent sample of our young Fidalgos. Ever yrs., etc.,