Wm. Warre.
Lisbon, 17th Oct. 1811.
My Dearest Father,
... I am extremely anxious for the arrival of another Packet, which is due, to be able to form some idea of when I may expect you in this country, as I find you still continue your intention of giving us the happiness of a visit.
Things are now quiet on the frontier, and I think may continue so for some time longer. Indeed I should not suppose anything will be now seriously undertaken by the Enemy till the spring. I therefore think the sooner you can come the better, and I certainly would not wait till the season is much further advanced, as what you say about the Wine Company is true, and nobody feels the tyranny and oppression of this monopolizing Body more than the inhabitants of this country themselves, you know. But with regard to the fulfilment of treaties with the English, no nation seems to think that necessary, and we are consequently always laughed at. John Bull is a noble beast, and has more good qualities than any other animal in the world, but en fait de politique he is generally a great gull. Witness Sicily, Portugal, Spain, Prussia, Russia, etc., etc., etc., etc. But, as I should not suppose your presence in London necessary to forward its execution, I think it would be a great advantage for you to be here on the spot, and make your own arrangements, which so many others are doing before you. The name alone in the country would have weight, but it must not be allowed to be forgotten if you resolve ever to resume the business, as people will seek other channels for their business, and not be able to disengage themselves for you, even if they wished it. But, as you know all this much better than I do, I hope next mail to hear your decision on the subject.
The Marshal, poor fellow, has been very unwell, and that has delayed us much longer here than we expected. We left the Prayas 4 days ago, as the air very much disagreed with him, and are at our old Head Quarters. He is more comfortable in his own house than anywhere else, and he requires in his present state every indulgence. I have been very anxious indeed about him, but he is now, thank God, much better, though still very weak, and it is therefore uncertain when we may be able to move as there is nothing likely to be doing for the present, and I am very anxious about it, as I think he is as well here as anywhere. His complaint is a low fever and great debility, which has been hanging about him for some months, and which, though it sometimes leaves him for a few days, has never given him time to gain strength; and his constant employment and hard work of mind and body have also greatly retarded his getting well. I should much fear we shall be gone before your arrival notwithstanding, which I shall regret extremely, as it would have been a great comfort and happiness to have seen you while we are quietly settled.
With regard to the honours to Officers I can tell you that Forjas[29] had nothing whatever to do with the List, or could he send any in without an order from the Regency, who are alone to blame. Much has been said upon the subject, and it seems very extraordinary that they should ever have thought of conferring Military Honours, without reference to the Commander in Chief of their army, who most certainly is the best judge of who deserves them. But these, like most other things in this country, are ruled by meanness, jealousy, and intrigue, nor can we expect any good and energetical measures while the Principal and Patriarch, ignorant, bigoted, and presumptuous, and mean enough to have recourse to any dirtiness to attain their ends, are in the Regency, and Count Linhares in the Ministry, for he backs his ignorant meddling brother through everything, even in spite of the opinions of the other members. Forjas is often blamed, and most undeservedly so. I do believe him to be a very honorable and well-intentioned man, and certainly a man of good abilities, and no intrigue and meanness has been neglected to ruin him in Brazil. The P—h hates him, and would willingly, if he dare, replace him by any of his creatures, whom he tries to force into every situation. Quite entre nous there never was a more mischievous little animal, or a more treacherous one. And pray be very careful in any opinions you give to Dn.—Ds. that he may suppose from me. He is of the same party and may do a great deal of harm. For they at present rather suppose I never trouble my head about them.