The life that he had led, more especially his Bitche experiences, had tended to give him an unusually thoughtful turn for his age; and he was not troubled by the smallest difficulty in expressing himself on paper. To write was as easy to Roy as to speak.
For very obvious reasons, however, the journal was scarcely started before he decided not to send any part of it to Molly, but to write separate letters to her, as occasion served, keeping his memoranda for the present to himself.
“Oct. 11th, 1808.
“At last the chief Command has been bestowed where it should be; and for five days past Sir John has been at the Head of Affairs. Some hope now that things will go right! Jack says that when Sir John was first placed third in command, after being first, he declared that fight for his Country he would, and no man should Hinder him; and if the King saw fit to bid him act as Ensign, he would unhesitatingly obey.
“Strict Orders are issued that we are to be excessive Polite toward the Spaniards, they being somewhat warm in their Tempers.
“Oct. 16th.
“Salamanca to be the general Rendez-vous. The different Divisions follow at intervals by different Routes. The Spaniards are declared on all hands to be gloriously enthusiastic—the French weak, and far out-numbered by them.
“Oct. 28th. Sacavem.
“Early in the day still. Scarce an hour since I came across Major Charles Stanhope and Major Charles Napier breakfasting together under an olive tree.[1] They were talking eagerly—not hard to guess the subject! I caught words as I passed; and ’twas as I would have conjectured, admiration of our General.[1] What Moore is and what Moore may do are the theme of all. Was ever man more beloved than he?
“The three Napier brothers are gallant fellows—which the more so ’twould be hard to say. A little later, on my way, I met Jack’s friend, George Napier, who is Aide-de-camp to Moore, and had some words with him—a fine fellow indeed, and ardently devoted to our General. ‘Any tidings from Verdun of late?’ he asked me. I would there were!