* * * * *
CASTEL BRANCO, _July 1809_.
I received dear Mamsey’s letter, by which my mind was relieved
respecting her anxiety.
The moment I heard there was fighting I wrote, but feared you would
not get my letter in time enough to be spared that cruel suspense.
It will at least be some time before you need begin to think of
being anxious again.
The French, it is understood, are retiring very fast, and will
probably not dispute anything south of the Ebro. A long march is
before us ... we only know as far as Placentia. I miss my poor
Bernardo very much, and would give anything to meet with him again,
which I think I may do, if we go towards Madrid.
This fine battle of the Danube has cheered us again, perhaps ere
you receive this you will know how fallaciously; but I will hope
that you are in possession of recent victories for which we are yet
to Huzza![29]