Chapter IX: Appendix (8)

The mistress would say, “You must scratch out there ‘dearest F.’
Lop away this ‘love’ and that ‘love’”; and so word by word I
should see my poor letter robbed of all its graces, looking like a
tobacconist’s with “Humble servant to command” at the bottom.

What if I should not fill this sheet! It is very big, and I have to
give my letter to General Sherbrooke in a quarter of an hour, and
you see I write very close.

My poor chum has just lost a horse, which, though I put on outward
signs of condolence, I am not sorry for. As to being bridled, he
never could think of such a thing. He would always go when he liked
it, and where also. He would look very stupid, to entice the unwary
behind him; and then, with both feet and all his might, lunge out,
as much as to say, “D---- thee, I have thee now.” In the same
manner he would most innocently pretend to come and rub his head
upon you in a dawdling, sleepy sort of way, and then get your leg
or arm in his jaws and try as hard as he could to crack it. For
these and many other pretty accomplishments

His master loved him dearly,
And mourns him now sincerely,
While I say, “Poor thing” merely,
But feel at heart quite cheerly.
We’ll go as fast, or nearly,
Without, as with him, clearly.

Now to take my leave, and remain, as ever, your

CHARLES.

* * * * *

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]