To Captain Vickery, 5/60th, British Army, Lisbon

Letter dated 2nd April 1809, from Fallbrooke House, Nr Winchester, Hampshire

Dear John,

We are so pleased to hear of your promotion this last Christmas. Mama was quite overcome and had to be revived twice, once after hearing the news and again after hearing that it was without perchase. You know what her nerves are like. She is busily trying to arrange your marriage to almost every eligible girl in twenty miles' distance, although Papa and I have yet to pursuade her that your presence at your own wedding would be most desirable, indeed necessary.

Papa does keep trying to tell her that you are quite able to find a girl for yourself, but Mama remains convinced that you will never do so without her, especially as you are away at the war. Robert has formed a tendre with a girl he met in Bath, a Miss Rebecca Seton, who is quite the dearest and most delightful creature. As there is every day a greater likelihood of hearing of their engagement, Mama is determined to find you a wife as well.

Would you, for my sake, please do your best not to enter into any sort of engagement with Miss Letitia Price? Quite apart from her looks, she is the dullest creature and has no notion of anything beyond simpering at me in the most maddening fashion. She is quite a bore, I assure you, although I must pretend to be enraptured and enthralled by her every word or Mama goes into fits.

The old apple tree has been struck by lightning during a storm and is quite dead now. Should we have another winter like the last, I fear its wood will be a most welcome addition to the fire. Old Penney has planted a sapling in its place, but it will be a long while before there will be a swing hung from its branches.

We heard of the news of the battle fought in January and were gratified to hear that you had not suffered the deprivations of the retreat as those poor men had. I know you would have been saddened to hear of the death of Sir John Moore, for I know how you admired him and his methods. We were most disappointed to hear that your regiment had been sent to Lisbon as it will now be even longer before we shall see you again.

I hope this letter finds you well. I remain ever your devoted sister,

Emma Vickery.