To Capt. the Hon. John Vickery, 3 Coy, 5/60th Rifles, British Army, Portugal

Letter dated 3rd July 1809, from Fallbrooke House, near Winchester

My dearest John,

I am writing in reply to your letter of the 4th June. I am sorry to hear that you were wounded and you may be sure that we are all most gratified to hear of your recovery. I must assure you that I did my best to prepare Mama, but had taken the precaution of having some sal volatile to hand, which was a most necessary preparation, as she had a fit of nerves before I could manage to make her understand that you had recovered.

Lord Chalfont held a ball on the 23rd ult, and introduced us to Mrs Blackwood and her daughter Anne, of Hawks Hill, which is rather nearer Andover. Mama was of course enraptured at finding another eligible girl. I think you would like her - she is most delightfull and sweet-natured. I only wonder that we have not met before - to think, we are within the same district. There is a brother, of course, and I understand that there is another brother in Spain with the Army, I believe with a Guards Regt. Their father, Sir Robt. B., fought in the Americas under the command of Genl. Cornwallis.

I believe that Miss B has quite supplanted Miss Letitia Price in Mama's affexions, so you will be pleased that you will not have to feign interest in the weather, her new frock, the colour of ribbons for her new bonnet or her embroidery work as I have had to do. Miss B dances very well. Mama was rather vext that she stood up for nearly every dance. I myself stood up twice with Mr B - I forgot to say, that he is the younger son and it is the elder son who is at the war. (Mama was overheard to remark that if he was killed, it was a shame that there was no title to devolve to the younger son.)

Miss B wore a very pretty gown of white lawn, with a dark green velvet ribbon - one might almost have called it Rifle green, for it was very nearly the colour of your jacket. She looked most becoming. I wore my sage silk, with pink silk rosebuds. I was very glad I had not worn flowers from the hothouse, for the heat was most oppressive. I had to retire to the salon twice for refreshment, which quite put Mr Cowdray out, as I could not stand up with him, which I was quite relieved about - he is far too heavy on his feet and will never make an accomplished dancer. You always put him quite in the shade.

Mama is calling for me and so I must close. I trust you will recover from your wound fully. I am very pleased to know you have a capable man to look after you.

I remain ever your devoted sister,

Emma Vickery