Capt the Hon John Vickery, 3 Coy, 5/60th Rifles, Spain

Letter dated 4th July 1809, from Fallbrooke House.

My dear John,

Yr Father and I are very well, and are pleased to hear of your recovery. I wish that you would not put yourself into such Danger. You can have no Idea of the Effect that hearing of your Wound had upon me. I wonder that you do not consider Exchanging into a Regt near home.

I would be most Gratified if you could remember the correct form of Address when writing home. It is a fine thing for a Viscountess to be addressed as the wife of a Baronet. I wish you would write more often, tho' I am Pleased of yr consideration in writing to Yr Sister as you do, however I had to remind Emma of the correct form of address when Writing to you. I am surprized that you did not Mention it to her.

Yr brother Robt has this morning announced his Engagement to the Hon Miss Rebecca Seton, which we are all much pleased about, as you may Imagine. I understand that yr Sister has written with news of Ld C-'s ball held lately. We had the fortune to be Introduced to Sir Robt Blackwood and his family. Miss B- dances very well. She is very Pretty and Sweet-tempered. Mr B- stood up Twice with Yr sister. They looked very well together.

We hope to see the B-s again soon as yr Father is planning to hold a Ball here. I wish you could arrange to take Furlough, for several of the young Ladies of the district are desirous of meeting you, not least Miss B-. Emma and I are making up new dresses for the Occasion, altho' yr Sister looks very fine in her green silk. She can hardly wear the same gown twice running, however. It would reflect badly on the Leading family of the district.

There is talk of yr Father inviting Sir Robt B- to join the F- Hunt, tho' he may not wish to as I understand it is above twenty miles from Hawks Hill, the B-'s family seat. I think it a shame you do not Hunt in Spain; yr Father would certainly provide money for another Horse if there is a suitable one to be had; I can only wonder you do not ask him.

Peter is going into the Village and I must close so he can take this with yr Father's letters.

Yr loving Mother,

Lady Saltash