To Captain Padstowe, c/o British Army HQ, Lisbon

My dear Captain,

I am writing to you to express my sorrow upon hearing that you were set upon and robbed. It is my great pleasure to be able to return your watch to you, which you must have feared was lost to you for ever. I fear however that it was discovered in a way you would not have liked, as it was placed in my baggage in an effort to frame Rifleman Cotton, as you had warned me.

Unfortunately, circumstances being out of my control, Cotton removed it, intending to inform me what had happened, but was unable to do so, and was brought to trial for it. The sentence was two hundred lashes, but upon Lieutenant Sharpe's speaking with Colonel my Lord Edrington, he was taken down after 50, and forgiven the rest. He is now under the care of the 62nd's surgeon.

I trust you are recovering from your own injuries, and I hope that you make a speedy return to the full health you recently enjoyed.

I remain ever yours,

Jno Vickery,
Captain 3 Coy, 5/60th Rifles