To the Rt Hon. the Viscountess Saltash, Fallbrooke House

Letter dated 28th July 1809

Madam,

Please accept my humblest apologies for my impropriety in addressing you as I had and allow me to assure yr Ladyship that I meant no slight.

I must inform you that I am acquainted with Capt. B- and he informs me that his brother's attentions towards my sister must not be encouraged as he is likely to break her heart should they develop a tendre. I urge you in the strongest terms to warn the fellow off, and have likewise written to my sister to inform her of Mr B-s character.

I do not hunt, although the countryside here is very good for the sport, as I find my duties unavoidable. A Captain in the Sixtieth has more to do than a Captain in a Line Regt, as we are on detached service and so I must look to the running of my Company first. You will be all amazement when I tell you of a fellow officer in the 95th who has a pack of dogs and hunts at every opportunity – I believe Sir Arthur Wellesley himself rode out with them recently.

As part of those duties, I find myself often in the company of Capt the Ld Torrington, eldest son of his Ldship the Earl of Gleve. You may be acquainted with Lady Thine; she is Ld Torrington's elder sister. I mentioned in my last letter that their younger sister is to be presented this Season.

We must make our own entertainment out here for we are not so fortunate as to be able to visit the theatre or to hold assemblies. The officers of the Light Division lately gave a performance of The Rivals by Mr. Sheridan, and Sir Arthur himself rode over to see it – above thirty miles of open countryside, and was at his work before breakfast the following day.

I hope that my Father and Sister are well, and send my congratulations to Robt. Please tell my Father that I am grateful for his offer of money for a new horse, and I shall certainly let him know when I find one suitable.

My duties call and so I must close.

I remain your most humble and obdt son &c,

Jno Vickery