To the Hon Miss Emma Vickery, Fallbrooke House, nr Winchester

Letter dated 24th July 1809

My dearest Emma,

I am pleased to hear that my Mother and Father are well, and hope that you are likewise. I am sorry to hear of my Mother's hysteria and would like to reassure her that I am quite well with no lasting ill effects, save a very pretty scar to my side.

I am glad that Ld C-'s ball was so well attended and that you find Miss B- so charming. Her elder brother is likewise a very gentleman-like officer. I must warn you however that Capt B- tells me his brother is not so gentleman-like as he may appear and is quite a notorious flirt. He fears that should you develop a tendre for Mr B-, he is like to bring you to some grief and I could not wish that for you.

I am pleased that you looked so fine for Ld C-'s ball. You know I have always thought that pale green most becoming for it brings out the colour of yr eyes. I daresay that was why Mr Cowdray had asked you to stand up with him. He does like a fine eye, and flatters himself that he can stand up with any pretty girl he may choose, even the daughter of a Peer. I confess that I am pleased you did not dance with him after all.

My mother tells me that you are making up a new gown for a ball our Father is holding. I do hope that this will reach you time for I am sending you a length of lace with this letter that I hope may be a suitable decoration for your gown. If it does not reach you in time, perhaps you will use it in the future?

We are encamped near the city of Talavera de la Reina, a fine city in Toledo. It stands astride the River Tagus, which river flows through Spain and Portugal and meets the sea at Lisbon. We are in daily expectation of a battle with the French for possession of the place. This will be the first major engagement with the French since we took Oporto. I will write as soon after the battle as may be for I should not like to think that you and my Parents are kept waiting for news for any longer than need be.

I have lately become acquainted with Capt the Ld Torrington, elder son of the Earl of Gleve, who is serving with the Royal Engineers. He is a fine gentleman-like officer who has been teaching us all the principles of making maps, which is a fine thing for an officer to know. I believe you may have met his elder sister, the Lady Thine, and he tells me that his younger sister is to be presented this year. Perhaps you and my Mother would do me the honour of receiving her at home, as her brother is a good friend to me.

I find must close now as my duties call. Please give my respects to my Father and Mother and assure them that I will write again soon.

Your loving brother,
Jno Vickery