To Col. the Hon. Alexander Duff, 1/88th Foot, British Army, Portugal

Cadiz, 7 April 1809

My dear Alexander,

It has been just hours since my return to Cadiz. You may have heard by now of the defeat we suffered at Medellin on the 28th of last month. General Cuesta himself has been cruelly wounded. He was still alive when I left the army the night after the battle, but there was no certainty that he will pull through.

I myself am tolerably well, having suffered a very minor cut to my right leg. Although I have to admit to being absolutely fagged out for I have been in the saddle these past nine days, riding hell for leather from Medellin to Cadiz, only to find my efforts, while appreciated, not entirely necessary.

Cadiz is as ever a most exasperating place to be. We are still waiting for the news of who will replace Frere. I hope to escape Sir James and spend my evening at Senora Mercandotti's, for she has kindly invited me to join her and several other guests for a dinner tonight. That is, if I do not fall asleep the moment I finish this letter.

I just looked at the date and realised that your new Commander-in-Chief should be joining you presently. I have good reports of Wellesley's ability, despite what was said over the Convention of Cintra.

I do not seem to be able to keep up any sort of intelligent narrative, my dear brother, so I shall bid you farewell and pray that you remain safe.

Your loving brother,
James Duff