To Col. Viscount Macduff, Spanish Army, Cadiz, Spain c/o British Consulate

Lisbon, 2nd May 1809

My Lord,

Forgive me for not answering your letter earlier, but as you must be aware by now, Sir Arthur is now in Lisbon and the army is preparing for the march. As you may well imagine the preparations keep v. busy.

You must indeed have been tired when you wrote your last letter to me for then you would have realised that I am probably better aware of Sir Arthur's record than you are. The Cintra business was out of his hands. Yet, I am glad that you approve of my new commander. I cannot, in all honesty, say the same about yours, especially since we have now heard the details of the terrible business at Medellin. I shall not say more on the subject, for I am aware of your odd loyalties, but I think you do not need to guess what my sentiments are.

I have had a letter from Lady Jane, she assures me that our family is well, though Lady Sarah is suffering from some minor complaint, but as you well know, her health has never been strong.

I hope this letter does not take too long to find you,

As ever your loving impertinent younger brother,
Alexander

P.S.: I do hope you are remembering to sign your other letters Viscount Macduff as is proper.