Captain Vickery's billet

After some searching, Liuetenant Henderson of the 15th Hussars finally found Captain Vickery's billet. With him he had the letter from Captain Pierce, with gratitude for bringing the trooper back and asking for the confirmation of the story that Willoughby told the Captain and Major.

A knock on the door announced another visitor. This one turned out to be a Lieutenant in cavalry uniform, bringing him a letter from a Captain Pierce.

"I apologise for not being able to offer you any tea," he said, conscious of his own mug sitting on the table that was doing duty for a desk. "Unfortunately, I have just sent my man on an errand and he won't be back for some time."

He read the letter through again before looking back up. "I presume Captain Pierce would like me to confirm Willoughby's story in writing?" he asked.

'Yes, sir.' Nodded Henderson. 'Captain Pierce instructed to wait for an answer if that is convenient to you, sir.' Henderson was still in his dress uniform and the pelisse was proving an uncomfortable article of clothing in the warmth of Portuguese spring.

"You'd best sit down, then," Vickery said, glad Cotton had insisted on finding one of his campaign chairs. "You are aware that I sent a written report with Willoughby, of course?"

He opened his writing slope as he spoke to pull out a sheet of paper and his pen and ink.

Henderson sat down. 'I am sure Captain Pierce is, sir, but, um, I think he judged it best to get a direct confimation from you, sir.' In reality Henderson did not know much about the affair: so far Pierce used him mostly as an errand boy, and was not exactly forthcoming with any explanations.

"All right, Lieutenant." He uncapped the ink-bottle and dipped his pen to begin writing, pausing every now and then to re-dip the pen.

Captain Pierce, 15th Hussars.

Sir,

I write with reference to Private Willoughby of yours, and to inform you of the manner in which he came to be with the 2nd Division of the British Army now in Portugal.

The advance scouts of the 60th Rifles under my Command came upon Private Willoughby, on the 11th May. He was being helped along by a Portuguese local as he had sustained an injury to his leg, such that he could not walk unaided. He was also showing signs of concussion.

He reported that his Troop had had a minor skirmish with some French cavalry, during the course of which he was injured and knocked unconscious. He awoke to find that his dead horse had rolled on him and was pinning him down. Presuming Willoughby to be dead, his fellow Hussars had moved north in pursuit of the French, leaving him behind.

When he came to his senses, Private Willoughby reported, he found himself alone, his carbine useless and his mount dead. He managed to free himself and determined to find the 2nd Division, who were marching North. He made this decision as he knew it was highly unlikely that he would be able to find his own Troop, who were all mounted and were now several hours ahead of him.

It was in this condition that he was found, as above stated, by the Riflemen of 3 Coy 5/60th. Willoughby reported to Colonel Edrington of the 62nd (to whom 3 Coy is attached) who then pressed him into service as galloper for the 62nd until Private Willoughby was able to rejoin his own regiment, which he did on Tuesday the 16th May in the year 1809.

(signed)
Jno. Vickery, Capt. 3 Coy, 5/60th Rifles

He found his sand-shaker, shook some sand over the sheet of paper to dry the ink and held it out.

"Will that be acceptable to Captain Pierce?"

Henderson took the letter and read it quickly. 'Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.' Well, it looked like Captain was not going to feed Willoughby to the horses after all. He might do that to Cornet Penrose, who was in charge of the part of their troop that Willouhgby belonged to, though.

"If there is anything else I can do to be of service, Captain Pierce only has to let me know," Vickery said, wiping the nib of his pen clean and putting the lid back on the ink before putting everything away tidily.

Henderson smiled with a touch of sadness: it was well known that Pierce disliked getting involved with people outside his regiment. 'I will let him know, sir. Thank you very much.' He put the letter away and saluting, turned to leave.

"My pleasure, Lieutenant," Vickery replied, returning the salute and watching him leave.