To Captain Pierce, 15th Hussars

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