Letters from the Peninsula, 1808-1812, by Lieut.-Gen. Sir William Warre

Ed. by his nephew, the Rev. Edmond Warre

Lt.-General Sir William Warre, Rev Edmond Warre

• Publisher: Wagram Press
• Year: 2013
• ISBN:
  9781782890485
• Topic: History
• Subtopic: Napoleonic Wars
• Index: History

"Gossipy and revealing memoirs of the Anglo-Portuguese soldier who was present at most of the actions of the Peninsular War from Corunna to Salamanca. Warre was rare in having an inside knowledge of Portugal and it shows in this enthralling collection of his frank letters home.
William Warre was the spirited scion of one of the great commercial dynasties which helped make Portugal Britain's oldest ally. Brought up in Oporto, his nature was too fiery to take kindly to the dull business of exporting port, and he gratefully left the family firm to take up a military career after sticking the pigtails of his father's Portuguese partner to his desk with sealing wax while the man was sleeping off a liquid lunch. Warre returned to his native city as a young staff officer in 1808, and thereafter witnessed most of the major actions of the conflict at close quarters. He took part in Sir John Moore's winter retreat to Corunna; the storming of the fortress of Ciudad Rodrigo, personally accepted the sword of the surrendering French commander of Badajoz after the famous siege; and fought at Vimieiro and Salamanca among many other actions. After the latter battle he was given the important task of reorganising the Portuguese Army and was Britain's liasion man at the Portuguese court in Lisbon. This volume is composed of letters to Warre's parents. He describes not only the military actions in which he was engaged, but also recounts the gossip among his fellow Staff officers and his own frank observations on the foibles of his Portuguese allies." N&M edition
Author — Warre, William, Lt.-General Sir, 1784-1853.
Editor — Warre, Rev Edmond, 1837-
Text taken, whole and complete, from the edition published in London, J. Murray, 1909.
Original Page Count – xxiii, 312 pages.

LETTERS FROM THE PENINSULA 1808-1812

CHAPTER I—1808.

INTRODUCTION

In June 1808 the British Government determined to send assistance to the Spaniards, who had risen in revolt against the French domination in the Peninsula.

Spain, which had been an enemy, was now regarded as a friend.

In the previous year, an expedition under General Whitelock had been despatched to invade the Spanish Colonies in America, with disastrous results. In 1808 a force of about 9000 men was already assembled in Ireland, with a view to renewing this attempt under a more competent General. But in the altered circumstances the destination of these troops was changed, and they were placed under the command of Lieut.-General Sir Arthur Wellesley, with orders to proceed to Portugal and to co-operate with the Spaniards and Portuguese in attacking the French.

Beside the troops ready to embark in Ireland there were two Brigades—Anstruther’s and Acland’s, quartered Harwich and Ramsgate respectively available immediate service abroad. These were added to Wellesley’s command. And in addition to these there were at this time about 5000 men, under General Spencer, observing Cadiz, who could join the expedition on Portuguese soil. Lastly, there was a force of about 10,000 men under Sir John Moore, who had been sent to the Baltic to co-operate with the Swedes, a task which proved impracticable. These were on their way home, and were ordered to Portugal, though some time elapsed before they could join their comrades in the Peninsula.

Major-General Ferguson, with his Aides-de-Camp, Capt. Warre and Capt. Mellish, embarked at Portsmouth in H.M.S. Resistance—Capt. Adam— in May; but their destination at that time was quite uncertain, though General Ferguson, nominally at least, belonged to the force under General Spencer’s command. After some further delay, owing to contrary winds, the Resistance arrived at Cork, where Sir Arthur Wellesley on 7th June assumed the command of the troops assembled. The news of the Spanish insurrection had already reached England, and although quite uncertain as yet as to their future movements, everyone seems to have taken it for granted that they were to sail at once. As it turned out, they had many weeks to wait before the actual start took place.

The six letters written in May and June, though not belonging properly to the letters from the Peninsula, have been included in the series, as giving an account not altogether uninteresting of the kind of life led while waiting for orders to sail, the needs and necessities recorded, and the ideas generally entertained by the writer as set forth in his correspondence. The difficulties respecting the soldier servant, whom he was so anxious to take with him, have an almost tragic interest in view of the ultimate fate of the man, which is afterwards described in the letters.

Not without interest also are the sidelights occasionally thrown upon the jealousy with which Colonels of Regiments regarded the taking of officers from service with the Regiment for Staff employment, and the indications of the necessity of influence in high quarters to obtain any appointment of the kind. But more than all is the evidence of the enthusiasm which pervaded all ranks—enthusiasm for a glorious cause, which was no less than the liberation of Europe from the domination of the tyrant, who had trampled right and justice underfoot, and was without gainsaying England’s bitterest and deadliest foe.

LETTERS

Portsmouth, May 22, 1808.

Here we are, my dearest Father, after a very hasty journey and pleasant, as constant rain and a complete overturn about a ½ mile short of Kingston, from which Capt. Mellish and myself escaped quite safe, except a few trifling bruises and a sprained thumb I got, which renders my writing somewhat difficult—with these exceptions it was as pleasant as could be to me, leaving all those dearest to me in the world.

We have just got all our baggage, and go on board ourselves this evening. Capt. Adam appears to be a very fine gentlemanly young man, and much inclined to show us every civility.

We shall sail as soon as the wind is fair, and are much hurried. Should my things arrive this evening they will be in time, otherwise I fear not Nothing can be kinder than the General. I think myself every moment more fortunate in going with him. Pray get some advice about Rankin. I shall send him on shore at Cork, if I can, and have no answer from Seymour.{2} If I am not able to send him on shore, the advice I want you to get is, how to get him leave to go, as if he were not gone but to Cork. Pray write. It may find me on board the Resistance, Cork. I will write every opportunity. May God bless and preserve you all and give you every happiness, is the constant prayer of your affectionate son,

Wm. Warre.

H.M.S. “Resistance,” - St Helens, May 24th, 1808.

Many thanks, my dear Father, for your letter of yesterday, and the books and wine, about which I have just written to Messrs Smith and Atkins, directing them, if we are sailed, to send it to care of Markland at Gibraltar. Here we are with the wind as foul as it can blow, and too hard to put to sea. We shall sail the first opportunity, and are not a little anxious to get off. Nothing can exceed the General’s and Capt. Adam’s kindness. We are as comfortable as on shore, and as happy as possible.

We have not the least idea of our destination. Reports I never believe. If the General does not know, it is not likely any newspaper can. I received my books and wine safe, for which accept my thanks. The books, at all events, I could not read if I had them not. They are therefore as well with me, and God knows how long we may be on board or away.

I am glad you intend to call on the Duke. It is as well; and pray do not forget to assure Ld. Mostyn of my gratitude and sense of his kindness towards me. I have written, or rather I wrote the day I left town to Seymour, but, should I not get his answer at Cork, must send Rankin on shore; and to go without a servant is very inconvenient indeed. Therefore I think, if you could hire me a steady, honest servant, it would be worthwhile his coming to Cork to me; or the General thinks it would be better to ask General Calvert, by “empenho“{3} to send me an order to Cork for him to accompany me at all events.

Adieu; we are ordered off by signal. May God preserve and bless you all, is the constant prayer of your affectionate son,

Wm. Warre.

Cove, June 8, 1808.

My Dearest Father,

Till yesterday, on Sir A. Wellesley’s arrival at Cork to take the command, our sailing was so uncertain, that I did not write to you, for other news, except that we are all well, from hence I had none to tell We now expect to sail the day after to-morrow, Sunday, if the wind is fair. The glorious accounts from Spain have hurried us off, and I believe there is now no doubt that that is our destination, but what part we know not. The Rendezvous is Tangier bay, in case of parting company, which looks like Cadiz (this entre nous).

We are exceedingly anxious to get away, after six weeks’ delay. The Army are in the highest spirits; indeed the cause we are engaged in is the noblest a soldier could wish, and to support the liberties and independence of a country so lately our enemy. To forget all animosity and cordially join against the common enemy of Europe, the would-be Tyrant of the world, is worthy of the British name; and a soldier’s heart must be cold indeed that would not warm with enthusiasm in such a cause. I am not one of the most sanguine; you know my opinion of armed mobs, though in this, from the accounts we have received, there is an appearance of system and order that promises well. May God assist the Right. It may be the crisis of the Tyrant’s power. If he fails now, it may open the eyes of Europe.

I will write by every opportunity and let you know how we are going on, and the news, and a line when we sail. The General’s best thanks for your present of maps. They are most acceptable to him. He is gone with Adam and Mellish to Cork to dine with the Mayor, or dine in publick in honour of Sir Arthur. I was asked, but having a good deal to do, and not fancying a crowd, have sent an excuse. We have been very gay here ever since we arrived, but long to be off.

How unfortunate we were not to be with Spencer at landing at Cadiz. There will be yet something I hope to be done. Boney will not easily give up his point, and a more beautiful army never embarked, for its size, from any place. We have been joined by 45th, 4 troops 20 Lt. Dns., and 2 companies Artillery, besides a very large Staff, and are to be by the 36th Regt. The troops are very healthy, in all about 9650 men.

I have not heard further about remaining in the 23rd. Seymour has allowed me to take Rankin, if I can get a man to exchange Stuart is trying to get me one from the 9th Foot, but they are all so high in spirits at going on service, I fear of his getting one. I think we shall certainly sail on Sunday, if possible. Write to me, in case we should go to Porto, direct Gibraltar, and tell me if I can do anything there; depend on my punctuality and exertions. Such a thing might happen as going in there. Our party is much augmented on board Resistance. Generals Crawfurd and Fane 1 A.-de-C. or 2, 1 Bde. Major, and a civil Secretary. It will not be so pleasant as hitherto. Patience, it is a million times better than a transport.

From your ever affectionate son,

Wm. Warre.

Pray desire Hawkes Piccadilly to send me a Hat and Feather, the same shape exactly as the last, by 1st opportunity; my old one is gone to pieces. Adieu.

Cove, June 17, 1808.

My Dear Father,

I have to thank you for your kind letter on the 11th inst, and for that you wrote to Genl. Payne, in which you have said everything that can be said. I am much afraid he is offended with my carrying my point in spite of him.

It is however of consequence my remaining in the Regiment, as more Captains are quitting it I hear, and I have therefore this day written to Greenwood’s with the enclosed paper of exchange signed, of which letter you have an extract annexed. It may do good, and cannot do any harm.

Seymour, I think, will do what he can for me; his letters are as friendly as possible, though he will not allow me to take Rankin, which is very annoying, particularly now that I have bought a horse, nor do I know what to do for a servant here There is no such thing, and as all the troops are now embarked, and we may be ordered to sail every hour, I have no time to write for one. I should therefore be much obliged to you, if you would enquire about some honest, trusty man, who must understand horses, and send him out to join me at Gibraltar. Agree about wages, clothes, etc., and send him out to join me at Gibraltar, or off Cadiz, as soon as a conveyance offers. To be on service without a trusty servant will be exceedingly unpleasant.

We know nothing further of our destination or plans. We have been here amusing ourselves in perfect idleness, though very gayly. We yesterday dined on board Ld. Thomond’s yacht, and went in the evening to a play, acted by the Officers of the Resistance, for the poor of Cove. It was exceedingly crowded, and went off very well I have bought a nice little hack, a mare, the only thing of the kind I could get for the price, 30 guineas Irish, for which I drew yesterday on you. They ask 50, 60, 70, for nice hacks, and the Genl. and Mellish have been obliged to pay it I got mine from an Artillery Officer, through a friend of mine, and am very lucky. I also further drew upon you for 20 British to Mr Mayhew, of which Mellish has half and is to pay me in the money of the country we go to. I hope we shall now leave this very soon. All the Regts. are embarked, and we only wait for orders. I will write as soon as they arrive. I rejoice to hear that dear Tom{4}was safe at Stockholm, and daily expected. God send him safe, dear fellow. It would have been great happiness to have seen him before I sailed, but I shall now be satisfied with hearing of his safe arrival Give him my kindest love and welcome home.

Pray assure Lord Rosslyn when you see him of my high sense of his Lordship’s goodness, and that if I must quit the 23rd, I shall feel highly gratified by being in his Regiment. Pray get my uncle to get the Duchess to speak to Gordon about the exchange. As things are now, it is really a very hard case that I must give up my chance of advancement because I am anxious to learn experience of my profession, and it has disgusted me not a little. In the midst of this idleness, such is the confusion and hurry that we can scarcely settle to anything. Report says we are going to Spain. I am working hard at Spanish, as is Mellish, who is a very clever fellow.

Stuart, my old friend, embarked to-day. His Regiment marched in, in the finest order, and got great credit. He desires to be most kindly remembered, as does the General. I believe General Hill, who commanded at Fermoy when I was there, goes with us in the Resistance. He is a very pleasant, mild man, and much liked. He commands here till the arrival of the Commander-in-Chief, Sir A. Wellesley, I believe certainly; but whether he will come here, or we join him at sea, is not known.

Wm. Warre.

Extract of my Letter to Greenwood & Cox.—June 17, 1808.

“The objection to my accompanying Major-General Ferguson (the number of Captns. then on the Staff from the Regt.) being now removed by Captn. F—’s exchange, I hope H.R. Highness and Major-General Payne will be pleased to allow me to remain in the 23rd, to which, independent of the number of steps I shall lose by the exchange, I am much attached, and shall only quit from my great desire of acquiring ...

Table of contents

• Title page
• TABLE OF CONTENTS
• PREFACE
• MEMOIR OF WILLIAM WARRE
• CHAPTER I-1808.
• CHAPTER II-1808
• CHAPTER III-1808-9
• CHAPTER IV-1810
• CHAPTER V-1811
• CHAPTER VI-1812