"Your ever faithful Servants, (Signed,) "C. Colville, Thomas Brisbane, M. Power. "_For the Staff of } the Division_, } F. Stovin, A.A. G^r. "_Lt.-Gen. Sir Tho. Picton, K.B. &c. &c. &c._" "_London, 18th Sept. 1813._ "My Dear General, "In the extreme weak state to which I was reduced previous to my leaving the Peninsula, my feelings were too powerful for my spirits, and it was not possible for me adequately to answer the kind letter of the general officers commanding brigades in the 3d division, which you did me the honour of forwarding to me from the Valley of Bastau, on the 29th of August last. "I cannot but highly value the testimony of gentlemen, to whose talents, zealous co-operation, and gallantry on every occasion, I feel myself indebted for the honours that have been conferred upon me, and for the degree of reputation to which I have risen in the service; and I shall receive any memento of their esteem and regard with corresponding sentiments and feelings of the heart. "The period of my life to which I shall always recur with the greatest satisfaction, is that which was passed at the head of the 3d division, when I always experienced such a spirit of unanimity and heroism, as never once failed of success in any of the difficult enterprises we were employed upon. Though I may never again have the honour of commanding so distinguished a corps, I shall ever feel myself identified with the 3d division in all its operations, and shall take as strong an interest in its success as I ever did, whilst I had the honour of presiding at its head. "Accept my many acknowledgments for your kind attention, and of my sincere and constant wishes for your success and prosperity on all occasions. "Your devoted and faithful, "Humble Servant, (Signed,) "Thomas Picton, Lt.-Gen. "_To the Hon. Major-General Colville, Major-General Brisbane, Major-General Power, Lt.-Colonel Stovin, &c._"