I have not a word of public news to send you. The Prince d’Aremberg, Colonel of the 27th Chasseurs à Cheval, and married to the Empress Josephine’s niece, is arrived here, and 1400 prisoners taken at Arroio del Molino by Hill. He is an insignificant looking creature, and not reckoned a great Officer. Genl. Bron is not yet arrived. I have dined with the Lt.-Col. of their 40th Regt. He is a fine intelligent young man, but quite a Frenchman. He lies without the least hesitation. He half cries at times at his misfortune, but, when he has drank a little wine, sings and dances, and seems to forget entirely that he is a Prisoner. I am going this morning to take the Lt.-Col. of 34th F.A. to make some purchases he wants, and then to dine at Hardinge’s. I think him steadier a good deal than the other, who is a most amusing companion, and less of a soldier. This man is reserved, but I know what he says is true, and therefore we intend to try what the _bon vin de Bordeaux_ will do towards opening his heart,[31] for we often get very interesting information in this way, and, though I hate and despise the fellows, I am rather amused by them now and then. I think we are likely to remain quiet at Villa Formosa beyond the Coa, where we fix our Hd. Qrs. It was entirely destroyed by the French, but we have had doors and window-shutters put to some of the Houses. But I expect we shall _passar m’tos. frios_, and I dread it for the Marshal. I do not think the French will make any movement till Ciudad Rodrigo is again distressed for provisions, and then they will probably throw some convoy in which I do not know how we are to prevent, when the Agueda is full and not fordable, unless by a general action beyond it, and that is _most unlikely_, and I therefore do not myself expect that anything more than outpost business perhaps will be done before the spring. The enemy have certainly received great reinforcements during the course of the year, but even these (say 40,000 men) have not covered the casualties and losses of men in their armies, which are evidently much reduced. I have no reason to alter my opinion about the Spaniards. You know what it is, and I do not expect more from them than I did, and, if Russia does not in the spring declare against Napoleon, the fate of the Peninsula is in my opinion still very doubtful. As you do not mention anything further in your letters about my business which you said Dr. Domingos wished to _be perfectly secret_, I hope it is given up entirely, and if not, that you will not press it. It would throw me out of the line of my profession, and place me in a situation I do not think I should be fit for, or can like. You however, my dear Father, know my situation, and I never willingly have or will act contrary to your opinion or wishes. A Packet is coming in, but I fear we shall not have the letters before the mail for England closes. Yrs., etc., etc., WM. WARRE.