The Mary Hamilton Papers : Letter from Charles Napier to John Dickenson
Napier, Charles
The Mary Hamilton Papers
<p style='text-align: justify;'>Letter from Charles Napier (1794-1874) to John Dickenson, concerning the Battle of Vitoria [on 21 June 1813].</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Napier writes of the battle which he says that Dickenson would have read about in the papers. He describes it as a ‘glorious day for the British’ but it came at a price. There was a loss of 16 officers and that ‘Colonel Cadogan [Henry Cadogan (1780–1813), army officer] sold himself by too much rashness he was killed in the commencement of the action’. He writes that his was the first British regiment engaged and he writes that they did their duty. He lists the large number of losses. In his own company they left 48 men ‘lying on one spot’. Napier writes of the wounded and prisoners being collected and notes that he would not be surprised if he were to see England with them. He believes that this ‘business will probably finish the Spanish war. Joseph has lost all his plunder their [<i>sic</i>] is a report here today he was taken last night’ and everyone is on the ‘lookout to see him brought in’.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>The letter ends with Napier requesting letters from home, noting that letters are a treat and he would like to hear a little ‘scandal’ of his friends but asks that no names are used. He sends his love to Mr and Mrs Dickenson.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dated at Vitoria [Spain]. </p>