468 LIEUT.-GENERAL THOMAS DYNELEY, C.B., B.A. 
went on into the town, ordered « cart to be in readiness when he 
arrived to convey him further, and had a horse prepared for myself. 
As soon as he came in and was a little refreshed I set him off again, 
and went on before, arriving in this place about six o’clock. I went 
immediately to Colonel Robe, but he had gone out to dinner and none 
of his servants knew where he was to be found. 
Now, my dearest mother, take the letter from Kate, and introduce me 
to his Lordship, who was sitting in the palace by himself. Colonel 
Gordon took me to him. He was exceedingly glad to see me, 
got a chair, and seated me close by him. ‘ Bye-the-bye,” said 
his Lordship, “you cannot have had anything to eat lately; order 
dinner directly for him and see that he has a comfortable bed for he 
should be put to bed instantly, he appears so much fatigued.” I said 
if his Lordship would allow me to ask for some tea I should prefer it 
to dinner. He said “ certainly,” and ordered it. He then entered 
into conversation, and I told him everything I knew as to the enemy’s 
strength, their route, etc. This being finished, he said he was going 
to send letters to Hngland, and desired me to go into his Secretary’s 
room, and let my friends know I had returned ; in fact, nothing could 
have been kinder than he was, and his manner at once shewed me he 
was not displeased with our conduct.” I left him and got my tea most 
comfortably, and learning that my baggage was all in Harding’s 
quarters, I preferred going home to sleeping in the State bed. Mr. 
Reed came to fetch me with the horses and I rode home where I found 
our Doctor and the Commissary sitting together. They were astonished 
beyond all idea at seeing me, but most happy; poor Harding had been 
dining out but came directly and was really too much affected to say 
how glad he was to see me. Newland also seemed most happy to see 
me, as did all the servants, who came running in and burst into tears 
and so far forgot themselves in their joy, that I thought they would 
never have done shaking hands with me. ‘These demonstrations were 
no sooner over than in came the new Sergeant-Major? and non-com- 
missioned officers to wish me joy of my escape, and told me before they 
left the barracks, the troop had drunk my health in a bumper with 
three times three. The officers told me that when they were going 
over the hospital in my absence and enquiring of the poor wounded 
fellows how they were getting on, they said “‘better,” but if they could 
get Captain Dyneley back they should do “well.” All this part I 
mention because I am sure it will gratify you all as much as it did me. 
I must not forget my friend Bob Douglas, whose joy could not be sup- 
pressed ; they say your friends should lose you to know how much you 
are liked; this I experienced to the full extent, for I sat up in state 
the three first days to receive them, and they flocked in by dozens all 
day long, and since then I have had them from all parts to congratulate 
me on my escape. 
1 Kane’s List, No. 654. 
2 Lord Wellington in his despatch from Madrid, August 13th, says, ‘‘The conduct of the brave 
German cavalry was, I understand, excellent, as well as that of Captain Macdonald’s troop of 
Horse Artillery. 
The casualties were: killed 58, wounded 98, missing 44. 
Lord Wellington sent a French Captain of artillery back to their army in exchange for Captain 
Dyneley, and gave him under his own hand a regular exchange.—EHd. 
3 Ist Staff-Sergeant Charles Banies. 
