130 SWABEY DIARY. 
Beira would enable him to carry nearly all his forces to the 
Alemtejo without risk, and the same rains would impede the 
junction of the enemy’s force in Hstremadura. Green forage 
was to be had in the last province considerably earlier than on 
the Agueda, and the success of the contemplated campaign 
in Andalusia depended upon the operations taking place before 
the harvest upon the ground should ripen, which was the 
enemy’s resource, and would happen much earlier than in 
Leon, Having made his arrangements, Wellington set off 
for Elvas which he reached on the 1ith March, but owing to 
the vexatious delays of the Portuguese Regency causing the 
the absence of the necessary transport, the investment was 
put off till the 17th.” Napier, Vol. IV., p. 392, et seq. 
16th February.—Returned to Belmonte, crossing the Zezere, which is 
everywhere to be forded, unless after heavy rain. 
(7th February.—Went by invitation of Sir Stapleton Cotton to a 
ball given by him at Covilhio, which passed off well enough ; the want 
of politeness in the manners of the Portuguese ladies, as might be ex- 
pected, was more striking here than at Lisbon. 
There was a supper, consisting of as many good things as the country 
affords, but few elegancies. The ladies and gentlemen, notwithstand- 
ing the solemnity of the fast of Lent, eat ham, etc. to an extent scarcely 
credible. Some at first were staggered, but only waited for someone else 
to begin to set Lent at defiance, and I really think from their perform- 
ance that till then they had been good Catholics. 
The ladies did not admire country dances, there was some waltzing 
by two Portuguese officers. N.B.—Cannot boast of the beauty of my 
partners. I dined with Major Downman and slept at Colonel Elley’s. 
18th February.—Employed this morning in shopping. Cloth is 
manufactured here, tolerably good, and sold at about 12s. a yard. 
English manufacture is also to be purchased, this is one of the best 
markets for English quarter-masters. Breakfasted at Colonel Hlley’s. 
We returned to Belmonte. Captains Bull, Macdonald, and Ramsay 
dined with me. 
19th February.—Rode to witness the improvement of my horses at 
Aldea de Mato. 
20th February.—Lieutenant Blachley dined and slept. N.B.—Bom- 
bardier King promoted Corporal. 
21st February.—Being overpersuaded I went to dine at Gonzalo with 
Lieutenant Moore; glad to get to bed and tired of the party. 
22nd February.—Set off home early, having been visiting so much 
lately and enjoying myself but little. Found Major Downman, etc., 
and an order to leave Belmonte to make room for the 6th division who 
are expected to march through, this made me rather sulky. 
23rd February.—Took up my quarters at Aldea de Mato at an indif- 
ferent casa. Received letters from home dated 19th and 27th January. 
(To be Continued). 
