Letter from Lieutenant William Staveley to his mother, 20 and 21 January 1812

Sent from Gallegos, the letter describes the storming and capture of Ciudad Rodrigo (1812) in Spain during which he lost his hat, sword and coat when a mine exploded, but sustained only slight bruising to his legs. Staveley also refers to his cramped quarters and to the favourable weather conditions.

Staveley served on the staff of the quartermaster-general throughout the Peninsular War, and was present at Talavera, Fuentes de Onoro, Vittoria, the battle of the Pyrenees, and Toulouse, besides the sieges of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz, and many minor actions.

From a collection of 179 letters and notes, 1811-1860 by Lieutenant General William Staveley, (1784-1854), and Captain E Staveley.