Incomplete letter from Lieutenant William Staveley to his mother, 1812 (c)

The letter describes the geography around the frontier fortress of Elvas in Portugal and the likelihood of Wellington taking up a position to defend the town against the forces of the French commander Marmont, who was rumoured to be marching against it.

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.