Lot 25 Letter 1 - 1st of January, 1813

LETTER

1		January		1813

To: Eleaner A Porter

Care of Dudley Porter Junior Esquire, Haverhill Massachusetts.

From: Edwin Bartlett American

Lisbon, Portugal.

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RECEIVED MARCH 4th
politeness of Capt. Harraden

Lisbon January 1st 1813

Dear Eleaner,

Since my last of the 23rd July 1812 I have been deprived the pleasure of hearing from you and having been in the expectation of receiving a letter have hitherto neglected writing!

You will doubtless as this arrives have heard of the late brilliant victories of the Russians over the French in the north, therefore it will be needless here to be particular. Bonaparte's intention three or four months since was evidently to winter in Moscow (if he could get there) but upon his arrival there or immediately after he found his calculations frustrated (probably from the circumstance of it being "burnt") and began to think of some other winter quarters and accordingly commenced his late dreadful retreat and from that period may be dated the fortune of Russians as since that time his loss has been over fifty thousand men including an uncommonly large proportion of cavalry, his troops are now worn out and very short of provisions. Hundreds are dying daily due to the excessive cold and long marches. His horses having little forage and that miserable are(being unable to continue in the lines) either left to perish or fall

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into the hands of the Enemy. The Russians have made about 20,000 prisoners including Marshal Ney whose army is entirely destroyed. It is at present quite uncertain where Bonaparte is or intends to remain this winter The climate of Russia does not agree at this season of the year with his men or horses.

The armies of Spain are in winter quarters though from appearances here a Battle may soon be expected as Lord Wellington has ordered all the artillery from Lisbon Harbor for the Army. Madrid is alternately in the hands of the French and Spaniards. Sir E.Paget an able English General has been taken by a party of French cavalry. Lord Wellington was in the 24th ult. in London and is expected here daily.

During the month of December 1812 upwards of 130 American vessels arrived here with Flour and Grain and there are in Port about 200 American Vessels of which nearly two thirds have their cargoes at present on board. Consequently provisions are plenty and prices moderate. "Flour" is only $18 per BLL (barrel=196 Lbs) pound Corn $2 per bushel. """

The new Parliament have just sat in England. The members generally appear to express the wish that our differences may shortly be settled

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The Prince Regent in his Speech at the opening of the Parliament says that it is his wish a speedy peace may be agreed on but adds that if the U.S. do not choose to accept of terms already offered trusts his ministers will do all in their powers to carry on a vigorous war. The Victories with which our little navy has been favored sticks in the crops of some of the English naval "bragadocious" and those who are able to swallow it find a bitter morsel or in other words find Hulls Decature' "pills" rather "griping"

I will occasionally do myself the pleasure of writing you in the mean time hoping that our beloved country may soon be restored to prosperity and peace. I subscribe myself
Your Sincere Friend
Edwin Bartlett

PS: Have the goodness to tender my best respects to your Honorable Father and his family " " may all who take the trouble to enquire of me

Yours truly,
E.B.

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