'men are not thought to lead such a life. 'Love to all, and believe me,

'My dear Mother, affectionately, &c.

'JOHN MOORE.'

To Mrs. Moore, dictated by the General, and written by Aide-de-camp Anderson :

'Barsingenhorn, Holland, 18th Sept., 1799.

'My dear Mother,-My first station was upon the left of the army, it was then changed to the right, where I got my finger 'broke. I am now upon the left again, but 'some miles in front. I have my arm in a sling, and am obliged to use Anderson's hand, to his great annoyance, when I address you and others; these are the only inconveniences I suffer: I never was in better health, and seldom (which is saying a great deal) underwent more daily fatigue,

The arrival of the Duke of York with the reinforcements, foreign and domestic, puts an end to our defensive operations, and we begin to think of attacking in our turn. The grand push will probably be made in a

day or two, and if successful, which is 'hardly to be doubted, we shall not meet 'with much more resistance till we reach 'Amsterdam.

All this will keep you upon the tenterhooks, and I cannot help you; for I must do

my duty, that I may again meet you with

all the satisfaction which such interviews have hitherto constantly afforded me.

I saw His Royal Highness (the Duke of York) the day of his arrival, and notwith'standing a four days' beard, which gave him 'the look of a savage, he received me most 'kindly. I have been given to understand that I am to have the command of some

thing more distinguished than my present

brigade, but I am not to lose the Highlanders (this entre nous); whatever is given to me, shall be unsolicited, as it is only in that way that it can be gratifying to me. 'I have not had a line from any mortal since 'I left England, not even by Brownrigg; and ' yet I do not blame you, for I am persuaded 'it is none of your faults.

· Tell my Father my Journal is stopped by the finger*. Remember me affectionately 'to him and to all. The writer insists upon • intruding his best wishes and regards. Ever, my dear Mother,

Your affectionate Son,

'JOHN MOORE.'

'Shager Brugh, Holland, 28th September, 1799.

My dear Mother,-My finger is so far ' well as to admit of my holding the pen with 'the middle one; I avail myself to write to you, notwithstanding your marked silence ' and that of my father. I have heard from 'neither since I left England; a short letter 'from Charles, of the 18th, is all I can 'boast of. We were unsuccessful on the

19th. That day, or rather the night before, 'I was detached with Sir Ralph Aber'crombie to Hoorn, quite removed from the 'scene of action. We were ten thousand

men, and might perhaps have been more

' usefully employed, if kept more at hand.

* It was struck by a ball in the action.

6

'The intention was, that in the event of

success elsewhere, we should fall upon the 'flank and rear of the enemy. The difficulty 'attending progress in this country is very great, almost insurmountable; for it is everywhere intersected with dykes and 'canals, more than England is with hedges, ' and there is an impossibility of moving but 6 upon the roads. The Russians have a savage courage, but by their conduct in the last 'affair seem to want discipline, and not to 'be controllable. We shall, however, beat

the French sufficiently to secure winter quarters; more must not be expected. Poor 'Anderson begins to complain of his side ; the fatigue is too much for him; if he holds 'out till the end of the campaign, it is all 'he must then go to a drier climate. I am, 'as usual, as strong as a horse, and thrive upon fatigue.

;

"Young Balfour's regiment suffered much

on the 19th; his colonel told me he behaved 'with marked spirit and gallantry: let his 'father and mother know this At a diffe

' rent part of the army, and occupied as I am, 'I seldom see him; but you may assure ' them, that I inquire and attend to him, and 'it is impossible for a young lad to do better, 'or to be in a better line; his colonel is a 'most respectable officer. Farewell, my

' dear Mother, keep up your spirits, and trust

to that Providence which has hitherto averted 'those evils you most dread. Love to my Father and all.

'Believe me ever your affectionate Son,

'JOHN MOORE.

I have given above a tolerable specimen ' of my finger; I shall soon have the use of it, ' and it will not even be disfigured.

• God bless you.'

Dictated by General Moore, and written by Captain Anderson.

Shager Brugh, Holland, 3rd October, 1799.

My dear Father,-If other circumstances 'had not made it evident, a letter which I ' wrote to you a few days ago, must have 'shown you, that one action more, at least,