The Duke of Wellington in Boecillo

The Duke of Wellington used the Scots' summer house in Boecillo as his headquarters on three occasions in 1812. Below are two letters he sent from Boecillo.

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To Lieut. General Sir R. Hill, K.B.

Boecillo, 29th October 1812. Half past 5 p.m.

My Dear Hill

We crossed the Duero this day, having destroyed all the bridges on the lower Pisuerga. The enemy are in march towards Tordesillas, where I destroyed the bridge last night. That of Toro will have been destroyed this day, I hope.

I am anxious to hear from you, after the receipt of mine of the 27th.

I propose to place myself to-morrow in front of Tordesillas, to prevent the enemy from coming over the Duero there.

Believe me, &c

WELLINGTON

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To Earl Bathurst

Boecillo, 29th October 1812

My Dear Lord

You will be anxious to receive an answer to your letter of 22nd September, on the subject of sending us guineas. If the guineas should come, you may depend on it that they shall be applied strictly, as the law directs; viz., in the payment of the ordinaries of the service; that is, the pay of the officers and the troops. It will be a relief for us to receive the money to be so applied; almost as great as it would to receive an equal sum in silver, to be applied to any service.

In regard to the rate at which they must be paid to the troops, I rather believe that they ought to be paid as one pound one shilling; and let the troops dispose of them as they please. It would be rather curious to pay the troops in dollars at four shillings and sixpence, which are worth five shillings and sixpence, and afterwards to pay them guineas at one pound, because they are suppose not to exchange for more in Portugal or Spain. However, I will consider of this point before the guineas arrive.

We crossed the Duero this day; having destroyed all the bridges on the Pisuerga.

The enemy are marching on Tordesillas.

Believe me, &c

WELLINGTON