I merely repeated Lord Wellington's words
that you may realise how deeply angered he is. If Garfield recovers
from his wound he will be tried by court-martial. He is under open
arrest meanwhile, as is his opponent in the duel - a Major Sykes of
the 23rd Dragoons. That they will both be broke is beyond doubt.
But that is not all. This affair, which might have had such grave
consequences, coming so soon upon the heels of Major Berkeley's
business, has driven Lord Wellington to a step regarding which this
letter will instruct you."
Sir Terence broke the seal. The letter, penned by a secretary, but
bearing Wellington's own signature, ran as follows:
"The bearer, Captain Stanhope, will inform you of the particulars
of this disgraceful business of Captain Garfield's. The affair
following so soon upon that of Major Berkeley has determined me to
make it clearly understood to the officers in his Majesty's service
that they have been sent to the Peninsula to fight the French and
not each other or members of the civilian population. While this
campaign continues, and as long as I am in charge of it, I am
determined not to suffer upon any plea whatever the abominable
practice of duelling among those under my command.
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