His lordship read that through, and decided that it would do. He wrote the figure 3 in the margin, and started another paragraph. His pen began to move faster:
"The Field Marshal has observed that several soldiers, and even officers, have quitted their ranks without leave, and have gone to Bruxelles, and even some to Antwerp, where, and in the country through which they have passed, they have spread a false alarm, in a manner highly unmilitary, and derogatory to the character of soldiers."
The pen was flowing perfectly easily now. His lordship continued without a check:
"The Field Marshal requests the General officers commanding divisions in the British Army… to report to him in writing what officers and men (the former by name) are now or have been absent without leave since the 16th instant…"