ers, both in Spain
and in the provincial towns of Portugal, but let him not be a hesitater
and starter of needless doubts and difficulties; anything may be
accomplished with a little shrewdness, a little boldness, and a great
trust in God. I hope that my exertions have afforded satisfaction at
home, but if not, let me be allowed to state that it was not in my power
to accomplish more than I have. I have borne hunger and thirst, cold and
fatigue, I have exposed myself to danger from robbers, and was near
losing my life from the ruffian soldiery at Arrayolos, whose bullets so
narrowly missed me. I have been as economical as possible, though the
charges in Portugal for everything are enormous, and a stranger there is
like a ship on shore, a mark for plunder. In Spain the people are far
more honest, and the charges, though high, reasonable in comparison.
Before leaving Lisbon I drew on excellent Mr. Wilby for 75 pounds; of
this sum 12 pounds was remitted to Malaja, through which place I shall
probably pass on my return to Lisbon. I have still remaining by me money
sufficient for two months, I therefore need not enter into a detail of my
expenses. I now wait for a letter from you; and when you write, please
to remit to me a small letter of credit on some one at Madrid, or request
Mr. Wilby to do so, as he has correspondents here, and in that case
communicate my address to him. I give you below an abridgment of my
interview with Mr. Mendizabal. I think it will make you laugh. I have
the honour to remain, Revd. and dear Sir, etc.,

G. BORROW.

Interview with Mr. Mendizabal

At about 8 o'clock in the morning of the 7th inst. I went to the palace,
where Mr. Mendizabal resides. I informed the usher that I came from the
British Ambassador, whereupon I was shown into a room, and after waiting
about three hours I was admitted to the presence of the Prime Minister of
Spain. He was dressed in a morning gown and sat behind a table covered
with papers. He is a man of about five-and-forty, somewhat above the
middle height, with very handsome features, aquiline nose and large
sparkling eyes; his hair is partly grey. I presented him the letter with
which Sir Geo. Villiers had furnished me, and when he had read it, I said
that before entering upon the matter which more immediately brought me to
him, I begged leave to set him right upon a point relating to wh