INVADED BRITAIN
Sia,—In the article entitled " Invaded Britain," in your issue of January 9th, the author writes: " Legend declares that the enemy were frightened by a distant view of Welshwomen in their red cloaks ; whatever the actual facts, the episode, from the military standpoint, could hardly have been briefer or more successful."
There is, as it happens, a letter in existence, of which I made an exact copy, that was written five days after the invasion. This letter, which contains no punctuation of any sort, Min : Narberth Febry 27 1797 Dear Sister I write to you hoping that you are in good health as I am at present thanks be to God for it the French invaded near fisgard Last wednesday wick put the Contry in Great Con- fusion because they wear 14 hundard and the Contry gathard from all parts of Pembrokeshire near four hundard Women in Red Hanes and Squier Cambel went to ask them were they to fight and they said they were and when they com near the french put down thair arms and they weas all tok presoners that time and are bhrought to haverfordwest friday night Last not one kild But too of our men and five of the french by been to Bould please to give my love to my Brother and recive the same your self and we are wel so hoomore at present from your loving Brother and Sister John & Mary Mathias We had no more than about four hundard men under arms and they thought the women to Be a Ridgment of Soldiers and they 14 hundard and the Lord tok from our Enemes the Spirit of War and to him be the Prais God save the King From this one must conclude that the women in their red Hanes were more of a reality than are most legends.
Incidentally, what a fine film might be made of this re- markable affair.—Yours faithfully,
RICHARD C. POWELL.
Poels, East Grinstead, Sussex.
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