of the fourth
(yesterday) we departed, taking the route for Lugo, a principal town in
the province of Galicia. We had scarcely proceeded half a league when we
were overtaken by a thunderstorm of tremendous violence. We were at that
time in the midst of a kind of wood which extends to some distance in
that direction. The trees were bowed to the ground or torn up by their
roots by the wind, whilst the ground was plowed up by the lightning which
burst all around and nearly blinded us. The horse which I rode upon,
which was a spirited Andalusian stallion, became furious and bounded into
the air as if possessed; owing to my state of weakness I had the greatest
difficulty in maintaining my seat and in avoiding a fall which might have
been fatal. A tremendous discharge of rain followed the storm, which
swelled the brooks into streams and flooded the surrounding country,
causing great damage amongst the corn. After riding about five leagues
we began to enter the mountainous district which surrounds Astorga; the
road was flinty and very trying to the poor horses, who suffered much,
whilst the heat was suffocating. It was with the utmost difficulty that
we reached Astorga, covered with mud and dust and our tongues cleaving to
the roofs of our mouths from thirst. We were compelled to take up our
abode in a wretched hovel, full of pigs, vermin, and misery, and from
this place I write, for this morning I felt myself unable to proceed on
my journey, being exhausted with illness, fatigue and want of food, for
scarcely anything is to be obtained. But I return God thanks and glory
for being permitted to undergo these crosses and troubles for His Word's
sake. I would not exchange my present situation, unenviable as some may
think it, for a throne.

Pray excuse the style and writing of this letter, both are inevitably
bad. I hope in a few days to have reached Lugo, where I shall be more at
my ease.

GEORGE BORROW.

To the Rev. A. Brandram

(_Endorsed_: recd. 12th August 1837)
CORUNNA, 20_th_ _July_ [1837].

REVD. AND DEAR SIR,--My last letter was dated from Astorga, and I stated
that I was suffering from the relics of the fever which had assailed me
at Leon; in a day or two, however, I was sufficiently recovered to mount
my horse and proceed on my journey to Lugo. I shall sen