Moyses, Just as British officers were placed in supportive and training roles in the Portuguese forces, so were the staff surgeons - to train, update and support the Portuguese medical officers, some of whom. initially, were not of the highest commitment and experience. The British staff surgeons were most likely appointed on a brigade or divisional basis. William Fergusson was an examplary medic. He was born, near where I was born, in Ayr in 1773. Starting his medical military career as surgeon to the 2nd Battalion 90th Regt., in 1794, he may have commemced his medical studies and purchased into this regiment. From there he was posted to Holland (and again in 1799). He exchanged into the 67th Foot, as surgeon in 1796 (he worked in St Domingo from 1796-8) and into the 5th Foot in 1799. Just over a year later he became a staff surgeon. He served at Copenhagen in 1801. This was followed by a year on half pay and on 23rd July 1803, he returned as staff surgeon, then in September 1805, he was promoted DIH. Four years on, he became an Inspector of Hospitals under Beresfor (Portuguese service only). In 1812, he gained and MD from St Andrew's and an FRCP from Edinburgh. Later promoted to full IH and then IG, permanent rank in 1813. He worked in Guadeloupein 1815 and retired on half pay in 1817. He set up practice in Windsor and was appointed surgeon to HRH the duke of Gloucester. He wrote various notes and letters which are available, as you know. Thus Fergusson was in true sense a 'Doctor' and although he had served as a surgeon to a senior level, it was not incorrect to referr to his as 'Mr', 'though more accurately he had a role latterly in his career as a physician and administrator and correctly should have been addressed as 'Doctor' Michael.