No. VI.
SECTION I.—MISCELLANEOUS.
Captain Morgan, Lusitanian Legion, to sir J. Cradock, Lisbon, January 19, 1809.
“I left sir R. Wilson very critically situated, occupying a pass on the Agueda. Sir Robert is wholly unsupported; he has been advised by colonel Guard to fall back; and, from his information, he imagines that sir John Moore is withdrawing his troops through Gallicia. On the other hand, he has received positive orders from you[9] to defend the frontiers, and pressing letters to that effect from the bishop of Oporto.”
Sir J. Cradock to lord Castlereagh, 30th January.
“The regency and the bishop of Oporto are not pleased at his” (sir R. Wilson) “quitting the bounds of Portugal.”
Ditto to Ditto, 6th March.
“I had a letter from sir R. Wilson, from Ciudad Rodrigo (24th February), wherein he says, that many French prisoners state their expectations that the French army will retire behind the Ebro. Sir Robert’s own persuasion is that the French will retire altogether from Spain.”
SECTION II.
General Cameron to sir J. Cradock, Lamego, January 16.
“I have collected several detachments of recovered men belonging to sir J. Moore’s army, whom I found scattered in all directions, without necessaries, and some of them committing every possible excess that could render the name of a British soldier odious to the nation.”
Sir J. Cradock to admiral Berkely, March 16.
“There are about one hundred and twenty persons confined on board the Rosina, whose conduct has rendered them a disgrace to the army.”
SECTION III.
Captain Brotherton to sir J. Cradock, Oimbra, Head-Quarters of Romana, February 21.
“The marquis of Romana seems to think that the serious intention of the enemy is to retreat from Gallicia altogether; and even that he will find much difficulty in extricating himself. I must confess that I am not so sanguine; and I judge that the present retrograde movement from the Minho is more with an intent to advance from Orense on Montalegre, and in this direction.”
Captain Brotherton to sir J. Cradock, March.
“I still believe Romana had intention to fall back on Chaves, and join himself to the Portuguese army. His troops had been much vexed by the unfriendly conduct of the Portuguese, and a cordial co-operation was not to be expected; but that he should separate altogether is what I neither could expect nor conceive. He suddenly informed me of his resolution to retreat to Bragança. He had just received a letter from Sylveira, which he also answered to that effect, and which created no small surprise, as a plan of operations had already been settled between them.”
Major Victor Arentchild to sir J. Cradock, Oporto, March 16.
“General Sylveira has only one regiment with him; and his conduct has been such, that the people have lost all confidence in him, and consider him a traitor. I merely mention this to your excellency as the opinion of the public.... The marquis of Romana’s army is retreating to Orres, in Gallicia, and is, I fear, in a wretched condition. The opinion entertained of him is far from good.”
Mr. commissary Boys to Mr. commissary Rawlings, Almeida, January 13.
“Sir John Moore, with his army, was retreating, and ten thousand men had deserted from the marquis of Romana, and were pillaging the country.”
Lord Castlereagh to marshal Beresford, February 15.
“The Portuguese government having solicited that a British general officer should be appointed to command and organize their army, his majesty has been graciously pleased to select you for this important trust.”
Mr. Canning to Mr. Frere, January 23.
“No effort appears to have been made by the Spaniards, either to second the British operations, or even to defend Ferrol, or save the naval means (whatever they may be) in that harbour.”