No. X.
COMMUNICATIONS WITH MINISTERS—NEGLECT OF PORTUGAL.
SECTION I.
Mr. Canning to Mr. Villiers, January 24, 1809.
“You are aware, by my despatch, No. 4, of the 24th of December, enclosing copies, &c. &c. that, in the event of the evacuation of Portugal, by the force under sir J. Cradock’s command, an event rendered the more probable by the transactions in Gallicia.”
Lord Castlereagh to sir J. Cradock, February 6.
“Should you be compelled to evacuate Portugal,” &c.
Admiral Berkely to sir J. Cradock, February 6.
“The period of the British army’s stay in this place appearing to draw near to its conclusion.”
SECTION II.
Sir J. Cradock to colonel Guard, January 3.
“The garrisons of Elvas and Almeida have engaged my most serious thoughts.”—“But, as they were occupied by the command of his majesty’s ministers, and we remain without any fresh instructions under the present critical circumstances.”
Sir J. Cradock to general Richard Stewart, January 10.
“I feel what a risk I run in thus leaving Lisbon defenceless, but I obey the original orders of government.”
Sir J. Cradock to general Richard Stewart, January 12.
“We are still without any instructions whatever from England.”
Sir J. Cradock to captain Halket, January 13.
“Though we cannot say when it may take place, and it shall be deferred to the last moment, in hopes of hearing from England, yet I believe it to be our duty to prepare every thing for the event of an embarkation.”
Sir J. Cradock to admiral Berkely, January 17.
“I lament to say that there appears nothing before us but the resolution to remain in Portugal to the last proper moment, awaiting orders from England.”
Sir J. Cradock to Mr. Frere, January 19.
“With our force inferior and ill-composed, as it is, we are determined to remain to the last proper moment, in the hopes of receiving orders from England.”
Sir J. Cradock to admiral Berkely, February 9.
“The orders we daily expect may be either for immediate embarkation, or to maintain Portugal.”—“I am pursuaded we have but this one wish, which is to act for the credit of our country, and endeavour, under the want of all information, to discover what may be the object of the government we serve.”
Sir J. Cradock to general Mackenzie, February 26.
“Since the 14th of January we are without instructions from England.”
SECTION III.
Sir J. Cradock to Mr. Villiers, January 15.
“What appears to be my duty is to keep the fixed idea that the army in Portugal should remain to the last moment.”
Sir J. Cradock to Mr. Villiers, February 15.
“I am just favoured with your communication about the dangerous effects likely to be produced by the measure of withdrawing the troops from Lisbon to occupy the military position of Oyeras, Passo d’Arcos, &c. I fear (though the contrary was intended to be expressly stated) that you are led into the idea that the position in question was solely intended for embarkation. My avowed design was to await (in a military post suited to our force) orders from England, or to defend ourselves with reasonable prospect of success against any attempt from the enemy, or even from thence to make a forward movement, should future events lead to such a proceeding.”—“What I must object to is to take up a false position, say Alcantara, or other heights about the town, which would only defend a certain position and leave the remainder to the power of the enemy, one which we must leave upon his approach and seek another bearing the appearance of flight and yet not securing our retreat. The whole having announced the intention to defend Lisbon, but giving up that idea upon the appearance of the enemy: for positions liable to be turned on every side cannot be persevered in by an inferior force.”—“My political reasoning upon this subject was contained in the letter I wrote the admiral, and, I must repeat, it continues unweakened,” &c.—“After your strong representations of this morning, I shall certainly not persevere; and, as there is no instant necessity for the measure, will await the progress of events.”