[194] Continuation of Vertot’s History of Portugal, ii. 51.
[195] Dumouriez’s State of Portugal, p. 21, n.
[196] For these officers and their duties see vol. ii. pp. 221-2.
[197] Wellington to Beresford, Vizeu, Feb. 28, 1810, long before the actual invasion.
[198] D’Urban says in his diary (Dec. 8, 1809): ‘Inspected Peniche. The isthmus over which the peninsula is approached is covered with water at high tide, and from the line of works describing a sort of arc, very powerful cross-fires may be established upon every part of it. There are nearly 100 good guns upon the work, the brass ones especially good. This is the most favourable position that can he conceived for embarking the British army, should it ever be necessary to do so. The circumference abounds with creeks and clefts in the rocks, inside which there is always smooth water, and easy egress for boats. They are out of the reach of fire from the mainland: indeed, there is sufficient room to encamp a large force perfectly beyond the range of the enemy. If it should be thought worth while, this peninsula could be held by England, even if Portugal otherwise were in the power of the enemy. There is abundance of water. If it be the wish of Lord Wellington he can retire upon Lisbon, give battle in front of it, and, if the day go against him, retreat upon Peniche and defend it so long as he pleases.’
[199] D’Urban has a long disquisition on Abrantes in his diary. Its weak points, he says, were an outlying hill on the Punhete road, which gave a favourable position for hostile batteries, and the friable nature of the gravelly soil, which did not bind well in trenches and outworks.
[200] For these views of Aug. and Sept. 1809, see vol. ii. p. 610.
[201] Wellington to Lord Liverpool, Dispatches, vi. p. 435.
[202] A man of whom all Portuguese writers speak with respect; even Napier notes him (ii. 386) as ‘a man of talent and discretion.’ But Wellington seems to have disliked him. ‘The admission of Dr. Raymundo Nogueira to the Regency, and the reasons of his admission, were truly ludicrous ... his appointment is to be agreeable to the lower orders—from among whom he is selected!’ (Wellington to Charles Stuart, Celorico, Aug. 4, 1810.)
[203] ‘Faites-moi connaître la marche que vous faites faire aux 66e, 82e, 26e, etc., etc.: lorsque j’entrerai en Espagne cela me pourra faire une force de 18,000 hommes.’ Napoleon to Clarke, Schönbrunn, July 18.