Here is exactly what passed between the Infante Don Carlos and the Duke of Wellington. The Infante began by sending the Bishop of Leon to the Duke, who thought him a fat and rather common priest, but that he had more sense than all the rest of the party put together. The Bishop begged the Duke to go to see his master and give him his advice. The Duke declined to advise on a position the details of which, as well as the resources available, were unknown to him, but felt that he could not very well refuse to call on Don Carlos, with whom he had the singular conversation which follows:
Don Carlos. Do you advise me to go by sea and rejoin Zumalacarreguy in Biscaya?
Duke of Wellington. But have you the means of getting there? (No reply.) Have you a seaport at your disposal where you would be sure to be able to disembark?
Don Carlos. Zumalacarreguy will take one for me.
Duke of Wellington. But in order to do so he would have to leave Biscaya. Moreover, you must not forget that, in accordance with the Treaty of Quadruple Alliance, England will not allow you to start for Spain, having engaged to expel you from that country.
Don Carlos. Very well. I will go by way of France.
Duke of Wellington. But France has entered into the same engagements.
Don Carlos. What would be done if I crossed France?
Duke of Wellington. You would be arrested.
Don Carlos. What impression would be produced on the other Powers by this?