“The want of provisions for the men and forage for the horses has been one of the most serious obstacles we have had to contend with. Nor do I at present feel at all easy upon that subject.”—“The horses are suffering very severely, both for want of proper accommodations and food.” ... “From lord Castlereagh’s letter, I was led to expect that every preparation for our equipment had been made previous to our leaving England; I need hardly say how different the case was, and how much I have been disappointed.”
Mr. Stuart to sir John Moore, November 17, 1808.
“The continued slowness of the junta is the only explanation I can offer for the want of proper arrangements on the routes for the reception of the English troops.”
SECTION IV.—RELATING TO THE WANT OF INFORMATION.
Sir John Moore’s Journal, November 28, 1808.
“I am not in communication with any of the (Spanish) generals, and neither know their plans nor those of the government. No channel of information has been opened to me, and I have no knowledge of the force or situation of the enemy, but what, as a stranger, I pick up.”
Ditto, Salamanca.
“It is singular that the French have penetrated so far (Valladolid), and yet no sensation has been made upon the people. They seem to remain quiet, and the information was not known through any other channel but that of a letter from the captain-general of the province to me.”
Sir David Baird to sir John Moore, Astorga, Nov. 19, 1808.
“The local authorities have not only failed in affording us the least benefit in that respect (supplies), but have neglected to give us any kind of information as to the proceedings of the armies or the motions of the enemy.”