“The successes obtained by the armies of the emperor, and those which are also foreseen, begin to make a sensible impression upon the authorities of the country, who become from day to day more affable towards the French, and more disposed to consider the king as their legitimate sovereign.”
The commandant Meslin to the prince of Neufchatel. Vittoria, 29th Nov. 1808.
“The public feeling is still bad, still incredulous of our successes.” ... “As to the tranquillity of the country, it appears certain.”
Mr. Frere to sir John Moore. Merida, Dec. 14, 1808.
“A thousand barriers would be interposed against that deluge of panic which sometimes overwhelms a whole nation, and of which at one time I was afraid I saw the beginning in this country.” ... “The extinction of the popular enthusiasm in this country, and the means which exist for reviving it, would lead to a very long discussion.”
SECTION VIII.—MISCELLANEOUS.
Lord Collingwood to sir H. Dalrymple. Ocean, Cadiz, June 23, 1808.
“At Minorca and Majorca they describe themselves to be strong, and having nothing to apprehend. However, they made the proposal for entering into a convention with us for their defence, and in the course of it demanded money, arms, and the protection of the fleet. When, in return for them, it was required that their fleet should be given up to us, to be held for their king Ferdinand, or that a part of them should join our squadron against the enemy, they rejected all those proposals: so that whatever we did for them was to be solely for the honour of having their friendship.”
Captain Whittingham to sir Hew Dalrymple, June 12, 1808.
“12th June. I returned to Xerez at three o’clock, A.M. The general sent for me and requested I would go without delay to Gibraltar, and inform lieut.-general sir Hew Dalrymple that he at present occupied Carmona with 3000 men (regulars), having his head-quarters at Utrera, where his regular force would amount to 12,000 men; that it was not his intention to attempt to defend Seville; that the heavy train of artillery, consisting of 80 pieces, was already embarked for Cadiz, under the pretext that they were wanting for the defence of its works; and that every thing was prepared for burning the harness, timbers, &c. &c. of the field pieces; that he intended to fall gradually back upon Cadiz, if forced to retreat; and that he did not at present desire that any English troops should be landed till their numbers should amount to 8 or 10,000 men, lest the ardour of the people should oblige him to commence an offensive system of warfare before the concentration of a considerable Spanish and English force should afford reasonable hopes of success.”