SECTION VII.—FALSE INTELLIGENCE.
Sir J. Cradock to colonel Donkin.
“I believe it is certain that we cannot depend upon the activity of the Portuguese government upon this head,” (intelligence,) “either as to promptitude or security.”
Colonel Donkin to sir J. Cradock, January 1, Lisbon.
“Experience has shewn how utterly impossible it is to get correct intelligence here; an enemy may be within four or five days march of this city before it is known, unless he attacks on the very line our troops occupy.”
Sir J. Cradock to Mr. Frere, March 29.
“It is singular how imperfectly all intelligence, though of such important events, reaches this, and we have not had, for two days, any account from Oporto.”
Sir J. Cradock to lord Castlereagh, March 26.
“Yesterday the chevalier de Castro stated, from authority, a movement on the part of the French, quite different from a direct report from the junta of Badajos.”