Mr. Boothby will be pleased to proceed this night by
Castracontrigo, and endeavour to reach Sanabria to-morrow evening,
or early on the following morning.
The object is to obtain correct information of any movements of
the enemy from Benavente towards Orense, and to transmit the same
by the most expeditious and secure route to Sir John Moore. Also
to endeavour to induce the Spanish troops now at or near Sanabria
to defend the passes as long as possible, and also to defend the
fortress of Puebla and that of Monterey, and throw every impediment
in the way of the advance of the enemy.
A detachment of the 76th is at Monterey, which must be ordered to
retire in time to Orense, where it will find another detachment and
wait for further orders.
Should there be any provisions at Monterey, and the Spaniards not
be disposed to defend it, they must be, if possible, sent to any
place on the road from Orense to Villafranca for the use of the
column in that line of march, or else they must be consumed or
otherwise destroyed to prevent their falling into the hands of the
French.
Headquarters will be at Villafranca till the 3rd, and afterwards
towards Lugo.
All intelligence must be also put to the column marching on Orense.
Guides must be procured this night, and whenever wanted, and care
taken to get intelligence whether the enemy have pushed any parties
of cavalry towards Sanabria.