_Colonel Kemmis to sir J. Cradock, Elvas, December 17._
“Lalippe, on which the very existence of Elvas depends, has not
been supplied with provisions as I have been taught to expect.”
_Colonel Kemmis to sir J. Cradock, Elvas, December 25._
“The great importance of this fort” (Lalippe) “is well known to the
Portuguese; and, therefore, they are jealous, notwithstanding the
miserable condition of their troops, and total incapacity to defend
the fort, if attacked.”
_Sir J. Cradock to Mr. Villiers, December 26, 1808._
“_The promises and apparently satisfactory language of the
Portuguese government_ are, in my opinion, by no means sufficient
to meet the case. _I want to see_ some steps actually taken before
my mind is decided that the nation will defend itself.”--“Indeed,
I am told, on good authority, that _the government are afraid to
allow the people to arm_.”--“The moment I see any materials to
work upon, it will be my most anxious duty to give every effect,
&c.”--“But, under the present _inactivity and indifference_, it is,
&c.”
_Reports of colonel Donkin (quarter-master-general) to Sir J.
Cradock, March 21._
“I cannot, however, order officers of my department to check this
irregularity” (forcing quarters) “_when it originates solely in the
neglect of the Portuguese civil magistrates_; for troops will not
obey orders, which expose them wantonly to great privations.”
_Sir J. Cradock to Mr. Villiers, March 25._
“I have repeately urged this subject” (quarters of troops) “to the
regency, in the strongest manner, but, as you perceive, without
effect.”
_Sir J. Cradock to lord Castlereagh, March 17._
“Whatever suits the momentary purpose, upon the most superficial
view, seems to be the guide in the Portuguese councils. Ultimate
objects, which, in the course of things, must arrive, are never
brought into the calculation.”
_Cradock to Berkely, January 17._
“The regency seem to decline giving any specific directions
relative to the guns in fort St. Julian and the river batteries,
and, _above all, not to write any thing_; but they are very willing
to acquiesce in any thing we shall do, only anxious that, on a
future day, it _shall appear to be our act, not theirs_.”
_Admiral Berkely to sir J. Cradock, February 19, 1809._
“I imagine Mr. Villiers has transmitted a copy of the extraordinary
note sent him by the regency; in which they complain of the conduct
of the artillery-officer who dismantled the Bugio fort, and
intimate their intention of sending for all the guns and powder
from fort St. Julian; and add many particulars, as novel as they
are suspicious.”--“Whether the language of this note arises from
duplicity, or any other cause, it is equally to be resisted; and,
therefore, stated some facts which may be retorted upon them, and
which will not place their conduct in the _most favourable point of
view towards either their own sovereign or Great Britain_.”
_Extract from an official note, drawn up by sir John Cradock,
Lisbon, February 20, 1809._
“It was told me, two or three times, by Mr. Villiers, that M.
Forjas, or some other member of the regency, had expressed extreme
solicitude about the forts on the Tagus, &c.”--“I always urged Mr.
Villiers to get from M. Forjas, or any other member, a declaration
of what they wished, that we might exactly conform to it; for
they seemed to be anxious to go beyond what we should venture to
propose. Mr. Villiers, after some time, told me that the Portuguese
government were _unwilling to put down any thing upon paper_, or
give any specific instruction; but they would willingly leave
all the arrangement to us.”--“After the above statement, which I
declare, upon my honour, to be the accurate description of what has
passed, I must express my surprise, and even indignation, at the
protest now made by the regency; and when it is considered that the
Bugio fort is often inaccessible for a week together, this part of
their complaint is shameful to the highest degree. _Their general
object is, however, to be distinguished._”