Chapter XXXIV: Section I: State of Spain

_Colonel Kemmis to sir J. Cradock, December 17, 1808._

“In consequence of the unfavourable news from Spain, yesterday, the populace, in Badajos, murdered a Spanish colonel, and one or two more of note.”

_Lieutenant Ellis (an officer employed to gain intelligence) to colonel Kemmis, Loboa, December 27._

“The French entered Truxillo, yesterday, at eleven o’clock; and, from the circumstance of their having reconnoitred the intermediate villages, might be expected to arrive at Merida in two hours after we left it.”

_Colonel Kemmis to sir John Cradock, Elvas, December 28._

“Badajos cannot make resistance in any degree, either to check or to stop the progress of the enemy. From the statement made to me, last night, by the governor, they want _arms_, _ammunition_, and _provisions_.”--“The enemy marched into Truxillo, on the 26th, at half-past twelve o’clock in the day; but, at two, on the following morning, a French officer arrived there, and they fell back four leagues.”

_Lieutenant Ellis to colonel Kemmis, December 28._

“I proceeded cautiously to Truxillo. The main body of the enemy, six thousand in number, had retired across the bridge of Almaraz, and had not taken the road to Madrid, but had proceeded to Plasencia, leaving behind more than half the requisition for money which had been imposed on the town of Truxillo.”

_Mr. Stuart to sir John Moore, Seville, January 2, 1809._

“The corps of four thousand infantry and two thousand cavalry, which had marched from Talavera, and had actually passed the bridge of Almaraz, has fallen back, and is already near Plasencia, on its way northward.”--“The extreme attention of Buonaparte being at this moment directed to the English army, everything which can be collected is opposed to you alone.”