Chapter XLI: Section V: Neglect, Duplicity, and Timidity

_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._”