Chapter XLIII: 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.”

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No. IV.