“I fear that your excellency is led to entertain a more favourable notion of the efficacy of the Portuguese army than, in any shape, it is entitled. In short, my opinion is that they want every thing that constitutes a respectable force, except about ten thousand English arms. I believe they have no others. Many of their _cavalry regiments are without horses, without swords, pistols, &c. Their battalions are not clothed; and, as to subsistence, they live at free quarters upon the villages where they are stationed._ To take the field with effect, or an assurance of food, seems to me out of the question. Since the first moment of my arrival, I wished to procure the advance of a small Portuguese force to Alcantara; but it has been impossible. It is a matter of serious lamentation that such mis-representations of the Portuguese force should go home, or reach your excellency.” _Sir J. Cradock to lord Castlereagh, April 3._ “No reliance whatever can be placed upon the Portuguese troops in their present state. _If I said that the whole were ready to mutiny or revolt, I believe I speak general Beresford’s sentiments. They will not be commanded by their own officers and they do just as they please._” SECTION IV.--CONDUCT OF THE REGENCY--TREATMENT OF FRENCH PRISONERS. _Sir J. Cradock to Mr. Villiers, January 26, 1809._ “I have hitherto directed that these prisoners should be subsisted at our charge, but I have no authority in this measure; they are _in a most deplorable state_, and really are _a disgrace to all concerned_.” _Sir J. Cradock to Mr. Villiers, February 5, 1809._ “It is absolutely necessary that the regency should give in an answer about the French prisoners. The whole is an unauthorised heavy charge, for which I give my warrant; and I see no end to the case: and, added to this, _their situation is a reflection upon humanity_.” 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.”