“When I reflect upon the frequent declarations of individual members of the regency, that they cannot control the populace; that there are at least seventy thousand armed inhabitants in Lisbon; that the regency dare not let them parade (their exercise has been at an end for some time, and the regency, at this moment, say they cannot look upon themselves as responsible,) it appears impossible that I should depart from the reasoning of my own mind, to meet a sensation of _I do not know whom_, and lessen the proper military appearance of our only guard. We are now beyond the power of surprise or insult, and I cannot, as my own individual act, alter the state of things. However, I never am devoted to my own way of thinking, and if you recommend the measure (the political reasoning, when the enemy is at a distance, may always be weighed against military regulation), or see any good consequences, I will immediately _order back the guns_ to their former station in the artillery barracks.” _Marshal Beresford to sir J. Cradock, April 7, Santarem._ “I, this morning, met no less than _three expresses_, communicating to me the _horrible state of mutiny, for I can call it no less, in which the troops every where are, and the inhabitants are in equal insubordination, and they encourage each other. I find two or three regiments have marched away (to what they call to oppose the enemy)_ where they pleased, in despite of their officers and generals, who are entirely commanded by them. This you will say is a pleasing state to be in; however, we must face it, and I hope for the best result, and I am sanguine enough to look for such. Colonel Trant will shortly have a pretty strong corps, if the regiments continue thus to volunteer for him.” _Mr. Villiers to sir J. Cradock, February 15._ “I should almost doubt whether the British subjects _could be left in safety in Lisbon_.” 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.” * * * * * No. IV. SECTION I.--EXTRACTS FROM SIR JOHN CRADOCK’S INSTRUCTIONS.