movements would not tend in the same degree to draw him from his present position, in which, for so many reasons, _it is desirable he should continue_. It would, I should imagine, at the same time, cover Andalusia, and the points of the greatest interest and importance in this province, more effectually than the same force employed in any other manner.” _Mr. Frere to sir John Cradock, March 22._ “The fortieth remains here: under the present circumstances I could not think of their removal, unless to meet a British force from Elvas.” _Mr. Frere to sir A. Wellesley, Seville, May 4._ Extracted from Parliamentary Papers, 1810. “As it was my object to obtain _a diversion in La Mancha as the price of co-operation_ on your part, and the impression which they (the junta) received from colonel Alava’s report was, that your intention was, after defeating or driving Soult into Gallicia, to come down upon Estremadura to attack general Victor, I was under some disadvantage, inasmuch as they imagined, that the point which I wanted to make a condition was already conceded.” * * * * * No. VIII. EXTRACTS RELATIVE TO CADIZ. _Sir John Cradock to Mr. Villiers, January 16._ “The troops from England for Cadiz may or may not arrive, at least we may expect delay; but I think the subject of sending a force from this requires immediate deliberation and settlement. I am prepared to appropriate for this service any number that may be deemed proper under existing circumstances. It is only upon the political part of the subject I can have any hesitation, and whether the Spaniards will receive the force as they ought. The orders from England are to send it if the supreme junta shall make the requisition. The question is, whether we shall anticipate the demand or not?” _Sir John Cradock to Mr. Frere, January 29._ “This measure (sending troops to Cadiz) is certainly one of considerable responsibility to those concerned; but upon its adoption, Mr. Villiers, Admiral Berkely, and myself, could not well hesitate, after the despatches that were communicated to us, as addressed to you, as well as those directed to ourselves, which placed Cadiz in so prominent a point of view, upon the unfavourable termination of the campaign in the north of Spain.”--“The force in Portugal is weakened to a degree, especially in British regiments, that reduces it to almost nothing; but I may look to the arrival of the force of five thousand men, announced to be on their way; and if it is intended to maintain Portugal, it will be but fair to replace the present detachment from them.” _Sir John Cradock to general Mackenzie, March 9._ “I yesterday received orders from his majesty’s government to press, in the most expeditious manner, the immediate return of the forces under your command to the Tagus.” _Sir John Cradock to lord Castlereagh, March 9._