“Though we cannot say _when_ it may take place, and it shall be deferred to the last moment, _in hopes of hearing from England_, yet I believe it to be our duty to prepare every thing for the event of an embarkation.” _Sir J. Cradock to admiral Berkely, January 17._ “I lament to say that there appears nothing before us but the resolution _to remain in Portugal to the last proper moment, awaiting orders from England_.” _Sir J. Cradock to Mr. Frere, January 19._ “With our force inferior and ill-composed, as it is, _we are determined to remain to the last proper moment, in the hopes of receiving orders from England_.” _Sir J. Cradock to admiral Berkely_, _February 9_. “The orders we daily expect may be either for _immediate embarkation, or to maintain Portugal_.”--“I am pursuaded we have but this one wish, which is to act for the credit of our country, and endeavour, under the _want of all information, to discover what may be the object of the government we serve_.” _Sir J. Cradock to general Mackenzie, February 26._ “Since the 14th of January _we are without instructions from England_.” SECTION III. _Sir J. Cradock to Mr. Villiers, January 15._ “What appears to be my duty is to keep the fixed idea that the _army in Portugal should remain to the last moment_.” _Sir J. Cradock to Mr. Villiers, February 15._ “I am just favoured with your communication about the dangerous effects likely to be produced by the measure of withdrawing the troops from Lisbon to occupy the military position of Oyeras, Passo d’Arcos, &c. I fear (though the contrary was intended to be expressly stated) that you are led into the idea that the position in question was solely intended for embarkation. My avowed design was to await (in a military post suited to our force) orders from England, or to defend ourselves with reasonable prospect of success against any attempt from the enemy, or even from thence to make a forward movement, should future events lead to such a proceeding.”--“What I must object to is to take up a false position, say Alcantara, or other heights about the town, which would only defend a certain position and leave the remainder to the power of the enemy, one which we must leave upon his approach and seek another bearing the appearance of flight and yet not securing our retreat. The whole having announced the intention to defend Lisbon, but giving up that idea upon the appearance of the enemy: for positions liable to be turned on every side cannot be persevered in by an inferior force.”--“My political reasoning upon this subject was contained in the letter I wrote the admiral, and, I must repeat, it continues unweakened,” &c.--“After your strong representations of this morning, I shall certainly not persevere; and, as there is no instant necessity for the measure, will await the progress of events.” * * * * * No. XI.