calamities and disgraces all flow from one common source, the state of the Government of Spain; and all tend to one common end, the benefit of the cause of France. Although deeply impressed with these sentiments, I shall not fail to employ every effort within my power to maintain the temper of the alliance, and to cultivate a good intelligence with the Ministers of Spain, as far as may be compatible with the interests and honour of his Majesty, and with the safety of his Majesty's troops. No demand of any description has been urged by me since my arrival in Spain. My applications to the Government have been nothing more than plain representations of the condition of the country, and of the impossibility of permitting a British Army to act in Spain, while that condition shall remain unaltered. I am not without hope (when the Supreme Central Junta shall be convinced of the firm determination of the British Government to withhold all co-operation of the British troops in Spain, until satisfactory remedies shall have been applied to the evils of which I have complained) that motives of self-interest may concur with the just principles of an enlarged policy, to produce a favourable change in the councils of the Spanish Govern ment. I shall be anxious to receive the advantage of your instructions with reference to the issue of either alternative of the present doubtful state of affairs. In the most unfavourable event which can be apprehended, I entertain no doubt that the temper and disposition of the Spanish Nation, and the character of the people, will prolong the difficulties which France has experienced in her attempt to subjugate this country. The greatest obstacle to the deliverance of Spain is certainly the state of her own Government; but even if the mismanagement of those now entrusted with the conduct of her affairs should favour the success of the French arms in Spain, much time must elapse before a French Government could be established in this country, and many opportunities must open for the improvement of the British interests with relation to Spain and to her Colonies. For the present, the French armies in Spain are in a state of complete inaction; and it does not appear probable that any blow can now be struck, to prevent the Spanish Government from accomplishing all the political and military arrangements which are required, in order to prepare this Nation for a more effectual defence of her independence. |