At the beginning of 1810, events in Spain were unravelling at an alarming pace. The advance of the French troops in was directed at Cadiz which would soon be under siege. The British sent reinforcements – and an ambassador.
Newspaper Reports. – LONDON.
A Spanish naval officer, of the name of Espinosa, arrived in one of the late Cadiz packets, with dispatches for Admiral Apodaca. It is said he brings an account of the entrance into Spain of French reinforcements, consisting of 60,000 men, with the name of their Commander, and a description of the regiments of which they are composed. Sir S. Smith is about to be employed on a new Expedition now in contemplation.From the SPANISH PAPERS.
Saint James’s Chronicle, Thursday, January 11th, 1810
Badjoz, Dec. 21. – On the 24th ult., an English merchant ship arrived in the port of Cadiz, with all kinds of arms and ammunition; as also a vessel from the same country, with a very considerable quantity of muskets; and on the 28th, another ship arrived with a cargo of a similar kind. This proves the great interest which our generous and dear allies have taken in the success of our enterprise; which, if it can be effected by arms. men, and money, must terminate gloriously. Our esteem and affection for this generous nation, ought therefore to be proportionate to the efforts it has made in our favour.
The ambassador was Henry Wellesley, youngest brother of the Foreign Secretary. He did not have an easy voyage out aboard HMS Antelope.
Mr. Henry Wellesley. On Friday afternoon, Mr. Henry Wellesley left town to proceed upon his embassy to Spain. He slept on the road, arrived at Portsmouth on Saturday, and embarked on board the Antelope, of 50 guns, Captain McLeod. Early on Saturday morning, Mr. C. Stuart left town to proceed to Portugal, as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary. Mr. Stuart arrived at Portsmouth on Saturday night, embarked on board the Vestal frigate, Capt. Graham; and yesterday Mr. Wellesley sailed for Cadiz, and Mr. Stuart for Lisbon.
Cheltenham Chronicle, Thursday, February 1st, 1810
London – January 29.
Morning Post, Thursday, February 1st, 1810
Yesterday Mr. H. Wellesley, accompanied by Mr. Vaughan, his Secretary, embarked in a frigate at Portsmouth, for Cadiz, to assume his office as Ambassador; as did Mr. Stuart, in another frigate for Lisbon, being appointed Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of the Prince Regent.
The Antelope, 50, Capt. MCLEOD, which sailed on Tuesday from Portsmouth, with the Hon. H. WELLESLEY, and his suite, for Cadiz, put back yesterday, the wind having changed to the South West, and blowing fresh, with fog. Mr. WELLESLEY landed again, under a salute, that he may now be detained a week or fortnight, by the present wind.
The Pilot, Friday, February 2nd, 1810
The Antelope, having on board the Hon. HENRY WELLESLEY, made another attempt to sail on Sunday, but the wind being short, she could make very little progress.
Morning Advertiser, Wednesday, February 7th, 1810
TUESDAY EVENING, February 10.
The Pilot, Tuesday, February 13th, 1810.
The Antelope, 50, Capt. MCLEOD, sailed for the third time yesterday from Portsmouth, with the Hon. H. WELLESLEY, and suite, for Cadiz.
PORTSMOUTH 11.
Lloyd’s List, Tuesday, February 13th, 1810
Sailed Antelope, for Cadiz.
PORTSMOUTH, Feb. 17
~ Salisbury & Winchester Journal, Monday, February 19th, 1810
Monday – Sailed the Antelope, of 50 guns, Capt. McCleod, with the Hon. Henry Wellesley, for Cadiz;
NAVAL INTELLIGENCE,
Saint James’s Chronicle, Saturday, February 17th, 1810
Torbay, Feb. 13. – Arrived the Antelope, 50, with Mr. Wellesley and suite on board.
There was a palpable sense of crisis developing at the speed of the French advance. By 5 February, Cadiz was effectively cut off and this date is taken as the beginning of the siege.
Some more letters from Spain were received yesterday, all of which concur in the melancholy admission of the affairs of Spain being rapidly drawing to the most fatal close; and the last struggle for her independence, has now, we fear, nearly reached its unfortunate termination. Besides the accounts given in another part of our Paper, the following communication has been received by a mercantile house of the first respectability:
CADIZ, FEB. 2.“The news in this quarter is of so alarming a nature, that I have deemed it prudent to hire and American vessel, and with her intend to proceed to England, nut not until I find the state of affairs is such, as that no hope can remain. The French passed a strong division from Almaden to Cordova, by way of La Jara, Alhama, Ferisa, Villa Franca, and Trainsierra, surprising that town before we were aware of their approach. By this bold step they rendered all the fortified passes in Sierra Morena of no utility, for as soon as the army of the centre learned that a French force was in their rear, it was instantly abandoned all the passes, and fell back upon the kingdom of Jaen. In the trunk of an Officer of rank in the army was found the plan of operations of the French, written by MORLA himself, and the discovery of which was the cause of the extraordinary march of the Duke of ALBURQUERQUE to the Island of Leon. The plan of the enemy was to march direct upon Cadiz, leaving Seville on their right, which had so far been effected; but as soon as ALBURQUERQUE learned that the enemy were at Utrera, and their plan disclosed to him, he cut off by Marioma, and arrived here, to the surprise of everyone, at the moment the Supreme Junta were delivering up their power into the hands of a Regency of their own appointment. The people of Seville abolished the Junta altogether, declared their power null and void, and formed another with the title, and upon the plan of the old Provincial Junta. The people instantly obeyed its authority, and flew in all directions in pursuit of the Members of the Supreme Junta, many of whom they succeeded in arresting. ….
Morning Post, Saturday, February 17th, 1810
LONDON, Friday Feb. 16.
The Lily, Capt. Sheriff, arrived at Portsmouth this morning, from Cadiz, with dispatched of great importance: Capt. Sheriff and the Hon. Mr. Ponsonby landed with them at Lymington. The French having been suffered to pass for Sierra Morena without any opposition, Cordova and Seville soon fell into their hands; and when Capt Sheriff left Cadiz, they were daily expected before that place; the inhabitants are well disposed to defend themselves to the last extremity, but want of provisions will render it impossible for them to resist for any length of time. There are not more than 9000 troops of the line at Cadiz. Precautions have been taken for the security of the Spanish fleet, which consists of fifteen sail of the line; it has been moored outside the British squadron. All the merchant-vessels at Cadiz have been put in requisition to bring away the different members of Government, and such of the inhabitants as may choose rather to leave their country than to submit to the tyranny and rapacity of the French. – The sudden and unexpected irruption of the French into Andalusia has caused considerable alarm and confusion. After the Junto had fled from Seville, the people took up arms, and having set at liberty the Conde de Montijo and Don Francisco Palafox, who had been imprisoned of a charge of conspiracy against the government, they surrounded the Junta of Seville, demanding the immediate appointment of a regency, and exclaiming against the Supreme Junta as traitors to their country, who had abandoned the passes of the mountains to the French, and then fled to Cadiz with the money which they had received from America.….The French on the mean time are advancing without opposition. Part of the Spanish army is collected at Ronda, and part at Grenada; but as soon as the French shall advance to Parez and Port St. Mary’s, the communication of Cadiz with the rest of the country will be entirely cut off, except by sea. A reinforcement of British troops from Gibraltar was expected to assist at the defence of Cadiz, and many thousand persons were at work in completing the fortifications on the Peninsula which had been left unfinished. In consequence of the above information, several line-of-battle-ships are ordered to be got ready at Portsmouth immediately to proceed to Cadiz, to conduct the Spanish ships to a safe place of retreat. Mr. Frere, the British Envoy, was one of the last who quitted Seville, and sought shelter in Cadiz. The unfortunate Patriots have now no alternative but emigration; and South America will perhaps be the ultimate point of safety to which every Spaniard really hostile to the French, who has the means of escaping, will direct his attention. Almost every family in Cadiz is more of less connected with their transatlantic possessions.
…Letters from Gibraltar of the 25th ult., state, that troops were then embarking, to take possession of Ceuta. The possession of this place will give us the entire command of the Straits of Gibraltar.
BATH, Wednesday Feb. 21. Letter from Portsmouth to the Printer, Feb. 20.“Admiral Pickmore sailed this afternoon for Cadiz, in the Caledonia, 110, Capt. Bedford, with the San Josef, 110, Capt. Dunn; Eagle, 74, Capt. Rowley; and the Haughty gun-brig. It is feared, the rapid approach of the French to Cadiz, where there are 20 Spanish men of war, will render their efforts to reach that place, at this time, unavailing.
Bath Chronicle, Thursday, February 22nd, 1810
Truro, Friday evening, Feb. 23.
The Spanish struggle is drawing rapidly to a close …. The long-confiding people of Seville, now rose against the Junta. What follows we copy from a Spanish paper: “In the nights of the 22nd and 23rd the patroles, from a dread of some disturbance, were doubled, but the populace, who, though often slow in coming to a resolution, are prompt in executing it when once taken, passed those two nights in apparent quiet, but in reality were occupied in preparing the blow, which they struck in the morning of the 24th. They began at eight o’clock to assemble in numerous groupes in the square of St. Francisco, and in front of the Alcazar, and loudly demanding that the Junta of Seville should assume the Government, and that the Central Junta should be expelled or even put to death, they declared their positive intention to defend themselves. They accordingly rushed to arms in a tumultuous manner, but without doing any mischief; and forming themselves into small parties, they patrolled the streets in every direction, preventing all persons from leaving the city, and more especially those who were setting off by water. At ten o’clock the commotion was general. “Defend us against the enemy” was the general cry;… The illustrious Count de Monijo, and the valiant brother if the glorious defender of Saragossa, who suffered oppression and imprisonment in the Carthusuan convent, were released … they had already nominated, by acclamation at the Alcazzar, D Francisco de Saavedra, President of the Supreme Junta of Seville, and this personage, who glows with ardent zeal … adopted, in concert with the other worthy Members of the Supreme Junta of Seville, the most speedy and effectual measures for tranquilizing the people … There is a great deal of Spanish blandicia in this report too. It should be read with caution as the gazette of the ruling party at Seville.. – The deposed Junta took their flight for Cadiz; but some of them, amongst whom was the learned and eloquent Jovellanos, were taken and imprisoned by the people at Xeres. The French appeared at the gates of Seville on the evening of the 29th, and on that day and the 30th they entered the town without resistance. The advance of the enemy, whose objective it evidently was to surprise Cadiz, is however said to have been retarded, by the sudden appearance of General Albuquerque, who, having some suspicion of the treachery of the Junta, had proceeded by rapid marches into Andalusia. Albuquerque has under him 11,000 men, which report, as usual, has doubled. All the young men of Cadiz are enrolling themselves into corps to defend the city. The Spanish ships of war have been removed below the British ships, to be prepared for the worst; and vessels of every description are engaged to convey families from Cadiz to England, and other places. – One important point is stated to have been ascertained – that the supply of provisions was adequate to the increased population, occasioned by the arrival of fugitives from the adjacent country. No fewer than 60 American vessels, laden with grain, were in, and the number of residents was daily diminishing by the extensive emigration. On the 31st ult., the Superior Junta of Cadiz informed the inhabitants of their intention of dividing themselves into three sections, Military, Political, and Financial; for the purpose of forwarding, with dispatch and facility, the measures necessary for the defence of the place. On the 1st instant, that published a list of the Members of the different sections … Cadiz, our readers will recollect, is situated upon an island, very strong. The harbour is that water which divided it from the main land on the North side, and is from 4 to six miles over: on the East, it is only divided from the main by a narrow passage over which there is a bridge; within this bridge the island has again been intersected; and the town which is itself very strongly fortified, stands on the western point of the island, which forms the south-western extremity of the harbour.
Truro, Saturday, Feb. 24.
Royal Cornwall Gazette, Saturday, February 24th, 1810
A private letter from a respectable officer of one of our line-of-battle ships at Cadiz, informs us, that the French force approaching that city is estimated at 40,000 men. The Duke of Albuquerque with 10,000 Spaniards has taken post in the isle of Leon. The Spanish people, who had fled before the French in immense numbers, had been refused admittance within the wall of Cadiz. Every thing was in the greatest disorder, and nothing but misery presented itself. Cadiz was fortifying, and British troops had been sent for from Gibraltar. Wines had fallen in price very considerably; and there were not sufficient vessels there to take it away. Want of provisions is feared from the great number of people and troops crowded into the island. The Spanish fleet, 12 sail of the line, is outside the British.
It was on the 25th February that our author arrived in Cadiz, to be followed by the Antelope and Henry Wellesley on 2nd March.
The Siege of Cadiz
The siege then began in earnest and news reports focus on the defences . As the 7th March report below says ‘Every thing that could swim, or was ready for sea, has sailed for Cadiz or the Duro, to reinforce both stations‘.
STATE OF CADIZ.
By the Cadiz Papers to the 9th ult, we find that the French are in force along the shores of the Bay that surrounds the Isle of Leon, on which Cadiz stands.On the 6th the French made their appearance on that part of the coast opposite Cadiz, and immediately summoned the city to surrender. The terms of the summons, and several other articles of great importance, are communicated in the Cadiz Papers which had been received to the 10th. – A flag of truce, with the summons, was sent from Port St. Mary, and received by the Junta on the afternoon of the 6th. It expresses Don JOSEPH BONAPARTE’S willingness to forget and forgive all provocations, and requests that persons may be deputed from Cadiz to treat for the security of the squadron and arsenal. The Junta immediately returned for answer, that the city of Cadiz, faithful to its principles, renounced every other King except Don FERDINAND the Seventh.
On the 7th, the enemy, extending themselves in a moiré southerly direction, proceeded from Port St. Mary to Puerto Real. The fire from the British and Spanish gun-boats incommoded them in their march; but the Cadiz Papers inform us that they advanced under the shelter of the Battery del Commerco, and opened fire upon our gun-boats. We had hoped that the batteries on the eastern coast of the Bay of Cadiz had all been destroyed. In the afternoon of the 7th another division of 500 men proceeded to the Exchange at Puerto Real with some pieces of flying artillery. But the fire from the San Justo and the gun-boats obliged them to take shelter in the warehouses.
On the 8th a firing was kept up during the day from our gun-boats, and the San Justo, and it appears to have had the effect of driving the enemy from Puerto Real, for the Cadiz Papers say they have not been seen on any one point that day. Some private letters, however, state that they had detached a column of 1500 men to Chielana, and that there had been skirmishing upon the road to Arrecife, in which the enemy had sustained some loss. Chielana is on the direct road to the Isle of Leon.
GIBRALTAR. Feb. 5. – Yesterday the 88th regiment and 1st battalion of Royal Veterans, with a detachment of artillery, the whole under the command of Brigadier-General BOWNS, sailed from hence to assist in the defence of Cadiz.
Morning Post, Friday, March 2nd, 1810
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM AN OFFICER ON BOARD ONE OF HIS MAJESTY’S SHIPS AT CADIZ, DATED FEBRUARY 11
Star (London), Friday, March 2nd, 1810
“Here we have been lying quietly these fourteen months past until the 4th of this month,1. on which day Marshal Victor made his appearance, with between 20 and 30,000 men; and has taken possession of all the main-land, the Island of Leon, upon which Cadiz is situated, alone remaining to our friends the Spaniards, which will seen be besieged. We have four sail of the line here, each of which mans a gun-boat, besides our launches, with a carronade in them, who have since the 7th constantly engaged with the French. One of the launches, with nineteen men in her, landed yesterday, in the face of five hundred of them, and made a corporal and eight men prisoners. We have as yet but one man wounded.
A letter from on board the Rota frigate, dated the 13th ult., states as follows.
“We are just arrived off Cadiz from Lisbon, where we took in Gen. Stewart and his two Aids-de-Camp, with some other Officers, to join the British army here. The French are on the opposite shore to Cadiz, and have pelted away at our gun-boats. The passage from the main land to the town is separated only by a bridge. We expect to have a battering with then every day, as they are throwing at us a few shells, by way of amusement.”
Saint James’s Chronicle, Saturday, March 3rd, 1810
PLYMOUTH, MARCH 4.
Morning Post, Thursday, March 8th, 1810
Arrived late last night the brig Peter, Julian master, from Cadiz with wool, for London, 12 days passage; the American ship Penhaten, Perthross master, from Bermuda in 31 days passage, no news; and Marlborough packet, Bull, from Lisbon, six days passage; the Princess Elizabeth packet was entering the Tagus as she came out. By the Marlborough we learn that the combined British and Portuguese troops had commenced their march to meet the enemy, which are said to be in strong force at Salamanca and Zamora. It is stated that the 1,200 British troops which left Gibraltar some time since, to garrison Cuetta, had returned to Gibraltar, the Spaniards having refused their landing. Arrived the Spanish brig Abundance, in 12 days, from Gibraltar for London, with skins, &c.By the Lord Hobart packet, which arrived yesterday from Cadiz, it is stated that about 73 cavalry have entered Algesiras, and made 1200 Spanish prisoners, and levied a heavy contribution ion the inhabitants. – Sailed this evening his Majesty’s brig Pilot, 18 gun, with the Reward, Urania, and Camperdown transports, having on board 100 artillery horses and drivers for Lisbon.
PLYMOUTH, MARCH 5
London Courier, Wednesday, March 7th, 1810
Every thing that could swim, or was ready for sea, has sailed for Cadiz or the Duro, to reinforce both stations. The Iris, 32, Captain SHORTLAND, after putting back from foul winds, is sailed at length for Cadiz, with Gen. GRAHAM and suit on board.
PLYMOUTH JOURNAL
Royal Cornwall Gazette, Saturday, March 10th, 1810
Sunday, March 4. – Wind W.S.W. cloudy. Sailed the Implacable, of 74, Capt. Cockburn, (Capt. Martin being ashore on leave) to join the squadron forming in the Downs and North Yarmouth Roads, for the spring Baltic fleet. – Sailed also the Imperieuse, of 38 guns, Monkey gun-brig, Pickle, of 18, and Moira armed schooner for Cadiz. – Sailed also the Iris, of 32, Capt Shortland, for Cadiz, having on board General Graham, his suite, and etat-major, after putting back twice; but the wind is now fair, and we hope he will soon reach Cadiz, in time to take the command of the troops there.
CADIZ.
The following particulars respecting the circumstances and resources of Cadiz, are extracted from a letter from that city. If they are correct, it certainly appears possible to retain the place, if that shall appear advisable, after the enemy shall have subjugated the rest of the peninsula: “The movements of the enemy in this province have been characterized by their national activity. Without the least opposition they have overrun the whole province of Andalusia, and they have sent a flag of truce to the Isle of Leon, to demand the surrender of Cadiz.“Most of the town between this city and the frontiers being open, the enemy has no more to do than march from the passes to Cordova, Seville and Xeres, and last of all to Port St. Mary’s, which forms one angle of the bay. In a direct line across the sailors call it eight or nine English miles, but as the French must make the circle of the bay, they will have to march about 27 English miles before they are opposed by the Isle of Leon, strongly fortified and garrisoned with about 10,000 men, seven miles distant from Cadiz. This island in united to the neck of land towards Cadiz; the isthmus is from a quarter to half a mile broad, and is flanked by the sea on one side, and by the bay on the other, enfiladed by gun-boats and men of war, and protected by chevaux-de fries.
“Supposing the French in possession of the Isle of Leon, they must continue their march on this narrow causeway, no where I think, exceeding from a quarter to half a mile broad, when they are again opposed by flanked fortifications, mounting about 30 pieces of heavy artillery, completely commanding the road. If again successful, the French have a good carriage-way until they arrive in the front of Cadiz, where the ground has been mined for half a mile. – They will then encounter between 60 and 70 pieces of cannon from the outer walls, which command the whole approach to Cadiz. These walls must be regularly attacked, but even supposing them to be forced, there is a second fortification in the Rear of them with draw-bridges, and flanked by the heaviest ordnance. A coup-de-main is out of the question, and regular approached are difficult, from the open mature of the ground, and the loose sandy soil. “Immense exertions are now making by all ranks to complete the second fortification. The French are in possession of all the environs whence Cadiz drew her supplies of fresh provisions. Of course winter quarters must be very agreeable.
“Cadiz has about 130,000 barrels of flour; abundance of salt provisions and water for twelve months. Besides there are millions of dollars, and a regular garrison of between 12 and 15,000 regular forces, and 5000 irregulars, with the sailors from the fleet.
“These are the means of defence by land, and from the sea the French are impeded in their movements by the combined fleets in the bay. With the first change in the wind, we expect a reinforcement of nine sail of the line from Lord Collingwood. It is currently reported, that the invading army consists of from 55 to 60,000 men, and deducting about 20,000 who are left to guard the passes and garrison the towns, you have the force which is now preparing to besiege Cadiz. Little fear is entertained of treachery, and, in case of a voluntary surrender, the Spaniards are sensible that they will lose their fleet and all their treasures, public and private, which have arrived, or may arrive from South America. The ruin of the party connected with the Spanish West Indies, would likewise be an immediate consequence. If the Members of the old Junta escape assassination, they will make the best of their way towards Gallicia.
“An insurrection has taken place in Malaga, where the Junta and General Cuesta were thrown into prison. Whatever the result of our efforts may be, Cadiz is indebted for her salvation to the Duke of Albuquerque. His forces are excellent, and they fairly outwalked the French by 48 hours! – The Duke has not lost a man.
Royal Cornwall Gazette, Saturday, March 10th, 1810
“People state, that the Marquis de la Romana is advancing to attack the French in the rear, with an army of 45,000 men. – It seems to me that the Andalusians will defend Cadiz for two or three months, and then (reasoning only on their privations) that they will resign it to the enemy; unless, indeed, the British, as they have been supplicated to do, throw in 10 or 15,000 men, to hold the city until a general peace, or as Gibraltar, in perpetuity.”
BRISTOL MIRROR, 10th March – letter from Cadiz Feb. 10
Morning Post, Wednesday, March 14th, 1810
A letter from Cadiz of the 23rd ult. says: – “It is the opinion of Gen. STEWART, as well as of every British Officer conversant in engineering, that this place is impregnable. We reckon our army to amount to 21,700 men, of which 16,500 are Spaniards, 4000 English, and 1200 Portuguese. Our supplies of provisions are ample and our tanks well filled with water. Our population, usually 50,000, is increased to 160,000, and yet we are all healthy. A Spanish ship of the line of 64 guns, manned by British seamen, is peppering away upon the Cuna de Trocadero, where the French are endeavouring to erect mortar batteries, which, if completed, will prove a great annoyance to the shipping.
The last intelligence from Cadiz is of the 25th ult. A letter of that date says, “We have only one regiment (29th) at the Isla. The out-pickets are stationed beyond the third cur, and the French have in vain endeavoured to throw up works. Shells are continually throwing at them from the Caraccas and the bridge at the Isla. In the mean time we are continually receiving reinforcements. In addition to the 79th regiment, we have the 94th, 67th, and 88th, with three companies of artillery, and the 20th Portuguese regiment of the line, of 1400 very good troops, and some Spanish cavalry, which arrived yesterday from Gibraltar. – Twenty-six guns of 24 and 16-pounders, with four howitzers, are mounted on the fort San Fernando. The Admiral (Purvis) is very active. All the Spanish ships of the line are outside the English, and the Spanish Admiral (Alava) who commands, is a patriot. The St Justo, (Spanish 74) with 250 English seamen, is opposed to Fort Louis. By the bursting of four guns on board that ship, a Midshipman of the Atlas has been killed, four men belonging to her, and nine belonging to the Invincible, were wounded. Fort Mantagorda, opposite the Puntal, was taken possession of by a company of the 87th and some seamen, and the land-front is repairing. A 6-gun battery at the ferry, opposing San Pedro, on the Isla, was last evening taken by the Spaniards, and the French bayoneted.”
Perthshire Courier, Thursday, March 15th, 1810
And finally
At this point, we must leave the residents of Cadiz, their troops and ships to their fates. They had another 28 months to endure. Our author, ‘in company with Capt Donnelly’ boarded the Antelope which sailed on 13 March, arriving in Portsmouth on the 28th.
PORTSMOUTH 28.
Lloyd’s List, Friday, March 30th, 1810
Arrived Antelope MW, from Cadiz.
PORTSMOUTH, MARCH 28
The Pilot, Thursday, March 29th, 1810
Arrived the Antelope, 50, Capt. MCLEOD, with dispatches from Cadiz. She brings intelligence of the loss of four of the Spanish fleet, which were driven on shore in the late gale of wind on that part of the Spanish coast in possession of the French, and were destroyed by them. Three of them 74’s; the other was of 120 guns, The want of anchors and cables was the principal cause of the accident. Dispatches from Admiral PURVIS at Cadiz were received at the Admiralty last night [28th]. They were brought up by Lieut. EVELIEGH, of the Antelope, in which ship they were sent over. They relate to the destruction by the storms, the details of which we have given. Mr. HENRY WELLESLEY landed at Cadiz from the Antelope on the 2nd of March, and was received with appropriate honours as Ambassador from HIS BRITANIC MAJESTY. He was immediately visited by the Duke of ALBERQUERQUE, Commander in Chief; the Governor, General VENCGAS; and other Members of the Government.
His Majesty’s Ship Antelope, Spithead 28 March 1810
To J. W. Croker EsqSir
I have the honour to inform you for the information of the My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that agreeable to their Lordships Commands I landed the Right Honble. H. Wellesley and suit at Cadiz on the 1st of March from which Port I saild on the 13th charged with Dispatches from the Ambassador and the Admiral Purvis which I have forwarded.I have also the honor to enclose a Copy of the Log of my proceedings and am
National Archives ADM 1/2162
Sir, your most Obdt, Humble Servant
D. McLeod