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member of the Spanish university: a nephew of his commenced this destructive method of weakening the enemy, with his companions, most of them young men of education. The nephew was killed in a skirmish, and the uncle took the lead; and of so much importance was he considered by the enemy, that a plan was formed by four French Generals, to entrap him and his followers, particularly as a large quantity of stores were expected from Bayonne, which they apprehended would fall into the clutches of this daring leader and his hardy companions. By four different routes they imagined he might be surrounded, and, by closing, take himself and party. The wily Mina, however, was not only aware of this plot laid for him, but, also was on the watch to attack the convoy, amounting to two thousand men. By the mode of dispersing his troops in small parties, he soon got clear of the French forces, and by re-assembling at an appointed place on the Pyrenees, he was enabled to attack the convoy, of which he killed 900, took 600 prisoners, and all the stores: King Joseph's Secretary, disguised as a peasant, was killed. Thus the skill, courage, and dexterity of Mina, with a band of undisciplined men, defeated a body of 2000 French soldiery, and took an immense quantity of stores. Many like feats have been performed by the other Guerilla Chiefs, and as a convincing proof of their activity, the French cannot send a bag of letters, but under a guard of 250 horse and foot: nor can this Guerilla force be readily destroyed, for, acquainted with the different passes in the mountains, and the bye roads through the country, they can assemble at any given point, or disperse, without the possibility of defeat. As this description of warrior is selfappointed, and acknowledging no controul, although at all times found prepared to conform to the Chieftain's orders; no exact account can be taken of their numbers: they are, however, very generally esteemed at 15,000 men: they live by rapine, of course are no expense to the state: they are dressed as each man can afford, and armed as they can obtain weapons: some mounted, some on foot,--but all equally ferocious and hardy. From this stock may, hereafter, be obtained many able officers for the Spanish army, and excellent soldiers.

It is a very erroneous idea, that the Spaniards are not hostile to the French; have they not every reason so to be? have not the French carried away and imprisoned their king? have they not devastated their country, domineered and tyrannized over them;

insulted their wives, mothers, sisters, and religion? The general feeling throughout Spain, is decidedly inimical to the enemy; but, whilst a French army is watching over them, it is impossible they can, in many parts, make an effectual resistance. Should Lord Wellington get into the heart of the country, and there maintain himself, then the Spaniards will have time and place to assemble with safety, and form themselves into a disciplined force: then the spirit of an injured people will fall upon their enemies with the thunder of cannon, and weight of discipline. The heroic examples displayed to them hourly by the British troops, the acts of bravery which exalt the soldier to the hero, must animate them in like manner to the Portuguese. Those troops that have fought side by side with the British forces, have charged the enemies columns together, are now fully aware, that true courage is irresistible: they have felt themselves animated with the same spirit, and have disputed the glory of a gallant achievement. The catise, in which the Spaniards and Portuguese have to struggle, is interesting to them, as men, as husbands, as fathers, and the people of both nations are formed for warfare. Practice will make them good soldiers, and example will encourage them to deeds of bravery has not practice obtained for the British troops the first character in the world, as soldiers? we wanted the practice: we possessed in an eminent degree, the theory; what then has it produced? conquerors and heroes, whose names strike terror to an enemy.

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It was the fashion in England, to swell out Lord Wellington's army, and decrease the army of Massena; the fact is, Massena left Salamanca with 100,000 men, Lord Wellington never had 80,000: the former had veteran troops under him; the latter new levies, a few British regiments excepted. What is the face of affairs now? Lord Wellington at Salamanca, and Marmont retreating with a halfstarved army, not amounting to 40,000 men. I am fully convinced `that, if Lord Wellington is properly supported, he will paralize all the French force on the Peninsula, before Christmas. He is now in possession of one line of communication: he will reach Madrid, when the French will only have Valencia open to them, from which they must transport all their stores, provisions, &c. &c. These flattering prospects assure me, that Great-Britain, Spain, and Portugal, will ultimately foil the usurper in his long meditated designs against the independence of the Peninsula.

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An account of a Recruiting Depôt to be formed at Sierra Leone or Goree, for the enlistment of Men of Colour, for the completion and augmentation of the West India regiments.

THE superintendance and command of the above Depôt to be under Brevet-Major Wingfield, of the 8th West India regiment, assisted by one Captain, four Lieutenants, one Paymaster, one Adjutant, and one Serjeant-Major: also by one Serjeant, two Corporals, and one Drummer, from every black regiment in the West Indies.

The officer commanding to receive 15s. in addition to his regi mental appointment, from the date of his letter of service.

The Captain to receive an additional pay of 5s. from the date of his embarkation.

The Lieutenants to receive an additional pay of 5s. from the date of their embarkation.

The Paymaster to receive 15s. per diem from the date of his appointment, and the actual and necessary expenses of postage and stationery.

The above special allowances to be issued three months in advance, as well as the regimental pay.

Eligible persons found amongst cargoes of negroes, captured under the slave abolition act, to be appropriated to the service of the West India regiments.

Eight guineas to be disbursed for each recruit, out of which three guineas to be stopped for his equipment and necessaries.

Four thousand nine hundred pounds to be allowed Brevet-Major Wingfield to defray the expence of the Presents to be taken out for the Native Chiefs, and the articles of necessaries for recruits.

Slop clothing for the use of black recruits to be raised on the coast of Africa

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A pair of gray cloth regulation pantaloons ...
A hat and ornaments

Total, per suit

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List of the Consolidated Depôts, with the Names and Rank of Officers commanding them.-15 JAN. 1812.

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STATEMENT OF THE AMOUNT OF THE TROOPS OF THE LINE AND MILITIA, ON THE 1ST OF MAY 1812.

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N. B. Equipments in which the Militia are deficient. Muskets 4684, bayonets 5394, belts 7094, cartouches 5329. In the above statement, which is extracted from the monthly returns of each corps, transmitted to the war department, there is no mention made, as in that which was published last March, of the Company of Artificers ......

Veteran Battalions

..... 104

3059

Allowances made to Officers who are permitted to provide their own Passages to join their regiments on command at home or abroad.

N B. A deduction of 81. is made for every servant not embarked of the number allowed.

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