Letter from Sir Cuthbert Collingwood, "Ocean off Cadiz" , to Sir John Stuart, 1808 June 29 : autograph manuscript signed.

Reporting on conditions, delivering intelligence and assessing the situation on the ground; acknowledging receipt of his letter and the communication of a "...matter which is certainly of very great importance - though the Events which have lately happened in Spain may be a bar to the immediate execution of the projects which were intended for this time - I have always considered the Adriatic to be the part in which the principal armament would be equiped against Sicily;" giving his assessment of the Sicilian forces; saying "I cannot know that there are any Sicilians disaffected to the Government - though there may be many discontented with the Languor of it - and who look to more activity in it, as a means of ameliorating the condition of the whole - this project having been represented to be only practicable by the British, and the subject very much discussed - I believe did much harm - it raised an expectation in one class which had no foundation - and in another it caused doubt & suspicions of sinister schemes - the subject is now I hope very fully understood - and certainly there is great room for the Government by wholesome Laws, the dissolution of [illegible] - and a provident use of the Revenue to change the face of the country - and banish wretchedness from it - but this is certainly in the business of that Government rather than of Strangers. By all the accounts which came from Russia there is great disatisfaction among the ranks, and the war with England the cause of it - so that the accounts that Tatischeff received at Rome of insurrection &c at Petersburg, was perhaps a true account - If it is true that the Northern Powers are preparing to take the field - it will be a happy diversion for Spain - for otherwise the movement of the Spaniards are very slow indeed;" reporting on specific troop encampments; continuing "If what we have heard of the Hostile disposition of the Northern powers towards france be true - Bonaparte will probably be obliged to [illegible] all the french troops from Naples & Rome - and as a spirit of resistance to the Government at Naples had manifested itself in several instances perhaps Sir you would think it proper to make experiment of the extent of it - by an offer to give [illegible] to them in any attempt the Neapolitans may make to reestablish their legitimate government - and expell the usurper - The communications by the Provinces of Spain are very imperfect - but from what can be collected - every part of Spain & Portugal is in insurrection, except those places actually possessed by the french troops - Austria & Russia are said to be preparing for hostility to support Spain - in such Case Italy must necessarily be left with a small portion of troops - Adm'l Thornbrough is directed to attend to the requisition you may think proper to make for Ships - and cooperate in whatever service shall be agreed to be for the general interests of the allied countries; reporting on the troop levels in Portugal and in the port of Cadiz; adding that the troops in Cadiz will go to Port St. Mary "...until Gen'l Sir Arthur Wellesley arrives with the rest of the Army."