They knew what that People had suffered, and how they had risen;--remembered the language of the proclamation addressed to them, dated August the 4th, and signed CHARLES COTTON and ARTHUR WELLESLEY, in which they (the Portugueze) were told, that 'The British Army had been sent in consequence of ardent supplications from all parts of Portugal; that the glorious struggle, in which they are engaged, is for all that is dear to man; that the noble struggle against the tyranny and usurpation of France will be _jointly_ maintained by Portugal, Spain, and England.' Why then, it was asked, do we not hear more of those who are at least coequals with us, if not principals, in this contest?
They appeared to have had little share in either engagement; (_See Appendix A_.) and, while the French were abundantly praised, no word of commendation was found for _them_.

Had they deserved to be thus neglected?
The body of the People by a general rising had proved their zeal and courage, their animosity towards their enemies, their hatred of them.

It was therefore apprehended, from this silence respecting the Portugueze, that their Chiefs might either be distracted by factions, or blinded by selfish interests, or that they mistrusted their Allies.
Situated as Portugal then was, it would argue gross ignorance of human nature to have expected that unanimity should prevail among all the several authorities or leading persons, as to the _means_ to be employed: it was enough, that they looked with one feeling to the _end_, namely, an honourable deliverance of their country and security for its Independence in conjunction with the liberation and independence of Spain.

It was therefore absolutely necessary to make allowance for some division in conduct from difference of opinion.

Instead of acquiescing in the first feelings of disappointment, our Commanders ought to have used the best means to win the confidence of the Portugueze Chiefs, and to induce them to regard the British as dispassionate arbiters; they ought to have endeavoured to excite a genuine patriotic spirit where it appeared wanting, and to assist in creating for it an organ by which it might act.