"They only think of feathering their own nests, and of quarrelling among themselves.

The people are patriots, but what can they do when the Juntas keep the arms the English have sent us in their magazines, and divide the money among themselves?
Then our generals know nothing of their business, and have their own ambitions and rivalries.

We are all ready to fight; and when the drum is beaten and we are called out, we go willingly enough.

But what do we do when we go out?
We are marched backwards and forwards without motive; the officers are no good; and when at last we do see the French we are always beaten, and the generals and the officers are the first to run away.
"We ought in the first place to rise, not against the French, but against the Juntas, and the councillors, and the hidalgos.

Then, when we have done with them, we ought to choose officers from among ourselves, men that have done good service as leaders of partisans.
Then we could meet the French.