What has happened at Zamora ?" "These despatches will inform you, sir; but I may tell you that we are virtually beleaguered.

The country round swarms with the enemy.
Two or three reconnaissances in force met with the most determined opposition." "Are you in communication with Valladolid ?" "No, sir.

Our communications were stopped at the same time as those to this town; but I am sorry to say that you will see, by the general's despatch, that a severe disaster has happened to the column coming from Valladolid to our relief." The general took the despatch and rapidly perused its contents.
"A column five thousand strong, with cavalry and guns, repulsed! The enemy must be in force, indeed.

From the estimates we have received from prisoners they released, I thought they must be fully ten thousand strong.

I see that the wounded who were sent by Moras estimate those engaged with him at twelve thousand; and it is hardly probable that they could, at such short notice, have assembled in anything like their full strength." "I have also to report, general, that we, this morning before daybreak, captured a British officer on his way to Miranda, with despatches.