418 PENINSULAR WAR [1808. 



duke had received intelligence of Blake's defeat after 

 long fighting, but a very complete defeat. The re- 

 port of the evening is either that he was taken 

 prisoner or had fled to the mountains. I much fear 

 the substance of this dismal rumour will prove true. 

 Believe me ever yours most faithfully, 



" HENRY BROUGHAM." 



TO EAEL GREY. 



"MIDDLE TEMPLE HALL, 7>e. 2, 1808. 



" MY DEAR LORD GREY, Knowing that any little 

 thing one happens to hear in town is worthy of notice 

 to the unfortunate persons who live in the country, I 

 just put down what occurs, however unimportant in 

 itself, when I have a moment of respite from John 

 Doe and Eichard Roe. 



" Touching Spain, I am more sanguine to-day than 

 I have ever been, which you will not be surprised at 

 (though most people might), because it is founded on 

 your own view very nearly. The Spaniards have 

 been beaten, but certainly after such stiff fighting as 

 I never had expected. If their spirit continues equal, 

 or nearly equal, to this last exhibition of it, I shall 

 liaA r e scarcely any fears. Government is still quite as 

 desponding as formerly. In truth their fears are 

 founded on their wishes. 



" It is quite certain that there was a flirtation, if not 

 an intrigue, with the Doctor; but Lord Ellenborough is 



