The whole of the policy of the British government, therefore; all the operations of the British legion, backed by the British squadron; have effected nothing more nor less towards putting an end to the war, and giving peace to Spain and to Europe, than the removal of the blockade of St. Sebastian from one point to another, so as not to come within the liability of being affected by the 68-pounders of the British steamers, under the command of Lord John Hay.

April 21,1837.

* * * * *

Uselessness of the operations of the Legion, and Lord John Hay’s Squadron, at St. Sebastian.

If the noble lord supposes that the safety of St. Sebastian had been more or less endangered by the blockade, I can assure him that he is much mistaken; for, from what I know of that fortified town, which is one of the first or second order in Europe, I can take upon myself to say that the Carlists might have been left in their original position without any danger whatever to the town, because they could not make an attack upon such a fortress.  In the whole course of the war they have not, to my knowledge, taken by an attack any fortified post; or even any open town of any magnitude, prepared for its defence.  They could not have distressed St. Sebastian for provisions, because its communication with the sea could not be prevented.  I say, it could not be prevented, even if the whole British fleet were blockading it, instead of being there to relieve it.  The amount of inconvenience felt in the town from the Carlist force being in the neighbourhood, was neither more nor less than the unpleasantness of ladies and gentlemen, residing there, being prevented taking their evening walks in the neighbourhood.  This is the whole amount of the inconvenience from which the town was relieved.  This was the whole amount of the service rendered.

April 21,1837.

Strictures on General Evans.

My lords, I will go a little further.  I will say, that I firmly believe that the connexion between the legion and the fleet has been injurious to the military operations of the queen of Spain’s generals.  That is my decided opinion, founded upon my knowledge of the nature of the country, and of the position of both parties.  My lords, there is one point to which I refer; that is, the want of communication between the Queen of Spain’s generals, which can be relied upon.  If corps of the size of those now employed are not actually joined, there must be a certain communication between them; for, without communication there can be no co-operation; and any attempt at co-operation would, in my opinion, in all probability, lead to disasters such as have recently taken place at Hernani.  How are these troops situated?  General Evans’s troops are at St. Sebastian; General Saarsfield is at the other side of the Borunda, at Pampeluna; and Espartero, with his army, is at Bilboa.  It is impossible that