As to Joseph's general course of action, it was thus prescribed: "The Emperor commands me to reiterate to your Majesty that the use of Valladolid as a residence and as headquarters is an indispensable preliminary.

From that place must be sent out on the Burgos road, and on other fit points, the troops which are to strengthen or to second the army of the north.

Madrid, and even Valencia, form parts of this system only as posts to be held by your extreme left, not as places to be kept by a concentration of forces....

To occupy Valladolid and Salamanca, to use the utmost exertion to pacify Navarre and Arragon to keep the communication with France rapid and safe, to be always ready to take the offensive--these are the Emperor's instructions for the campaign, and the principles on which all its operations ought to be founded...."[309] A fortnight later, Clarke bade the King threaten Ciudad Rodrigo so as to make Wellington believe that the French would invade Portugal.

He was also to lay heavy contributions on Madrid and Toledo.