It was, indeed, essential for his work, as without it he could not have made his way about, and safely delivered the orders of which he was the bearer.
In the beginning of March, the duke sent for him.
"I have been greatly pleased, Captain Kennedy, with the activity that you have displayed, and am going to make a further call upon you.

This mission is of greater importance than any on which you have hitherto been engaged, and is one which, ordinarily, would be entrusted to an officer of higher rank; but I feel that I cannot do better than place it in your hands.

From what we learn, I believe that it is the intention of the enemy to commence the campaign by crossing the frontier, near Badajos.

By so doing, they can either follow the valley of the Guadiana to the sources of the river, and then come down into Valencia; or they could cross the sierras, come down into the valley of the Tagus, and march on Madrid.
"In the first place, I wish a report as to the state of the fortifications of Badajos, and the efficiency of its garrison.

I am, of course, acquainted with the official reports, sent by the Spanish commander of the town to his Government, but I have come to place no faith whatever in Spanish reports, which, for the most part, are a tissue of falsehoods.