Regnier's division was at Coria; and could, in three easy marches, reach Guarda; or in four fall on Hill at Abrantes; and with but 26,000 men in line, it would have been a desperate enterprise, indeed, to attack 60,000 veteran French soldiers merely for the sake of carrying off the 5000 undisciplined Portuguese besieged at Ciudad.
The Minho regiment had only received their new uniforms a month before the order came, and made a good show as they marched into Guarda, where Wellington's headquarters were now established.

When Terence reported himself to the adjutant general, the latter said: "At present, Colonel O'Connor, you cannot be employed in your former work of scouting.

The French are altogether too powerful for a couple of battalions to approach them and, with 8000 cavalry, they would make short work of you.

Crawford must soon fall back behind the Coa.

His position already is a very hazardous one.