An Historical Review of the Spanish Revolution, including some account of religion, manners and literature in Spain

Front matter

AN HISTORICAL REVIEW, Ssc. 8sc. i..-„,i,,„. /•t,i-/,:.-i,.-,i /■* ,; \n r. in,, i,,, i,, I,* if,,*™ /.,,*,, i,,,,, is; AN HISTORICAL REVIEW OF THE SPANISH REVOLUTION, INCLUDING SOME ACCOUNT OF RELIGION, MANNERS, AND LITERATURE, IN SPAIN; ILLUSTRATED WITH A MAP. BY EDWARD BLAQUIERE, ESQ. AUTHOsl OF " LETTERS FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN," &c. " Say not thou, what is the cause that the former days were better than these ? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.-"' Ecclesiastes, Chap. 7. LONDON : PRINTED FOR G. & W. B. WHITTAKER, AVE-MARIA-LANE. 1822. LONDON : SHACKELL AND ARROWSMII'H, JOHNSON's-COURT, FLEET-STREET. TO JOHN GEORGE LAMBTON, Esq. M.P. Sir! Forcibly struck by the effect which the insurrection of La Isla was likely to produce on the future destinies of man kind, and convinced that no country in Europe would be more deeply interested in the progress of Spanish reform than our own, I repaired to the Peninsula, soon after the Constitution was proclaimed at Madrid.

Having1 devoted some months to the col lection of such materials, as appeared best calculated to convey a tolerable notion of the late and present state of Spain to my VI DEDICATION. countrymen, I have deferred putting them forth, until public attention should be drawn to the scene of civil and political regenera tion, so as to render my statements more acceptable to the general inquirer. Presuming that the abovementioned pe riod has at length arrived, I am proud of the permission to place your distinguished name at the head of my humble production, and feel no less gratified, by the opportunity thus afforded, of dedicating the fruits of my researches to one, who, whether on the score of political consistency in the Senate, or of wealth and talents in Society, may justly be regarded as representing that portion of the aristocracy, from which the people of England expect so much of their future happiness ; since they have hitherto been foremost in advocating the cause of freedom and humanity.

Should the following imperfect sketch of feudal institutions, and modern despotism. DEDICATION. VII stimulate the meritorious class, to which I allude, in their arduous and glorious career, or add to the stock of their information, the time it has occupied, and the labours of the unskilful artist, will be more than repaid. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your very faithful and devoted humble Servant, EDWARD BLAQUIERE Paris, July 14, 1822.

Preface

. An apology is due to the public, for having delayed my volume on the State of Spain so longafter its first announcement. In observing that I fully intended to produce a rapid and limited view of Peninsular affairs, immediately after my return from Madrid ; it may also be proper to add, that when several literary friends hinted that the newspapers of Europe, had teemed with so many details, on the subject of my proposed publication, as to afford me but little chance of attracting notice, unless I could present some thing more solid than that which was served up by the purveyors to the diurnal press ; prudence whispered, that I was bound to follow their advice. How far those who counselled delay were right, and whether they would not have acted a still more friendly part, in recommending an indefinite postponement, is for the public to decide. I can neither forget, nor be ungrateful for. the extreme indulgence shown towards me, X

PREFACE.

. ten years ago, by those from whom I could not expect so much courtesy. If the for bearance of some, and approbation of others, arose from a belief that the interests of my country had a greater share in urging me to incur the ordeal of criticism, than the vanity of authorship, it affords me an additional source of consolation. The tone of impartiality I have adopted now, as on every former occasion, and those modifications of opinion, suggested by a more careful examination of facts, will necessarily expose me to the censure of those, who think consistency in error to be the best criterion of virtue. Invariably actuated by a desire to promote the happiness of the greater number, I had no other course left, than the one I have pursued : satisfied, that the surest, per haps the only way of diminishing those fatal effects, which the slavery of party and faction have, heretofore, exercised on the liberties of mankind, will be found in observing the strictest impartiality towards all those who divide political society, I have never lost sight of that object in the following pages ; though this path neither leads to ministerial patronage, emolument nor place, yet it is that which honour and patriotism dictate. Let it not be imagined from the sketch I

PREFACE.

. XI have drawn of these abuses, which ignorance and fanaticism have introduced and perpe tuated in the religious system of Spain, that I am the less favourable to toleration in its utmost latitude; or that I conceive the plan of exclusion, which continues to prevail against our Catholic brethren and fellow citizens, is less injurious to the state, than urgent to those, who are thereby debarred from the enjoyment of their political rights : unable to say all I could wish on this sub ject, I shall only add, that I recognize no limits to religious tolerance, except those which may be opposed to it by morality and reason. The day on which Protestant and Catholic shall meet in the same temple, to adore one common Father, will, in my estimation, ex hibit the greatest triumph ever obtained by humanity : need I say that this glorious victory can never be achieved while the system, of exclusion exists ?

It is not amongst the least absurd of those anomalies, which I have been called upon to expose, in treating the religious or political affairs of Spain, that while the various sects, into which Christia nity is unhappily divided, fervently invoke the protection of Providence, they are, with scarcely a single exception, more or less into-

PREFACE.

. XII lerant towards each other ; as if the funda mental maxim of their faith, were a mere watch-word to cover hypocrisy and falsehood. Surely there was more philosophy in Boi leau's exclaiming — " tous les hommes sont sous /" than most people have imagined. Where so much has been drawn from the stores of others, it would be unjust not to take this opportunity of acknowledging my debts : if I do not name all my creditors, it is because many were anonymous, and others did not feel ambitious, either from fear or delicacy of figuring in a preface The frequency of foreign names and places, has rendered the correction of the press a difficult task to those friends who had kindly undertaken that thankless office : where errors appear, it is hoped the reader will be indulgent to that which was altogether unavoidable.

As a preference to single volumes, where the subject relates to politics or religion, is amongst the salutary innovations of the pre sent day, a fear of interfering with this im provement in public taste, has alone prevented me from adding a variety of facts, that would have greatly contributed to illustrate the text. I had even ventured to approach the ground, which has been rendered sacred by

PREFACE.

. XIII the steps of Robertson and Hallam, and pre pared an introduction, founded on the most prominent points of Spanish history, ancient and modern. It is, doubtless, fortunate for my literary reputation, that this effort of an inexperienced hand is laid on the shelf: there are, however, some miscellaneous anecdotes and information, which I should have most willingly submitted to my readers. It will be seen that frequent allusions are made to France, and that I have spoken of the defects in the social institutions, (which must strike the most superficial observer who visits that country,) with the same freedom, as I have those of Spain : had it borne an immediate relation to the main object, I could have said infinitely more ; as it is, I am sure those celebrated men, with whom I have conversed, relative to the existing state of affairs, and which menace their country with fresh re actions, will not charge me with being actuated by any improper motive.

With respect to passing events in Spain, they are, probably, more full of interest to Europe now, than at any former period : it is impossible any longer to misconceive the real nature of the struggle, or to deny that the people who were slaves, little more than two years ago, are now the advanced guard of

PREFACE.

. XIV civilization. Does it arise from accidental causes, or is it in the order of nature, that those who have suffered most from oppres sion, are destined to find a compensation, in conferring freedom and happiness on others ? Should the contest which has been already communicated from the Peninsula to Italy and Greece, be conducted with the firmness and wisdom, which have hitherto marked its progress, in the land of Pelagius and Themis tocles, it is not within human comprehen sion to predict or conceive the magnitude and extent of the benefits which such a struggle is capable of producing to society. It is impossible to name Greece, without adding to the thousand voices which curse the policy that obliges England, not only calmly to witness the extermination of a brave and suffering population, but, oh ! shame of our age, and ruin of our glory ! co-operate in the work of death.* To complete this scene * A political prophet of France, and one whose former predictions have been but too often realized, (lie foretold the occupation of Paris by the people of Europe,) says that the power which has permitted four millions of Greeks to be given up to the knife of the infidels, and which suffers the Colossus of the north to make such immeasurable strides, will herself share the fate of Babylon and Carthage.

PREFACE.

. XV of national degradation, continental politi cians, who dwell on the subject, confound a generous people, with the errors and blind ness of their rulers. I will boldly tell those Editors and Publicits of France, Italy and Germany, as I proclaim it to the world, that posterity will acquit the people of England from the foul charge, and that if they knew us better, it would never have been made. Having spoken of men and manners with that frankness required by the paramount interests of truth, throughout my correspondence ; no wonder that I should have been called upon to praise and blame parties and individuals, according to their conduct at different periods ; so far from retracting a single word relative to the patriots of 1812, who have lately degenerated into a cabal, a great number of facts, proving that public opinion has not condemned them without cause, are omitted.

I trust that their return to the line of honour and duty, may prevent the necessity of producing those additional motives for censure. The same feeling which induced me to speak somewhat lightly of General Morillo, when I saw him prefer a crusade against freedom, to the glory of giving liberty to his country, impels me to notice his recent conduct in terms of unequi-

PREFACE.

. XVI vocal applause, and by which this distinguished officer has effaced every former im pression. The gallantry and resolution dis played by Morillo on the memorable 7th of July, has placed him on a level with the heroes of La Isla, Ballesteros, Mina, Alava, Espinosa, and a few more, who do honor to our age, no less than to our country. It is a fortunate event for Europe, that those men feel they belong to the great family, and that the most trifling victory achieved over oppression or fanaticism, by their exertions, vibrates through every vein of civilized society. Aware of the dignified position in which they are placed, and of the incalcu lable interests at stake : Aye ! convinced that the fate of Europe is in their hands, I feel satisfied the military heroes of Spain and Portugal will realize the hopes of mankind.

That ii consolidating the fabric of freedom in the Peninsula, they may establish the liberties of other nations, must, therefore, be the anxious wish and ardent prayer of every man, whose breast glows with sentiments of humanity and virtue. Page. 1 IT CONTENTS.

Letter. I

State ofthe Capital. — Entry into Spain. — Tudela, Zaragoza. — Its memorable Defence. — State of Popular Feeling there. — Neglected Appearance of the Country. — Arrival at Madrid. — Preparatory Juntas. — Preparations for an Important Ceremony. — Hall of Cortes described. — Entrance of the King and Royal Family. — Queen and Princesses. — Their Reception.— The Oath. ....

Letter II

Deliberations of the Cortes. — Address to the King.— CotfiifiV -ks oi Inquiry. — Public Opinion in 1814. — Traits of National Character.— State of Knowledge. — Religious Dogmas. — Influence of the Priesthood and Nobility.— Effects of the French Revolution. — Mental Change. — Political Apostacy. — The Army. — Errors of Government. — Effects of an Im prudent Speech in Cortes. ....

Letter III

Regency und Cortes of 1812.— Refutation of the Charges against them. — Treaty of Valeneay. — Correspondence between the King and Regency.— Decree of Cortes Ferdinand's Return to Spain. — Journey to Zurab CONTENTS. 33 so 74 goza and Arrival at Valencia.— His treatment of the Cardinal de Bourbon.— Policy of the British Cabinet.— Assemblage at Valencia.— Persas.— Decree of May 4th.— Measures of the Servile Faction to re store the Old Despotism. — Arrest and Imprisonment of the Patriots.

Letter IV

Violation of the Royal Promise. — Decrees and general Measures after the King's Return.— Leaders in the Persecution of the Patriots.— Anecdote of a ci-devant Monk. — Projects Imputed to the Liberales. — Story of u Seal and Medal.— New Measures to Criminate the Patriots. — Proceedings in the Provinces.— Informes, Police Judges.— Mode of conducting the Prosecution. — Examinations.— Arguelles : Ruiz de Padron : Cepero. .... . . . .

Letter V

Royal Orders in Favour of the Patriots. — Tergiversation ofthe Judges. Their Admissions. — Fresh Arrests. — First Report of the Commission. — Professions of Zeal and Sincerity. — Consulta and Quadernos. — Some Account of these Documents. — Reflections.— Charges contained in the Quadernos. — Appeal to Foreign Powers. — Hall of Alcaldes. — Conduct of Arias Prada. — Second Commission mamed.— Its Character and Proceedings. — Disgrace of Macanaz. — San Carlos and Escoiquiz. — Appointment of Cevallos. — His Memorial to the King. — Persecutions continued. — A Third Commission appointed. — New Charges. — Anecdote of Dr. Antoaio Segovia.— Condemnation of the Patriots. — Indifference of the Foreign Ministers. ......

Letter VI

Afrancesados and Liberales. — Treatment of the Former. — Motives of their Conduct. — Treaty of Fontainebleau Flight of Ferdinand. — New Changes recoguized by Russia and Austria. — Imbecility of the Reigning Family.— Bourbon Dynasty.— Motives of Spain for courting the Alliance of France.— Disinterestedness of the Afrancesados.— Suppression of the Holy Office. — Memorable Saying of the Emperor Napoleon.- F.nlerprise against Sapin compared with other Aggressions.— Congress CONTENTS. XIX P.ige . of Vienna. — Its influence on the Destinies of Mankind.— Opinion of Marina on the Invasion of Spain. — Accountof Rienoso's Works. — Argu ments in Favor of King Joseph's Rightto the Throne. — Reformseffect ed by the New Government. — Ministers Nominated. — Popularity of the King.: — Nobility and Gentry who went to meet King Joseph at Bayonne.

Their Address. — Charges Against the Afrancesados. — Their Reasons for Emigrating. — Probable Judgment of Posterity.— Identity of Interests, and Views ofthe two Parties. — Servile Faction. — Broken Promises of Ferdinand.— Royal Orders. — Invidious Distinctions.- Delusive Hopes of the Exiles. — Decree of May 30th, 1814.— Terms of the Decree and its Consequences. — Examined by Llorente. — Concluding Remarks. . .112

Letter VII

Reign of Terror. — Conduct ofthe Allied Powers. — Motives of the Servile Faction.— Effect of Plans formed at Valenyny. — Policy Suggested by the King's situation : Cupidity of his Advisers.— Breaches of Good Faith with the Public Creditors. — Decree for the Restitution of Church Properly. — Fraud Practised on Various Individuals — Natural Effect of the New Measures. — System of Taxation. — Selfish Conduct of the Priesthood. — Royal Order in their Favour. — Bribery and Corruption at Court, in the Tribunals. — Facility of Imprisonment.— Denunciations. — Inquisition. — Banditti. — Melehor's Band.— Treatment of Foreigners, and of British subjects in Particular. — Restrictions on British Commerce. — Commercial Treaties. — Friendly Intercourse between the Courts of London and Madrid. — Proofs of Attachment and Forbearance of the English Ministry. — Light in which Spain was Regarded by Foreign Nations and the Holy Alliance in particular.— Congress of Vienna. — Abolition ofthe Slave Trade. — Pizarro's Administration. — United States. — Florez Estrada.— Remarkable saying of Ferdinand. . . . 153

LETTER VIIL

General Treatment of the Army, after the Return of Ferdinand. — Royal Orders and Magnificent Promises : how these were realized. — Wretched condition of the Troops. — Anecdotes. — Bold Attempt of Mina to seize the Fortress of Pamplona. — Representations made to the King by El Empecinado and others. - Union of the Patriots, and Establishment of Secret Societies. — Decree of the Grand Inquisitor.— Assemblage of the XX CONTENTS. P__£e 193 2 4.5 Expeditionary Army at Cadiz. — Efforts made there to convert Morillo: he agrees, then recants and sails for South America. — Plans of the Patriots suspended by the Disembarkation of Napoleon. — Visit of the Duke d'Angouleme to Madrid. — Insurrection of the Troops at Corunna and Ferrol : — Headed by Juan diaz Porlier. — Proclamation and Manifesto of that lamented Chief. — His Projected March to Santiago. — Conduct ofthe Priesthood there. — Arrival at Ordenes. — Defection of the Serjeants. — Arrest of the General and Officers. — How the event was celebrated at the Cathedral of Santiago. — Porlier and his Companions thrown into the Prisons of the Inquisition, and subsequently removed to Corunna. — Trial of the General : — its Injustice and Irregularity. — Objections of Porlier, and wish to Communicate with some Person in the Royal Confidence. — Sentence, Execution and Biography of the Fallen Hero. ........

Letter IX

Alarm created at Court by Porlier's Insurrection. — Errors of the Patriots, and Cause of their Failure. — Its Effect on the Interests of Liberty. — Measures of Ferdinand and his Ministers. — Exile of Ballesteros and El Empecinado. — Motives for dismissing Escoiquiz, de Castro and their Friends. — Treatment of British Residents. — Disposition of the Garrison of Cadiz and Oviedo.— Abisbal's Order of the Day. — Projected Rising in Granada detected by the Bishop and Priesthood. — Its Authors punished. — Attempt of Richart ; his Trial and Execution. — Project of Don Luis Lacy, denounced when on the Point of being carried into Effect. — Attempt of that General and his Friends to escape. — General Milans and others rucceed. — Lacy is taken. — He £ Tried and Condemned at Barcelona :— conveyed to Majorca, and Shot — Biographical Sketch of this Patriot and Honours paid to his Memory.

Letter X

Project of Reinforcing Morillo. — Failure of San Carlos in procuring Transports in England. — A Squadron is Purchased from Russia. — Tatischeff and Ugarte. — Scheme interrupted by the Cruelties of Elio at Valencia.— Policy of Ferdinand and his Ministers. — Renewal of the Expeditionary plan. — Appointment of O'Donnel to the Chief Command. — Some Account of this General. —His Conduct in 1814. — Reconciliation CONTENTS. XXI Page. with Lncy, and Promises of Support. —His Project for Re-establishing the Constitution. — Proposition of the Patriots rejected. — Dissimulation of the Count and his Friend Sarsfield. -Arrest and Imprisonment of the Colonels on the Plain of Palmar. — Reflections suggested by the Pro ceedings of Abisbal. ....... 268

LETTER XL

Repugnance ofthe Soldiery to embark for South America. — Orders given to Calderon. — Cisneros sent to superintend the Departure of the Expedition. — Preparations suspended by the Yellow Fever The Troops are Collected at Las Correderas. — Joy of their Meeting. — Renewal of Former Ties. — Motives which justified the Projected Revolt. — Panegyric , on the Chiefs.— Soldiers and People.— Appointment of Leaders. — Quiroga, Riego, and Galiano. — Anecdote and Eulogium on Bertran de Lis. — Day of rising Fixed.— Constitution proclaimed at Las Cabezas de San Juan. — March to Arcos, and Arrest of Calderon, &c. — Riego Proceeds to Bornos, and returns with the Regiment of Arragon.— Is elected General. — First Use made of his New Dignity. — Intended March on Medina.— Arrival of a Message from Quiroga. — Some Account of his Proceedings. — Check at the Cortadura. — Campana and the Priesthood at Cadiz. — Entrance of Riego into Xeres, and Junction with the Army of La Isla. — Letter to the King and other State Papers. — Military Operations which followed. — Riego departs with the Flying Column. — Unexampled Heroism of this Officer and his Followers. — Their Dispersion. — Events at La Isla. — Arco Aguero, and Lopez Bafios. —Approach of Freyre and his Troops. — Sorties made from La Isla, and Intrepidity of the Patriots. — Correspondence between Freyre and the Patriot General. — Suspension of Hostilities. — Heroes of La Isla invited to Cadiz. — Massacre of March lOlh. — Actors in that Bloody Scene.— The Constitution is proclaimed in Galicia, Zaragoza, and Madrid. . . . . . . . .281

Letter XII

Religion. —Necessity of Reform in Manners. — Allusion to other Writers. —Dr. Robinson, de la Borde, and Llorente. — Labours of the Latter : — his Critical History. — Debates on the Holy Office in the Cortes of 1812 : its Abolition. — Introduction of Christianity : Merit of its Founders. — CONTENTS. Page 397 Persecutions of the Church.— Change effected after the conversion of Constantine.— Celibacy. — Demoralized State of the Clergy in the Middle Ages.— Religious Reformers.— Establishment of the Holy Office. — Persecution of the Albigenses. — St. Dominic and Gregory IX. — Persecution of the Moors and Jews. — Ferdinand V. — Pious IV. and Torquemada. — Inquisition of Spain new modelled. — Its first Operations. — People and Cortes exonerated.— Charles V. : Efforts to reform the Holy Office in his Reign. — Persecutions in the Sixteenth Century. — Progress of Lutheranism. — Auto de Fe at Valladolid in 1599. — Case of Eleanora Vibero. — Auto de Feat Seville. —Story of Maria Bohor ques and her sister Juano.— Persecution ofEnglishmen. — Anecdotes. — Auto de Fe at Logroiio, in 1610. — Moratin. — A Reflection. — Grand Auto de Fe at Madrid in 1680. —Charles II. and his Family are present. — Analysis of La Relation Historiea. — Preparations, Processions and Sermon: — Ceremony of Burning. — Articles of Faith.— Minor Auto de Fe, performed in October ofthe same Year : — Victims who suffered . 350

Letter XIII

Subject of Religion continued.— Popular Errors M. Llorente, and M. ClauseLde Coussergues. — De la Borde and Bourgoing. — Assertions of those Writers refuted by M. Llorente.— Allusion to the Grand Autos, and Mode of Procedure. — Recapitulation of Autos and Victims. — Grand Junta. — Case of the Curate Solano. — Change in Public Opinion. — Mayans and Feijoo. — Concordat in 1737 : — Its effect. — Melchor de Macanaz ; Belando ; Campomanes, &e. — Progress of Knowledges. — Condemnations in the Reign of Ferdinand VI. and Charles III.— Barbarous Laws unrevok ed. — Modem Procedure and Punishment. — Treatment of Prisoners. — Mode of Trial.— Edict of Denunciation : —Its Effect on Penitents. — Declaration of Llorente. — Account ofthe Torture. — Story of Don Juan de Salas. — Various Modes of Suffering. — Chamber of Torment.— Dungeons at Zaragoza, Madrid, and Valladolid. ........

Letter XIV

Relibiohs Reform, Manners andCosTOMS. — Preliminary Reflections. — Appeal lo Religious Reformers. — Effects of Absolution, Auricular Confession and Celibacy.— Their Origin. — Mr. Bowring. — Pan y Toros. CONTENTS. XXIII Page. — Indifference of the People to the Duties of Religion : its Cause.- Neeessity of a Change. — Gregoire, Marina, Llorente, &c. — Relaxation of Morals in Spain accounted for.— Qualities of Men and Women. — Materials for a Legislator. — Influence of the Priesthood. — Effects of Riches and Titles. — Grandees and Plebeians : Degeneracy of the former. — Priests and Lawyers'. — Merchants and Tradesmen. — Opinion of the Abbe de Prudt. —Saying of Louis XIV. — Information amongst the Lower Classes. — Arrieros, Contrabandistas, Ifc. — Social Inter course. —Reception and Treatment of Strangers. — Comparisons.— Castilian Pride, Bombast and Quixotism. — Titles and Armorial Bearings. — Mendicity.- Point of honour in Spain. — Duelling. — Music and Dancing. —Costume. — Inordinate use of Snuff and Tobacco. — Allusion to Bull Feasts. — Essay on Games, by Jovellanos. — Tour naments.--Origin of the Bull Feasts. — Extract from Pan y Toros. — Opinion and Suggestion of Jovellanos. — Desultory Remarks on the Spanish Capital.— Contrast of Riches and Poverty.— Character and Disposition of the Inhabitants. — Situation and Climate. — Architectural Embellishments : Churches, Convents, and other Public Establishments. — Royal Palace ; View from the Terrace. — Public Walks, Theatres. — Plaza de Toros.— El Prado. — Concluding Hints and Reflections. .421

Letter XV

Literature and Leabneo Men.— Influence of the Holy Office on Letters and Science. — System of Exclusion and Persecution : their effect on Literature. — Change under Louis XIV. and Philip V. — Feijoo and Mayans. — Ferdinand VI. — Charles III. — Progress of Letters in his Reign. — Poets and Prose Writers. — Literary Men employed as Ministers and Consuls. — Isla; Campomanes; Jovellanos— his Biography: Floridablanca : Count de Cabarrus. — Living Writers of Spain : Lardizabal : Toribio Nunez : Cambronero : Herreros : De Salas : Cabrera : Hermosillas : Reinoso : Vascons : O'Farril : Andujar : Moratin : Gorostiza: &c. Marina and Llorente: some account of the latter. — Praiseworthy Conduct ofthe Spanish Poets. — Present tendency of Literature .—Taste for French Literature. — Severity ofthe Inquisition towards English Writers. — Bacon and Locke. — The Study and Cultivation of British Literature recommended. — Ignorance of English Writers in Spain. — Milton: Escoiquiz : Pope: Ingueros, and Mr. Bentham. — Works of Fiction.— Precautions recommended. — Periodical Literature. — El Censor: La Miscellanea. — M. Cambronero.- M. de Mora. — El Constitutional, and La Minerva National.— .Irreproachable Conduct of Public Writers.

CONTENTS. Page 487 545 561 —An Exception.— State of the Fine Arts: Raphael Mengs—Barba rous Taste of Former Times. — Innovations Suggested.— Alvarez and Madrazo.— Advantages to the Patriotic Government of encouraging the Fine Arts. . . . . SUPPLEMENTARY LETTER. Admission of Ministers into the Cortes.— Non-eligibility. — Intolerance. — Jews. — Reglamento. — Remuneration. — Powers of the King. — Lanjuinais. — De Pradt. — Haller. — State of Treasury. — Colonies. — Custom Houses. — Diezmos. — Mayorazgos. — Cabarrus. — Minano. — Political Economy. — Heiberg. ....... POSTSCRIPT. Remarks on the Political Code of Spain. — Notice of those Writers who have commented on its Defects, particularly Count Lanjuinais, the Abbe de Pradt and Mr. Bentham. — Review of Men and Measures, during the last two Years. — Patriots of 1812 and 1820 compared. — Biography of Ferdinand VII. — Anecdotes of the Royal Family. — State of Parties. — Distinctions, Afrancesados, Liberales, Serviles and Comuneros. — Miscellaneous Facts and Observations.

Appendix

. I. Treaty of Fontaiaebleau. ... . 645 II. Secret Convention. ....... 648 III. Deeree for Restoring the Inquisition. . • . 651 IV. Criminal Procedure of the Holy Office. . . . .653 V. Elio's Order of the Day. ...... LETTERS, 6fC(

Letter I

Entry into Spain.— Valley of Bastan.— Pamplona.— Ceremony of consecrating the Lapida at Tudela. — Zaragoza.— Its memorable defence.— Arrival at Madrid. — Public opinion there. — Preparatory Juntas.— Preparations for an important Ceremony.— Hallos Cortes described.— Arrival ofthe President and Deputies.— Entrance ofthe King and Royal Family.— Their reception. —The Oath.— Rejoicings. Madrid, July — , 1820. Your conjectures as to the state of popular feeling in this country were quite correct ; so that all my anticipations have been fully realized. It would, indeed, be extremely difficult to conceive a more interesting spectacle than that now exhibited in the Spanish capital ; where, notwithstanding the period which has elapsed since the Consti tution was proclaimed, all classes ofthe community still seem borne along by that full tide of joy, which marked the first stages of their political regeneration.

Having been an occasional visitor in various parts of the Peninsula, during the days of its de jection and calamity, I came prepared to contrast the past with the present, and accordingly, I had scarcely entered the populous and beautiful valley B TUDELA. of Bastan, in crossing the Pyrenees, from Bayonne to Pamplona, when the cheerful aspect and bust. ling activity visible amongst the peasantry, and in the towns, convinced me that a considerable change had been already produced : even the sombre ca pital of Navarre seemed to have thrown off its pro verbial gloom ; and in proportion as I advanced towards the interior, the scene became more gay and animated. While passing over the fine Moorish bridge on the Ebro, which leads into Tudela, an immense crowd was seen moving slowTly under a range of trees that shade the public walk : approaching nearer, I observed a long procession, composed of monks of several orders, bearing the host, numerous banners, and other religious symbols.

These were preceded by a train of some hundred females, dressed in white, and veiled : a regiment of infantry marched in the rear. The whole assembly had just consecrated the lapida, or constitutional stone, in the great square, and was then taking a circuitous route to the Cathedral, there to com plete the work, by singing Te Deum. Alighting, with my travelling companion, a native of the city, we joined the procession, and witnessed the remainder of the ceremony. When high-mass had been concluded, and the multitude reached the space before the edifice, a general viva rent the air; this was followed by some bands striking up national airs, and parading the streets in different directions : these were sue- ZARAGOZA. 3 ceeded by private parties, who went about the town, serenading with vocal and instrumental music : the evening terminated in a general illumi nation.