Annals of the Peninsular Campaigns, etc

Preface

. In the Original Edition of the following " Annals of the Peninsular Campaigns," the events immediately preceding the war, the first intrusion of the French armies, the Spanish successes in 1808, the campaign of Vimiero in the same year, and Sir John Moore's less fortunate one in the ensuing winter, were all given with abundant detail and minuteness for a work intended to be popular rather than professional, and addressed less to the military student than to the general reader. But, as the narrative proceeded, the war increasing in importance, the battles in magnitude and severity — the contest, too, acquiring peculiar interest for the English reader, because mainly sustained by a British general and a handful of British soldiers, against the flower of Napoleon's armies and the ablest of his lieutenants — it was observable that the interest of the book, instead of rising, rather declined, in consequence of rigorous compression, of a paucity of detail, and of the absence of illustrative anecdote.

Of this change of style it is unimportant to seek the cause. Many writers are unconsciously less patient and felicitous towards the close than at the commencement of their labours ; and it is not unnatural that a soldier should dwell most

PREFACE.

. VI willingly on those campaigns in which he himself took share. But whatever the reason, the latter half of the work was unquestionably less copious and attractive than its earlier portion, and than might have been expected from the high literary reputation of Mr Hamilton. It has been the endea vour of the present Editor to repair this defect. To that end — and besides general revision, and numerous notes and interpolations throughout the whole work— nearly every part of the book, where British troops figure, subsequent to the battle of Corunna, has been rewritten and considerably ampli fied. The chapters relating to the operations of the Spaniards have also undergone correction, and received additions ; but after the disastrous campaign of 1809, in which the rashness and incapacity of the Spanish government and generals sacri ficed armies by wholesale, the proceedings of the Spanish regular troops were not of sufficient importance to claim, in a work on the scale of the " Annals," a notice much more detailed than that accorded them by its able and accomplished author.

During the twenty years that have elapsed since the first publication of these "Annals," great additions have been made to the historical records of the war to which they relate. Colonel Napier has completed his eloquent and valuable work ; Count Toreno has published a copious Spanish narrative of the struggle; included in Mr Alison's His tory of Europe, is a highly interesting account of the contest in the Peninsula. Besides these elaborate works, many minor ones have appeared, memoirs and personal reminiscences, of historical pretensions aud various merit. And, paramount in importance, a complete coUection of the Despatches of the Duke of Wellington has been given to the world by the laudable care and industry of

PREFACE.

. VII the late lamented Colonel Gurwood. To many of these sources of information, and especially to the one last named, frequent references will be found in the following pages. The alterations that affect facts, (such as numbers, positions, manœuvres of troops, and the like,) there can be little doubt Mr Hamilton would himself have made had he fortunately survived to benefit by the publication of the Despatches, (which must always be the court of final appeal in questions relating to that war,) and by the study and collation of the other excellent works upon the subject which it has been the pleasure and advantage of the Editor atten tively to consult. In conclusion, the Editor has merely to say that he has endeavoured, in all substitutions and additions, strictly to maintain the tone of impartiality characterising Mr Hamil ton's work.

He may further be allowed to mention, as a slight qualification for his task, that he is familiar, from per sonal observation, with most of the ground fought over by the British armies from the Ebro to Toulouse. London, October 1849.

PREFACE.

TO THE FIRST EDITION. In offering the following volumes to the Public, the Author would by no means be understood to court competition with the more able and elaborate works of his contemporaries. To all the British historians of the Peninsular War, he has been largely indebted, and it would ill become him to speak of their labours otherwise than with respect. The works of Colonel Jones and Colonel Napier display a very high degree of talent and ingenuity ; and that of Mr Southey, viewed as a vast magazine of facts, laboriously collected, and embodied in a narrative of uniform clearness, may be considered a valuable addition to our literature. Whilst admitting the merit of these writers, it appeared to the Author that their accounts of the Peninsular War were calculated rather for the closet of the professional student than for the great mass of the public, who are little likely to feel interested in dry or lengthened detail of accessory incidents, or to enter very deeply into the intricacies of military discussion ; and that there was still wanting a work which should introduce to the intimate acquain tance of the great body of the people, the events of one of the most memorable periods in the history of their country, which should diffuse and imprint, more widely and more deeply, a fitting pride in the great achievements of the British arms, and render Englishmen more familiar with the circumstances of the most splendid and important triumph ever gained by the supporters of liberty, justice, and the rights of man, in opposing the gigantic usurpation of wild and profligate ambition.

To furnish such a work has been the object of the Author of these Annals. That he has succeeded, he cannot flatter himself; yet he trusts that he has at least deserved the credit of having detailed the occurrences of the war with fairness and impartiality ; X

PREFACE.

TO THE FIRST EDITION. and that in no instance has he made his work subservient to the dictates of national bigotry or unworthy prejudice. To any peculiar qualifications for the task he has undertaken, the Author of these volumes makes no pretension. A few years of his early fife were spent in the army — when he had the good fortune to be present in some of the great battles which it has now fallen to him to describe. He was thus enabled to acquire, by personal observation, a knowledge of many important localities, which he trusts will occasionally be found to have produced a beneficial influence on his narrative. Of any other advantages he is unaware ; and the circumstance of the present work being given anony mously to the world, may be taken as an acknowledgment that the opinions which it contains could derive nothing of authority from the name of its Author.

Were it otherwise, however, he would prefer that those opinions should stand or fall without extrin sic support ; and he is aware of none which he is not prepared to relinquish, whenever, by more able reasoners, they shall be shown to be erroneous. In a work embracing so vast a variety of detail, it is scarcely possible to hope that complete accuracy has been attained. The Author trusts, however, that he will be found to have fallen into few important errors; and he submits the present work to the judgment of the Public, not with confidence certainly, but with no wish to deprecate the severity of any censure to which it may be found liable. Toulouse, 2d September 182!). CONTENTS.

Chapter I

§ historical retrospect. Page 1. Contrast between France and Spain. Convulsion in the former country, 1 2. Consequent excitement in Europe, and confederation against France, 2 3. Hostilities and their results, . . .ib. 4. Naval superiority of Great Britain, . ib. 5. Treaty of Amiens, ..... 3 6. Decline of Spain, . . . .ib. 7. Her policy under Charles III. .... 4 8. War with Great Britain, . . . ' . .ib. 9. Accession of Charles IV. His first proceedings, . . ib. 10. His dangerous security, and war with England, . . 5 11. Rupture of the peace of Amiens, . . . .ib. 12. The capture of the treasure frigates, ... 6 13. Napoleon's duplicity towards Spain, . » . .ib. 14. Godoy prime minister. His early career, . . .ib. 15. His character and administration, .... 7 16. His encouragement of art and science, ... 8 17.

Character of Charles IV, ..... ib. 18. Godoy universally detested in Spain, ... 9 19. Danger of his position, ..... 10 20. Joins the alliance against France, . . . .ib. 21. His premature proclamation, . . . . 11 22. Astonishment excited by it, . . . . ib. 23. Napoleon receives it at Jena, . . 12 24. Negotiations regarding it, .... ib. 25. Proceedings of Napoleon towards Spain, . . .ib. 26. His views and motives, ..... ib. 27. Expediency of his attack on Spain, . . . . 13 28. Its subjugation essential to his security, ... 14 29. Treaty of Fontainebleau, ..... 15 30. Clandestine manner of its negotiation, . . .ib. 31. Position of Portugal, . . . . 16 32. Demands of France and Spain, .... ib. 33. Temporising policy of the prince-regent, . . - ■ ib. 34. Which proves unavailing, . . . • 17 35. He is finally compelled to yield, . . • . ib. 36.

But derives no benefit from his submission, . . .ib. 37. Dissensions in the royal family of Spain, . . 18 38. Imprisonment of the Prince of Asturias, . ■ .ib. 39. He is pardoned, . . • < .ib. 40. Napoleon's treatment of the Spanish king, . . • 19 41. Decline of Godoy, ... • • ]°- 42. Napoleon's reply to the king of Spain, . . . ib.

Chapter II

invasion or Portugal. I. Invasion of Portugal by Junot, • • 2. A Russian squadron arrives in the Tagus, . . ' -*h' 3. British forbearance towards Portugal, . ■ • lb- 4. The British ambassador leaves Lisbon, which is blockaded, . ft 5. Sufferings of Junot's army, . • " "h 6. His proclamation, *L ' 7. He crosses the frontier and approaches Lisbon, . • .-" 8. The royal family embark for the Brazils, . . • lba CONTENTS. XII § Page 9. Junot enters Lisbon. His reception, and condition of his army, . 23 10. His attempts to conciliate the Portuguese, . . • 24 11. He seizes the reins of government, «>• 12. Feelings of various classes of Portuguese, . . 25 13. Sullen submission of the people. Their hatred of the intruders, ib. 14. The native troops disbanded or sent to France, . . 26 1 5. Junot 's despotism preferred to the dismemberment of Portugal, . ib. 16. Deputation to Napoleon. Letter of the deputies to the people of Portugal, 27 17. Effect of the oppressive acts of the French, ... 28

Chapter III. Invasion Of Spain

1. Advance of Dupont to Valladolid, .... 29 2. Entrance of fresh forces, . . . .ib. 3. Preparations of Napoleon, . . . .30 4. Character of the French armies in the Peninsula, . . 31 5. Murat enters Spain, ..... ib. 6. Seizure of Spanish fortresses, .... ib. 7. Napoleon's hypocrisy towards Charles IV., . . .ib. 8. His extraordinary proposals to the Spanish king, . . 32 9. Situation of Godoy, ... . .ib. 10. His selfishness precludes pity, .... ib. 11. He advises Charles to emigrate to the colonies. Preparations for the voyage. Suspicions excited by them, . . 33 12. Popular indignation, ..... ib. 13. Tumult at Aranjuez, ..... ib. 14. Riots at Madrid, and fall of Godoy, .... 34 15. His personal danger, ..... ib. 16. Abdication of Charles IV., ... 35 17. Popularity of Ferdinand, . . . .ib. 1 8.

Proceedings of the Council of Castile, ... 36 19. Joy at the first edict of Ferdinand VII., . . .ib. 20. New ministry, ..... 37 21. His letter to Napoleon, ... jD, 22. Murat enters Madrid, .... ib. 23. Where Ferdinand arrives upon the following day, . . 38 24. Dictatorial tone of the French. Pusillanimity of Ferdinand. ib. 25. Supiness of the Spanish government, . . 39 26. Murat foresees a popular commotion, . . ib 27. His measures to meet it, . . 40 28. Napoleon's views with respect to Spain, . . .' ib. 29. He promises Charles to support him, . . 41 30. Charles protests against his abdication, . 42 31. And implores Murat's intercession for Godoy, . '. ib 32. The Infante Don Carlos goes to meet Napoleon, . .' ib' 33. Savary arrives at Madrid, ... 43 34. He induces Ferdinand to meet Napoleon, . ' ib 35.

Letter from the latter to him, . • A 36. Ferdinand's fears and indecision. He continues his journey, 45 37. His arrival at Bayonne. His abdication is demanded, . ' 46 38. He is prevented returning to Spain, . 47 39. Murat procures the release of Godoy, .' ' ib 40. Charles IV. and his queen repair to Bayonne, . . ib' 41. Attempts to intimidate Ferdinand, . . 40 42. His abdication, . . .J~ 43. And that of Charles IV., '. '. ' ', ' 44. Dispersion and detention of the royal family of Spain ib 45. Reflections and anticipations, . gjj

Chapter IV. Commencement Op Hostilities In Spain

1. Excitement in Spain, 2. Indications of an approaching outbreak, .' .' .' ib CONTENTS. Xlii (t 3. Precautions taken by the French, ... 52 4. Riots at Toledo, ..." ib 5. Excitement in Madrid, ... 53° 6. Murat orders the departure for Bayonne of the Queen of Etruria and the Infante Don Francisco de Paula, . ib. 7. Popular commotion consequent on this decree, . ', 54' 8. Attack upon a French officer, , . ib 9. Conflict in the city, . ib' 10. Massacre that ensues, ..'.', 55 11. Endeavours of the Junta to stop the slaughter, . '. ib. 12. Inaction of the Spanish troops. Heroism of Daoiz and Velarde ib 13. Cruelty of Murat, .... 56 14. Various estimates of the number slain. Reflections on the massacre, 57 15. Sullen tranquillity of Madrid, ... 58 16. Murat appointed Lieutenant of the kingdom, . . .' ib. 17.

Ferdinand's secret orders to the Junta. They are disobeyed, . 59 18. Precautionary measures of Murat, . . . .ib. 19. Napoleon resolves to place his brother Joseph on the throne of Spain, ib. 20. Servility of the higher classes of Spaniards, ... 60 21. Napoleon's proclamation to the Spanish nation, . ib. 22. Its reception, ...... ib. 23. Insurrections in the northern provinces, . . . 61 24. And in Estremadura. Anarchy that ensued. Formation of juntas, ib. 25. The Supreme Junta. Its first measures, . . .ib. 26. Its communication with British officers. Murder of Solano, . 63 27. Surrender of a French squadron at Cadiz, . . .ib. 28. General Spencer co-operates with the Spaniards, . . 64 29. Sympathy of Great Britain with the Spaniards, . . ib. 30. Succours sent to Spain, ..... 65 31. Excesses in Valencia, ..... ib. 32.

Massacre of the French there, .... 66 33. Calvo's presumption, ..... ib. 34. His fall, ...... ib. 35. Preparations for the defence of Valencia, ... 67 36. Moncey is sent against it, .... ib. 37. His movements, ..... ib. 38. General Excelmans taken prisoner, . . . .68 39. Combat at the bridge of Pajaso, . . . .ib. 40. Further conflicts, ..... ib. 41. Defeat of the Spaniards. Moncey's conciliatory conduct, . 69 42. Moncey arrives before Valencia, . . ib. 43. He is repulsed, and compelled to retreat, ... 70 44. His critical situation, . ... .ib. 45. Defeat of Count Serbelloni, .... 71 46. Moncey retires on Madrid, . . . .ib. 47. Encouragement caused to the Spaniards by his failure, . ib.

Chapter V. Campaign Op Batlen

1. Preparations for the defence of Andalusia, ... 73 2. Forces under Dupont for its invasion, ... 74 3. He foresees resistance, and writes for reinforcements, . . ib. 4. Combat of Alcolea and retreat of Echevarria, . . ib. 5. The French enter Cordova. Their excesses there, . . 75 6. Reflections on Dupont's conduct, . . . .ib. 7. He retires to Andujar. Pillage and massacre at Jaen, . . 76 8. Atrocities of the war. Instances and reflections, . . 77 9. Inactivity of Dupont, ..... 79 10. Defects of his position, . . • 79 11. Forces under Castanos, and his plans, . . .ib. 12. Various skirmishes and manœuvres, ... 80 13. Dupont's alarm, and Vedel's disobedience, ... 81 14. Reding carries Mengibar, and defeats Gobert, . . .ib. 15. Want of concert in the French movements. Reding gets in rear of Dupont, ib.

CONTENTS. § Page 16. Battle of Baylen, . . . . . . 82 17. The French cavalry are repulsed, . • . • . ib. 18. The Spaniards everywhere successful, . . .ib. 19. Dupont's bad generalship, .... 83 20. His capitulation, ... ■ jb. 21 . Tardiness of Vedel. His operations, . . . ib. 22. The whole French army lay down their arms, . . 84 23. Exultation of the Spanish nation, .... ib. 24. Over-confidence inspired by this triumph, . . .85 25. Napoleon's indignation and Dupont's punishment, . . ib. 26. Endeavours of the French government to conceal the disaster, . 86 27. Violation of the terms of the surrender, . . .ib.

Chapter VI. Operations In The Northern Provinces

1 . Events in the north of Spain, . . . . 87 2. Measures of Bessieres there, .... ib. 3. Movements of his generals, . . . . ib. 4. Defeat of Cuesta at Cabecon, .... 88 5. Surrender of Valladolid, .... .ib. 6. Movements of the French, .... ib. 7. Merle defeats the insurgents, . . . .89 8. And enters St Andero, ..... ib. 9. Temporary tranquillity in Northern Spain, . . .ib. 10. Operations in Aragon, ..... ib. 11. Defensive preparations there, . . 90 12. Advance of Lefebvre, ..... ib. 13. Palafox is defeated at Mallen and the Xalon, . . . ib. 14. He enters Zaragoza, ..... ib. 15. Description of the city and its defences, ... 91 16. Small chances of successful defence, . . .ib. 17. Palafox's preparations, ..... 92 18. He quits the city, to effect a diversion, . . .ib. 19. And is defeated at Epila.

He returns to Zaragoza, . . ib. 20. The Monte Torrero is captured by the French, . . 93 21. Self-devotion of the Zaragozans, .... ib. 22. Heroism of the women, ... ib 23. Explosion of a powder magazine, ... 94 24. Dreadful carnage, .... ib 25. The French are repeatedly repulsed, . . ib'. 26. Entire investment of the city, ... 95 27. Energy and resources of Palafox, ..'.'. ib. 28. Resolution of the besieged, . . ib' 29. The hospital takes fire, ..".'. ib' 30. The French obtain a footing within the walls, . 96 31. Palafox is summoned to surrender, . . ib 32. Desperate conflict in the streets and houses, . . ib' 33. Dreadful state of the city, ... 07 34. Dogged courage of its defenders, ..." jb 35. Retreat of the French, ... ib' 36. Glorious example set by the Zaragozans, . ' '. 98' 37. General Foy's testimony to their heroism, . ;>, 38. Their cheerful fortitude, ' ' 99 39. Ferdinand VII. proclaimed. Rewards bestowed on the defenders of Zaragoza, ib.

Chapter VII. Operations In Catalonia

1. Proceedings of Duhesme, . ,nn 2. Insurrection at Manresa, . .' .7* 3. Resources of the Catalans, '. ?£' 4. Movements of the French commanders, M,' 5. Defeat of General Schwartz at Bruch, ' M 6. Defeat of the Catalans at Arbos, ' . ' ' ' CONTENTS. XV s Pa°-e 7. Chabran repulsed at Bruch, . . 10°2 8. Insurrection spreads through the province, . '. 103 9. Mongat captured by Duhesme, . . ib 10. French atrocities at Mataro, ib 11. Description of Gerona, ... ib 12. The first siege of Gerona, . . [ 104 13. Unsuccessful assaults, and raising of the siege, \ ib. 1 4. The Junta of Lerida organises troops, . . ib.' 15. General Reille relieves Figueras, . . 105 16. Various skirmishes. Ravages of the French, . . ib. 17. The second siege of Gerona, ...'.". 106 18. Investment of the city, . . ib 19. The garrison is reinforced, . ib' 20.

The French are harassed in their camp, . . ib! 21. Palacio lands at Tarragona, ... 107 22. The French repulsed at San Boy, ...'.' ib. 23. Mongat retaken, ... ib! 24. Caldagues approaches Gerona, ... ib. 25. Combined attack upon the French. Their defeat, . . 108 26. Prudence of Caldagues, ..... ib. 27. Duhesme raises the siege, ..... ib. 28. This victory highly creditable to the Catalans, . 109 29. Reflections on Duhesme's operations, . . .ib. 30. The campaign disastrous to the French, . . .ib.

Chapter VIII. Operations In The North

1. Gallicia a particularly defensive province, . . . 110 2. Resolute spirit of the people, .... ib. 3. Blake takes the command, . . . . .ib. 4. And joins Cuesta, . . . . .111 5. They advance to Medina del Rio Seco, . . .ib. 6. Bessieres goes to meet them, . , . .ib. 7. Disposition of the Spanish army, . . , .ib. 8. Battle of Medina del Rio Seco, . . . .112 9. Fluctuations of the action, . . . .ib. 10. Final defeat of the Spaniards, .... ib. 11. Loss on either side, ..... 113 12. Reflections on the battle. Cuesta's blunders, . . .ib. 13. Separation of Blake and Cuesta. Movements of Bessieres, . 115

Chapter IX. Advance Of Joseph To Madrid

1. Proceedings at Bayonne, . . . . .116 2. Assembly of the Notables, ..... ib. 3. Prospects of the new monarchy, .... ib. 4. Reflections on this subject, .... 117 5. Recognition of Joseph by the Notables, . . . 118 6. Baseness of Ferdinand, ..... ib. 7. Proceedings of the Notables, .... ib. 8. Joseph's choice of ministers, . . . . 119 9. He sets out for Madrid, . . . .ib. 10. His arrival there, . . • • .120 11. The rule of the Bourbons had not pressed upon the masses, . 121 12. Who had little motive to desire a change, . . .ib. 13. Joseph courts popularity, ..... ib. 14. Refusal of the Council of Castile to take the oath of allegiance, . 122 15. Joseph proclaimed king, .... .ib. 16. Alarm on the battle of Baylen. Retreat behind the Ebro decided upon, ib. 17. Triumph of the Spaniards, .... 123 18. Harassing warfare kept up by the peasantry, . . .ib. 19. The undue confidence of the French one cause of their disasters, . CONTENTS.

Chapter X

§ OPERATIONS IN PORTUGAL. Page 1. Policy of Junot, ...... 125 2. Views of the French government, . . . .ib. 3 Excitement caused in Portugal by the Spanish insurrection, . 126 4. Junot's distrust of the Spanish troops under his orders, . . ib. 5. His first measures, ..... ib. 6. Revolt of the Spanish troops in Portugal, . . . 127 7. Junot's measures and edicts, . . . .ib. 8. Insurrection in Oporto, . . . . .128 9. And in Algarve, .... . .ib. 10. The flame of revolt spreads in all directions, . . . 129 11. Measures and proclamations of the Junta, . . .ib. 12. The festival of the Corpus Christi in Lisbon, . . .ib. 13. Extraordinary panic during its celebration, . . . 130 1 4. Universal terror and confusion, . . . . ib. 15. Junot restores order, and the procession at last takes place, . 131 16.

Junot resolves to concentrate near Lisbon, . . .ib. 17. Loison's movements, ..... ib. 18. He retreats on Lisbon, . . . . . 132 19. Defeat and slaughter of the peasantry at Guarda, . . ib. 20. And at Alpedrinham, ..... ib. 21. The Alentejo rises in arms, .... 133 22. Massacre of Villa Vicosa, ..... ib. 23. Jui-amenha taken by the Spaniards, . . . .ib. 24. Capture and massacre of Beja, .... ib. 25. Missive of the ecclesiastical chapter, .... 134 26. Its reception by the Portuguese, . . , .ib. 27. Superstitious hopes of the people, . . . .ib. 28. Muster of insurgents at Leiria, .... 135 29. Capture of the town by the French. Barbarous massacre, ib. 30. Margaron's proclamation, . . . . .136 31. Insurrection in the Alentejo, . . ib. 32. Loison advances against Evora, - ... ib! 33. Position of the Hispano-Portuguese, .... 137 34. Evora taken by the French, ... ib 35. Massacre of the inhabitants, ... 138 36. Loison re-crosses the Tagus, ... ib.

Chapter XI. Campaign Of Vimiero

— CONVENTION OF CINTRA. 1. A British armament sails for the Peninsula, . . . 139 2. Sir Arthur Wellesley arrives at Oporto, . ! .' 140 3. Thence he proceeds to Lisbon, and orders General Spencer to join him ib 4. Point of landing for the troops, ... ' jjj 5. Reinforcements announced from England, ! 141 6. Landing in Mondego Bay. General Spencer arrives, .' .' . ib 7. Conference with the Portuguese generals, . ib' 8. Preparations for a march, . 9. Sir Arthur Wellesley's dispositions, . -1 40 10. Advance of the British, . . .' ■," 11. Distribution of the French, . . ". ' 12. Sufferings of Loison's corps. Junot's preparations, ! 143 13. Unreasonable demands of the Portuguese authorities ib 14. Freire refuses to co-operate with the British, . ' ,{,' ]5- Zeal and military power of Great Britain underrated in the Peninsula, 144 16.

Trifling Portuguese reinforcement afforded to Sir Arthur Wellesley ib 17. Skirmish at Bnlos, . " . "• 18. French position at Rolina, . ' ., 1 9. Advance of Wellesley, . ' *!?• 20. Disposition of the British army, ! A?' 21. Beauty of the scenery, . ,**! , " 22. Combat of Rolica, . • • • . 146 v ib. CONTENTS. XVll Pago 23. Gallant advance of Nightingale's brigade, . . . 147 24. Delaborde abandons his position, . . ib. 25. Loss on either side, . ib' 26. Policy of the attack, ••!!'. 148 27. Supposed object of Sir A. Wellesley, . . ! ! ib. 28. The affair highly honourable to the British troops, ! ib! 29. Skill displayed by Delaborde, . 149' 30. Sir A. Wellesley approaches the coast, . . .ib. 31. Landing of General Acland's corps, .... ib! 32. The French in position at Torres Vedras, . ' ib" 33.

Project of Sir A. Wellesley, . . . . ib! 34. Its chances of success, ... 150 35. Arrival of Sir Harry Burrard. Consequent change of plans, . 151 36. Against which Sir A. Wellesley in vain remonstrates, . ib. 37. Timid measures of Sir Harry Burrard. His character, . . ib. 38. The French prepare to attack, . . . 152 39. Position of Vimiero, . . . . .ib. 40. Allocation of the British army, . . . .ib. 41. Battle of Vimiero, ..... 153 42. Repulse of the French in the centre, . . . .ib. 43. The attack on the British left is equally unsuccessful, . . 154 44. Capture of artillery and of a French general, . . ib. 45. Retreat of the French, ..... ib. 46. Results of the battle, . . . . .155 47. Number of the French, .... ib. 48. Sir H. Burrard assumes the command, . . .ib. 49. And forbids the pursuit of the French, . . . 156 50.

Probable results of a less timid course, . . .ib. 51. Project of seizing Torres Vedras, .... 157 52. Its important consequences if executed, . . .ib. 53. Sir Hew Dalrymple assumes the command, . . .ib. 54. An armistice and preliminary convention, . . .ib. 55. Terms proposed, . . . . . .158 56. Sir Charles Cotton refuses to ratify the convention. Sir A. Wellesley urges the breaking off of negotiations, . . . 159 57. Demands and procrastination of the French, . . .ib. 58. A definitive convention is concluded. Arrival of Sir John Moore, ib. 59. Complaints of the Portuguese generals, . . . 160 60. Objections urged to the convention, .... ib. 61. Their character. Sir H. Dalrymple publishes a manifesto, . 161 62. Evasions of the French. Hatred of the Portuguese towards them, ib. 63. The French are compelled to disgorge a part of their plunder, . 163 64.

Embarkation of the French army. Joy in Lisbon, . . ib. 65. The Spanish troops sail for Catalonia, . . .ib. 66. Arrangement of the government of Portugal, . . . 164 67. Appointment of a regency, .... ib. 68. Indignation in England at the'Convention of Cintra. Dalrymple and Burrard recalled, . . . . .165 69. Court of inquiry assembled. Its report, . . .ib. 70. It is reassembled, and is divided in opinion, . . .ib. 71. The king expresses his disapprobation of the Convention, . 166 72. Review of the campaign, ..... ib. 73. General observations, .... 167 74. The army deficient in cavalry. Consequences of this negligence on the part of the British government, . . . 168 75. Policy of the armistice and Convention, . . . 168 76. The details of the Convention objectionable, . . . 169 77. Moral impression left by it throughout Europe, . . 170

Chapter XII. Operations On The Ebro

1. State of affairs in Spain, . . . ■ .171 2. The Council of Castile, ..... ib- 3. Appointment of a supreme government, . . . CONTENTS. XVIII § Page 4. Violent measures of Cuesta, . • ■ 172 5. Unavailing interference of the Council of Castile, . • 173 6. Conduct of the Central Junta, . . . . lb. 7. Character of its proceedings, . . . . ib. 8. Proposal of Jovellanos, . 171 9. Inefficiency of the Junta, . . • . ib. 10. Exaggerated self-confidence of the Spanish nation, . . ib. 11. Weakness of the Spanish government encourages a fresh invasion, 175 12. Europe overrun by Napoleon's armies, . . .ib. 13. The artifices of his government, .... ib. 14. Distorted account of events in the Peninsula, . . . 176 15. Reports of M. Champagny to the French Senate, . . ib. 16. Napoleon's message to the Senate, .... 177 17.