the French army assumed by Junot.-Distress of the Zaragozans. Remonstrance of the Court of Vienna.-Effects of the Peninsu- lar campaign.-Services of Sir Robert Wilson.-Reinforcement of the Portuguese army.-Romana defeated at Monterrey.-Atroci- ties of the French on the capture of Oporto.-Conduct of the British government.-Battle of Ciudad Real.-Battle of Medellin : Landing of Sir Arthur Wellesley at Lisbon.-He is appointed to Successes in Gallicia.-Capture of Vigo.-Romana enters Aus- Distribution of the hostile armies.-Description of the country be- Tagus.-Repulse of the Spaniards at the bridge of Arzobisbo.- Project of Soult.-Defeat of Vanegas at Almonacid.—Sir Ar- thur Wellesley falls back on Badajos.—Termination of the cam- Incapacity of Cuesta. He is superseded by Eguia.-Position and strength of the armies.-Advance of Arisaigo.-Battle of Oca- na.-Its consequences.-Battle of Tamames.-State of Catalonia. Siege of Gerona :-The siege converted into a blockade.-Sufferings of the inhabitants.—Capitulation of Gerona.-Unpopularity of the Recapitulation.-Speech of Napoleon to the Senate.-Prepara- tions of France.-Gloomy prospects of the allies.-Hopes of Lord Wellington-His policy-Moves his head-quarters to Vizeu.- Soult enters Andalusia-Forces the mountain passes and enters Seville.-Cadiz saved by the Duke del Albuquerque.-Deposition of the Supreme Junta, and appointment of a Council of Regency.- The French in Andalusia annoyed by Guerillas.-Description of the Isla de Leon and of Cadiz :-Their defences.-Matagorda a- bandoned.-Dissensions in Cadiz.-Albuquerque retires in disgust. -Preparations of Sir Thomas Graham for the defence of Cadiz.- Atrocious proclamation of Soult, and consequent decree of the Spanish government.-Character of Joseph Buonaparte.-Opera- tions of Suchet.-State of Aragon and Navarre.-Suchet advances against Valencia :-Retreats.-Blake appointed governor of Ca- diz.-Affairs in Catalonia.-Siege and fall of Hostalrich.-Fall of State of public feeling in England.—The French armies rein- Position of Lord Wellington in Lower Beiria.-Siege of Ciudad ANNALS OF THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGNS. CHAPTER I. CAMPAIGN OF SIR JOHN MOORE. 1808. October. On the liberation of Portugal, by the Conven- CHAP. I. tion of Cintra, it was determined by the British government to despatch an expedition to the north of Spain. Preparations for this purpose were immediately set on foot by Sir Hew Dalrymple, and continued by Sir Harry Burrard, without any considerable progress being made in the equipment of the army for active service. It was not till the sixth of October that Sir VOL. II. A 2 APPOINTMENT OF SIR JOHN MOORE: CHAP. I. John Moore received official information of his 1808. October. being appointed to command the troops destined for this service. The despatch stated, that the officer commanding the forces of his Majesty in Portugal, was directed to detach a corps of twenty thousand infantry, with two regiments of German light cavalry, and a suitable body of artillery, to be placed under his orders, and that this force would be joined by a corps of above ten thousand men, then assembling at Falmouth, under command of Sir David Baird. Sir John Moore was directed to proceed, with the troops under his more immediate command, without any avoidable delay; and was instructed to fix on some place of rendezvous for the whole army, either in Gallicia or on the borders of Leon. The specific plan of operations to be subsequently adopted, he was to concert with the commanders of the Spanish armies. Sir John Moore had no sooner assumed the command, than he found he had considerable difficulties to overcome. Few effective preparations had been made for the equipment of the troops by his predecessors in command. Magazines were to be formed, and |