Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1834 edition. Excerpt: ... 119 Chapter XVI. THE CAMPAIGN IN SPAIN. A Few days after the command of the army had devolved on Sir Harry Burrard, despatches arrived from the War Minister, containing the appointment of Sir John Moore to the chief command of an army to be employed in Spain. These letters were dated the 25th of September, previous to Sir Arthur Wellesley's arrival in England, and consequently anticipated the communication he intended to make to Government. A private letter from Lord Castlereagh to Sir John accompanied the public despatches, assuring him of his personal assistance in everything respecting the public service; and begging him to write confidentially, and privately, on subjects connected with his command. Moore replied in the same amicable strain, and resolved to act conformably; which the good of the service required, and he thought of nothing else. Before relating the proceedings of the British army, it is requisite to notice briefly the events in Spain which followed the compulsory deposition of the sovereign. Napoleon had despatched his brother to Madrid, to be proclaimed king of Spain, nearly as he would have nominated one of his officers to a vacant commission. And this appointment was supported by seventy thousand French troops*, who were soon augmented to a hundred and ten thousand; which force, commanded by experienced generals, was considered adequate to hold in submission a dejected nation, that in latter times had not been distinguished for military prowess. The insurrection, however, which burst forth against this audacious usurpation, proved far more formidable than had been apprehended. The infuriated populace rose up suddenly, and attacked stragglers, and * History of the Peninsular War, by Colonel Napier.--Vol. i. p. 45....
