considerable force, amounting to 10,000, sailed early in June, from
Cork, for Coruna, under the command of the Honourable Sir Arthur
Wellesley. This armament, originally designed to co-operate with another
from India in a great attack on Mexico, had its destination altered the
moment the Spanish Insurrection was announced. Sir Arthur, being
permitted to land at what point of the Peninsula he should judge most
advantageous for the general cause, was soon satisfied that Portugal
ought to be the first scene of his operations, and accordingly lost no
time in opening a communication with the patriots, who had taken
possession of Oporto. Here the troops which had been designed to aid
Castanos joined him. Thus strengthened, and well informed of the state
of the French armies in Spain, Sir Arthur resolved to effect a landing
and attack Junot while circumstances seemed to indicate no chance of his
being reinforced by Bessieres.

It is, perhaps, an evil unavoidable in the institutions of an old and
settled government, that men rarely, very rarely, unless they possess
the advantages of illustrious birth and connection, can hope to be
placed in situations of the highest importance until they have passed
the prime vigour of their days. Sir Arthur Wellesley, fortunately for
England and for Europe, commenced life under circumstances eminently
favourable for the early development and recognition of his great
talents. To his brother, the Marquis Wellesley's rank as
Governor-General of India, he owed the opportunity of conducting our
armies in the East at a time of life when, if of inferior birth, he
could hardly have commanded a battalion; and the magnificent campaign of
Assaye so established his reputation, that shortly after his return to
Europe he was entrusted without hesitation with the armament assembled
at Cork.

It was on the 8th of August, 1808--a day ever memorable in the history
of Britain--that Sir Arthur Wellesley effected his debarkation in the
bay of Mondego. He immediately commenced his march towards Lisbon, and
on the 17th came up with the enemy under General Laborde, strongly
posted on an eminence near Rorica. The French contested their ground
gallantly, but were driven from it at the point of the bayonet, and
compelled to retreat. The British General, having hardly any cavalry,
was unable to pursue them so closely as he otherwise would have done:
and Laborde succeeded in joining his shattered division to the rest of