defence was everywhere double, while in some
parts there was a treble range of batteries and redoubts. The first
line, which was twenty-nine English miles in length, began at Alhendra
on the Tagus, crossed the valley of Aruda, and passed along the skirts
of Monte Agraca, where there was a large and strong redoubt. It then ran
across the valley of Zibreira, skirted the deep ravine of Ruda, to the
heights of Torres Vedras, and thence followed the course of the little
river Zizandre to its mouth on the Atlantic. The second or inner line,
at a distance varying from six to eight, and in some parts to ten miles,
extended from Quintilla on the Tagus by Bucellas, Monte Chique, and
Mafra, to the mouth of the little river St. Lourenco, on the sea-coast,
a distance of about twenty-four miles. This was by far the stronger line
of the two, both by nature and by art; and if the first line were forced
by an enemy, the retreat of the army upon the second was secure at all
times. Both these lines were secured by breast-works, abattis, and stone
walls, with banquettes and scarps: not an opening nor interstice through
which a mountain goat could pass but was blocked up or guarded. Down
the hollows in which the roads ran were pointed the black muzzles of
numerous guns, projecting from batteries which could maintain a fire
in front, and a crossing fire from the flanks. And, to provide for every
occurrence, to make sure of a safe and easy passage to our ships of war
in the Tagus, there was in the rear of the second line a shorter, closer
line, to protect the embarkation of our troops. This innermost line of
all was strong enough to check even a brave enemy, had there been
no other lines before it: it rested at one extremity on a tremendous
redoubt, and at the other on the broad ditch and lofty walls of the
castle of S. Julian. About one hundred redoubts or forts, containing
altogether more than six hundred pieces of artillery, were scattered
along these lines."

Lord Wellington and the allied army entered within the foremost of
these lines on the 8th of October. On arriving each division took up its
assigned quarters, and the defences, which were strong enough before,
were made still stronger. In the whole the troops which manned them
amounted to about 130,000; of which 70,000 were regulars, and half of
them British. Mas-sena arrived in the plains below Torres Vedras on
the 11th: he appears to have been taken by surprise at the sight of
Wel