ellington had saved the
capital of Portugal, and reduced the enemy to a state of inactivity. The
sequel of Massena's invasion of that country belongs to the history of
the next year.

AFFAIRS OF SPAIN.

These events in Portugal had the effect of counteracting some of the
designs of the French in Spain. During their transaction Soult had
been devising measures for the capture of Cadiz; but towards the end of
December, instructions arrived requiring him to co-operate with Massena.
He repaired to Seville, taking with him Latour Maubourg's cavalry, and
5000 infantry; but such was Lord Wellington's precaution, and such the
activity of the partidas, that he could not effect any communication
with Massena, as directed. Under these circumstances, Soult represented
that as his force was weakened by the blockade of Cadiz, and the
protection of Seville, he dared not penetrate into the Alemtejo. This
movement, he said, would oblige him to leave Olivenza and Badajoz in his
rear, wit-h two Spanish corps under Ballasteros and Mendizabel; and he
requested permission to besiege these two places. Napoleon consented
to his request, and Soult prepared for a siege of these cities. At this
time General Hill was obliged to return home on account of ill health;
and the command of the troops, British, Spanish, and Portuguese, on the
Tagus, was given to Marshal Beres-ford. The Marshal's instructions were
to prevent the passage of the river; to intercept all communication
between Massena and Soult; and to join the main army by Vellada if in
retreat, and by Abrantes if in advance. His head-quarters were fixed at
Chamusea, and his troops dispersed along the Tagus, from Almey-rim to
the mouth of the Zezere. During the winter several attacks were made by
the irregular forces and Portuguese militia on the French detachments;
but each commander waited for re-enforcements before they assumed
offensive operations.

FOREIGN CONQUESTS, ETC.

In other quarters of the world our operations this year were of
considerable importance. In the lists of our conquests was that of
Santa Maura, added to the other Ionian Islands rescued from the French
dominion; the Dutch settlement of Amboyna, with its dependent islands;
the Dutch settlement of Banda, the principal of the Spice Islands;
and the islands of Bourbon and Mauritius. In the latter island a large
quantity-of stores and valuable merchandise, five large frigates, some
smaller ships of war, twe