retreat, leaving behind them 3000 killed and prisoners,
and some of their cannon. The English, however, lost 1,243 in killed
and wounded, among whom were several officers high in estimation; and
General Graham finding it impossible to procure supplies, withdrew the
next day across the Santi Petri, and afterwards returned to the Isle of
Leon. La Peira, whose co-operation in this movement did him no honour,
returned with his forces to Cadiz, and the French resumed the blockade.

In the meantime Marshal Beresford, acting under the directions of Lord
Wellington, had directed his efforts against Badajoz. He invested that
city on the 8th of May; but he had scarcely commenced the siege when
intelligence arrived that Soult was returning thither with 15,000 men
for its relief. Beresford immediately suspended his operations, removed
the battering cannon and stores to Elvas, and being joined on the 14th
by the Spanish Generals Castanos and Blake prepared to meet the enemy.
Soult appeared in front of the allies, with a force of about 20,000 men;
5000 having joined him in his route. They were attacked by him on the
next day; but after a fearful slaughter on both sides, the enemy
was driven back across the river. Soult retired to the ground he had
previously occupied; and on the night of the 17th he commenced his
retreat towards Seville, leaving Badajoz to its own defence. The British
sustained a greater loss in this battle than in any that had been
fought in the Peninsula; but the steadiness and gallantry of the troops
obtained the highest commendations not only from their commander, but
from both houses of parliament.

Shortly after this battle Lord Wellington joined General Beresford, and
the siege of Badajoz was recommenced. He had left his army opposed to
Massena in the north of Portugal under General Spencer, and about
this time Massena was recalled to France, and Marmont became Spencer's
opponent. Marmont was resolved to succour Badajoz, if possible; and for
this purpose he sent 15,000 men, under Drouet, to re-enforce Sonlt if
he should be again able to advance to its relief. This had the effect
of quickening Lord Wellington's operations upon Badajoz: two different
attacks were made upon it; but though his troops behaved with their
accustomed valour, both attempts failed, and the siege was soon after
raised.

In other parts of Spain during this year, the patriots were equally
unfortunate. Thus the French marshal Suchet took