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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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glish and Spaniards acting together , Would fortify die passes of the Pyrenees , tad prevent the entrance again into Spain of the French army . To the surprise of all Europe the opportunity was lost . The French retained a small territory rnider the Pyrenees , and there they remained unhurt . No attempt was
made by either the English or the Spaniards to drive them out of the country or to seize the passed . The summer " was suffered to elapse without effort , and in the autumn the English were in Portugal , setting free the French from chat place , or at the extremity of Gallicia , out of the reach of beneficial
service to Spain . Buonaparte on heading his army , quickly destroyed the Spanish armies on his right and left , and marched with , great rapidity to the capital , which surrendered in a few days by capitulation . Here he made a grand review of his troops , and sent off a detachment against the English , who had
effected a junction on the borders of Gallicia and Leon . The great force of the French compelled them to retreat to the sea-coast ; and pursued by the corps under Marshal Soult and the detachment from the grand army , they -with great difficulty , loss and fatigue , sheltered themselves in Corunna , and
prepared to re-embark on board their transports , which arrived off the to , wn about the same time that the advanced guards of the French were seen oh the summits of the hills around it . A melancholy day afterwards ensued .
The troops were to be embarked , and the French were expected in great force to prevent it . The embarkation was effected with great skill and prudence , and the general provided every thing for the safety of his army in a manner Which will ever do honour to his
memory . Before it could be completed , the French made an attack on the troops that covered it . They were met by the English with all that determination and bravery , which is familiar to our countrymen , and which will at all times , if fairly conducted , render them superior
to much more than equal numbers of the French . A real general was now at their head , and he acted with the spirit that he had displayed throughout an active life of military service . Led on by him our troops repulsed the French in every direction , but the victory was purchased at a very clear rate . We lost
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the brave general Moore . He wa # brought down by a cannon ball early iri the day , and expired soon after , with the satisfaction however of knowing , that he died in the performance , to the
utmost , of his duty to his country % that victory had crowned this last effort ; and that the embarkation was completed * The victory over the French was so decisive , that not a man appeared to obstruct our troops for upwards 6 f twelve hours after the engagement .
Thus ended this disastrous expedition , and with it all hopes of opposition to Buonaparte in the north of Spain . The southern part is still unhurt , and they are preparing , it is said , for a most
warlike defence ; but the numbers and discipline of the French forbid us to entertain any expectation of success . Flushed with victory , Buonaparte will rapidly appear among them . His decrees will have created a division of sentiment .
Ill success will have ripened jealousies among the commanders . They have a numerous population , but the opportunity has been lost of rendering it energetic ; and a crucifix and a waxen doll are but bad shields against the bayonets of Buonaparte .
The fate of the Spanish colonies naturally excites attention . They were more bigoted than the mo : her country , and afforded a considerable revenue to the see of Rome by the purchase of its beads and rosaries , and indulgences , and such like mummeries . Already they have , partaken of the confusion of Spain . " Attempts have been made to bring them over to the influence of the
French , but they seem in general to have remained steady to the banners o £ Ferdinand . The part they are now to take is uncertain . The probability is ^ that they will form independent states , for whilst the English retain such an influence at sea , it will be impossible for
the French * to , inteifere with their go ^ vernmefots ; - In this case , great advantages will be held out to the commerce of this country , and by England being * the early protectress of Spanish America , a trade may be established that will be mutually beneficial to both
parties . We shall rejoice if it tends to break the chains of superstition , and to bring the poor Indians to the knowledge of true Christianity . Assuredly Frovidence is preparing - great ^ venta tha * will console the present afflicted church ;
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48 State bf Public Affairs .
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Jan. 2, 1809, page 48, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1732/page/48/
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