public edifices are high and well built. The Plaça or square though rather small, is built uniformly of white stone: all the houses of it being equal in height and having balconies with very neat casements and window frames painted green. A fine piazza runs entirely round the square supported by pillars ornamented with busts of distinguished personages who have lived in Spain. These piazzas are well paved with flags and are full of neat shops. The bridge over the Tormes is a work of antiquity, having been built in the time of the Romans; but its gates and watchtowers are fallen into decay. It was at Salamanca that we now expected first to see the disposition of the Spaniards towards the great cause, from which we might be able in some degree to form an estimate of the assistance or at least good will to be looked for from the country in our future operations against the common enemy; and such was the character of our reception, that nothing could be more flattering or agreeable. It would be difficult to describe the cordial (not to say enthusiastic) burst of feeling which showed itself on this occasion. No

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sooner had the troops passed the river and pitched their tents, than thousands of the inhabitants of Salamanca flocked to the field to welcome "los mas amigos de Espana, (the best friends of Spain) as they termed us. The head-quarters and that part of the army which marched into the town were every where greeted with the cry of " Viva Ingle terra," ""Viva los Inglezes," &c. (Long live England, Long live the English). Indeed no demonstration of joy and satisfaction was omitted; even the very nuns at the grating of their cells waved their handkerchiefs as the troops marched by. It was about one o'clock when we left the wood of Fragoas, and crossing a hill grown over with wild thyme, which perfumed the air, we passed near to the little village of Tejares, about a mile from the bridge, and had then to cross a deep ravine, which being commanded by the guns of the enemy in one of the forts, they fired at us, but I do not think any person was hurt. We forded the river at Santa Martha, marched through the camp of the light division, and reached Salamanca about 3 o'clock. At our billets we were

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treated with the greatest kindness and attention. The master of the house as well as the servants seemed to think that they could not do too much for us. Such civilities were very gratifying; and the agreeable novelty which surrounded us, together with the extreme loveliness of the weather, made it very pleasant. Yet it must not be forgotten that our friends the Portuguese were very generally glad to see us, and (considering the nuisance we must often have been to them) used us very well; but here there was such an air of comfort and cleanliness wherever we turned---the country around us so much richer than the barren and rocky banks of the Coa, and the language and manners of the Spaniards so superior to those of the Portuguese, at least that portion of them whose guests we had lately been, that but few, if any, of us felt any wish to return to the mountains of Lusitania. The three forts outside the town were called St. Vincente, St. Cayetano, and La Mercia. From the natural strength of the ground upon which these works stood, and the pains which had been taken in their con

struction, they were considered capable of sustaining a regular siege; and the 6th division, under the command of Major-General Clinton, being appointed to this duty, commenced operations this afternoon in the usual way, by digging trenches for heavy artillery, and making other preparations for assault.

June 18th. Operations against the forts continued. The army being posted on the heights outside the town.

19th. Some heavy guns were this morning drawn into the trenches, from which a fire immediately commenced upon the walls and palisades of the works; but the enemy, not content with firing at the troops in the trenches, was perpetually throwing shells into the town, which caused the death of several persons. The streets near to the forts being within range of their artillery, were necessarily deserted, and it required great caution to avoid these and such other openings in the direction where the enemy was lodged. In the evening it was reported by many who came in from the army in the field, that Marshal Marmont had assembled his forces

on the Douro and was advancing to the relief of Salamanca.

20th. Confirmation of this report beingreceived this morning, orders were given

for every thing belonging to the army to be ready to move out at the shortest notice. The baggage was accordingly packed and loaded upon the mules, the sick and wounded removed, and the stores sent away. The baggage of the army in the field was ordered to cross the river. These arrangements completed, at 5 o'clock in the afternoon orders were brought for the town to be cleared, and directing the head-quarters to pass the Tormes at Santa Martha, there to wait for further orders. The troops of the 6th division, however, still continued to invest the forts. The sun went down as we reached the ford of Santa Martha, where there was a great crowd of baggage, women and children passing in confusion. Some of us, however, having obtained leave to return and sleep in Salamanca, I repaired again to my old quarters.

21st. As it was expected that an engagement must take place this day, we were all