ABSTRACT
The ancient spirit of the Portuguese, which had flashed up in the students for a moment under the supposed insult to their flag, died away before the physical obstacles of the enervating climate. It was lamentable to see the morale and discipline of the army perishing in spite of the strenuous efforts of the few leaders who maintained their determination. A Portuguese corvette, the Liberal, and two gunboats, the Auxiliar and Tamega, were there to give emphasis to his refusal. The ruse succeeded, for an Engineer officer in the Portuguese lines read the signals, and any intentions they may have had of making such a movement were thereby averted. The British rifle-fire was well directed, and at length Ferreira’s men, who were halted on the edge of a small ravine, retreated to take cover behind a ridge, whence, on being pressed, they fell back on the fort.
