Gu_rr[ Li\_r[l 1832-1833

Transcrição

Tito Om\oni
Gu_rr[ Li\_r[l
1832-1833
Avvenimenti militari e politici dell'ultimo mezzo secolo del Portogallo
in Rivista Enciclopedica Italiana, Torino, UTET, 1855, III, pp. 215-250.
Pedro IV - Miguel I
Liberal Wars
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Date
Location
Result
1828 to 1834
Portugal
Liberal victory, Treaty of Evoramonte:
• Constitutional Monarchy is restored
• Dom Miguel renounces all his claims to the throne and heads to exile
Liberals
Miguelites
Commanders and leaders
Dom Pedro
Duke of Terceira
Duke of Saldanha
Dom Miguel
Viscount of Montalegre
Viscount of Santa Marta
Peter I versus Miguel I
Peter IV of Portugal, Ist of Brazil - Miguel I of Portugal
The Liberal Wars, also known as the Portuguese Civil War, the War of the Two Brothers, or Miguelite War, was a
war between progressive constitutionalists and authoritarian absolutists in Portugal over royal succession that lasted
from 1828 to 1834. Embroiled parties included the United Kingdom, France, Portugal, Portuguese rebels, the bishops of
the Catholic Church and Spain.
Roots of the conflict The death of King João VI in 1826 created a dispute over royal succession. The rightful heir to the
throne was his eldest son, Peter I, who was briefly made Pedro IV. Neither the Portuguese nor the Brazilians wanted a
unified monarchy; consequently, Pedro abdicated the Portuguese Crown in favor of his daughter, Maria da Glória, a
child of seven, on the condition that when of age she marry his brother, Miguel. In April 1826, as part of the succession
settlement, Pedro revised the constitution granted in 1822, the first constitution of Portugal, and left the throne to Maria,
with his sister Isabella Maria as regent.
A new constitution In the Portuguese Constitutional Charter, Pedro attempted to reconcile absolutists and liberals by
allowing both factions a role in the Government. Unlike the Constitution of 1822, this new document established four
branches of the Government. The Legislature was divided into two chambers. The upper chamber, the Chamber of
Peers, was composed of life and hereditary peers and clergy appointed by the king. The lower chamber, the Chamber of
Deputies, was composed of 111 deputies elected to four-year terms by the indirect vote of local assemblies, which in
turn were elected by a limited suffrage of male tax-paying property owners. Judicial power was exercised by the courts;
executive power by the ministers of the Government; and moderative power by the King, who held an absolute veto
over all legislation.
Discontent The absolutist party of the landowners and the Church, however, were not satisfied with this compromise,
and they continued to regard Miguel as the legitimate successor to the throne on the grounds that according to the
Portuguese succession rules (approved by the Cortes after the 1640 Restoration), Pedro had lost the right to the
Portuguese Crown, and therefore to choose a successor, when he took possession of a foreign crown (Brazil). They
were alarmed by the liberal reforms that had been initiated in Spain by the detested Revolutionary French (reforms
which the Portuguese feudal aristocracy had been spared) and took heart at the recent restoration of the autocratic
Ferdinand VII in Spain (1823) who was eradicating all the Napoleonic innovations. In February 1828, Miguel returned
to Portugal, ostensibly to take the oath of allegiance to the Charter and assume the regency. He was immediately
proclaimed king by his supporters, who pressed him to return to absolutism. A month after his return, Miguel dissolved
the Chamber of Deputies and the Chamber of Peers and, in May, summoned the traditional cortes of the three estates of
the realm to proclaim his accession to absolute power. The Cortes of 1828 assented to Miguel's wish, proclaiming him
king as Miguel I of Portugal and nullifying the Constitutional Charter.
Rebellion
This alleged usurpation did not go unchallenged by the liberals. On May 18, the garrison in Porto, the center of
Portuguese progressives, declared its loyalty to Pedro, to Maria da Glória, and the Constitutional Charter. The rebellion
against the absolutists spread to other cities. Miguel suppressed these rebellions, and many thousands of liberals were
either arrested or fled to Spain and Britain. There followed five years of repression. Meanwhile, in Brazil, relations
between Pedro and Brazil's agricultural magnates had become strained. In April 1831 Pedro abdicated in Brazil in favor
of his son, Pedro II, and sailed for Britain. He organized a military expedition there and then went to the Azores, which
were in the hands of the liberals, to set up a government in exile. In July 1832, with the backing of liberals in Spain and
England an expedition led by Dom Pedro as Pedro IV landed near Porto, which the Miguelites abandoned and where,
after military activities including the Battle of Ponte Ferreira, Pedro and his associates were besieged by Miguelite
forces for nearly a year. To protect British interests, a naval squadron under Commander William Glascock in HMS
Orestes was stationed in the Douro, where it came under fire from both sides. In June 1833, the liberals, still encircled
at Porto, sent to the Algarve a force commanded by the Duke of Terceira supported by a naval squadron commanded by
Charles Napier, using the alias 'Carlos de Ponza'. Terceira landed at Faro and marched north through the Alentejo to
capture Lisbon on July 24th. Meanwhile Napier's squadron encountered the absolutists' fleet near Cape Saint Vincent
(Cabo São Vincente) and decisively defeated it at the fourth Battle of Cape St. Vincent. The liberals were able to
occupy Lisbon, where Pedro moved from Porto and repulsed a Miguelite siege. A stalemate of nine months ensued.
Towards the end of 1833 Maria da Glória was proclaimed Queen, and Dom Pedro was made Regent. His first act was to
confiscate the property of all who had served under Dom Miguel. He also suppressed all religious houses and
confiscated their property, an act that suspended friendly relations with Rome for nearly eight years, until mid-1841.
The absolutists controlled the rural areas, where they were supported by the aristocracy, and by a peasantry that was
galvanized by the Church. The liberals occupied Portugal's major cities, Lisbon and Porto, where they commanded a
sizeable following among the middle classes. Operations against the Miguelites began again in earnest in early 1834.
Meanwhile, the liberal army had suffered a sound defeat at Alcácer do Sal, which proved that, despite the Duke of
Terceira's recent march from Faro to Lisbon, the South was still loyal to the Miguelites.
Peace The Battle of Asseiceira, fought on May 16th, 1834, was the last and decisive engagement of the Portuguese
Civil War. The Migueliste army was still formidable (about 18,000 men), but on May 24th, 1834, at Évora-Monte, a
peace was declared under a convention by which Dom Miguel formally renounced all claims to the throne of Portugal,
was guaranteed an annual pension, and was definitively exiled. Dom Pedro restored the Constitutional Charter, but he
died September 24th, 1834. Maria da Glória resumed her interrupted reign as Maria II of Portugal.
Batalha da Praia da Vitória
Origem: Wikipédia, a enciclopédia livre.
A batalha naval ao largo da Vila da Praia [da Vitória]
Data
Local
Resultado
baía da Praia da Vitória
Vitória dos liberais
D. Miguel, Absolutistas
D. Maria II, Liberais
A batalha da Praia da Vitória foi um combate naval ferido no dia 11 de agosto de 1829, na baía da então Vila da
Praia, em que forças Miguelistas intentaram um desembarque naquele trecho do litoral da Ilha Terceira, nos Açores. A
derrota dos absolutistas neste recontro foi decisiva para a afirmação e posterior vitória das ideias liberais em Portugal. O
dia 11 de agosto apresentou-se com nevoeiro e tempo brusco, com pancadas de chuva e rajadas de vento. No mar,
apresentou-se uma esquadra composta por cerca de vinte embarcações, sob o comando do almirante Rosa Coelho,
integrada por:
• 1 nau
• 3 fragatas
• 2 corvetas
• 4 bergantins e
• 3 charruas
Transportava cerca de 4.000 homens e estava artilhada com um total de 340 peças, a que se acrescentavam seis barcas
canhoneiras, cada uma com uma peça. A força de desembarque era comandada pelo coronel Azevedo Lemos (que, em
agosto de 1828 conquistara a Madeira), transportada em:
• 2 escunas
• 2 iates e
• 2 patachos
Pelo lado de terra, um arco de uma dezena de pequenos fortes de marinha e baterias, leais a Maria II de Portugal,
defendiam aquele trecho de litoral com cerca de cinco quilômetros de extensão. A batalha iniciou-se com a clássica
abertura de pesado fogo da artilharia dos navios da esquadra sobre os fortes, tendo o bombardeamento se estendido por
quatro horas. Estima-se que foram disparados, pelos navios, cerca de 5.000 tiros, a que os fortes resistiram como
puderam. Com o vento Oeste impelindo os navios para Leste, os invasores intentaram um primeiro desembarque junto
ao Forte do Espírito Santo seguido por um segundo, mais para dentro do areal e próximo à Vila da Praia, a coberto da
artilharia embarcada. Ambas as tentativas foram, entretanto, repelidas pelos defensores em terra, os chamados
"Voluntários da Rainha", homens recém-incorporados, com pouco treino, sob o comando de militares liberais evadidos
de outras unidades do Exército Português e que haviam conseguido alcançar a ilha., Ao fim do dia de luta os
Miguelistas levantaram ferro, deixando nas mãos dos liberais algumas centenas de mortos e prisioneiros. A derrota
Miguelista é atribuída a erros de estratégia por parte de seus comandantes. A vitória liberal nesta batalha transformou a
percepção da Terceira, antes considerada como "a ratoeira", agora vista como "baluarte da liberdade". Após o fim do
conflito, a soberana concederia à vila o título de Praia da Vitória.
Ver também Combate do Pico do Seleiro Forte de Santa Catarina (Cabo da Praia)
Battle of Ponte Ferreira
Date
Location
Result
Loyalists
Duke of Terceira
6,000
[1]
440 dead and wounded[3]
23 July 1832
Ponte Ferreira, near Valongo
Indecisive
Miguelites
Viscount of Montalegre General Cardoso
15,000[2]
1,500 dead and wounded[4]
The Battle of Ponte Ferreira, fought on 22–23 July 1832, was the first major battle of the Portuguese Civil War
between the forces of Dom Pedro, ex-Emperor of Brazil and Regent for his daughter Maria da Gloria, and the army of
his brother Dom Miguel, who had usurped the throne of Portugal. Though technically a victory for Pedro's forces, it
gave him no lasting advantage because the enemy were not pursued and were able to return in full strength, as a result
of which he was besieged in Oporto for an entire year.
Background
Dom Pedro's expeditionary force from the Azores landed in Portugal on 7 July 1832 and on the 9th he occupied Oporto
as the city had been abandoned by the Miguelite army, which withdrew across the River Douro. Though this was a bold
stroke, Pedro and his advisers had been under the impression that the peasantry and Miguel's army would at once
declare allegiance to their rightful queen, and nothing of the sort happened. Though the Count of Vila Flor urged him to
take the offensive, their forces delayed for several days in Oporto resting and reorganizing. Meanwhile the Miguelite
army, commanded by General Cardoso and Count Montalegre, was reinforced and re-crossed the Douro some distance
east of Oporto. When this was known Dom Pedro sent Colonel Hodges with his British battalion on the 17th to
reconnoitre the enemy's movements. Learning that they had occupied Penafiel with a strong force, he was reinforced by
a volunteer regiment with orders to drive the Miguelites from Penafiel. Between the 19th and 21st this was
accomplished, and the force then returned to Oporto, but the Miguelites, who had been concentrating their full strength
at Amarante, followed them. Before daybreak on the 22nd the bulk of Dom Pedro's army marched out from Oporto
along the Valongo road to give battle. The army was something of a multinational force, consisting of exiled opponents
of Miguel's regime who had rallied to Pedro in the Azores (one battalion consisted entirely of officers), Portuguese
volunteers loyal to the Queen, two British contingents commanded by Colonels Shaw and Hodges, and a French
contingent commanded by Major Checar. Overall command was exercised by the Count of Vila Flor, with Colonels
Brito and Schwalbach leading the Portuguese infantry and some artillery in the charge of Colonel Fonseca.
Battle
22 July
Daybreak on the 22nd July found the Dom Pedro army on the heights of Valongo confronting the Miguelite army which
was in a strong position before the village of Ponte Ferreira. Although greatly outnumbered the Dom Pedro light troops
attacked with artillery support, but were repulsed and fell back, some guns being lost. They retreated towards Rio Tinto,
where Vila Flor had decided to concentrate his forces in order to make an all-out attack the following day. The
Miguelite army advanced, following the retreating Dom Pedro forces, and then prepared a defensive position behind the
River Sousa, their left protected by the high ground on the right bank of the Douro and their right by a sugar-loaf hill
where they placed artillery and a considerable force. Overall they outnumbered Pedro's army, which bivouacked for the
night, by at least two to one.
23 July
At 3 a.m. the Dom Pedro forces moved out of camp, with the light division under Schwalbach in the centre, Brito's
division on the right, and the officers' division, the artillery, the 3rd battalion of the Portuguese 18th Regiment and the
French and the British contingents on the left, under Hodges. Dom Pedro himself remained some distance in the rear
with a reserve. Hodges' forces were ordered to turn the Miguelite right, and succeeded - the sugar-loaf hill was
abandoned and the Portuguese battalion was able to ascend it unopposed. However the French contingent was caught in
the plain by the Miguelite cavalry and suffered heavy casualties, Major Checar being killed. The cavalry then attempted
to charge the British, who had taken position behind a wall, but were driven back. Meanwhile Brito's division had been
ordered to take the Miguelite left, but despite repeated orders did not advance. The Miguelites, supported by guerrillas,
re-took the hill, and Hodges requested reinforcements from Vila Flor, but these were held back by Dom Pedro for a
considerable time. Nevertheless when they came up they regained the hill from the Miguelites in a bayonet charge while
Hodges attacked the enemy line from the left. Having suffered heavy casualties the Miguelites withdrew, leaving the
field to Pedro's army. Vila Flor wished to follow up the victory and pursue the enemy, but Pedro countermanded this
and the army returned to Oporto on the afternoon of the 24th.
Aftermath
While the battle was in progress a second Miguelite army under General Póvoas had approached the Douro from the
south and taken possession of Vila Nova de Gaia directly across the river from Oporto. This caused panic among the
population, which the governor Mascarenhas could do nothing to prevent, and was increased by a false report that Dom
Pedro's treasure and baggage was being loaded on a ship, showing he was abandoning the city. Also the night after the
army's return the sleeping quarters of one of the regiments was destroyed by fire, blamed on arson by Capuchin monks.
Dom Pedro's hope that a military victory would suffice to rally Portugal to his cause was now proved illusory, and it
was decided to fortify Oporto, which was soon under siege from both sides of the river. Several of Dom Pedro's officers
and ministers now began to intrigue for the removal of Vila Flor, and he therefore tendered his resignation; but Dom
Pedro refused to accept it, confirmed him as general in chief, and at his request dismissed instead his chief of staff and
his quartermaster-general, who were replaced in both roles by Brigadier Valdez as Adjutant-General. Moscarehnos was
replaced as Governor of Oporto by Bernardo de Sá Nogueira.
Notes
1. ^ Bollaert, p.36
2. ^ Bollaert, p.36
3. ^ Bollaert, p.36
4. ^ Bollaert, p.36
Principal source for this entry is Admiral Charles Napier's narrative of the battle, its antecedents and aftermath in his An
Account of the War in Portugal between Don Pedro and Don Miguel (London: T & W Boone, 1836), pp. 36–52. Much
of this passage is marked as reproducing "Hodges' Narrative".
References William Bollaert, The Wars of Succession of Portugal and Spain, from 1826 to 1840 (2010) ISBN
9781445554907
Cerco do Porto
Origem: Wikipédia, a enciclopédia livre.
Data
Local
Resultado
D. Miguel, Absolutistas
Julho de 1832 a Agosto de 1833
cidade do Porto
Vitória dos liberais
D. Pedro, Liberais
General Póvoa Visconde de Santa Marta Almirante Sartorius Carlos
General Gaspar Teixeira Marechal de Bourmont Saldanha General Torres
60.000
12.000
Napier
General
Guerra Civil Portuguesa
Cabo de S. Vicente – Praia da Vitória – Porto – Pernes – Asseiceira – Almoster
Dá-se o nome de Cerco do Porto ao período, que durou mais de um ano — de Julho de 1832 a Agosto de 1833 —, no
qual as tropas liberais de D. Pedro estiveram sitiadas pelas forças realistas fiéis a D. Miguel. A essa heróica resistência
da cidade do Porto e das tropas de D. Pedro se deveu a vitória da causa liberal em Portugal. Entre outros, combateram
no Cerco do Porto do lado dos liberais Almeida Garrett, Alexandre Herculano e Joaquim António de Aguiar.
Ocupação do Porto e primeiros recontros Entrando no Porto no dia imediato ao do desembarque do Mindelo, a 9 de
Julho de 1832, o exército libertador encontrou a cidade abandonada pelas tropas realistas, cujos chefes, ignorantes do
número exacto das forças liberais, tinham resolvido retirar. O general Manuel Gregório de Sousa Pereira de Sampaio,
1.º visconde de Santa Marta, comandante supremo da divisão realista que operava entre a Figueira da Foz e Vila do
Conde, resolveu estabelecer-se em Vila Nova de Gaia, ordenando que, no mesmo dia da entrada dos liberais na cidade,
se fizesse fogo contra os ocupantes, pelo que logo no dia 10 o almirante liberal inglês Rose George Sartorius mandou os
seus barcos entrar a barra do Rio Douro e ripostar ao fogo realista, ao mesmo tempo que, protegida pela esquadra, a
divisão do tenente-coronel João Schwalbach atravessou o rio e ocupou a Serra do Pilar, em Gaia, obrigando os realistas
a retirar em debandada até Oliveira de Azeméis. Entretanto João Schwalbach avançou com as suas forças até ao Alto da
Bandeira e postou guardas avançadas nos Carvalhos, ficando os dois exércitos em observação, sem qualquer deles ousar
uma acção de envergadura. No dia 18 de Julho deu-se o primeiro ataque violento dos realistas, sem êxito, e cinco dias
depois travou-se o combate de Penafiel, até onde havia seguido uma coluna liberal, que desbaratou os realistas e
regressou ao Porto, depois de ter praticado numerosas brutalidades, reforçando o mau conceito em que os tinham as
populações, criado pelo clero das aldeias.
Forças sitiadas Do lado absolutista, dá-se a junção das forças do general Álvaro Xavier Coutinho e Póvoas com as do
visconde de Santa Marta, dispondo depois os dois generais os seus exércitos de forma a rodear a cidade. D. Pedro
mandou uma coluna atacar Valongo, a qual caiu numa emboscada inimiga junto de Ponte de Ferreira, o que a fez recuar
até Rio Tinto, derrota que alarmou a cidade. Entretanto a Serra do Pilar era fortificada pelo major Sá Nogueira, e D.
Pedro, que via a impossibilidade de ocupar o Norte do País, como inicialmente supusera, procedeu à reorganização do
Exército, criando o Estado-Maior e despachando Pedro de Sousa Holstein, à época marquês de Palmela, para Londres,
com o encargo de obter apoio financeiro à causa e contratar oficiais e soldados. No dia 27 travou-se violento combate
ao sul de Grijó, onde Póvoas desbaratou as forças do conde de Vila Flor, que recuaram em debandada até ao Alto da
Bandeira. Entretanto, as tropas realistas, devido à rivalidade entre os generais Póvoas e Santa Marta, passaram a ser
superiormente comandadas pelo general Gaspar Teixeira, visconde de Peso da Régua, e iniciou-se o cerco à cidade, que
ficou envolvida por uma série de fortes redutos, que começavam na Quinta da China, junto ao Rio Douro, em
Campanhã, terminando nas proximidades da Senhora da Luz, à Foz do Douro, junto ao mar, toda esta linha situada ao
norte do rio. Ao sul começavam as linhas no Cabedelo, em Canidelo, frente à Foz do Douro, e iam acabar à Pedra
Salgada, fronteira ao monte do Seminário, postando nesse espaço quinze baterias.
Primeiras investidas do exército realista No dia 8 de Setembro de 1832 os realistas começaram os seus ataques em
força, assaltando a Serra do Pilar, valorosamente defendida pelos voluntários cognominados os polacos, iniciando-se no
dia seguinte o bombardeamento do Porto, baptismo de fogo da cidade, que muitos outros iria suportar durante o cerco.
No dia 16 os sitiados fizeram a sua primeira surtida, tendo então ocupado o Morro das Antas, na parte alta da cidade, o
que veio dar-lhes ânimo. No entanto, tentando pôr finalmente cobro à insólita situação de um punhado de 7.500 homens
persistir em resistir a um exército organizado de 80 mil, o general realista Gaspar Teixeira começou a preparar um
assalto em força escolhendo o dia 29 de Setembro, em que a Igreja celebra o arcanjo São Miguel, epónimo do rei, para o
fazer, tendo prometido aos seus soldados o saque da cidade. Efectivamente, no dia 29, a coberto dum nevoeiro cerrado,
os sitiantes avançaram pelos lados de Campanhã, chegando a entrar na Rua do Prado, onde foram recebidos pelos
resistentes, travando-se combate tão violento que daí recebeu a rua o nome actual de Rua do Heroísmo. Idênticos
assaltos violentos ocorreram noutros pontos das linhas, durante os quais o exército sitiado praticou actos da maior
bravura, de tal forma que, quando o general realista Gaspar Teixeira reconheceu a impossibilidade de esmagar a cidade
e ordenou a retirada, se encontrou com mais de 4 mil baixas, a que corresponderam escassas 650 por parte dos sitiados.
Esta derrota realista desmoralizou os sitiantes e o seu general, pelo que este resolveu pedir ao rei que viesse, com a sua
presença, levantar o moral caído das suas tropas. D. Miguel partiu, portanto, para o Norte, fazendo-se acompanhar de
um célebre e imponente canhão baptizado com o nome de «mata-malhados» e em que todos punham grandes
esperanças. Antes do rei chegar, deram os sitiantes novos e furiosos assaltos à Serra do Pilar, nos dias 13 e 14 de
Outubro, sendo, como até então, repelidos pelo heróico general Torres. No dia 1 de Novembro estabeleceu D. Miguel o
seu quartel-general em Braga, a cidade fiel, onde foi recebido apoteoticamente, fazendo imediatamente substituir
Gaspar Teixeira no comando pelo visconde de Santa Marta, que procurou apertar o cerco.
As duras condições do cerco No Porto declararam-se dois novos e inesperados inimigos, que iam dizimando os
sitiados que as bombas poupavam: a cólera e o tifo. Na cidade começava a faltar tudo, o que colocava os sitiados ante a
perspectiva de uma rendição pela fome. Por isso tentaram, ao longo do mês de Novembro, várias surtidas, todas sem
grande efeito. No dia 11, os realistas submeteram a cidade a um bombardeamento ininterrupto, que se prolongou até ao
cair da noite do dia 12, aniversário de D. Pedro. No entanto, estes ferozes bombardeamentos da cidade, em vez de
desmoralizar, contribuíram para solidificar nos portuenses a sua identificação com os liberais e a sua determinação em
resistir. No entanto, a penúria do Tesouro levou a dificuldades no pagamento às tropas mercenárias. O que, entre outros
casos lamentáveis, levou à saída do almirante Sartorius com os navios da esquadra e aos distúrbios constantes dos
mercenários ingleses que reclamavam os soldos atrasados. A 28 de Janeiro de 1833 chega ao Porto o general Saldanha,
acompanhado de um grupo de liberais extremistas, o que vinha aumentar a dissidência no campo liberal. Para atenuar as
desinteligências políticas dentro do burgo, D. Pedro e o seu governo resolveram promover Saldanha a marechal,
entregando-lhe o comando da 2.ª divisão. Em começos de Fevereiro de 1833 toma o comando dos realistas o conde de
S. Lourenço, continuando os ataques e os bombardeamentos à cidade. Tinham-se ali abatido todas as árvores para
substituir a lenha que faltava. A situação era tão desesperada que se chegou a pensar seriamente em capitular, ao que
Saldanha se opôs tenazmente. No dia 9 de Abril os sitiados, num golpe audacioso e depois de violento combate,
apoderaram-se do reduto do Covelo, o que desmoralizou os sitiantes, que começaram a desertar em quantidade.
A vitória final e o levantamento do cerco Entretanto, no dia 1 de Junho de 1833, Palmela, que em Londres procurara
por todos os meios salvar a causa liberal e conseguir dinheiro, com o qual comprara mais navios e contratara
voluntários, à cabeça dos quais o capitão da marinha de guerra Carlos Napier, que substituiu o insubmisso Sartorius,
entretanto exonerado, sendo Saldanha elevado a chefe do Estado-Maior. A conselho de Napier, deu-se corpo a um plano
já antigo de ataque de surpresa por mar contra Lisboa, que depois se substituiu pelo desembarque no Algarve, que iria
dar a triunfo à causa. Após a partida da esquadra, o exército realista, na crença de que a saída daquelas forças
enfraquecesse a defesa da cidade, deu um vigoroso assalto a 5 de Julho, repelido com numerosas baixas, tendo
Saldanha, em virtude deste triunfo, sido promovido a tenente-general. Entretanto, D. Miguel contratou o célebre
marechal de Bourmont para comandante supremo, tendo este ordenado outro ataque à cidade no dia 25, o mais violento
de todo o cerco. Foi nesse dia que Saldanha, à frente de 20 lanceiros apenas, comandou uma carga que o veio a tornar
famoso. Vendo o seu exército batido, D. Miguel, que seguia o combate do alto do Monte de S. Gens na Senhora da
Hora, atirou ao chão o óculo que empunhava, irritado com a derrota, quando contava com uma vitória estrondosa. No
dia imediato, D. Pedro partiu para Lisboa, ocupada já pelas tropas do duque da Terceira, com os navios de Napier
ancorados no Tejo, fincando a defesa do Porto entregue a Saldanha. No dia 9 de Agosto, D. Miguel e o seu Estado-
Maior retiraram para o Sul, ao encontro das forças do duque, ficando a comandar o exército sitiante do lado de Gaia o
francês conde de Almer, que, após a brilhante vitória de Saldanha no dia 18 de Agosto, obrigando os sitiantes a levantar
o cerco pelo norte e leste da cidade, resolveu também retirar, não sem antes mandar incendiar os armazéns de vinhos do
Porto em Gaia, em que se perderam 17.374 pipas de vinho e 533 pipas de aguardente. O prejuízo foi, na época, avaliado
em mais de 2.500 contos de réis. Saldanha regressou ao Porto em triunfo no dia 20 de Agosto de 1833, após a vitória
final. A cidade estava finalmente livre!
Bibliografia
• DÓRIA, António Álvaro. Movimentos Políticos do Porto no Século XIX
• MARTELO, David (2001). Cerco do Porto 1832-33 – A Cidade Invicta. Lisboa
• MARTINS, Oliveira (1881) Portugal Contemporâneo. Lisboa
• NAPIER, Almirante Carlos. Guerra da Sucessão em Portugal. 2 vols.
• OWEN, Hugh (1915). O Cerco do Porto contado por uma Testemunha - O Coronel Owen. Porto.
• SORIANO, Simão José da Luz (1889). História do Cerco do Porto. Lisboa
Battle of Cape St. Vincent (1833)
Date
Location
Result
5 July 1833
Near Cape St. Vincent, Portugal
Loyalist victory
Loyalists
Charles Napier for Dom Pedro
6
3
1
1
1 schooner
about 100 killed or wounded
Miguelites
Admiral Manuel António Marreiros for Dom Miguel
10
ships:
3
frigates
1
corvette
1
brig
3
2 brigs
ships
of
between 200 and 300 killed or wounded
6 ships captured
the
ships:
line
frigate
xebec
corvettes
The fourth Battle of Cape St Vincent was fought on 5 July 1833 and was a decisive encounter in Portugal's Liberal
Wars. A naval squadron commanded by the British officer Charles Napier, on behalf of Dom Pedro IV, regent for the
rightful Queen Maria II, defeated the navy of the usurper Dom Miguel.
Background
While serving in the Azores, Napier had come to know members of the exiled Portuguese liberals, who had offered him
command of the small fleet serving Dom Pedro, which largely consisted of a few old men-o'-war and some East
Indiamen purchased from the British. In February 1833 Napier accepted their proposals, in succession to another British
officer, Captain George Rose Sartorius, who was already serving as Admiral of Pedro's navy. Using the name 'Carlos de
Ponza' in a transparent attempt to disguise his identity as a British officer to escape penalties under the Foreign
Enlistment Act, in June 1833 Napier joined his new command in the Douro River off Oporto. ('Carlos de Ponza' =
Charles of Ponza; one of Napier's most daring feats in the Napoleonic War had been the capture of the island of Ponza
in the Mediterranean in 1813). Dom Pedro, currently being besieged in Oporto by the forces of Dom Miguel, bestowed
on Napier his commission as Vice Admiral, Major General of the Portuguese Navy and Commander in Chief of the
fleet. An eccentric but indomitable character, Napier restored the situation in the fleet, which had been close to mutiny
because of lack of pay, and proposed a new strategy to break the siege. Flying his flag in the frigate Rainha de Portugal
46, commanded by Captain F.G. MacDonough and with his stepson Charles Elers Napier as Chief of Staff, on 20 June
he sailed from Oporto with his small fleet, transporting the Duke of Terceira and half the constitutional army to the
Algarve so that they could open a second front in the south of the country and march on Lisbon. After successfully
disembarking this force, on the return voyage he encountered the considerably superior fleet of Dom Miguel off Cape St
Vincent on 3 July 1833, and after two days of maneuvering in calm and very light winds he brought them to action.
The battle
Napier’s command was essentially a mere squadron of six ships: three frigates, a corvette, a brig and a schooner,
mounting a total of 176 guns. (He had some small steamers under his command which he hoped to use as tugs, but they
abandoned him while the two forces were becalmed on the 4th of July: thus the subsequent battle was perhaps the last
engagement of consequence between two fleets of sailing warships.) On 5 July the wind eventually got up and at 4.00
p.m. he attacked the Miguelite force of 3 ships of the line, a frigate, a xebec, 3 corvettes and 2 brigs, mounting
altogether 372 guns. Knowing he could not long sustain a cannonade from such a superior opponent, Napier closed
against enemy fire and boarded, so that the battle was decided in hand-to-hand fighting. In the event the Liberal forces
captured all three ships of the line, a frigate and a corvette, whose crews agreed to fight from now on for Maria II;
another ship came over the next day; the remnant of the Miguelite force fled to Lisbon or Madeira. Napier’s losses were
about 30 killed (including the captain of Rainha de Portugal and two other captains) and about 60 wounded (including
Charles Elers Napier), as against somewhere between 200 and 300 of the enemy, including the Miguelite commander,
Admiral Manuel António Marreiros. On 6 July, receiving news of the victory, Dom Pedro named Napier as Viscount
Cape St Vincent in the peerage of Portugal. Immediately afterwards his fleet was ravaged by cholera (which was raging
on mainland Portugal), with appalling loss of life, but he was able to bring it safe into Lisbon, which the Miguelistas
had precipitately abandoned after being defeated by Terceira’s army advancing from the south at the Battle of Almada.
Napier visited Rear-Admiral Sir William Parker of the British navy who was in the vicinity of the Tagus, and was
received according to his Portuguese rank as an Admiral. Though he was subsequently struck off the Navy List at the
insistence of the French, he was restored to his rank in the Royal Navy within two years and the Battle, largely won by
British officers and crews fighting for Maria II, was viewed in England as bringing honour to the British navy. The sea
victory, making possible the capture of Lisbon from the Miguelites, was the single most important event contributing to
Miguel's eventual defeat and overthrow in 1834.
Ships involved
Loyalist fleet (Charles Napier)
Rainha de Portugal 46 (flag, commodore Wilkinson, captain MacDonough)
Dona Maria 42 (Peake)
Dom Pedro 50 (Thomas Goble)
Vila Flor 18 (Ruxton)
Portuense 20 (Blackstone)
Faro 6
a few steam tugs and transports
Miguelite fleet (Manuel António Marreiros)
Nau Rainha 74 (Barradas) - Captured by Rainha de Portugal
Dom João 74 - Captured
Martinho de Freitas 50 - Captured
Duquesa da Bragança 56 - Captured by Donna Maria
Isabel Maria 22 (corvette) - Captured
Princesa Real 24 (corvette)
Tejo 20 (corvette)
Sybille 20 (corvette)
Audaz 18 (brig)
Activa (xebec)
several other brigs
Sources
Main source for this entry is Napier's own narrative of the battle in his An Account of the War in Portugal between Dom
Pedro and Dom Miguel (London, 1836
"A Batalha de Ponte Ferreira"
Ter, Ago 31, 2010
Chegou ao fim mais uma edição do espectáculo “A Batalha da Ponte Ferreira”. Promovida pelo ENTREtanto Teatro e
pela Câmara Municipal de Valongo, a recriação in loco da luta entre ”miguelistas” e “liberais” voltou a ser um enorme
sucesso. Ao longo dos quatros dias de apresentação passaram pelo Largo da Ponte Ferreira centenas de pessoas que se
deliciaram com o espectáculo proporcionado por cerca de 60 actores, na sua grande maioria amadores. Utilizando o
cenário natural onde em 1832 as tropas de D. Miguel e D. Pedro se defrontaram em plena Guerra Civil, Júnior Sampaio,
director artístico do ENTREtanto Teatro, montou um espectáculo fabuloso em que dá a conhecer um dos mais
importantes momentos da história do país.
Sábado, Julho 14, 2007
A festa de S. João e a batalha de Ponte Ferreira
Através do blogue Sobrado em Linha tive conhecimento da série de três trabalhos publicados pela Voz de
Ermesinde, acerca dos acontecimentos ocorridos nas terras que hoje integram o município de Valongo, aquando das
lutas entre liberais e miguelistas, em plena guerra civil (1832-1834). E dei-me conta de um facto relevante que se
expressa num número redondo: faz dentro de dias 175 anos que se deu a batalha de Ponte Ferreira, situada em S.
Martinho de Campo, mas muito perto do extremo sul de Sobrado. Pelo referido estudo, ficamos a saber que a freguesia
sobradense foi, por assim dizer, acampamento das tropas de D. Miguel. E isso faz vir à lembrança uma lenda sobre
esses tempos, de que alguns mais velhos de Sobrado ainda se lembrarão. Dizia-se, para provar como a festa de S.João é
tão antiga e está tão entranhada na população local, que, tendo a batalha de Ponte Ferreira coincidido com o dia da festa,
se ouviam no Passal os tiros dos canhões combatentes e que havia mesmo habitantes obrigados a abastecer em carros de
bois as tropas de D. Miguel. Mas nem por isso a festa deixou de se fazer como nos demais anos. Ora, se são certos os
dados constantes da comunicação referida, essa lenda assenta em factos não verdadeiros. E isto porque a batalha de
Ponte Ferreira não ocorreu em Junho, mas em Julho de 1832. Podia-se dizer que, sendo uma data próxima, seria
provável que por alturas do S. João desse ano já houvesse hostilidades. Mas isso é pouco provável, já que o
desembarque dos liberais em Pampelido só se verificou a 9 de Julho daquele ano. Mas alguma relação haverá, para que
o acontecimento tenha perdurado em associação com a memória desta festa.
Regiment
Collar
Cuffs
1
Red
(Encarnado)
2
Crimson
3
White
4
Sky Blue
5
Orange
6
Yellow
7
Red
(Encarnado)
Red (Encarnado)
8
Crimson
Crimson
9
White
White
10
Sky Blue
Sky Blue
11
Orange
Orange
12
Yellow
Yellow
Light Infantry Regiment
2
3
4
Lancer Regiment
1
Collar
Red
(Encarnado)
Black
Black
Sky Blue
1
Dark Blue (azul
ferrete)
Dark Blue (azul
ferrete)
Dark Blue (azul
ferrete)
Dark Blue (azul
ferrete)
Dark Blue (azul
ferrete)
Dark Blue (azul
ferrete)
Collar
Red
(Encarnado)
Crimson
2
Light Cavalry (Caçadores a
Collar
Cavalo) Regiment
3
White
4
Sky Blue
5
Orange
6
Yellow
Cuffs
Black
Tabs on the sleeve
cuffs *
Lining and
Piping
Red (Encarnado)
White
Crimson
White
White
White
Sky Blue
White
Orange
White
Yellow
White
Dark Blue (azul
White
ferrete)
Dark Blue (azul
White
ferrete)
Dark Blue (azul
White
ferrete)
Dark Blue (azul
White
ferrete)
Dark Blue (azul
White
ferrete)
Dark Blue (azul
White
ferrete)
Tabs on the sleeve Lining and
cuffs *
Piping
Red (Encarnado)
Black
Red (Encarnado) Black
Black
Black
Black
Black
Black
Sky Blue
Black
Cuff
cuffs *
Piping
Red
Red (Encarnado) N/A
(Encarnado)
Crimson
N/A
Crimson
Cuff
cuffs *
Piping
White
N/A
White
Sky Blue
N/A
Sky Blue
Orange
N/A
Orange
Yellow
N/A
Yellow
http://balagan.org.uk/war/liberal-wars/painting_guide.htm
Portuguese Army
Details from Relatório do Ministro da Guerra, 1828-34:
Date
Liberals
8,300 men comprising:
1 x battalion of officers *
1 x company of académicos ***
6 x infantry battalions
8 Jul 1832: Pampelido Landing
4 x Light Infantry (Caçadores) Battalions **
1 x Artillery Battalion
1 x Volunteer Battalion
Half of whom where untrained and without uniforms.
1 Jan 1833
12,668 men
1 Mar 1833
18,340 men
! Sep 1833
36,429 men
1 Jan 1834
50,596 men
60,119 men comprising:
6 x Cavalry Regiments
17 x Infantry Regiments
5 x Light Infantry (Caçadores) Battalions
3 x Artillery Battalions
1 x company of académicos ***
1 Jun 1834
1 x body of engineers
1 x battalion of craftsmen
1 x telegraphic unit
67 x mobile and fixed battalions
13 x other companies
Other countries provided 6,624 men 842 horses.
* A battalion comprising supernumerary officers (Do Livro Do Coronel Hugh Owen). Many of them were from the
cavalry who had served in the peninsular war, but now fought as infantry in the ranks. It seems this unit was
subsequently broken up amongst other units, presumably to replace officer casualties.
** Including Baron Antas's 5th Light Infantry ( caçadores) Battalion (Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas).
*** Nuno Pereira (private communication) tells me the "Académicos" were volunteers from the University of Coimbra.
They wore an all Black uniform similar to the 1830's US infantry. They were converted to a Mountain Artillery
company also armed with Congreves.
19 Jan 1833: During the Siege of Porto
Lovell (1835) was present during the siege of Porto and on 19 Jan 1833accompanied the commander-in-chief on a
review of the defenders. He says (p. 183-4):
The regiments of cacadores in both armies were a credit to their nation : those in Don Pedro's service were numbered
2d, 3d, 5th, 10th, and 12th. The Portuguese regiments of the line consisted of the 9th (then very weak), the 1 Oth, and
the 1 8th ; besides which there were the volunteers of the queen, and several other battalions of volunteers, the fixos
(troops who do not march), and the probiles (troops moveable to any part of the kingdom).
There were also some foreign corps. One German regiment (nominally Belgian) was well clothed, and had a martial
appearance ; there were many old soldiers amongst them.
The field artillery was in excellent order, and well mounted, it consisted of twelve pieces ; there were two brigades of
nine-pounders.
The cavalry in the centre was composed of about one hundred and sixty of Colonel Bacon's lancers, and eighty of the 1
1 th regiment : this force was very small, but sufficient to be shut up in a closely invested place.
The British were drawn up in the left centre ; they were composed of troops some of whom were intended originally as
marines, had served on board the fleet, and were called regiments of the queen. The Irish regiment was not then formed
; some Scotch were at Lordello under the command of Major Shaw, an officer of much experience. ... They were mostly
in rags and tatters ; some almost without breeches ; few with shoes and stockings ; some in uniform, others partly so : a
few had chucos ; they were armed with muskets and bayonets without scabhards ; in short, they wanted all the
necessary appointments and accoutrements for the field.
The Marshal then proceeded round to the left, where the French were drawn up. Some of them rivalled the British in
rags, but they were in general more completely armed and clothed.
There were a few Italian riflemen dressed in green, with bright red facings. All I saw under arms did not amount to
5,000 men ; 1,500 more were down at Foz and Lordello, and 400 in the garrison of the Serra.
On p. 241 Lovell explains that the Mobiles and Fixos are effectively National Guard.
1834
Details from the Regulations of 18 Jul 1834 as cited on
Viriatus Miniatures: Organização da Infantaria - 1834. Viriatus Miniatures: Organização da Cavalaria - 1834
3 x Divisions
2 x Brigades
2 x Line Infantry Regiments *
1 x HQ of 30 men and 8 horses
2 x Battalions
6 x Fusilier Companies (Fuzileiros) of 80 men
1 x Grenadier Company (Granadeiros) of 80 men
1 x Light Company (Atiradores) of 80 men
1 x Light Division
2 x Light Brigades
2 x Light Infantry Regiments (Caçadores) **
2 x Light Battalions
4 x Companies of 88 men
3 x Cavalry Brigades
2 x Cavalry Regiments ***
4 x Squadrons of 148 men and 125 horses
?? What about artillery ??
* The 12 Line Infantry regiments were numbered one to 12
** The four Light Infantry Regiments were numbered one to four.
*** The six Cavalry Regiments were numbered one to six. Regiments 1-2 were Lancers and 3-6 were Light Cavalry
(Caçadores a Cavalo) (Viriatus Miniatures: Os Uniformes de 1834 III: Regimentos de Cavalaria).
Portuguese Auxiliary Division in Spain, 1835-37
When Don Carlos arrived back in Spain in 1835 the Portuguese Liberals felt obligated to fulfil the obligations of the
Quadruple Alliance, and return the favour to the Spanish Liberals for their help during the recent Liberal War in
Portugal (Vieira, 2004). As a result a Portuguese Auxiliary Corps was sent to Spain to fight the Carlists (Viriatus
Miniatures: Divisão Auxiliar a Espanha). This three brigade force contained 6,000 foot and 750 horse when it entered
Spain in Nov 1835 (Cairns, 1994b; Viriatus Miniatures: Divisão Auxiliar a Espanha; Duncan, 1997, says they had 8,000
men). The force was recruited from the best regular units, although one unit, the “Caçadores do Porto”, was said to have
been made up of adventurers of all nations left over from Portugal’s recent civil war. Included at least one regiment of
well-equipped lancers. The first Portuguese forces to enter Spain had the title of Vanguard of the Auxiliary Corp,
although they became the 3rd Brigade when the rest of the expedition arrived.
Note Viriatus Miniatures: Diviso Auxiliar a Espanha refers to this force as both "Corpo do Exército Auxiliar a
Espanha" and "Divisão Auxiliar a Espanha", i.e. as both an Army Corps and a Division. Although larger than a
division, that is the title most other sources use. . Details below from Viriatus Miniatures: Divisão Auxiliar a Espanha.
Organisation from 26 Nov 1835 to 1 Feb 1836
Commander: After entry into Spain Baron de Santa Marta
1st Brigade
• Commander: Initially Lt-Colonel Filipe Marceley Pereira (from 3rd Infantry Regiment), then upon entry into
Spain the command passed to the Colonel José de Sousa Pimentel e Faria (from 9th Infantry Regiment ).
• 1st Battery of Mountain Artillery (Captain é Maria Pereira Velho Barreto)
• 1 x Detachment of the Battalion of Sappers
• 1st Battalion of 3rd Light Infantry (Caçadores) Regiment (Colonel Manuel Eleutério Malheiro)
• 1st Battalion of 3rd Infantry Regiment (Lt-Colonel Filipe Marceley Pereira)
2nd Brigade
• Commander: Initially Baron de Santa Maria until the Corps entered Spain and de Santa Maria became C-in-C,
then Colonel Manuel Jose Mendes (from 10th Infantry Regiment)
• 1 x Battery of Horse Artillery (Captain Germano Da Cruz Alzina)
• 2 x Squadrons of 2nd Lancers (Captain D. Carlos de Mascarenhas)
• 1st Battalion of 1st Infantry Regiment (Lt-Colonel António Pimentel Maldonado)
• 1st Battalion of 10th Infantry Regiment (Colonel Manuel Jose Mendes)
3rd Brigade (The original Vanguard of the Auxiliary Corps)
• Commander: Baron das Antas
• 1st Battalion of 4th Light Infantry (Caçadores) Regiment (Lt-Colonel Jose Joaquin Gomes Fontoura)
• 1st Battalion of 9th Infantry Regiment (Major Luís Guedes de Morais)
• 1st Battalion of 6th Infantry Regiment (Lt-Colonel Jose Teixeira Mesquita)
• 2 x Squadrons of 3rd Cavalry Regiment (Colonel José Osório do Amaral Sarmento)
Organisation from 2 Feb 1836
In Feb 1836 the Portuguese were reorganised into two columns (Viriatus Miniatures: Divisão Auxiliar a Espanha)
1st Column (Brigadier General Baron Das Antas) - 3,000 men according to Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas
• 3rd Cavalry
• 4th Light Infantry (Caçadores)
• 3rd, 6th and 10th Line Infantry
2nd Column (Colonel José de Sousa Pimentel e Faria)
• 2nd Lancers
• 2nd Light Infantry (Caçadores)
• 1st and 9th Line Infantry
Brigada Auxiliar Portuguesa
The Brigada Auxiliar Portuguesa fought for the Spanish government in Catalonia (Nuno Pereira, private
communication). It was nothing to do with the Portuguese Auxiliary Division. It contained:
Grenadiers of Oporto (Granaderos de Oporto). Made up of English, Portuguese and Spanish volunteers. recruited
during the Portuguese Civil War. It was commanded by the English brigadier Dodgin until his death at the Battle of Grá
(12 Jun 1837).
Portuguese Carlists
After losing the Liberal Wars the exiled Portuguese Absolutists wanted to
continue the fight for what they believed in and supported by their leader, Don Miguel, joined Don Carlos forces
(Vieira, 2004). This way, many Portuguese came from Portugal (where Absolutist guerrillas were still active), England,
France and Italy to join the Carlist ranks. The Portuguese in the Carlist Army even formed a Company commanded by
the captain António Teles Jordão. Besides many soldiers there were also several Portuguese officers loyal to D. Miguel
in the Carlist Army.
References
Cairns, C. (1994b, November). A Savage and Romantic War: Spain 1833-1840. Part II: The Cristino forces. Wargames
Illustrated, 86, 36-46.
Do Livro Do Coronel Hugh Owen [Portuguese]
Duncan, F. (1997). The English in Spain: The story of the War of Succession between 1834 and 1840 (Vols. 1-6). UK:
Pallas Armata. (Original work published 1877.)
Livermore, H. V. (1966). A New History of Portugal. Cambridge University Press.
Lovell Badcock, B. (1835). Rough ( leaves from a journal kept in Spain and Portugal, during the years 1832, 1833, &
1834. London: R. Bentley. [On-line http://www.archive.org/details/roughleavesfromj00loverich]
Relatório do Ministro da Guerra, 1828-34 [Portuguese]
Vieira, J. (18 Jun 2004). Personal communication.
Viriatus Miniatures [Portuguese]
Thanks to Nuno Pereira for bringing this material to my attention. The relevant pages are:
Divisão Auxiliar a Espanha - 1835 - 1837 - 1ª Guerra Carlista
Organização da Infantaria - 1834 Organização da Cavalaria - 1834 Os Uniformes de 1834 III: Regimentos de Cavalaria
Belgian Corps, 1832-35
All details from De Belgische Militaire Expeditie te Portugal.
Belgium gained independence from Holland in 1831 in a brief revolt supported by France (Alzamiento Belga 18301831). The next year the new Belgian government decided to rid itself of its unruly foreign battalion, and as Dom Pedro
of Brazil and Portugal was looking for troops to fight his brother in the Liberal Wars, the Belgians took the opportunity
to offer him their unwanted soldiers. The foreign battalion was officially removed from Belgian service on 8 Sep 1832
and transferred complete to that of the queen of Portugal (Pedro's daughter). In Oct 1832 the first contingent sailed for
Portugal. A second battalion was recruited from penal companies and the occupants of the Aalst military prison. In
Portuguese service this later battalion was called, perhaps humorously, the Walloon Guards (Waalse Gardes). From the
end of 1832 to early 1833 Belgium sent 1,100 men to Portugal. Dom Pedro recruited two more Belgian battalions in late
1833. Between Oct 1833 and Apr 1834 another 1,100 man were sent to Portugal. The first battalion was recruited from
regulars, particularly the foreign depot, the volunteer corps, the penal companies, and Alost military prison. The second
battalion, called the Riflemen of Portugal (Tirailleurs van Portugal), was raised by its commander Major Le Charlier.
Le Charlier had been the commander of the Riflemen of the Meuse (Tirailleurs van de Maas) and was in 1832 the
commander of the Bruges Civil Guard. His new unit was recruited from old acquaintances with deserters to round out
the numbers. The Portuguese Queen presented the Belgian Corps with their standard on 23 Jan 1834. They fought for
approximately 4 months from 10 March 1834, and won praise for their contribution during the following actions:
• ?? 1834: Siege of Serpa
• 24 Apr 1834: Skirmish at Saint-Bartholom‫ י‬de Mecine
• 5 May 1834: Skirmish at Faro
• 9 May: Skirmish at Alhao,
Upon Dom Pedro's victory in 1835, those Belgians who wished it were repatriated. In contrast most of the mercenaries
moved to Spain to participate in the First Carlist War.
Partizans Capiaumont
Uniform The uniform was similar in the style to that of the Volunteers of Capiaumont (Partizanen van Capiaumont),
but in brown (De Belgische Militaire Expeditie te Portugal). The illustration is Kannik (1968) Fig. 278 Belgiums:
Partisans of Capiaumont, Senior N.C.O., 1831; it has been edited slightly by Alzamiento Belga 1830-1831 to cut out a
superimposed figure.
Organisation The initial Belgian Corps of 1832 contained two battalions, the second of which was the the Walloon
Guards (Waalse Gardes) (De Belgische Militaire Expeditie te Portugal). There were 1,100 men split between the two
units. The later Belgian Corps of 1833 also contained two battalions, the second of which was the Riflemen of Portugal
(Tirailleurs van Portugal) (De Belgische Militaire Expeditie te Portugal). There were 1,100 men split between the two
units. They shared 8 companies including a grenadier company and an artillery company, although I'm not sure how
these were divided between the two battalions.
References Alzamiento Belga 1830-1831 [Spanish]
This is where I found the version of the Kannik (1968) illustration that I used for the Volunteers of Capiaumont. De
Belgische Militaire Expeditie te Portugal [Flemish or Dutch] Thanks to Nuno Pereira for bringing the Belgian Corps to
my attention, and for helping with translating this article.
Kannik, P. (1968). Military Uniforms in Colour. London: Blandford.
Timeline of Portugal's Liberal Wars
Pedro IV Miguel I Beach of Victory11 Aug. 1829
Pampelido Landing
The events described here are part of the build up to, and the early part of, the First Carlist War.
1821-26: King João VI
26 Sep 1815: Holy Alliance
In 1815 Austria, Prussia and Russian formed the Holy Alliance to combat liberalism in Europe (Wikipedia: Holy
Alliance).
1816: Prince-Regent to King
When the mad Maria I of Portugal died in Mar 1816, her son was crowned as João VI of Portugal and Emperor of
Brazil (Livermore, 1966). Joo and his wife Carlota-Joaquina, the sister of Ferdinand VII of Spain, had two sons: Pedro
and Miguel.
1820: Liberal insurrections in Spain and Portugal
In very early 1820 a liberal insurrection broke out amongst Spanish troops camped at Cadiz (Livermore, 1966). This
movement forced Ferdinand VII of Spain to declare himself in favour of a constitution.
Marshal Beresford sailed to Brazil in an attempt persuade João to return to Portugal (Livermore, 1966). In his absence
on 24 Aug 1820 liberal officers revolted in Porto. The movement spread and quickly took over the government of
Portugal.
In Oct 1820 Marshal Beresford tried to land in Portugal but was denied permission and sailed on to England
(Livermore, 1966; actually Livermore says 1820 but this doesn't seem to tally with other events).
Jul 1821: João VI in Portugal
In Jul 1821 João VI arrived in Portugal leaving Pedro to rule in Brazil (Livermore, 1966).
23 Sep 1822: Portuguese Constitution
With the Portuguese government dominated by radical constitutionalists, João VI was forced to swear to uphold
Portugal's first constitution (Livermore, 1966). In contrast Carlota-Joaquina refused to swear to the constitution and
went into internal exile, becoming the leader of the counter-revolutionaries.
12 Oct 1822
João VI's son Pedro I was acclaimed as constitutional emperor of Brazil on 12 Oct 1822 (Livermore, 1966). João VI
retained sovereignty of Portugal, but the real winner was Carlota-Joaquina whose counter-revolutionaries gained
strength as the King's power waned.
Apr 1823: '100,000 sons of St. Louis'
At the prompting of the Holy Alliance the Duke of Angoulême led a French army into Spain to expel the liberal
government and restore Ferdinand's absolute power (Holt, 1967; Livermore, 1966). Being royalist in nature this was the
first French army for 34 years to march under the Bourbon lilies on its standards. There was no resistance from the
Spanish population.
24 May 1823: Ferdinand VII of Spain
The French returned Ferdinand VII of Spain to absolute power (Livermore, 1966). Two paramilitary bodies (the Army
of the Faith and the Royalist Volunteers) helped hunt down and execute political undesirables (Holt, 1967).
27 May 1823: The Vilafrancada
The absolutists in Portugal saw their opportunity and on 27 May 1832 rose in rebellion (Livermore, 1966). The count of
Amarante, a leading absolutist, sounded a call to arms from his headquarters at Vila Real in Trás-os-Montes Meanwhile
the military rose at Vila Franca de Xira, north of Lisbon (hence the name of the espisode, the Vilafrancada). João's
younger son Miguel soon joined the rebellion as did part of the Lisbon garrison. Miguel refused his father's call to
return, and subsequently João himself took the lead of the rebellion. The radical government fell apart and João
installed moderates.
Apr 1824: The Abrilada
In Apr 1824 part of the Lisbon garrison acclaimed Miguel king (Livermore, 1966). Miguel joined them, confined his
father, arrested some of his enemies, and drove others into exile. Marshal Beresford managed to get João on board an
British ship from where João reasserted his power and had Miguel stripped of his rank (Generalissimo) and sent abroad
(to Paris then Vienna). The Abrilada, as it was to become known, lasted five days. Although some called for a greater
British military presence in Portugal, they only maintained a naval squadron (including 750 marines) at Lisbon.
29 Aug 1825: Brazilian Independence
On 29 Aug 1825 Brazil declared independence from Portugal under Pedro I of Brazil (Livermore, 1966). The title of
Emperor was retained for João until his death.
10 Mar 1826: Pedro IV of Portugal
King João VI of Portugal died on 10 Mar 1826 (Livermore, 1966). His eldest son, Pedro I of Brazil, briefly inherited as
Pedro IV of Portugal.
1826-28: Minority of Maria II of Portugal
29 Apr 1826:
Neither the Portuguese nor the Brazilians wanted a unified monarchy and Pedro abdicated the Portuguese crown in
favour of his seven year old daughter, Maria da Glória of Portugal (Livermore, 1966). There was a key condition, when
she came of age (at 14 years) she would marry her uncle, Miguel. This annoucement coincided with a revision to the
1822 constitution. Pedro then returned to Brazil with his daughter, the new Queen of Portugal, and leaving his sister
Maria-Isabel as regent. Miguel accepted this solution and distanced himself from the absolutists, some of whom staged
a rebellion, failed, and fled to Spain.
1827
When Miguel turned 25 himself, he put in a claim on the regency, although nobody accepted the suggestion out of fear
of the absolutists (Livermore, 1966).
In Spain the absolutists staged "the Revolt of the Aggrieved" in Catalonia (Holt, 1967). The government brutally
suppressed it.
The marquis of Chaves rebelled with his troops (Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas). The 12th Light Infantry
(caçadores) Battalion, including Major Francisco Xavier da Silva Pereira, was involved in the marquis's suppression.
22 Feb 1828: Miguel returns
On 22 Feb 1828, Miguel returned to Portugal, and on 26 Feb he took the oath to his brother and the charter and was
installed as lieutenant-general (Livermore,1966). This loyalty did not last long.
1828-31: Repression under Miguel I
Mar 1828: Suppression of the constitution
Miguel and his mother, Carlota-Joaquina, immediately began to oust the liberals (both radical and moderate) and install
their cronies (Livermore, 1966). Miguel dissolved the Chamber of Deputies and the Chamber of Peers. .Demonstrations
in favour of Pedro or the constitution were prohibited.
24 Apr 1828: British withdraw from Lisbon
The British troops in Lisbon (presumably the naval squadron mentioned earlier) were withdrawn as a protest against
Miguel's usurpation (Livermore, 1966).
16 or 18 May 1828: Porto Rebellion
On 16 or 18 May 1828 the garrison of Porto proclaimed its support for Pedro, Maria da Glória, and the charter
(Livermore, 1966). 12th Light Infantry ( caçadores) Battalion, with Major Silva Pereira, was part of the garrison
(Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas). Aveiro and other places soon followed Porto's lead. Miguel suppressed these
rebellions, and many thousands of liberals were either arrested or fled to Spain and Britain. There followed five years of
repression. [Livermore say 18 May and Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas says 16 May for the original revolt.]
This is probably the event known as the Belfastada (Wikipedia: Belfastada). A group of exiled liberals landed at Porto
from the English ship the Belfast, and raised a rebellion. The rebellion failed and the senior liberals were forced to take
refuge back on the Belfast, and leave again for England.
Of all of Portuguese territory, only the Azores remained faithful to Pedro, partly because the garrison stayed loyal (this
was the 5th Light Infantry Battalion, Relatório do Ministro da Guerra, 1828-34) .
15 Jun 1828
Having declared for Pedro in May, Major Silva Pereira and the 12th Light Infantry (caadores) Battalion engaged in
guerrilla warfare and defeated a Miguelite column at the Espinhel bridge on 15 Jun 1828 (Portugal Dicionário
Histórico: Antas). Silva Pereira subsequently went to England where he joined other Portuguese exiles.
08 Jul 1829
The Count of Vila Flor arrived in Village of the Beach (Vila da Praia), on the island of Terceira in the Azores, having
sailed from France and avoided the Miguelite blockade (Relatório do Ministro da Guerra, 1828-34). He began to fortify
the area.
11 Jul 1828: Miguel I of Portugal
On 11 Jul 1828 Miguel was proclaimed king by the traditional cortes (Livermore, 1966). The United States and Mexico
were the only two countries to recognise him; in contrast the Holy See, Great Britain, Austria, France, Naples and Spain
protested against the illegal suppression of the constitution.
11 Aug 1829: Battle of the Beach of the Victory
Dom Miguel sent a squadron of 22 ships to the Azores, which were controlled by Pedro (Câmara Municipal da Praia da
Vitória; Relatório do Ministro da Guerra, 1828-34; Wikipedia: Batalha da Praia da Vitória). The Miguelite squadron
attacked the fortifications in the bay near the Village of the Beach (Vila da Praia), on the island of Terceira. After a day
of battle the liberals under e Count of Vila Flor emerged victorious, taking hundreds of prisoners. After the war (12 Jan
1837) the village was renamed the Beach of the Victory (Praia da Vitória) to commemorate the battle .
20 Jan 1830
Having reformed in Belium, the 12th Light Infantry ( caçadores) Battalion (including Major Silva Pereira) ran the
Miguelite blockade and landed on Terceira (Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas). Silva Pereira subsequently joined the
5th Light Infantry ( caçadores) Battalion.
Following this victory the Count of Vila Flor proceeded to secure the remainder of the archipelago (Relatório do
Ministro da Guerra, 1828-34). With 1,400 men, including the 5th Light Infantry (caçadores) Battalion (Portugal
Dicionário Histórico: Antas), and a few vessels he took the islands of Pico, S. Jorge, Faial, and S. Miguel. He was
outnumbered; S. Miguel alone had more than 3,000 defenders.
Jul 1830: France and Britain more favourable to Liberals
In Jul 1830 the French Bourbons were replaced by liberal monarchy of Louis-Philippe (Livermore, 1966). The new
government began to favour the exiled Spanish liberals.
About this time the British sent a warship to the Tagus (Livermore, 1966). Admiral Roussin fired on the batteries at the
mouth of the Tagus and seized two Portuguese warships.
Sometime in 1830 Carlota-Joaquina died (Livermore, 1966).
1831-34: Resurgence of Pedro IV
Apr 1831: Pedro abdicates in Brazil
In Apr 1831 Pedro abdicated in Brazil in favor of his son, Pedro II, and sailed for Britain where he began to organise a
military expedition (Livermore, 1966).
Feb 1832: Pedrite expedition sails
In Feb 1832 the Pedrite expedition sailed for the Azores, which were still in the hands of the liberals (Livermore, 1966).
Mar 1832: Government in exile
Pedro set up a government in exile in Terceira (Livermore, 1966).
27 Jun 1832
At the end of Jun 1832 Pedro sailed from the Azores (Livermore, 1966; Relatório do Ministro da Guerra, 1828-34). He
took with him 8,300 men, including 7,500 soldiers, two frigates, a corvette, two brigs, four schooners, and forty
transports, and three brigades of field artillery. Pedro left behind detachments on S. Miguel and Terceira. The Terceira
detachment was ordered to create a National Battalion (presumably militia), which became the 4th Line Infantry and
served in the lines of Lisbon and the subsequent campaign.
8 Jul 1832: Pampelido Landing
Pedro's liberal army landed at Pampelido, at the mouth of the Mindelo to the north of Porto (Cronologia do Liberalismo;
Livermore, 1966).
9 Jul 1832 - 20 Aug 1833
Siege of Porto (Cerco do Porto)
Pedro IV entered Porto on 9 Jul 1832, and was immediately besieged by the Miguelite army (Cronologia do
Liberalismo). In Portugal the siege became known as Cerco do Porto, i.e. Porto's Wall. It lasted over a year, with many
assaults and sorties. Eventually Pedro took a risk and sent an expedition to the Algarve by sea (Jun 1833) despite the
fact Porto was still under siege. This proved a war winning strategy as although the siege of Porto continued it became a
secondary theatre of operations. Marshal Saldanha eventually broke the siege on 18 Aug 1833 and by 20 Aug the city
was free.
The Serra do Pilar is a range of hills located near Santa Marinha (Vila Nova de Gaia) on the south bank of the River
Douro (Wikipedia: Serra do Pilar). It had the only liberal redoubt (a convent) south of the river, and controlled the river
estuary thus allowing the defenders to land essential provisions. Lovell (1835) who visited the Serra redoubt during the
siege (12 Jan 1833) considered the fort to have weak defences, and consequently Lovell admired the commander and
his men for managing to defend it.
9 Jul 1832: Porto
Unaware of the exact number of the approaching liberals, the 13,000 Miguelite defenders of Porto abandoned the city
(Cronologia do Liberalismo; Livermore, 1966; Wikipedia: Cerco do Porto) Viscount Santa Marta, commander of
Miguelite division operating between the Figueira Estuary and the village of Vila do Count, decided to deploy in the
village of Vila Nova de Gaia (Wikipedia: Cerco do Porto). The liberal army entered Porto unopposed, although Santa
Marta's men began to shoot into the city.
To protect British interests, a naval squadron under Commander William Glascock in HMS Orestes was stationed in the
Douro, where it came under fire from both sides (Wikipedia: Liberal Wars).
10 Jul 1832
The liberal admiral, the Englishman George Sartorius, ordered the ships boats to enter the bar of the River Douro and to
respond to the Miguelite fire (Wikipedia: Cerco do Porto). Meanwhile, protected by the naval squadron, the liberal
division of lieutenant-colonel João Schwalbach crossed the river and occupied the Serra do Pilar, the fortification in
Gaia,
compelling
the
Miguelites
to
withdraw
to
the
town
of
Oliveira
de
Azeméis.
Schwalbach João then advanced to Alto da Bandeira (literally Height of the Flag) and positioned his advance guard in
the village of Carvalhos (Wikipedia: Cerco do Porto). This brought the two armies into contact although neither side
desired to escalate the action at that time.
Pedro had 8,544 soldiers, plus 2,100 volunteers and conscripts (Relatório do Ministro da Guerra, 1828-34). Although
the liberals retained Serra do Pilar on the south bank of the river, they had had to abandon the three major heights to the
north (Regado, Antas, and Covelho) and the position of Lordelo that linked the city with the Estuary.
14 Jul 1832: Porto
Liberals in Porto repulsed the first Miguelite attack (Cronologia do Liberalismo; Wikipedia: Cerco do Porto says this
occurred 18 Jul).
18 Jul 1832: Action at Penafiel
Action at Penafiel (Cronologia do Liberalismo). A liberal column defeated the Miguelites forces around Porto, attacked
the city of Penafiel, and then returned to Porto (Wikipedia: Cerco do Porto). [Wikipedia: Cerco do Porto says this
occurred 23 Jul.]
The Viscount of Santa Marta and General Álvaro Xavier Coutinho e Póvoas met at Souto Redondo, to the south of the
Douro, thus encircling Porto (Cronologia do Liberalismo; Wikipedia: Cerco do Porto).
22 Jul 1832: Reconnaissance at Valongo
Dom Pedro ordered a column to reconnoitre towards Valongo (Cronologia do Liberalismo; Wikipedia: Cerco do Porto).
The 5th Light Infantry ( caçadores) Battalion, including Major Silva Pereira, were part of this force (Portugal Dicionário
Histórico: Antas),
23 Jul 1832: Battle of Ponte Ferreira
The Liberal column heading for Valonga fell into a Miguelite ambush near to the bridge called Ponte de Ferreira, and
was forced to withdraw to the River Tinto (Cronologia do Liberalismo; Wikipedia: Cerco do Porto).
The Battle of Ponte Ferreira caused some alarm in the city and Serra do Pilar was fortified under major Sá Nogueira
(Wikipedia: Cerco do Porto). Dom Pedro, who now saw the impossibility of occupying the north of Portugal, settled
into Porto. He reorganised his Army, creating the General staff. Pedro also sent Pedro de Sousa Holstein to London to
get financial support and to raise officers and soldiers.
27 Jul 1832: Action at Grijó
A violent encounter occurred to the south of Grijó (Cronologia do Liberalismo; Wikipedia: Cerco do Porto). Póvoas
defeated the liberal forces of the Count of Vila Flor and forced them to retreat to Alto da Bandeira.
General Caspar Teixeira, Viscount of Sá Peso da Régua, was appointed supreme Miguelite commander over generals
Póvoas
and
Santa
Marta
(Wikipedia:
Cerco
do
Porto).
Teixeira started building lines around Porto, including a series of strong redoubts with 15 batteries (Wikipedia: Cerco
do Porto). In the north these covered Quinta da China, Campanhã, Da Senhora da Luz, and the Douro Estuary. To the
south the lines covered Cabedelo, Canidelo, the Douro Estuary, and Pedra Salgada (next to the mount of the Seminary –
presumably Serra do Pilar).
7 Aug 1832: Action at Souto Redondo
Miguelites defected liberals at Souto Redondo, and liberals withdrew to Porto (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
8 Aug 1832
Miguelite reconnaissance in the north of Porto (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
23 Aug 1832
Major Silva Pereira promoted to lieutenant-colonel (Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas).
8-11 Sep 1832
Liberals repelled attacks on Porto and the Serra do Pilar (Cronologia do Liberalismo). At the Serra do Pilar, the attack
was courageously repulsed by the volunteers known as the Poles (os polacos) (Wikipedia: Cerco do Porto) On 8 Sep the
5th Light Infantry (Caçadores) Battalion also helped defend the Serra do Pilar Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas) .
Miguelites occupied Gaia (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
Teixeira appointed commander of the Miguelite army (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
9 Sep 1832
Miguelites bombarded Porto for the first time (Cronologia do Liberalismo; Wikipedia: Cerco do Porto).
16 Sep 1832
The besieged liberals made their first sortie and occupied the Hill of Antes (Morro das Antas or Cerro das Antes) above
the city (Cronologia do Liberalismo; Wikipedia: Cerco do Porto).
28 Sep 1833
Colonel Silva Pereira distinguished himself in a sortie from Porto (Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas).
29 Sep 1832
The liberals in Porto repelled a Miguelite attempt to storm the city (Livermore, 1966). Under the cover of a thick fog the
Miguelites advanced at 0600 or 0700 hours toward Campanhã on the eastern wall (0 Cerco Do Porto Na Freguesia
(1832-1833); Wikipedia: Cerco do Porto). They penetrated the area defended by the batteries of the Bonfim, Cativo and
Fojo, but were violently stopped at the Rua do Prado. The resulting battle was so fierce that the street was subsequently
renamed Street of the Heroes (Rua do Heroísmo). Dom Pedro was involved in the battle. Lieutenant-colonel Pacheco
distinguished himself defending a position between S. Cosme road and the battery of the Barros de Lima. João
Nepomuceno de Macedo, a cavalry officer, with 300-400 men held an attack in Bonfim zone; in 1835 he was made
Baron S. Cosme to commemorate his contribution. After nine hours of combat, and having made no significant progress
in any position, Teixeira called off the attack, The defenders lost 650 men and the attackers 4,000. As a result Dom
Miguel decided to head north in an attempt to raise moral in his army.
Also in Sep 1832 Don Carlos of Spain was banished to Portugal, and as a result many Carlists were in Portugal where
they supported the Absolutist forces (Livermore, 1966; Vieira, 2004).
11 Oct 1832: Naval Battle ??
Indecisive naval battle fought in the northern waters (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
13 -14 Oct 1832
The Miguelites completed the encirclement of Porto and had artillery on the left bank of the Douro (Cronologia do
Liberalismo). Possibly this means Teixeira's lines of circumvallation were completed.
Liberals under General Torres repelled furious attacks on the Serra do Pilar (Cronologia do Liberalismo; Wikipedia:
Cerco do Porto).
16 Oct 1832
Dom Miguel left for Braga (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
1 Nov 1832
Dom Miguel established his general staff in Braga and replaced Caspar Teixeira in the command with Viscount Santa
Marta (Wikipedia: Cerco do Porto). [Cronologia do Liberalismo says the substitution happened 26 Oct.]
Hunger and disease were beginning to have an effect in Porto and the defenders continued to sortie in an attempt to
break the siege ( (Wikipedia: Cerco do Porto).
11-12 Nov 1832
On 11 Nov 1832, the birthday of Dom Pedro, the Miguelites commenced an uninterrupted bombardment of Porto,
which lasted until night fall on 12 Nov (Wikipedia: Cerco do Porto). This had the reverse effect of that intended, as the
residents pulled together in support of the liberal cause. On the other hand, a shortage of cash to pay the troops led to
constant riots by the English mercenaries and the departure of some, including admiral Sartorius with ships of the naval
squadron.
14 Nov 1832
Miguelites repelled a sortie of the besieged liberals (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
17 Nov 1832
Lieutenant-colonel Silva Pereira distinguished himself when the 5th Light Infantry (Caçadores) Battalion sortied and
took the Hill of Antes (Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas). The position was as some distance from the liberal lines,
between a battery of the mount Quinta dos Congregados to the right and the battery of Guelas de Pau to the left.
Lieutenant-Colonel Silva Pereira distinguished himself sufficiently to be subsequently promoted to full Colonel and
commander. Presumably, however, the Liberals withdrew as Cronologia do Liberalismo says the Miguelites repelled
the sortie.
28 Nov 1832
Miguelites repelled a sortie of the besieged liberals (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
17 Dec 1832
Liberals successfully sortied to Gaia, the magazine of Dom Miguel’s army (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
1 Jan 1833
Solignac appointed general of the liberal army (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
24 Jan 1833
Miguelites frustrated an attack on their positions to the northwest of Porto, at the positions of Crasto and Queijo
(literally “Cheese”) (Cronologia do Liberalismo). To quote Lovell (1835, p 189-190) who was present
The Marshal determined on attacking the right of the Miguelite position ; indeed, to cut off the right towards the fort of
Queixo. The fleet were to act in combination : however, they did not get to their stations in time, and Sartorius's crew
had mutinied and refused to weigh anchor. At three P.M. the attack on the land side commenced. After a severe action
the Miguelites were driven back some little distance, and the height called Castro in front of the lighthouse was taken.
The troops nearly reached Queixo Castle, but the Miguelites stood fast at Lordello ; and a second attack, which the
Marshal had ordered, did not take place; countermanded, it is said, by the Emperor, who feared to endanger the city.
The Marshal, finding that the attack upon the enemy's right did not cause the Miguelites to weaken their centre, fell
back after dark, and with considerable loss to his old ground ; much disheartened on finding his support doubtful, and
his French troops not quite equal to the veterans of Napoleon. Indeed the Miguelites drove them back more than once,
and the French found themselves opposed to the old regiments who, under the Duke of Wellington and Marshal
Beresford, had learned to beat them.
28 Jan 1833
General Saldanha arrived at the Porto with a group of liberal extremists (Cronologia do Liberalismo; Wikipedia: Cerco
do Porto). Dom Pedro promoted Saldanha to marshal, and gave him the command of 2nd division.
The Miguelites threw some shells into the town : they re-occupied Monte Castro (from which they had been driven
during the late sortie), and were throwing up works in all directions (Lovell, 1835).
4 Feb 1833
Cholera appeared amongst the inhabitants of Porto (Lovell, 1835).
6 Feb 1833
The British troops in Porto mutinied for more pay (Lovell, 1835).
21 Feb 1833
The Count of S. Lourenço was appointed command of the Miguelites (Cronologia do Liberalismo; Wikipedia: Cerco do
Porto). He continued the attacks and bombardment on Porto. The situation in the city was difficult, with a lack of food
and firewood being significant problems. The situation was so desperate that some considered capitulating, although
Saldanha opposed this suggestion.
Lovell (1835) had a novel solution "Whilst in this distressed state, not knowing where to look for troops, I
recommended the Emperor to send to New Zealand, as those people kill and eat their enemies, which would much
simplify the defence" (p. 200).
2-24 Mar 1833
Liberals repelled Miguelite attacks on the lines to the east and northwest of Porto (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
2 Mar 1833
Colonel Silva Pereira was given command of the 2nd brigade of the 1st division (Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas).
4 Mar 1833
At day-break the Miguelites made a faint attack in the direction of Agoa Ardente and Bomfim (Lovell, 1835). At 0700
hours they assailed the Pastellero and Lordello village under a fire from all their batteries ; they were, however,
repulsed, and driven back upon their entrenchments. At the same time an attempt was made upon the Serra convent, but
the Miguelites were again defeated by a fire of grapeshot. Towards mid-day the fire slackened, and guns were only fired
occasionally for the rest of the day.
13 Mar 1833
Admiral Sartorius was dismissed from command of the liberal fleet (Lovell, 1835). Cronologia do Liberalismo says this
occurred 13 Jun 1833, which lends credence to Lovell's claim that Sartoirus effectively ignored the order (and arrested
the officer sent to arrest him).
16 Mar 1833
Don Carlos of Spain arrived in Portugal (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
23 Mar 1833
The Miguelites advanced under cover and made an attack upon an outwork near to the Agoa-ardente entrance into the
city, and destroyed it (Lovell, 1835). Their skirmishers came to the lines, and some of them entered near Bomfim. The
Pedroites sortied to retake this point, which after some considerable loss on both sides was accomplished and the
Miguelites were driven back. Simultaneous attacks were made upon Foz and the Pastellero, but both equally failed.
24 Mar 1833: Hill of Antes
Colonel Silva Pereira and the 5th Light Infantry (Caçadores) Battalion intrepidly attacked the Hill of Antes again,
compelling the enemy to abandon it (Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas). They then repelled two counter- attacks by
superior numbers. As a result Silva Pereira became a knight of the order of the Tower and Sword
Regarding Hill of Antes Lovell (1835) says "After the affair of the 26th, part of the hill of Antes had been gained, and
some works thrown up : it still remained unoccupied". This puts the date in doubt.
5 Apr 1833
Being Good Friday, the flags of the contending armies were hung, half-mast high, on the different forts and redoubts the
white on the Miguelites, and the blue and white on those of the Pedroites (Lovell, 1835).
8 Apr 1833: Covelho Hill
Don Pedro opened fire on the Miguelite redoubt on Covelho Hill, with the intention was to storm the work that evening,
but the undertaking somehow failed (Lovell, 1835). It seems the Marshal was against the idea.
In an audacious blow the liberals sortied and took the Covelho redoubt (Cronologia do Liberalismo; Wikipedia: Cerco
do Porto). Colonel Silva Pereira was involved in the fight at Covelho (Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas). This
demoralized the besiegers, and men began to leave the ranks.
Regarding this action Lovell (1835) says "The Miguelites made an attack to the right, to divert our attention; they
afterwards abandoned the heights of Covelho, upon its being menaced, and it was taken possession of without loss.
Why the Miguelites did not defend it, having the village of Paranhas immediately behind them, I cannot imagine" (p.
230).
At day-break this morning the Miguelites made a desperate effort to recover the Covelho Hill (Lovell, 1835). The
Liberals beat them back, advanced on the village of Paranhas, and drove the Miguelites out in a bitter fight. The
Miguelites were simultaneously threatening Foz, Lordello, and the Quinta of Vanzellares ; but they failed in every
place. The British suffered much in the attack.
Apr 1833: General Bourmont
The out-of-favour French General Bourmont arrived in Portugal in Apr 1833 with a brief from the Holy Alliance to
assist Miguel (Livermore, 1966).
May 1833
In May Bourmont was sent to help Miguel take Porto - a prerequisite for the Holy Alliance acknowledging Miguel
(Livermore, 1966).
1 May 1833
Admiral Sartorius was reinstated in his command of the fleet (Lovell, 1835).
1 Jun 1833
The Duke de Palmela, Pedro's envoy in London, and Charles Napier (alias 'Carlos de Ponza') arrived at Porto with
reinforcements (Cronologia do Liberalismo; Livermore, 1966; Lovell 1835 says 2 Jun 1833). Napier advised the
resurrection of an old plan for a surprise sea borne attack against Lisbon, which later got modified to a landing in the
Algarve (Wikipedia: Cerco do Porto).
8 Jun 1833
Napier was appointed admiral of the liberal squadron (Cronologia do Liberalismo; Livermore, 1966). Lovell (1835)
says this occurred 12 Jun 1833.
13 Jun 1833
Sartorius and Solignac were dismissed (Cronologia do Liberalismo). Saldanha was nominated chief of the general staff:
The Duke of Terceira was appointed commander of the expedition to the south, accompanied by Napier, and Palmela
was made civil governor.
24 Jun 1833: Algarve landing
2,500 liberals under Terceira landed in the Algarve (Cronologia do Liberalismo; Livermore, 1966; Relatório do
Ministro da Guerra, 1828-34). Cronologia do Liberalismo says at Alagoa and Livermore says at Faro;. They occupied
Tavira then marched north through the Alentejo.
4 Jul 1833: Reconnaissance at Lordello and Bomfim
At 1300 hours the Miguelites attacked Lordello (Lovell, 1835). The attack soon extended along the Pedroite front, with
the Miguelites making a strong effort to take possession of the Quinta Vanyellares (Mirante), which was defended by
some French and Belgian troops, as well as Cacadores. Colonel Duvergier charged them at the head of the French, and
the Miguelites were evenutally repulsed, although they had reached at the garden wall. Colonel Duvergier lost his arm
upon this occasion, and subsequently died (23 Jul). The Miguelites also made an attack also on the Bomfim, took a
piquet-house, and got within the precincts of the place. Saldanha and his staff charged them at the head of a few
cavalry, and drove them back. A cannonade was kept up on the city during the whole time. The firing died down at
1700. The defenders lost 130 men. Lovell believed it was an reconnaissance and not a serious attack because there were
no attack columns. The defenders, however, styled the repulse a great victory ; the bells rang, and illuminations were
ordered. Saldanha was made Lieutenant General, and Pimental full Colonel.
5 Jul 1833: Naval Battle of Cape Saint Vincent
On 5 Jul 1833 the liberal naval squadron under Admiral Napier captured the Miguelite squadron at the battle of Cape
Saint Vincent (Cabo São Vincente) (Cronologia do Liberalismo); Livermore, 1966. The liberal fleet include steamships.
With the departure of the liberal naval squadron, the Miguelites believed Porto's defence would be weakened and
vigorously attacked on 5 Jul 1833 (Wikipedia: Cerco do Porto). They were repelled with numerous dead, and due to this
triumph Saldanha was promoted the lieutenant-general.
14 Jul 1833
Bourmont appointed commander of the Miguelite army at Porto (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
23 Jul 1833: Action at Piedade
Liberals defeat Miguelites at the action at Piedade (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
This is probably the action described in Lovell (1835) which immediately predated the Liberal entry into Lisbon ...
"making a most rapid march, arrived near the Tagus, defeated the corps opposed to him (commanded by Telles Jordaö,
who was slain)" (p 307).
24 Jul 1833: Liberals take Lisbon
Terceira entered Lisbon as the Miguelite garrison evacuated (Cronologia do Liberalismo; Livermore, 1966).
25 Jul 1833
On 25 Jul 1833 Porto's defenders repelled Bourmont's first attack on the city (Cronologia do Liberalismo; Wikipedia:
Cerco do Porto).
Soon after 0500 hours the Miguelites made a desperate attempt at Lordello, and against the quinta of Vanzellares
(Lovell, 1835). At Lordello the Miguelite cavalry approach, hidden through a small wood. They jumped a stone wall,
galloped forward and carried a jieche belonging to the liberals. The cavalry commander, a French officer, was killed,
which stalled the attack and prevented them reaching the road a few metres ahead. In another area Miguelite infantry
took a Pedroite position only to lose it again. The Miguelites also attacked the quinta of Vanzellares several times; but
were repulsed. The new battery at Furada fired away the whole time, and a continual cannonade was kept up by all the
batteries.
At 0900 hours the Miguelites attacked Bomfim (Lovell, 1835). General Saldanha took command of the defence. The
Miguelite column had reached the entrance to the place, when Saldanha charged, at the head of his staff and 20 lancers
(Cronologia do Liberalismo; Wikipedia: Cerco do Porto). The Liberal cavalry drove the Miguelite column back.
By 1400 hours the firing ceased with Miguelite attacks repulsed (Lovell, 1835). The loss on the side of Don Pedro
amounted to between three and four hundred men.
26 Jul 1833
Following Sadanha's victory at Porto Dom Pedro left the city by sea, headed for Lisbon where Terceira and Napier were
already installed (Cronologia do Liberalismo; Wikipedia: Cerco do Porto; Lovell, 1835, says night of 27 Jul). Saldanha
remained in charge at Porto.
27 Jul 1833
Massacre of the prisoners of Estremoz (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
28 Jul 1833: Pedro enters Lisbon
Pedro arrived in Lisbon (Livermore, 1966). This gave the liberals both of Portugal's major cities, Lisbon and Porto,
where they commanded a sizeable following among the middle classes (Wikipedia: Liberal Wars). In contrast the
absolutists controlled the rural areas, where they were supported by the aristocracy, and by a peasantry that was
galvanized by the Church. A stalemate of nine months ensued. During this time Maria da Glória was proclaimed Queen,
with Dom Pedro as Regent. Pedro dismissed Miguelite ministers and clergy and appropriated church property.
4 Aug 1833
Miguelite heavy artillery departs from Porto heading south (Lovell, 1835).
9 Aug 1833
Dom Miguel and his General staff (including Bourmont) headed for the south (Cronologia do Liberalismo; Wikipedia:
Cerco do Porto). He left the besiegers under a Frenchman, the Count of Almer, who abandoned some positions but kept
up the siege (Lovell, 1835)
England recognised the Government of D. Maria II (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
10 Aug 1833
Dom Miguel was in Coimbra (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
16 Aug 1833
A explosion at about 1200 hours caused the storehouses of the Portuguese Company in Villa Nova to burn down,
destroying a large amount of wine (Lovell, 1835). Wikipedia: Cerco do Porto claims this was deliberate sabotage by the
retreating Miguelites.
During the afternoon the Miguelites began to retire from from the north of the Douro (Lovell, 1835). On the assumption
they would retreat from the city Saldanha began preparations to dog their retreat. Saldanha's plan was to surprise and
cut off the rear of the Miguelites at Ayreoso. [Cronologia do Liberalismo has this occur on 20 Aug 1833.]
18 Aug 1833: Miguelites withdraw from Porto
This is the take of Lovell (1835), a British military observer. During the night the Miguelites withdrew from the line
around the north side of Porto and fell back upon Vallongo. In they process they abandoned most of their batteries and
positions. When skirmishing broke out at day-break the Liberals found themselves facing only piquets and a few
occupied redoubts; a strong redoubt at Ayreoso had 200-300 men in. The Miguelite army retreated in good order from
post to post. Not everybody got away; Colonel Dodgin, with his British battalion, trapped the garrison of one of the
redoubts and persuaded them to surrender. Skirmishing continued till 1200 hours but very few were killed on either
side.
The Portuguese take is that Saldanha defeated the besieging Miguelite division at Porto, breaking through in the north
and east (Cronologia do Liberalismo; Wikipedia: Cerco do Porto). According to Wikipedia: Cerco do Porto the
Miguelites set fire to the wine warehouses in Gaia before they fell back from the wall, however, Lovell (1835) but this
incident two days earlier (16 Aug) and it could have been the result of random shell fire.
20 Aug 1833: Siege of Porto lifted
During the night the Miguelites retired from Villa Nova, and in the morning the Pedroites occupied it (Lovell, 1835).
Saldanha returned to Porto in triumph (Wikipedia: Cerco do Porto). The city was finally free!
Dom Miguel and his army advanced on Lisbon from Coimbra (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
25 Aug - 10 Oct 1833: Siege of Lisbon
Terceira entered in Lisbon on 24 Jul and a month later (25 Aug) was under siege (Cronologia do Liberalismo). The
most active period seemed to be 5-14 Sep, but the liberal lines held. Saldanha sortied on 10 Oct, broke the siege, and
forced the Miguelites east toward Santarém
25-26 Aug 1833
The Miguelite forces concentrated near Lisbon (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
5-14 Sep 1833
Liberals repelled attacks to the Lisbon lines (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
18 Sep 1833
Macdonell replaced Bourmont in command of the Miguelite army (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
22 Sep 1833
D. Maria II arrived at Tejo, by sea from France (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
27 Sep 1833
Spain presented Dom Miguel with a demand for the expulsion of Don Carlos from Portuguese territory (Cronologia do
Liberalismo), which he ignored.
29 Sep 1833: Ferdinand VII of Spain dies
On 29 Sep 1833 Ferdinand VII of Spain died and his fourth wife Cristina became Queen Regent on behalf of their
infant daughter Isabel II (Holt, 1967).
5 Oct 1833: Carlists rise in Spain
5 Oct 1833 saw the start of the First Carlist War in Spain, when the Carlists began to rise in revolt and proclaimed the
brother of Ferdinand VII as King Carlos V of Spain (Chant, 1983; Holt, 1967)
10-11 Oct 1833
Saldanha sortied from Lisbon to the east and forced the besiegers to retired to Santarém, which they strengthened
(Cronologia do Liberalismo).
France recognised the Government of D. Maria II (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
18 Oct 1833
Colonel Silva Pereira and the 5th Light Infantry (Caçadores) Battalion were in action at Lisbon (Portugal Dicionário
Histórico: Antas).
19 Oct 1833
Colonel Silva Pereira and the 5th Light Infantry (Caçadores) Battalion were in action at Loures (Portugal Dicionário
Histrico: Antas).
23 Oct 1833
Belgium recognised the Government of D. Maria II (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
3 Nov 1833
Liberal expedition to the Alentejo; Action at Alcácer; massacre of the prisoners (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
Early 1834
In early 1834 the Spanish General Rodil sent troops into Portugal to capture Carlos and his supporters (Holt, 1967;
Livermore, 1966). They were unsuccessful but kept Don Carlos on the run.
14-16 Jan 1834: Leiria
During 14-16 Jan 4,500 Liberals under Saldanha attacked Leiria from two sides (Cronologia do Liberalismo;
Wikipedia: Batalha de Almoster). Colonel Silva Pereira and the 5th Light Infantry (Caçadores) Battalion were involved
(Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas). In fear of being cut off the Miguelites abandoned the Castle of Leiria and tried
to take refuge in Coimbra. Saldanha subsequently began to strengthen Leiria's defences
30 Jan 1834: Action at Pernes
Action at Pernes (Cronologia do Liberalismo). Colonel Silva Pereira and the 5th Light Infantry (Caçadores) Battalion
participated (Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas).
Early Feb 1834
In the first few days of Feb 1834, General Póvoas, commander of the Miguelite troops, attempted to attack the liberal
forces occupying Pernes and surrounding Santarém (Wikipedia: Batalha de Almoster). It is quite likely this is the
Action at Pernes that Cronologia do Liberalismo gives on 30 Jan 1834.
18 Feb 1834: Battle of Almoster
On the 18 Feb 1834 general Póvoas led his army towards the Bridge of Asseca, which controls the road to Lisbon
(Wikipedia: Batalha de Almoster). Unfortunately for him, Saldnha anticipated this move and arranged for the
Miguelites to march into a trap. The road was via a narrow ravine between densely wooded hills. Colonel Queirós with
two regiments of light infantry (Caçadores) blocked the Miguelite route of retreat to the the bridge of Saint Maria.
Meanwhile Brigadier General Brito, with another two regiments, launched an impetuous bayonet charge into the
Miguelites. Saldanha commanded the infantry reserve. The Miguelite defeat was total, with the absolutists losing more
than a thousand of men.
After 10 Mar 1834: Siege of Serpa
The Siege of Serpa featured the Belgian Corps (De Belgische Militaire Expeditie te Portugal).
18 Mar 1834
Operations in the Minho (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
23 Mar 1834: Caminha
Napier took Caminha (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
27 Mar 1834: Santo Tirso
Cabreira entered Santo Tirso (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
2 Apr 1834: Braga
Liberals occupied Braga (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
3 Apr 1834: Valença
Liberals occupied Valença (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
Apr 1834: Pedrite Offensive
Following his capture of Valença Terceira led expedition to the centre of the Kingdom and occupied Viseu, Coimbra
and Tomar (Cronologia do Liberalismo; Livermore, 1966). Miguel's army (under General Guedes) retreated eastward
before the advance of Dom Pedro's forces (Wikipedia: Battle of Aceiceira). Terceira eventually reached Porto.
Operations in the Tâmega.
22 Apr 1834: The Quadruple Alliance
On 22 April 1834 the Quadruple Alliance was signed as a counter to the Holy Alliance (Holt, 1967; Livermore, 1966).
Portugal, Spain, England and France agreed to banish Dom Miguel from Portugal and Don Carlos from Spain. Spain
committed to keep troops in Portugal until the end of the Portuguese Liberal War, England promised naval support for
Dom Pedro and Isabel of Spain, and Portugal agreed to supply an auxiliary force for operations against Don Carlos in
Spain (Duncan, 1997; Viriatus Miniatures: Divisão Auxiliar a Espanha).
24 Apr 1834: Skirmish at Saint-Bartholom‫ י‬de Mecine
Featured the Belgian Corps (De Belgische Militaire Expeditie te Portugal).
5 May 1834: Skirmish at Faro
8 May 1834: Coimbra
Liberals occupied Coimbra (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
9 May: Skirmish at Alhao
10 May 1834: Quadruple Alliance confirmed
Treaty of the Quadruple Alliance confirmed in Lisbon (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
16 May 1834: The Battle of Aceiceira
On the night of 15-16 May 1834 the Miguelite Army was camped in a strong position on the Heights of Aceiceira, a
system of hills and valleys about 6.5 km from Thomar (Wikipedia: Battle of Aceiceira). Miguel himself was at
Santarem and was not involved in the ensuing battle. Pedro's general, the Duke of Terceira, advanced from Thomar on
the morning of the 16 May and attacked the mIguelite position in three columns commanded by Colonels Queiroz,
Nepomuceno and Vasconcellos. The Miguelite forces attempted to repel them with artillery bombardment and cavalry
charges but the liberal forces persisted in their attacks and eventually a charge by their own cavalry carried the heights.
Many of the enemy were killed or wounded, their guns captured, and some 1,400 men taken prisoner. The remainder
fled towards Gollegao, which was occupied by Terceira the following day.
17 May 1834
Dom Miguel left Santarém for Évora (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
18 May 1834
Liberals occupied Santarém (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
Dom Pedro (already ill with the sickness that would kill him shortly after his final victory) arrived in Golegã from
Cartaxo (Wikipedia: Battle of Aceiceira).
Miguel rallied his forces at Evora (Wikipedia: Battle of Aceiceira). .
27 May 1834: Convention of Monte Évora
Despite still having 18,000 men in the ranks Miguel's officers were unwilling to risk a final battle after nearly two years
of warfare, and Miguel was induced to seek terms of capitulation (Cronologia do Liberalismo; Livermore, 1966,
actually says peace was declared on 26 May; Wikipedia: Battle of Aceiceira). Dom Miguel renounced all claims to the
throne of Portugal and agreed to go into exile.
1 Jun 1834
Both Dom Miguel and Don Carlos departed Portugal from Sines on the British frigate Stag (Cronologia do
Liberalismo). Miguel ended up in Austria via Italy - never to return. Don Carlos returned to Spain via England.
20 Jun 1834
In Genoa, Dom Miguel renounced the Monte Évora Convention (Cronologia do Liberalismo), although this did him
little good.
18 Jul 1834
Provisional reorganization of the Portuguese Army (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
24 Jul 1834
Colonel Silva Pereira was promoted to Brigadier General (Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas).
20 Sep 1834
D. Maria II swore to uphold the Constitution (Cronologia do Liberalismo).
24 Sep 1834: Dom Pedro dies
On 24 Sep 1834 Dom Pedro died of consumption, and his daughter, Maria da Glória, resumed her interrupted reign as
Maria II of Portugal (Livermore, 1966).
18 Oct 1834: New uniform regulations
The Portuguese army issued new regulations on uniform - see Painting Guide for Portuguese.
17 Sep 1835
Brigadier General Silva Pereira became Baron Das Antas (Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas).
Sep 1835 - Sep 1837: Portuguese Auxiliary Division
24 Sep 1835: Portuguese Auxiliary Division
Queen Regent Cristina Maria of Spain (on behalf of her infant daughter Isabel II), and D. Maria II of Portugal, signed a
treaty to guarantee Portuguese military aid against Don Carlos in Spain, in accordance with the Treaty of the Quadruple
Alliance (Cronologia do Liberalismo). Don Carlos's arrival back in Spain had lent energy to the First Carlist War and
the Portuguese Liberals felt obligated to fulfil the obligations of the Quadruple Alliance, and return the favour to the
Spanish Liberals for their help during the recent Liberal War in Portugal (Vieira, 2004). As a result a Portuguese
Auxiliary Division was sent to Spain to fight the Carlists (Viriatus Miniatures: Divisão Auxiliar a Espanha). This three
brigade force eventually contained 6,000 foot and 750 horse (Cairns, 1994b; Viriatus Miniatures: Divisão Auxiliar a
Espanha). The division was recruited from the best regular units, although one unit, the “Caçadores do Porto”, was said
to have been made up of adventurers of all nations left over from Portugal’s recent civil war. Included at least one
regiment of well-equipped lancers.
The exiled Portuguese absolutists also wanted to continue the fight for what they believed in and supported by their
leader, Dom Miguel, joined Don Carlos forces (Vieira, 2004). This way, many Portuguese came from Portugal (where
absolutist guerrillas were still active), England, France and Italy to join the Carlist ranks. The Portuguese in the Carlist
Army even formed a Company commanded by the captain António Teles Jordão. Besides many soldiers there were also
several Portuguese officers loyal to Dom Miguel in the Carlist Army.
18 Oct 1835
Brigadier General Baron Das Antas led the vanguard of the Portuguese Auxiliary Division into Spain. (Cronologia do
Liberalismo; Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas). Once the rest of the division joined them the vanguard became the
3rd Brigade (Viriatus Miniatures: Divisão Auxiliar a Espanha). Brigadier General Santa Marta, Baron do Vale,
commanded the division as a whole (Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas; Viriatus Miniatures: Divisão Auxiliar a
Espanha).
10 Nov 1835
Saldanha punished the officers who refused to join the Portuguese Auxiliary Division in Spain (Cronologia do
Liberalismo).
16 Nov 1835
Some of the officers punished by Saldanha are elect members of the house of representatives (Cronologia do
Liberalismo).
17 Nov 1835
The cavalry of the Portuguese Auxiliary Division left Lisbon for Spain (Cronologia do Liberalismo). A group of about
200 officers congregated in Alcântara and asked the queen to cancel the punishment of the officers who had refused to
go to Spain. This uprising led to the fall of the government.
Feb 1836
The Portuguese Auxiliary Division was reorganised into two columns (Viriatus Miniatures: Divisão Auxiliar a
Espanha). Brigadier General Baron Das Antas commanded the first column of 3,000 men (Portugal Dicionário
Histórico: Antas)
12 Mar 1836
The Portuguese Auxiliary Division, or possibly just the column under Baron Das Antas, took part in the taking of
Valmacela, and in the action of Castle of Pedra and Venda Mal Abugro (Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas). For his
part in these actions Das Antas was awarded the cross of S.Fernando by the Spanish government.
28-29 Jun 1836
The Portuguese Auxiliary Division, or possibly just the column under Baron Das Antas, were in action on 28 and 29
Jun 1836 (Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas). For his part in these actions Das Antas was awarded the supreme-cross
of Isabel, the Catholic, by the Spanish government.
9 Sep 1836
Rebellious battalions of the national guard of Lisbon proclaimed the democratic constitution of 1820 on the night of 9
Sep 1836 (Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas).
23 Sep 1836
Baron Das Antas, who had taken command of the Portuguese Auxiliary Division from Baron Do Vale, declared for the
revolution on 23 Sep 1836 (Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas). Das Antas and the division, however, continued to
fight for Queen Isabel in Spain
13 Oct 1836
Brigadier General Baron Das Antas became Viscount Das Antas (Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas)
14 May 1837
In the campaigns of 1837 the Portuguese Auxiliary Division was in action on the banks of the Ebro and at Vitoria
(Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas). On 14 May 1837 repeated attacks by the division rendered unusable many
Carlist blockhouses in the lines at Arlaban. Subsequently the Portuguese destroyed the Carlist munitions factory at
Barambio, 10 km from Vitoria
18 Jun 1837: Salvatierra
Rescuing the garrison of Pena Serrada for the third time, the Portuguese Auxiliary Division defeated a Carlist force at
Salvatierra (Portugal Dicionário Histrico: Antas).
21 Jul 1837: Zambrana
The Carlists defeated the Portuguese Auxiliary Division at the Zambrana plain, with heavy loss (Portugal Dicionário
Histórico: Antas). The Portuguese retreated to Armiñon.
3 Sep 1837
When the cartista revolution broke out the Portuguese government called Viscount Das Antas and the Portuguese
Auxiliary Division home (Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas). As a result Das Antas and his column reached
Almeida on 3 Sep 1837. The second column of the division, under Colonel José de Sousa Pinto, proclaimed for the
revolution during its march from Valadolid to Salamanca, and then headed for Bragança to join the rebels.
5 Sep 1837
Viscount Das Antas was promoted to Field Marshal (Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas). He headed for Lamego.
9 Sep 1837
Viscount Das Antas arrived in Lamego (Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas).
13 Sep 1837
Viscount Das Antas arrived in Porto (Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas).
15 Sep 1837
Viscount Das Antas left Porto in the search of the rebels under the baron of Leiria (Portugal Dicionário Histórico:
Antas). He found them at Ruivães
20 Sep 1837
the Marshal Duke of Terceira, the Marquis of Saldanha and Viscount Das Antas.signed the convention of Chaves thus
ending the rebellion (Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas).
4 Apr 1838
Brigadier General Viscount Das Antas became Count Das Antas (Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas)
References
Cairns, C. (1994b, November). A Savage and Romantic War: Spain 1833-1840. Part II: The Cristino forces. Wargames
Illustrated, 86, 36-46.
Câmara Municipal da Praia da Vitória [broken link]
Chant, R. H. (1983). Spanish Tiger: The Life and Times of Ramón Cabrera. New York: Midas.
Cronologia do Liberalismo - de 1777 a 1926; A Guerra Civil de Julho de 1832 a Maio de 1834 [Portuguese]
De Belgische Militaire Expeditie te Portugal [Flemish or Dutch]
Holt, E. (1967). The Carlist Wars in Spain. London: Putnam.
Livermore, H. V. (1966). A New History of Portugal. Cambridge University Press.
Portugal Dicionário Histórico: Antas
0 Cerco Do Porto Na Freguesia (1832-1833) [Portuguese]
Relatório do Ministro da Guerra, 1828-34 [Portuguese]
Vieira, J. (18 Jun 2004). Personal communication.
Viriatus Miniatures [Portuguese].
Wikipedia: Battle of Aceiceira
Wikipedia: Batalha de Almoster [Portuguese]
Wikipedia: Batalha da Praia da Vitória [Portuguese]
Wikipedia: Belfastada [Portuguese]
Wikipedia: Cerco do Porto [Portuguese]
Wikipedia: Holy Alliance
Wikipedia: Liberal Wars
Wikipedia: Serra do Pilar [Portuguese]
RELATÓRIO DO MINISTRO DA GUERRA, 1828-34
Agostinho José Freire
(Excertos)
Tópicos:
o empréstimo que tornou possível a expedição militar do imperador do Brasil em Portugal foi obtido por
intermédio do espanhol Juan Álvarez y Mendizábal (1790-1853);
os combatentes estrangeiros que desembarcaram no Mindelo ascendiam a seis mil seiscentos e vinte e quatro
[6.624] – “Recebemos de países estrangeiros seis mil seiscentos e vinte quatro homens, e oitocentos quarenta e dois
cavalos” - num total de “oito mil e trezentos homens de que eram combatentes em parada pouco mais de sete mil e
quinhentos” [7.500].
Senhores
É chegado o venturoso dia em que tenho a honra e prazer de dar-vos conta dos negócios expedidos pela Repartição do
Ministério da Guerra, de que tenho sido encarregado desde que Sua Majestade Imperial se dignou de reassumir a
Regência, em nome da Rainha, até o presente momento. O período é vasto, e fecundo; as operações militares entram de
necessidade em minha narração, porque delas são inseparáveis os actos administrativos da guerra; porém eu farei por
ser breve sem me esquecer o preceito da clareza.
No infausto ano de 1828, consumada a usurpação, e frustrados os esforços patrióticos em favor do legítimo governo,
Portugal excluído da comunhão das nações, e entregue aos ferozes desvarios dos que o dominavam não apresentou mais
do que um sucessivo quadro de todos os crimes, calamidades, e horrores. Uma boa parte de Portugueses fiéis foram
demandar asilo em terras estranhas, e o marquês hoje duque de Palmela, auxiliado pelos súbditos brasileiros marquês de
Resende, e Visconde de Itabaiana, deu um centro aos emigrados, ocorreu à sua subsistência, providenciou sobre o que
convinha à causa portuguesa, e lhe fez tão relevantes serviços, que não podem deixar de ser comemorados com
agradecimento nos anais da nossa história.
A ilha Terceira, depois de várias convulsões, fixou a sua lealdade sustentada pelo brioso Batalhão de Caçadores Nº. 5,
que ali se achava de guarnição, e desde logo essa famosa ilha, onde se estabeleceu um governo provisório, foi
considerada como ponto de reunião de todos os leais portugueses. Para ali se mandaram alguns oficiais, praças,
artilharia, e dinheiro; mas os recursos escassos cada dia minguavam, o apuro crescia, o poder despótico avultava cada
vez mais na Europa, a perseguição aumentava-se, e tudo parecia conspirado contra a causa da justiça, da inocência, e da
liberdade. Ao mesmo passo que Sua Majestade Fidelíssima a Senhora Dona Maria II, era recebida, e tratada como
Rainha de Portugal pelo Rei da Inglaterra e por toda a generosa nação inglesa, súbditos inermes da mesma Augusta
Senhora, à vista das praias da ilha Terceira, foram repelidos por canhões britânicos de tornarem terra no único ponto
que se mantinha fiel à sua legítima soberana.
No entretanto o usurpador medrava em meios de agressão e defesa: a ilha desprovida de tudo estava estreitamente
bloqueada, e apesar da valentia, e denodo com que o general Torres desbaratou a mui superior força dos revoltosos na
famosa acção do Pico do Celeiro, a ordem mal firmada no interior, estava ameaçada de novas reacções, e para tudo
sujeitar ao domínio do tirano se equipava no Tejo uma formidável expedição.
Foi em tão temerosa conjuntura que o ilustre conde de Vila Flor, acompanhado de alguns bravos, deixou as costas de
França, e através do bloqueio, e de todos os perigos aportou à Vila da Praia a oito de Julho de mil oitocentos e vinte
nove, e preparando-se com actividade recebeu, e rechaçou no memorável dia onze de Agosto do mesmo ano as
consideráveis forças inimigas de mar, e de terra.
(...)
A grande semana em Paris, a reforma parlamentar em Inglaterra, e os triunfos da liberdade em algumas outras partes da
Europa aumentaram a consideração política dos defensores da ilha Terceira, mas não os seus recursos. Malogrou-se o
empréstimo contraído com o capitalista Maberly; estavam quase exaustos os ténues meios de que a Regência podia
dispor, e os fiéis súbditos de Sua Majestade Fidelíssima sem dinheiro, e sem alguns auxílios só acharam socorro na
coragem, e galhardia com que sob o comando do invicto general conde de Vila Flor, poucos em número, em um
pequeno brigue, e alguns batéis, acometeram, e tomaram as ilhas do Pico, S. Jorge, e Faial, defendidas por forças muito
superiores, e logo depois a ilha de S. Miguel, guarnecido por mais de três mil homens, sendo os agressores apenas mil e
quatrocentos homens, que em pouco tempo restabeleceram o legítimo governo em todas as de mais ilhas daquele
arquipélago.
(...)
Tomada esta heróica resolução, Sua Majestade Imperial pôs em prática toda a sua assombrosa energia; expediu
plenipotenciários para as diversas cortes, não houve dificuldade que não vencesse, intriga, ou tropeço que não
suplantasse.
Tentados em vão outros meios, Sua Majestade Imperial concluiu um empréstimo por mediação do cavalheiro
espanhol J. A. y Mendizabal, o qual desde então até ao presente nos tem prestado tão exímios, e generosos serviços,
que é sem dúvida merecedor da gratidão nacional.
(...)
Mudou-se a sede do governo em vinte seis de Abril para S. Miguel designada para a junção geral, que não se podia
verificar em alguma outra parte por falta de quartéis e acampamentos indispensáveis para o exercício das grandes
manobras, e para a criação do espírito de camaradagem, e virtuosa rivalidade entre os Corpos, e estas considerações
preferiram às vantagens marítimas do Faial, que na estação, em que nos achavámos, não eram de tanto momento.
(...)
Superaram-se graves contrariedades de homens e de coisas, e Sua Majestade Imperial teve enfim a satisfação de ver
reunida, e no maior luzimento em Ponta Delgada, e seus arredores, uma força se não suficiente para a conquista de
Portugal, bastante ao menos para apoio dos bons portugueses, que segundo as unânimes, e frequentes informações de
toda a parte destes reinos anelavam, como era de crer, o primeiro ensejo de sacudirem o jugo de seus tirânicos
opressores.
(...)
Deixando um destacamento em S. Miguel, e uma conveniente guarnição na ilha Terceira (onde também se mandou criar
um Batalhão Nacional, e mais tarde um corpo de linha número quatro que ainda veio Prestar importantes serviços nas
linhas de Lisboa, e no resto da campanha) comunicados instruções para a polícia, defesa, e segurança do arquipélago, e
dadas todas as providências oportunas, a frota, que encerrava as esperanças, e destinos da Pátria, levantou ferro pelas
duas horas da tarde de vinte sete de Junho de mil oitocentos e trinta e dois.
Era a expedição composta de duas fragatas, uma corveta, dois brigues, quatro escunas, e quarenta transportes contendo
três brigadas de artilharia de campanha, e oito mil e trezentos homens de que eram combatentes em parada pouco mais
de sete mil e quinhentos.
Com próspera viagem avistámos terra entre Viana, e Vila do Conde no dia sete de Julho, e no dia seguinte sendo
baldada a intimação que Sua Majestade Imperial mandou fazer pelo seu ajudante de campo Bernardo de Sá ao
comandante das tropas rebeldes naquela estação para render obediência ao legítimo governo, começou o desembarque
pelas duas horas da tarde na praia de Mindelo, sendo a guarnição do brigue Vila Flor, a que saltando primeiro em terra
cravou na área o pendão da honra, e lealdade que desse ângulo tinha de percorrer triunfante todo o território destes
reinos, e suas possessões. Daí a quatro horas toda a nossa força terrestre ocupava as posições adjacentes, retirando-se o
inimigo que não ousara disputar-nos o passo.
Sem algum obstáculo marchou nessa noite o exército libertador, entrando com o seu Augusto Regente na manhã
seguinte na célebre cidade do Porto, onde à entrada de nossas avançadas o povo derribou os patíbulos em que por
espaço de quatro anos gotejara o sangue de muitos mártires da Pátria.
(...)
Descreveram-se as linhas debaixo das vistas do que era possível em proporção das nossas forças, que consistiam em
oito mil quinhentos quarenta e quatro homens, compreendidos dois mil e cem voluntários e recrutas, e que tinham de
repelir oitenta mil combatentes de todas as armas de que o inimigo podia dispor, e mais de metade desse número que
em poucos dias devia estar em torno da Cidade. Força foi em consequência limitar no Sul ao convento da Serra do Pilar,
e abandonar ao Norte as importantes alturas do Regado, Antas, e Covelo, assim como a posição de Lordelo que liga o
Porto com a Foz.
Não há expressões que descrevam a energia com que se deu pressa a todos os trabalhos das fortificações, e à
manufactura de todos os artigos de guerra. Não havia braços ociosos; aquele que não podia trabalhar pagava a quem o
substituísse; os empregados públicos entraram nas fileiras; deu-se maior extensão ao trem; formou-se um arsenal;
criaram-se laboratórios de pólvora, de cartuxame, de mistos, e de projécteis de toda a espécie; construiu-se grande
quantidade de reparos; apropriaram-se ao serviço das baterias todas as peças que se poderam achar, e em poucos dias
avultaram prodigiosamente os meios de defesa, devendo-se tudo ao infatigável desvelo com que Sua Majestade
Imperial de dia, e de noite animava a todos com a sua presença, direcção, e exemplo.
(...)
Em todos os pontos da cidade se cruzavam os fogos da artilharia inimiga: a fome e a peste continuavam suas
devastações; os nossos recursos eram falíveis, e não podiam ser infinitos; a força militar tinha chegado ao máximo, a
esquadra dava os mais graves motivos de cuidado, e em tais circunstâncias o governo insistiu por diversas vezes com o
major general barão de Solignac para que tirando-nos da inacção, que infalivelmente nos perdia, empreendesse
operações, que pudessem salvar-nos.
Já em Fevereiro antecedente o governo voltando ao seu projecto da expedição marítima, e querendo torná-lo mais
seguro tinha mandado um agente a Londres para fretar navios de vapor, comprar os géneros, e munições necessárias;
porém a falta de meios paralisou por alguns meses essa diligência, que pelos esforços do ilustre Mendizábal se realizou
enfim quando menos se esperava.
As divergências na esquadra da Rainha estavam compostas mediando a generosidade com que o conde de Farrobo,
além de outros anteriores adiantamentos de avultadas quantias, auxiliou o governo com dezasseis mil libras esterlinas, e
no primeiro de Junho surgiram defronte das águas do Douro cinco vapores com diversos provimentos, e seiscentos
homens, que apesar de estarem sem disciplina, e sem alguma organização, eram todavia um reforço, e se mandaram
desembarcar.
Tinha portanto soado a hora, em que não era possível procrastinar mais o começo das operações. Se elas deviam ser
sobre o exército sitiador, ou em outra parte do reino, e se a expedição por mar devia ser mais ou menos forte, foram as
questões que por alguns dias se agitaram, e debateram em conselhos de ministros, generais, e oficiais superiores,
prevalecendo enfim no dia onze a opinião, que Sua Majestade Imperial houve por bem adoptar, de uma expedição de
dois mil e quinhentos homens para o Sul do reino, e era esse o voto inalterável do ministério. Foi cometido ao duque de
Palmela o supremo governo civil, ao duque da Terceira e comando em chefe das tropas de desembarque, e a Carlos de
Ponza (Capitão Napier), que havia sido nomeado vice-almirante, e major general da Armada, exonerado o vicealmirante Sartorius, se entregou o comando em chefe da esquadra.
A cada um dos chefes se deram instruções, e na manhã de vinte um de Junho a expedição se fez de vela no rumo do Sul.
O major general barão de Solignac, cuja opinião fora diversa, obteve licença, e retirou-se. O duque da Terceira com as
tropas do seu comando desembarcou no dia vinte e quatro de Junho junto a Cacela, e em quase todo o reino do Algarve
foi logo restaurado o governo da Rainha.
No mesmo dia memorando cinco de Julho em que o nosso exército nas linhas do Porto desbaratava o Inimigo que as
acometera, o vice-almirante Carlos de Ponza nas águas do Cabo de S. Vicente concluía o maior feito de armas, que se
tem praticado sobre os mares, aniquilando com forças consideravelmente inferiores a poderosa armada do usurpador, e
essa faustíssima nova chegou ao Porto no dia nove, primeiro aniversário da entrada de Sua Majestade naquela heróica
cidade.
(...)
Seja-me agora lícito observar que tendo o Exército ao desembarcar nas praias do Mindelo o total de oito mil e
trezentas praças, como já referi, metade das quais estavam sem suficiente instrução, e sem fardamento quando Sua
Majestade Imperial chegou aos Açores, tinha no primeiro de Janeiro de mil oitocentos trinta e três doze mil seiscentas
sessenta e oito praças; no primeiro de Março dezoito mil trezentas e quarenta ditas; no primeiro de Setembro trinta e
seis mil quatrocentas e vinte nove; no primeiro de Janeiro de mil oitocentos trinta e quatro cinquenta mil e quinhentas e
noventa e seis, e finalmente no primeiro de Junho deste ano constava de sessenta mil cento e dezanove homens.
Começou este exército com um batalhão de oficiais, uma companhia de académicos, seis batalhões de infantaria, quatro
de caçadores, um batalhão de artilharia, e um de voluntários, e contava no fim da guerra seis regimentos de cavalaria,
dezassete regimentos de infantaria, cinco batalhões de caçadores, três batalhões de artilharia, e uma companhia de
académicos, um corpo de engenheiros, um batalhão de artífices, um corpo telegráfico e sessenta e sete batalhões móveis
e fixos, além de treze companhias avulsas. Recebemos de países estrangeiros seis mil seiscentos e vinte quatro
homens, e oitocentos quarenta e dois cavalos. Todos os corpos eram sempre conservados em bom estado e força,
apesar de que no decurso da guerra perdemos dezassete mil quinhentos e vinte nove homens, sendo mortos de feridas, e
de enfermidades provenientes das fadigas da guerra cento oitenta e sete oficiais de que tivemos quinhentos e treze
feridos, e morreram no campo da batalha mil cento e catorze praças de pré, e nos hospitais três mil e cinquenta e quatro
ditas, além de quatro mil e quinhentas oitenta e oito praças que foram feridos. O resto da perda total foi de prisioneiros,
e desertares como tudo se mostra dos mapas juntos a este relatório, donde se vê, que um exército de oito mil e trezentos
homens teve tal desenvolvimento, que venceu oitenta e três mil trezentos e dezasseis homens, perdeu dezassete mil
quinhentos e vinte nove, e tinha no fim da guerra sessenta mil cento e dezanove praças.
Em todos os tempos ainda os mais calamitosos o nosso exército recebeu a ração regular, e algumas vezes aumentada
com a diferença de que a falta de alguns géneros era compensada com arroz, e aos doentes nunca faltou pão, e carne,
apesar da extraordinária carestia a que estes géneros subiram na cidade do Porto. Todos os empregados desde o general
até à menor patente, e desde o ministro de Estado até ao último funcionário público receberam até ao primeiro de
Agosto de mil oitocentos trinta e três prestações somente de doze mil réis mensais, as quais, assim como todos os prés
foram sempre regularmente pagos, e desde a sobredita data tem-se pago todos os soldos, algum tempo metade em
cédulas, depois tudo em numerário, e enfim se pagam também as gratificações. Os créditos atrasados dependem de
liquidação à vista da qual, e do estado do tesouro as cortes tem de prover como for justo.
Assim nos Açores como no Porto, e Lisboa foram abonadas rações de pão e etape, excepto vinho, às mulheres das
praças expedicionárias, e dos prisioneiros, e a estes sendo soldados se abonou pão, e soldo de paz, e sendo oficiais uma
prestação mensal de seis mil réis.
Todos os Ingleses alistados nas bandeiras de Sua Majestade Fidelíssima percebiam nos termos dos seus contratos os
avultados vencimentos do serviço militar inglês; mas por uma convenção subsequente se conseguiu, que a contar do
primeiro de Janeiro do presente ano eles vencessem soldos portugueses com o aumento de vinte por cento assim para
oficiais como praças de pré. Os alistados das demais nações cobram vencimentos portugueses, e além da gratificação
de entrada em campanha têm indemnizações na despedida como os Ingleses.
(...)
Ponderadas pois as referidas circunstâncias, e atendendo não só a que um tão numeroso exército mantido em pé de
guerra foi sempre bem pago, vestido, municiado, e completamente provido, mas também a que se fizeram imensas
obras de fortificação em Lisboa, Porto, e suas dependências, Almada, Setúbal, Palmela, Óbidos, Leiria, Lagos, Faro, e
Olhão, e considerando-se enfim, que tinhamos montadas seiscentas e onze bocas de fogo, e que era inevitável assim o
enorme consumo de munições como a perda de armamentos, e outros artigos nos combates, não parecerá excessiva a
despesa de seis mil cinquenta e nove contos seiscentos doze mil quatrocentos sessenta e dois réis, que se fez pelas
repartições da Guerra desde Março de mil oitocentos trinta e dois até Junho próximo passado, compreendida nessa soma
a de reis cento triúta e quatro contos setecentos oitenta e cinco mil seiscentos quarenta e sete, que se despendeu em
objectos da competência da Marinha, e tenho a satisfação de anunciar-vos que as contas do comissariado se acham
justas até Setembro de mil oitocentos e trinta e dois, e fechadas até Setembro de mil oitocentos e trinta e três, estando
estas, e as restantes a legalizar-se perante uma comissão para esse fim nomeada.
As contas da Tesouraria estão fechadas até Dezembro de mil oitocentos e trinta e três; a contabilidade desta repartição
se acha regular, e só resta legalizar alguns documentos, para que as comissões encarregadas deste objecto apresentem o
resultado de seus trabalhos.
Os mapas, que tenho a honra de ajuntar, mostram todo o movimento de fundos que têm estado a meu cargo, e são tão
simples, e claros que talvez nada deixem a desejar.
Tal é, senhores, a sincera história da minha administração de secretário de estado dos Negócios da Guerra, desde as
ilhas dos Açores até este momento. Acham-se juntos os documentos necessários, e prontas quaisquer explicações.
Assisti ao começo da grande empresa, acompanhei-a em todo o seu progresso, fui presente ao êxito, não depus um só
dia a pena de ministro da Guerra, e empunhei a espada de soldado em todos os combates do Porto, e de Lisboa. Depois
de tantos, e tão complicados trabalhos cheguei à ventura de os relatar perante os representantes da nação portuguesa.
Estão satisfeitos todos os meus votos.
Tenho pura a consciência de que em tão dilatada, e espinhosa época empreguei todas as minhas forças no serviço da
Rainha, e da Pátria.
Os factos, e as provas estão diante de vós.
Espero tranquilo o vosso juízo, e o de todos os homens imparciais.
Secretaria de Estado dos Negócios da Guerra em 4 de Setembro de 1834.
Agostinho José Freire.
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