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Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger
Norfolk, Virginia
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On August 27, 1810, the fortress of Almeida capitulated to French forces under Massena after a powder magazine explosion destroyed munitions and caused heavy casualties among the British-Portuguese garrison led by Brigadier General Cox.
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From the Gazette of the Regency.
Lisbon, 8th Sept. -- Brigadier general Cox, governor of the fortress of Almeida, has written to marshal Beresford, under date of the 30th August, from Aldea del Obispo, advising him, that on the night of the 27th, he found himself obliged to capitulate, in consequence of the unfortunate explosion of the great Powder Magazine in the Castle, and two smaller contiguous magazines; which accident deprived him of all his munitions of artillery and musketry, except a small number of cartridges and 39 barrels of powder. More than half of the detachment of artillery, a great number of soldiers belonging to the infantry, and many of the inhabitants perished in the terrible explosion. Many pieces were dismounted from the batteries; the works became singularly ruinous, and the consternation was general among the garrison and inhabitants.
CAPITULATION OF ALMEIDA.
Art. I. The garrison shall remain prisoners of war with all military honours; that is, they shall march out with their arms and deliver them up on the esplanade. Accepted, except, that the militia, being few in number, shall return to their homes after having left their arms, and they cannot serve during the present war against France or her allies.
II. The officers and soldiers shall keep their swords and baggage, and the latter their baggage only.
III. The inhabitants shall preserve their property, and shall not be molested on account of their opinions.
IV. The munitions of war and artillery shall remain in the hands of the French army, and shall be delivered to the commandant of artillery.
V. The magazines and baggage waggons shall be delivered to the French commissaries of war, who shall be appointed for that purpose.
VI. The plans and papers of the fortress shall be delivered to the commandant of engineers of the French army.
VII. The sick of the English and Portuguese army shall be taken care of and maintained at the cost of the French, and shall follow the lot of the garrison, when they are recovered.
Camp before Almeida, 27th August, 1810.
MASSENA.
WM. COX.
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Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Almeida
Event Date
27th August 1810
Key Persons
Outcome
more than half of the detachment of artillery, a great number of soldiers belonging to the infantry, and many of the inhabitants perished in the terrible explosion. the garrison capitulated and became prisoners of war with military honors; militia returned home; officers kept swords and baggage; inhabitants preserved property; munitions and artillery delivered to french.
Event Details
Brigadier general Cox, governor of Almeida, capitulated on the night of August 27 due to explosion of powder magazines, depriving the fortress of most munitions except small cartridges and 39 barrels of powder. Many artillerymen, infantrymen, and inhabitants died; batteries dismounted; works ruined; general consternation. Capitulation terms included garrison as prisoners with honors, militia release, retention of swords/baggage, protection of inhabitants, delivery of munitions, plans, and care for sick.