Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser

Foreign Intelligence.

LONDON, SEPT. 28, 1808.

SPANISH AFFAIRS

Spanish papers to September, were received yesterday. The patriots act with precaution recommended to them by the Supreme Junta of Seville. The French still remained behind the Ebro, and did not give evidence of any disposition to fall on Madrid. The patriots are assembling on their flanks, and will harass them. Palafox hangs on their left, with about 20,000 excellent troops. Money, who commands the rear column of the French, has attempted to bring the hero of Saragossa, to battle But like Fabius, Palafox, as cautious as he is brave, fell back on Saragossa; and thus defeated Moncey's intention. In the mean time, Gen. Blake, who hovers round the right flank of the French, made a threatening movement, and compelled Money to rejoin the main body. Gen. Blake has proceeded towards Biscay and Guipuscoa. From this position he will be enabled to throw detachments between the Pyrenees and Pampeluna, harass the retreat of the French into their own country, or cut off any reinforcements from France. The army of Madrid is opposed to the centre of the French.

Oct. 26, 1808.—Dispatches were received this morning, by government, announcing the march of Sir John Moore, with 20,000 men, from Portugal for Spain. We shall have early in November, an army of 50,000 men in Spain. The residue of our troops at Lisbon, will act in the Mediterranean.

Oct. 27. The Rowena sloop has arrived at Plymouth, from Corunna. She is said to bring intelligence, that the Spaniards have gained a victory over the French. This may be mere rumor.

It is said, that 30,000 French troops have reinforced their armies in Spain.

CORUNNA, (Gallicia) OCT. 6, 1808.

The Supreme Junta has published an official letter from Gen Blake. dated H. Q. Quincores, 30th Sept. giving an account that Marshal Ney, had made a feint with the army under his command, with intent to fall on our force in Bilboa, with treble its force;—but the Patriot division, under Portago, apprised of the movement, made good its retreat, with its artillery and baggage, to Balmaseda. The French re-entered Bilboa the 27th. The measures taken by the Spanish army, in consequence of this movement were the most judicious.

It will be recollected, that in August, the French took possession of Bilboa, and pillaged it. It was afterwards retaken by the Spaniards, as appears by the following official Note from Gen. Blake to the Junta of Gallicia:

"MOST SERENE LORD,

"By a private letter which I have just received from Major-General Marquis de Portago, written yesterday in Bilboa; the said General advises me of his having entered that town the same morning, after an engagement, which lasted three hours, and our loss in which was but very trifling. He bestows much praise on the conduct of his division and promises to send me, as speedily as possible, the particulars of the above operation

"The inhabitants received the Spanish troops with peculiar joy, and proceeded immediately, to proclaim Ferdinand VII. I think it right to communicate to you the above intelligence although I am not yet able to give a detailed account, which I am expecting every moment—"God preserve your Highness many years.

"JOACHIM BLAKE.

"Head-Quarters Treleaderne. Sept. 21, 1808.
CORUNNA, OCT. 10.

"On the 3d ult. (three days after the capture) the French attempted to quit Bilbao, but were obliged to return. We may therefore expect their retreat to be cut off, that Castaños' army will fall upon Ney, and his 14,000 men; and that our arms will have a glorious day. Generals Cuesta and P. Llamos have formed a junction, and 9000 Asturians are at Reynosa.

"On the 4th, at day break, Gen. Blake's army, at Guipuzcoa (not far from Bilbao) was to march. Castaños, with 22,000 (of which 7000 are cavalry) is at Logroño; Palafox, with 15,000 men, is advancing by Roncesvalles towards Fonterabia, to cut off the retreat of the French, by Irun."

On the 13th. This morning a British convoy, of 140 sail, with 15,000 troops, under Sir David Baird, arrived here. It was expected their disembarkation would commence immediately: but the Provincial Junta having been dissolved, it is necessary that the sanction of the Supreme Central Junta should be obtained, before the troops can land. An express has gone to Madrid for the purpose. Gen. Baird has landed. We expect also 5000 cavalry from England. As soon as the transports are cleared, they will proceed to Lisbon, to bring part of the English troops from thence; the whole of which are to act with Gen. Blake.

"Gen. Castaños has been appointed Commander in Chief of the Spanish forces. Gen. Cuesta has resigned."