Alexandria Daily Gazette, Commercial & Political

Extract of a letter from an American gentleman now at Tarragona, to his friend in the town of Providence, Rhode Island, dated December 20th and 23d, 1809.

The situation of affairs in this country are extremely critical. Since the peace with Austria the French are making exertions to send a formidable force into this country - 50,000 men, are said to be on their march from Italy, and others by way of Bayonne. Their present force here is about 80,000 men, half of which are in Madrid. The Spanish & English army was within a few miles of it. Gerona still holds out, although we have had accounts of its having fallen; the garrison has subsisted for some time upon the flesh of mules and asses, and by last accounts there was but very little even of that provision in the place. The obstinacy which has been shewn in the defence of this place is unrivalled. Gerona stands in a valley, and is entirely commanded by the surrounding hills, on which are two strong batteries called Montjuich and the Constestable: the walls are in many places entirely broken down, so that an entry may be made at any time; the French have entered a number of times; but have been driven back with great slaughter. On the 8th instant they entered in great force but notwithstanding the garrison amounts to only 1400 effective men, there being 800 in the hospital from the want of sufficient food they were driven out with a terrible slaughter; they have at length began to exert themselves to relieve it, but I fear too late. Within ten days there has been a levy of 30,000 Somatans, or country people, in this province who have marched and are marching for Gerona; many of them marched from hence, & many more are now here on their way.

There are great expectations entertained from them; but the French hearing of these exertions, are pushing the siege with all vigor. I expect hourly to hear of its fall. The force of the besiegers amounts to about 20,000 men. The Spanish army, whose head-quarters are at Manresa, and main body at Vich is perhaps as many. A blow will be struck soon. Gen Blake has resigned the command of the army in this province, general O'Donnell, commander of the Irish brigade, will eventually succeed him; he is thought to be an able man, and has once or twice signalized himself before Gerona The Spanish army in this province are in a bad state, as they are without provision or clothing: a short time since a regiment of them marched in here nearly naked.

It is, as I predicted, the immortal Gerona has fallen: the news has just been received here. This has cast a gloom over the whole place; the general opinion here is, that this Province must soon fall, 16000 French lately left Madrid, and have arrived at Saragossa, about 50 miles hence, supposed to be destined for Valencia. Gerona immediately after its capitulation, was pillaged by the French, and a contribution of 250,000 dollars laid upon it. Since the capture of that place they have marched into Palamos, Blanes, and St. Felicu on their way towards Barcelona; a part of them are besieging a strong place called Hostalrich. The Spanish army in La Mancha has been entirely cut up and destroyed by the French; they brought to Saragossa 18,000 prisoners taken from the duke del Parque. We hear the Somatans are on the borders of France, and but yesterday, a monk told me that by this time France is ours! Poor ignorant fellow, I could almost say, that by this time Spain is conquered; affairs wear a most gloomy aspect. What the Somatans are doing on the borders of France I cannot tell; they have made prisoners of a large number of fat hogs, coming from France, which certainly is a most valorous action. They are poor miserable people to be sure, some with arms and some without. This place is able to sustain a long siege, provided there were provisions enough; but there is not enough for four months.

December 23.

There has nothing new taken place since my last date. That Gerona is taken is confirmed beyond doubt. I shall have a chance the ensuing Christmas to observe the manner in which the Catholicks keep this greatest day of the church; there is an elegant cathedral here, very old and large, and finely adorned with images, paintings and painted windows.