Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!

Sign up free
Page thumbnail for The Enquirer
Foreign News August 23, 1808

The Enquirer

Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia

What is this article about?

Accounts confirm the 1808 Spanish Revolution: mass uprising against French forces, no quarter given, provincial armies formed, alliances sought with Britain; ripple effects in colonies like Havana expelling Frenchmen and Cuba eyeing independence.

Clipping

OCR Quality

95% Excellent

Full Text

New-York, August 13.

Spanish Revolution confirmed by accounts from different quarters.

(It will be observed, that the last arrival from England brought no intelligence from Spain so late as was received at Norfolk.)

Extract of a letter from St. Croix, Teneriffe, 3d July, 1808.

"A Spanish frigate and schooner arrived this morning, with the glorious news that Spain has risen en masse, and that 500,000 men are under arms. The French army in different provinces are cut off from every retreat to their own country. No quarter is either given or received. 12,000 men in the castle of Monjoye were attacked by the Catalonians who were repulsed with great slaughter. The French offered to surrender—the answer of the Catalonians was, to take up their arms and defend themselves, for they would give no quarters. They were all killed; as were 1,500 Catalonians. The same destructive war is carried on in all the provinces. The Council of the Kingdom have met at Seville, with the minister Savodra at their head. Generals had offered their services, and armies were marching in all directions. Every province has published similar resolutions to those of Seville. A letter was received from Young Ferdinand, that he had made up his mind to die for his subjects, and requested they would remember his last request—and if he perished, that his loyal subjects would continue their allegiance to his august house; and never forget the perfidy of Bonaparte.

The frigate goes to Vera Cruz, and the schooner to Buenos Ayres. The latter carries out a general, as no confidence can be put in the present governor, (Liniers,) who is a Frenchman. The governor of Cadiz was torn in pieces by the enraged populace, for having had the weakness to accept a commission from Murat, the brother in law of Bonaparte. The Spanish officers have joined the English cockade to theirs, in expression of their union. This town exhibits a scene of which you can form no idea. All is in motion—with a continued huzza of—Viva Ferdinand the 7th, and death to his enemies!

An armistice with the English commander of Cadiz has been concluded; and envoys had sailed for London, to make an offensive and defensive alliance. The governor of Gibraltar has sent them men, arms, and ammunition; also a seasonable supply of hard dollars."

Extract of a letter from Cadiz, dated 20th June received via Teneriffe.

The whole of Spain is in arms; one general cry of vengeance pervades the mass of Spaniards. From every quarter are received accounts of the country people flying to arms—it is in short a popular, patriotic, and simultaneous movement from one end of Spain to the other—not a Frenchman found in arms will be left alive. We have just received a courier from Granada—every eye flashes indignation—notwithstanding all this apparently popular phrenzy, the greatest order is maintained, and the most systematic plans are deliberately entered into. The army of Grenada is put under the command of general Reading and major gen. Abdia, who occupy the passes of Sierra Morena in St. Helena. From every appearance, we shall soon be rid of the French—for nothing can withstand the irresistible power of our arms.'

Charleston, August 15.

By the ship Caroline, captain Tufts, arrived on Saturday from Havanna, we learn that the Governor of Havanna had issued a proclamation, ordering all Frenchmen in the place, who had not taken the oath of allegiance to Spain previous to the late revolution, to quit the Island immediately: and that vast numbers had already sailed for the U. States. The Caroline has thirty on board. Five sail of British men of war were lying at Havanna when capt. T. sailed, besides a number of English privateers. The frigate La Franchise, and brig Fire Fly, which had been at Havanna, had sailed for Jamaica, with dispatches. The British officers are treated with the most marked and enthusiastic respect. It appears to be the firm determination of Cuba to declare itself independent, in the event of Bonaparte's success against the present government of Spain....Times.

Extract of a letter from Havanna, to a gentleman in this city, dated, 31st July, 1808.

"This day his Britannic Majesty's brig Phipps, capt. Bell, in 9 days from Jamaica, arrived at this port, and brought the following intelligence:-

By accounts received from Cadiz to the 19th of June, the Spanish general of marines, Apodaca, with four associates, were ordered by the National Junto of Spain to proceed to London, not only with powers to conclude Peace, but to enter into an offensive and defensive alliance, to carry on the war against France, as their common enemy. On the evening of the 18th of June, these commissioners sailed from Cadiz for London, on board the Revenge British ship of war, sir John Gore commander.

In consequence of the Emperor of Constantinople declaring war against France, a Turkish Ambassador had arrived at Gibraltar, with a splendid retinue, and only waited for a British ship of war to convey him to London."

We learn by the arrival from St. Mary's, that the news of the Revolution in Spain had reached St. Augustine; but what steps have been taken by the Spaniards at that place, we could not learn.

Charleston Courier

What sub-type of article is it?

Rebellion Or Revolt Political War Report

What keywords are associated?

Spanish Revolution Uprising Against French No Quarter Seville Council British Alliance Havana Proclamation Cuban Independence

What entities or persons were involved?

Young Ferdinand Ferdinand The 7th Savodra Liniers Murat Bonaparte Apodaca Sir John Gore Reading Abdia

Where did it happen?

Spain

Foreign News Details

Primary Location

Spain

Event Date

June July 1808

Key Persons

Young Ferdinand Ferdinand The 7th Savodra Liniers Murat Bonaparte Apodaca Sir John Gore Reading Abdia

Outcome

12,000 french killed at monjoye; 1,500 catalonians killed; french armies cut off; no quarter given; armistice with english at cadiz; envoys to london for alliance; frenchmen expelled from havana; potential cuban independence if bonaparte succeeds.

Event Details

Spain risen en masse against French occupation; 500,000 men under arms; provinces in revolt with councils meeting at Seville; destructive war with no surrender accepted; Spanish officers ally with British; envoys sail to London for offensive-defensive alliance; news reaches colonies like Havana and St. Augustine, prompting expulsion of French loyalists and British support.

Are you sure?