Note 33 — BOOK THE FIRST 1807-1810

[Sir William Napier states that the primary object of the expedition was to insure the safety of the town and Spanish fleet against any possibility of capture by the French. The negotiations finally fell through, owing to the wavering policy of the English Cabinet and the ill-judged diplomatic methods of Mr. Frere. The Supreme Junta refused to allow the British troops to enter the town, though the mob were clamouring for their admittance. After Sir George Smith’s death the command devolved on General Mackenzie, who returned with the troops to Lisbon after all hope of a satisfactory arrangement was at an end.]