373 
the knowledge of any» plot formed in any di- 
ocese either against his Majesty’s person, or 
aPainst the state, I swear to make it known 
to the government.” 
This august and solemn ceremony produced 
othe greatest sensation, and has_made known 
the good disposition which animates the 
clergy of the kingdom of Naples. 
His Majesty having heard mass, retired to 
at: closet, where he received the oath of the 
Marshal Perignon, as governor of Napl:s — 
The chiefs of ‘the tribunals, che president of 
the corporation of the city, the intendants of 
Naples, Terradi Lavoro, Abruzzo, Calabria, 
&c. aud the officers of the marine staff, also 
took the oath. j 
SPAIN. 
On the 14th of August, 150 transports, 
composing the whole expedition under 
the command of Sir David Baird, under 
convoy of the Loire, Amelia, and Cham- 
ion frigates, arrived in perfect safety at 
Borerwnas The troops under the com- 
mand of Sir David, consist of 13,000 
effective men. Sir John Moore is on Ins 
tnarch for Spain, with 20,000 men ; and 
the remainder of the army at Lisbon will 
be sent immediately into the Mediterra- 
nean, in transports, of which theve are 
more than sofficient for that purpose, 
making a grand army of at least 50,000 
British soldiers, the whole of which wil 
be found on Spanish ground early in No- 
vember. 
The council of the kingdom of Gallicia, 
having received on the 3d of October 
areport from General Blake, of the 27th 
“of September, whereby he acquainted 
their highnesses, that the centre of the 
enemy’s ariny was falling back toVittoria, 
by which retreat he afforded the Spanish 
army an opportunity to extend their ad- 
vanced posts, and occupy very important 
oints; and their highnesses having 
earned that very disastrous accoun’s 
were circulat:d at Corunna, of which 
they had no kind of information, but'had 
-yeason rather to believe the contrary, 
they thought it right to publish the -fa- 
vourable intelligence which they had 
received, and their well-grounded hopes 
ef still greater advantages. ‘The retreat 
of the enemy was a feint, intended 
to draw the attention of the Spanish ge- 
neral to another part, and fail with treble 
their strength on the troops in. Bilboa, 
This'was the plan of Marshal Ney, who 
commands the centre of the French army, 
which was destined for that operation ; 
but the vigilance and foresight of the 
Marquis de Portago disconcerted Ney’s 
plan, because observing: the immense 
State of Public Affairs in October. 
peace and tranquillity, and if I shall come to” 
[Nov. 1, 
‘superiority of strength with which the 
enemy could surprise and defeat his di- 
vision, if he imprudently remained in 
Bilboa, he Jeft that place with his whole 
corps and all his artillery, and, merel 
changing his position, withqut the loss 
of one single man, and without experi- 
encing the least check, he took post at 
Balmaseda, and this he did after having 
beatén the enemy. General Riqueline, 
with his division, occupying at last the 
point of Oquendo. 
It was hoped that the above move- 
ment of the enemy would lead to the 
surrender of Marshal Ney, and of the 
whole corps with which he. occupies 
Bilboa, General. Blake having. fallen 
back, and taken post, with lis whole 
army, on the neighbouring heights; from 
which position, and the reinforcements - 
which he must have received, a com- 
plete and signal victory might be ‘exe 
pected. 
Report received on the 5th of October, by 
the Most Serene Council of the Kingdom of 
Gallicia, from the General in Chief of their 
Army. 
‘© Most SERENE Lorns.--The corps of 
the enemy’s army of the centre, which 
marched from Vittoria, moved from that 
town to Bilboa, commanded by its general 
in chief, Marshal Ney, with an intention of 
falling on our fourth division with at least 
treble its strength. The said division, how- 
ever, evacuated that place in good time, and 
retreated, with all its artillery .and bagyage, 
in the best order, to Balmaseda, which place 
and its environs it still occupies. The third 
division had the same day marched to Or- 
dunna to succour the fourth, taking no notice 
ofa column of the enemy’s troops, which was- 
watching its movements from a position at a 
short distance from the road, and with whose 
advanced posts our tirsilleurs were frequently 
engaged. Brigadier-General Don Francisco 
Rigueline was marching to Bilboa, when he 
was informed of the evacuation of chat.town 
and its occupation by the enemy.. In conse- 
quence of this information he altered his route, 
and directed his march to such points as af- 
forded’him an opportunity either to support 
Portago or form a junction with him. The* 
post he occupied last was that of Oquendo. I 
communicate it to your highnesses for your 
information. God preserve your highnesses 
for many years. 
© Head-Quarters, Quincoces, Sept. 30, 1808. 
‘© Joacuim Braxr.” 
66 To the Most Serene Council of the Kingdom 
of Gallicia.” ; 
PORTUGAL. ceide: 
The establishment of a regency will 
immediately take place, and it may be ex- 
pected to be organized in thé,course of 
the 
