iy PREFACE. 



marked by a mere universal mourning ; and the year 

 concluded with every expression of regret and com- 

 miseration from a people actuated by a congenial 

 sentiment. 



In the rest of Europe little has occurred to disturb 

 the general tranquillity. By an official note from the 

 allied courts presented to the Duke de Richelieu, 

 notice was given of their intention considerably to re_ 

 duce the army by which France was occupied, reckon- 

 ing from the first of April of the current year ; and 

 there is reason to expect that a similar diminution will 

 take place, till the French nation is entirely relieved 

 from the load under which it has long laboured. 



Spain has partaken in some degree of the disorders 

 which, from the time of the king's return, has kept 

 her in agitation. In January, the cry o^ the constitu- 

 tion was raised in the city of Valencia, said to have 

 been in consequence of a tax on coals. The vigour 

 of General Elio, however, soon brought it to a close. 

 In Barcelona a much more dangerous conspiracy was 

 planned in the beginning of April, of which the Generals 

 Lacy and Milans were the leaders. The captain general 

 of the province, having obtained timely notice of the 

 plot, put the troops in motion, and a few hours were 

 sufficient to restore tranquillity. Lacy, who was taken 

 prisoner, was condemned by a court-martial, and was 

 sent as a captive to Majorca, where an attempt to 

 escape from his guard was the cause of his death. 



The Brazilian government, now identified with that 

 of Portugal, during the course of the last year had 

 sent an army to take possession of the Spanish terri- 

 tory 



