Such was the first of the two famous sieges of Zaragossa.
The English government meanwhile had begun their preparations for interfering effectually in the affairs of the Peninsula.

They had despatched one body of troops to the support of Castanos in Andalusia; but these did not reach the south of Spain until their assistance was rendered unnecessary by the surrender of Dupont at Baylen.

A more considerable force, amounting to 10,000, sailed early in June, from Cork, for Coruna, under the command of the Honourable Sir Arthur Wellesley.

This armament, originally designed to co-operate with another from India in a great attack on Mexico, had its destination altered the moment the Spanish Insurrection was announced.

Sir Arthur, being permitted to land at what point of the Peninsula he should judge most advantageous for the general cause, was soon satisfied that Portugal ought to be the first scene of his operations, and accordingly lost no time in opening a communication with the patriots, who had taken possession of Oporto.