An Account of the War in Portugal between Don Pedro and Don Miguel

A first-hand two-volume account of the Portuguese Civil War, first published in 1836 by one of its key participants.

Charles Napier (Author)

9781108054171, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 6 May 2013

398 pages, 3 maps
21.6 x 14 x 2.2 cm, 0.5 kg

Charles Napier (1786–1860) served in the Royal Navy for sixty years. A brave yet controversial commander, he became one of the most popular naval officers in Britain for his role in many battles during the Napoleonic, Anglo-American, Syrian and Crimean wars. He also served as an MP in Parliament. In this two-volume work, originally published in 1836, Napier gives a first-hand account of the Portuguese Civil War, in which he was a key participant. Between 1828 and 1834, a conflict of succession occurred between two brothers, the progressive constitutionalist Don Pedro and the authoritarian absolutist Don Miguel. In 1833, Napier led the Liberal fleet which defeated Don Miguel. He remained in Portugal for some time after the surrender to fight pockets of Miguelite resistance. In Volume 1, Napier explains the origins of the war and takes the story through to the victory of Don Pedro.

1. Captain Peak occupies Santiago
2. Reduction of the naval force
3. Position of the armies of the queen and Don Miguel
4. Marvao surprised by a party under d'Abreu
5. Lord Howard de Walden replaces Lord W. Russell as ambassador at Lisbon
6. Propositions for putting an end to the contest
7. Narrative of military operations resumed
8. Don Miguel sends Louis de Bourmont with troops into Algarve
9. Occurrences at Oporto
10. The author sails to attempt Figueira
11. The Chaves cavalry come over to the queen
12. Causes which led to Don Miguel's downfall
Appendix.

Subject Areas: Military history [HBW]