News from Lisbon has been received to the 6th instant
: it is decidedly favourable to Donna MARIA. The fortifications of the capital are represented as being very complete in every respect : the number of troops within the lines amounts to twenty-two thou- sand. At Peniche, there are two thousand infantry and two hun- dred cavalry, who were about to march on Torres Vedras to co- operate with the garrison of Lisbon in an attack on the Miguelite army, which it was intended to make on the 12th instant. The force of MIGUEL had been reduced, principally by desertion, to fourteen thousand; exclusive, however, of the garrison of Elvas; which was numerous and well-appointed. The British battalion, with a few French soldiers, arrived at Penich6 from Oporto on the 27th Septet-fiber. On the 29th, they attacked and took the small town of Obidos; which was so feebly defended that it is probable treachery had Something to do in the affair. Obidos stands on-the summit of a hill, surrounded by a strong wall, built by the Moors, with a very.narrow entrance ; and the garrison, which amounted to six hundred men, mightbave held it against a considerable force, but made scarcely any resistance: The state of the country in the interior meths to be dreadful : the Guerillas are burning and laying waste every thing before thern. The account of BOURMONT*S defection from the Miguilites is fully confirmed. It seems that he found the Usurper obstinate and un- manageable ; and as the latter had no reason to be pleased With the result of the French General's endeavours, be was probably glad to receive his resignation.
