138 LETTERS FROM SPAIN. LETTER XXVIII. DEFEAT OF THE ARMY OF LA MANCHA JOURNEY TO SEVILLE. ALTERATION IN ITS APPEARANCE REVERO PRESIDENT OF THE JUNTA RECRUITS CURIOSITIES OF XERES CARTHUSIAN CONVENT CALVARIOS BURIALS. CADIZ, DEC. 1809. t • . • • *fry*; 4 j r ‘ Since my last letter we have received intelligence of the • defeat of the army of La Mancha under Areizaga. It appears, by the accounts, to have been a complete overthrow ; and the remains of the Spanish force is collecting at Daymiel, nearly one hundred miles from Ocano, where the engagement took place. The effect which this intelligence has produced upon the people, puts in a strong point of view the evils ever attendant on despotic power. When the news first arrived, those who were acquainted with it were anxious to conceal their knowledge, or whispered it as a profound secret to their nearest connexions. When it became so generally known that the people could be no longer deceived, it produced gloomy countenances, and indignant expressions against the Junta and the commander: but the habit of concealing their feelings and their thoughts on all subjects connected with po litics is so deeply rooted, that though, when they converse with Englishmen, they speak freely, yet they no sooner resume their