Siege of Chaves - The Attack On Chaves

The Attack On Chaves

The defence of the border of Trás-os-Montes was in the hands of brigadier Francisco Silveira, whose forces, numbering 2,800 regular troops, 2,500 militia and only 50 cavalry, were concentrated around the stronghold of Chaves. The fortifications, who were in bad conditions, were protected by 50 pieces of artillery, but with only a few of them fit for service, were commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Francisco Pizarro. After initial skirmishes near the border, the Portuguese forces retreated to Chaves, and then Silveira ordered the abandonment of the stronghold.

This decision caused great unrest among the militias and the population. Prudently, the brigadier led his forces south avoiding any risk against the superior forces. But pressured by the people and the militias, lieutenant colonel Francisco Pizarro disobeyed orders and accepted the command of the popular forces, preparing to resist the invading forces with 500 troops (1st line), 2,000 militias (2nd line) and 1,200 ordenanças (3d line). Silveira tried to change his mind, even calling a war council to discuss the problem, but he couldn't get a formal decision, especially since the French who arrived on 10 March were now preparing to attack the most northerly fort of São Neutel. Pizarro held his ground and the future count left with his officers to join his forces, who had occupied the highlands south of Chaves.

Soult then summoned the stronghold of Chaves to surrender, but no answer was given. But soon it was obvious in the stronghold that defence was useless. Although fire from the artillery and muskets persisted since the French arrival, the defenders ultimately recognized that Silveira’s decision to retreat had been the most sensible one. Soult sent a second message calling for the surrender of the stronghold, and it was accepted on the 12 March. Chaves surrendered and the French troops marched into the town on 13 March. Soult, with so many prisoners on his hands, released the civilians of the militias and ordenanças, under oath of not taking up arms against the French, and tried to recruit 500 of the line troops, who soon deserted. These actions by Marshal Soult were strongly criticized by several of his officers, especially those who had participated in the first French invasion of Portugal of the previous year under Junot, as they preferred that the stronghold had been taken by assault and the garrison put to the sword.