The National Register.
London, England, 1820-09-17 00:00:00

No. 1,265.—V0L. XIII.]

REVOLUTION IN PORTUGAL.

The following is an extract of a letter dated
" Lisbon, Aug. 21).
"The French and Spanish papers will have apprised
you of all that has recently taken place in Oporto. The
enclosed proclamation of the Government is probably the
only important document which may not have reached
you. It is all vapour. In a few days the constitution
will, I lave no doubt, be formally and peaceably pro-
claimed in Lisbon.
"On the 24th, at four in the morning, the troops quar-
tered in Oporto rose, proclaimed • constitution, and
appointed an assembly composed of the principal nobility
crgy, and heads of the army. with some men of great
weight amongst the people. They all swore to maintain
the constitutional system ; and the eeople agreeing
thereto, they constituted a President and Vice-President
of the Supreme Government of the kingdom. All this was
done without the least disturbance, and not a drop of
blood was shed either there or at any other place where
the constitutiou has been proclaimed. The first news we
heard of it was on the 28th, and you may well suppose it
caused • great sensation amongst a people already too
ripe for an iusurrection accompanied with the least pos-
sible hope of bettering their condition They talk of it
here at present without the least ; and though they
decline taking any steps for the present, they confidently
look forward to the success of the northern troops. By
this day's post we have advice, that all the wens in tho
provinces of Beira Tras-os-Montes, and Minim, have
agreed and sworn to the constitution without the least
disturbance; and I trust it will be carried on to the same
pacific manner lu all the other provinces. The govern-
ment have done, and still are doing, all in their power to
chick as mach as possible the revolt of the cities in Estre-
=adore, Aleutejo, and the Algarve@ ; but the spirit of
liberty is too powerful for them to expect that they can
prevent the whole of Portugal from following the steps of
their countrymen in the north.
"Yesterday afternoon they published a proclamation,
calling on the Portuguese to be faithful to their King,
and by no means to assistithe rebellion; promising 1
things for the good of this city; and referring to the
despatches which a vessel from Rio had brought the day
before. The Providencia*, as they were pleased to call
the regulations contained in these despatches, were no-
thing more than what every person knew before. They
were increasing the duties on foreign wines, oil, and se-
veral other articles notlase produce of the country. int.
ported into the Brazils, and decreasing the duties on fitOSC
of this kingdom. The effect this had on the people you
may soon guess, when, after reading the proclamation
attentively, without any emotion, the greater part of tho
placards were this morning torn down, or besmeared with
and.
" Amongst other reports, I cannot help noticing a few
which you must take as such; and should there be no
truth in them, you must excuse me, as they are collected
from different quarters. Sonic say that lids- northern
army, after having settled every thing to their desire, are
now on their march to this city, composed of 10, 13, or
iKt,OOO men. They intend joining their countrymen, and
establishing the constitution on a firm basis. Some say
the Government here intend to resist them, and have paid
the troops to this day, with two months in advance, and
have seat two regiments of the line to dispute with the
rebels. Time will show this. This, however, I believe is
true—that government sent orders fur the regiment sta-
tioned at St. Übe's to ensue immediately to Lislion; but
they refused, and I know no means whereby they can
oblige them. Lisbon is at this moment Al quiet as ever;
there is not the least appearance of disturbance ; and al-
though commerce is at a stand, and nobody takes any
active steps (tor every thing is absorbed by care tOr the
present, and hope fir the future), it is still evident to
every one that the people wish a change, which, as they
sari co 11111 l I be for the worse. Create frigate, which
arrived liege last week to take the Count Palinella to Rio
sir Janeiro, is detained here, and various are she reports as
to her future destination. Some say that the Treasury and
Mint are packiug up, to be gone on the least disturbance
taking place ; but the most likely thing is, that she only
, waits for sonic despatches which the Regency are getting
ready, relative lu this disagreeable business. From what
1 can understand, it appears that the leyelution broke out
rattier sooner than was expected: some say it was to have
broken out on the Ist of September, while whets say on
the Vitt,, the anniversary of the delver ry of Portugal from
the French ; but tile most probable accomet that I have
heard is, that the plan was discovered by the present Go-
vernment, sod that consequently the leaflets bail no other
altertietive lint to begin immediately. The nerthein army
are on their way to teach Ilioniar this evening, which is
32 leagues hence t consequently on Saturday we nisy heal
something on the truth of which 1 can rely. It any thing
of consequence take place, I shall address you iiiiough
Preece. as there is no other packet iii this river. Pray do
not be uneasy on my account. The English officers in the
army at Oporto ouzo desired net to interfere, either pen
Or cos.. 311 the Poo ugliese were desirous of having all the
hyllallr to 1111:1114eiv(..."
Groat o, Ave. 11. i.—hurry thing having been privately
arranged, on the 23d instant, bet veil the civil •ittl

tart' rnthorilies, yesterday, at hail past 4 a.m , the Castle
at the month of the Duero annousieril, by a loyal salute,
the day destined to give liberty to Portugal.
At day-break the troops of the lisle and
a•~etn-
bled nnder arm, add she officers procredesl so I.l.rni.a
military co 1111 l 11, u hieli published two proclamations (Nos.
I and 2); t holf post right they march, d to the Prole
Nova, ape ouited !Woos( lei , in jaunt of the Imbibe hall
the Goveiuots, and other aothotitic. haviug ar-