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Marshal Suchet and the Siege of Valencia
By Dominique Contant,
Robert Ouvrard, and Jonathan
Cooper
Letter from General Blake to General O'Donell, Commandant at Valencia
From the lines before Valencia, 26th December 1811
The evacuation of the lines or entrenched camp that the army occupies
having been resolved, as you, Sir, know, at the meetings of the general
officers that took place yesterday and the day before, I believe it
is my first duty to inform the district commission and the municipal
administration of the city by the attached dispatches, which you may
well wish to transmit this night where concerted operations are required.
You, Sir, will see by these letters that it is not my intention at
all that Valencia be defended with obstinacy. I will not oppose anything
so long as the defense is such as will gain the respect of the enemy,
and obtain an honorable capitulation, capable of insuring the inhabitants
the exercise of their religion, the safety of their persons and their
property, with all the advantages that it can be obtained : however
you, Sir, will have this important topic to consider with the authorities
that I mentioned above and with such other persons as ought to be informed.
Whatever the course which Valencia embraces, I recommend to you, Sir,
like a sacred trust, to endeavor to preserve the peace of the people
and to spare no effort to sweeten the bitterness of the fate which we
could not avert from them.
May God keep, etc.
Signed: Joaquin Blake
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