The defence of this city, in 1809, by its gallant inhabitants, under
their heroic leader, Don Josef Palafox, is one of the most splendid and
extraordinary events of modern times; and if any one of my readers shall
not have seen the narrative of the siege published by Mr. Vaughan, I
cannot (though the subject is, in some degree, gone by) but recommend it
to his perusal, as a valuable record ‘of an event which teaches so
forcibly the resources of patriotism and courage;’ and of an example
which ought not to be lost to the world.