CIN'TRA, a small but picturesquely situated town in Portugal, in the province of Estremadura, about 15 m. w.n.w. of Lisbon, with a pop. of 4,000. It stands on the declivity of the Sierra de Cintra, and is surrounded by country residences. There is a palace at C., a strange mixture of Moorish and Christian architecture, anciently occu pied by the Moorish kings, and subsequently a favorite residence of the Christian mon archs. A charming view of the town and of the sea is to be had from the top of a hill crowned with the ruins of a Moorish castle. On another bill-top stands La Penna, once a convent, now a residence of the king of Portugal, who has restored and given it the outward appearance of a feudal castle. In the neighborhood, also, is what is called the Cork convent, which derives its name from the cells—which are cut out in the rock— being lined with cork to prevent damp.
C. is historically remarkable for the convention concluded here, Aug. 22, 1808, between the English and French, by which the latter agreed to evacuate Portugal. Junot bad been defeated by sir Arthur Wellesley at Vimieira, and had retreated towards Torres Vedras and Lisbon, whither the English under sir Hew Dalrymple,who had just arrived and assumed the chief command, were preparing to follow them. But the
French, despairing of finally holding out, agreed to evacuate the country, on coAdition of not being treated as prisoners of war, but landed on the coast of France, retaining their arms and effects. This convention excited the greatest public indignation both in the Peninsula and in England. Several English newspapers appeared in mourninfr. and the ministrywere obliged to have the generals who signed the convention tried bya court-martial. which, however, resulted in their acquittal. In fact. though the terms of the convention might tie advantageous for the French, to obtain immediate possession Clone. 870 pireie.
of Portugal and Lisbon, instead of being put to the necessity of a bloody siege for months, was no less advantageous to the English anti their allies. Such, at least, was the opinion of two competent judges—Napoleon and Wellington.