Cintra, convention of

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Cintra, convention of, 1808. Concluded on 30 August after a British victory over the French at Vimeiro early in the Peninsular War. Though it was in Britain's interest to conclude a treaty, the terms negotiated by Sir Hew Dalrymple, commander of the British forces, were ridiculous. All French troops, equipment, and loot were to be transported back to France in British ships and no guarantee was exacted to prevent them returning to Spain. The news of the treaty caused uproar in London and led to an official inquiry, which relieved Dalrymple of his command.

Richard A. Smith