The French army in Spain having received numerous reinforcements, a powerful and well-appointed force advanced under Marshal Massena, Prince of Esling, to complete the conquest of Portugal; and the very superior numbers of the enemy rendered it necessary for the British army to limit itself to the defence of Lisbon. Lord Wellington, however, resolved to maintain a forward position as long as possible, and among the reinforcements sent to his aid was the first battalion of the ROYAL FUSILIERS. On this occasion, Lieutenant-General Sir George Prevost stated in orders:--"On the departure of the ROYAL FUSILIERS the Lieutenant-General commanding acknowledges with pride and pleasure that this corps is an instance among British soldiers of the union of regularity and good conduct in quarters with patience and valour in the field of battle. Lieutenant-General Sir George Prevost has that opinion of the commanding officer, the officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates of this already distinguished corps which induces him to pronounce his confidence that the ROYAL FUSILIERS will maintain their reputation on whatever service they may be employed, and that when called upon to face the enemy of their country, they will again add to their own fame, and exalt the glory of the British arms." The first battalion landed at Lisbon on the 27th of July, every man in health and under arms, and after a short repose advanced up the country to join the army in the field. On passing Thomar, the battalion halted a few days, and was reviewed by Major-General Leith and the Portuguese General, Miranda, who expressed their admiration of the appearance of the officers and men, and of the ease and steadiness with which they manœuvred in battalion and performed light infantry movements. After the review the battalion advanced to Villa Cortez; and on the surrender of Almeida the army withdrew to the rocks of _Busaco_, where it took up a position to oppose the superior numbers of the enemy, whose commander vaunted he would drive the English into the sea, and plant the eagles of France on the towers of Lisbon. The first battalion of the ROYAL FUSILIERS was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Blakeney, and formed in brigade with the seventy-ninth, under Colonel the Honourable Edward M. Pakenham, in the first division commanded by Lieutenant-General Sir Brent Spencer; the second battalion was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Sir William Myers, Baronet.