Such was the matchless position to which Wellington retired--and the allied army thus occupied the several posts. Monte Agraça was held by Pack, and a Portuguese brigade. The fifth division encamped on the reverse of the heights, behind the grand redoubt. Hill occupied Alhandra. The light division was posted at Arriada. The first, fourth, and sixth, were at Zibriera, Ribaldiera, and Runa; their right in contact with Leith; their left with Picton--who, with the third division, occupied Torres Vedras, and defended the Zezandra. RETREAT OF MASSENA. Massena retires from before the lines.--Falls back upon the frontier.--Operations during the French retreat.--Massena driven from Portugal.--Outrages committed by the French.--British head-quarters established at Villa Formosa. After a three days’ _reconnaissance_, nothing could surpass the chagrin and surprise that Junot exhibited to his staff, when, by personal observation, he had ascertained the full extent of the defences, with which British skill had perfected what nature had already done so much for. To attempt forcing Torres Vedras, must have ensured destruction; and nothing remained, but to take a position in its front, and observe that immense chain of posts, which it was found impossible to carry. During the _reconnaissance_ of the French marshal, an advanced redoubt, held by the 71st, had been furiously assaulted. But the attempt terminated in a severe repulse;--and in place of carrying the post, the French were driven from a field-work, thrown up upon ground which they called their own. Nor were Massena’s surveys of the lines accomplished without attracting observation. The movement of a numerous staff excited the attention of the allies; and, on one occasion, when approaching closer than prudence would warrant, a round shot fell so near the marshal’s horse, that the _reconnaissance_ was terminated most abruptly, and the lines, for the future, were respected. The Prince of Esling persevered, while any resources could be procured, in remaining before Torres Vedras. But though by cavalry patrols on the right bank of the Tagus and the detachment of a division to Thomar, he had enlarged the scope of country over which his foragers could operate, supplies failed fast; and even French ingenuity[123] failed in discovering concealed magazines. Nothing remained but to retire from cantonments where provisions were no longer procurable--on the morning of the 15th, the French army broke up--and, favoured by thick weather, retired in beautiful order on Santarem and Torres Novas.