In the mean time Soult’s position became extremely dangerous.--A British army in his front--bands of guerillas in his rear; one flank hemmed in by Silviera at Amarante; and the ocean on the other. But that able marshal perceived the difficulties of his situation, and deciding at once to secure an open road in his rear, he despatched Delaborde and Loison to recover Amarante. The task was a tedious and doubtful operation; and for twelve days the place was assaulted and maintained.[84] At last, Soult in person came forward in strength-- and Silviera was driven from the bridge over the Tamaga, with the loss of his cannon,--and the French retreat was for the present secured. But two courses remained for the duke of Dalmatia to adopt--to move towards Victor, by circuitous marches on the Tagus--or, what was far more probable, retire from Portugal by the road leading through the Tras os Montes. PASSAGE OF THE DOURO. First movements of the Allies.--Affairs with French cavalry and rear-guard.--Passage of the Douro.--Soult’s disorderly retreat.-- French suffer heavily.--Wellesley moves to the south, and communicates with Cuesta.--Combined movement planned.--Cuesta’s imbecility mars it.--Victor escapes. From the moment Sir Arthur Wellesley landed in Portugal, the character of the war had changed; and, notwithstanding the numerous and discouraging drawbacks upon a bold career which the obstinacy of the Spaniards and the deficiency of his own means were continually presenting, before the masterly decision of the British general, all obstacles ultimately gave way; and victory, which had hovered doubtfully over many a hard-contested field, at last rested on his banners, and wreathed her laurels round his brows. Never had a triumphant campaign a bolder or more brilliant opening. On the 7th of May, the cavalry brigade, under General Cotton, marched on the Oporto road, followed by the remainder of the army in three divisions; those of generals Paget and Payne moving towards Vouga; and the third, under General Hill, advancing on Aveira. The movements were slowly executed, to allow Marshal Beresford time to reach his destination, and seize the bridge of Amarante, before a British force should display itself in front of Oporto.