Junot’s Grueling March to Lisbon – The Perils of the Tagus Valley Route (November 1807)

Following Napoleon’s order to accelerate the invasion of Portugal, General Jean-Andoche Junot led his army south from Ciudad Rodrigo, marching toward Alcántara via the Perales Pass. This journey, intended to shorten the invasion route, instead became a logistical disaster.

The Devastating March Through the Perales Pass

• The march lasted five days in cold rain, making the rough terrain even more treacherous.
• The route was steep, filled with hills and ravines, and lacked adequate food or shelter for the army.
• The attrition was catastrophic:
  • Half of the army’s horses died, rendering cavalry and transport ineffective.
  • One-quarter of Junot’s soldiers straggled, too exhausted or sick to keep up.
  • The artillery was nearly abandoned, with only six cannons remaining.

By the time the French forces reached Alcántara, they were severely weakened—but Junot still had a long way to Lisbon.

Junot Replenishes Supplies – At Spain’s Expense

Upon arriving at Alcántara, Junot:

• Seized ammunition and provisions from the Spanish garrison guarding the bridge over the Tagus.
• Commandeered supplies meant for Spanish troops, reinforcing the growing tension between France and Spain, which Napoleon would later exploit to justify French intervention in Spanish affairs.

Final Push to Lisbon – November 19, 1807

Despite the army’s dire condition, Junot set out for Lisbon on November 19, 1807, pressing ahead as Napoleon demanded a swift occupation of Portugal.

The French were close to their objective, but the logistical toll of the march had left them severely weakened, setting the stage for further difficulties in maintaining control of the country once Lisbon was occupied.