Siege of Chaves

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The Siege of Chaves was a short pair of battles in March 1809 during the Peninsular War in northern Portugal. The French, aiming to push into Portugal, attacked the town and Fort São Francisco. The Portuguese, led by Brigadier Francisco Silveira and Lieutenant Colonel Francisco Pizarro, defended Chaves with about 5,000–6,000 troops and 50 guns.

First siege (10–12 March 1809): The French under Marshal Soult and Major Messenger pressed the stronghold with a force of around 23,000 men. Despite a stubborn defense, the fort and town fell to the French on 12 March, and Chaves was occupied the next day. Soult released many militiamen and attempted to recruit some regular troops afterward; this mercy drew criticism from some French officers.

Second siege (21–25 March 1809): After the main French army moved south, Silveira attacked the small French garrison left in Chaves. The Portuguese used the town’s streets to their advantage and forced the French to surrender after a brief siege and blockade. About 1,300 French soldiers and several officers were captured, and 114 Spanish prisoners were released. The French commander surrendered unconditionally on 25 March.

Following the surrender, a court-martial cleared Francisco Pizarro of blame for the initial capitulation. The victory gave Chaves the honor of being named the Heroic City of Chaves (Cidade Heróica de Chaves).

The campaigns around Chaves occurred as Napoleon sought to subdue Portugal and the British supported resistance in Estremadura. The operations near Chaves delayed French plans and contributed to their eventual retreat from northern Portugal after the campaign.