Editing Convention of Cintra (section)

==Aftermath==
The convention was seen as a disgrace by many in the [[United Kingdom]],<ref name=THEPENWAR>{{cite book|title=The Peninsular War|last=Esdaile |first=Charles|publisher=Penguin Books|date=2002|isbn=9780140273700|at=p. 102, reference to the serious embarrassment by the British to the agreed terms of the convention}}</ref> who felt that a complete defeat of Junot had been transformed into a French escape, and Dalrymple had also ignored the Royal Navy's concern about a blockaded Russian squadron in [[Lisbon]]. The squadron was allowed to sail to Portsmouth and eventually to return to Russia although Britain and Russia [[Anglo-Russian War (1807–1812)|were at war]].

Wellesley wanted to fight, but he signed the preliminary armistice under orders. Dalrymple's reports were written to centre any criticism on Wellesley, who still held a ministerial post in the government. Wellesley was subsequently recalled from Portugal, together with Burrard and Dalrymple, to face an official inquiry. The inquiry was held in the Great Hall at the [[Royal Hospital Chelsea]] from 14 November to 27 December 1808. Wellesley defended himself by saying that there was no reason to oppose Junot's terms of surrender, as they were technically lawful.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Inquiry into the Convention of Cintra 1808 |url=https://www.napoleon-series.org/research/government/diplomatic/c_inquiry.html |access-date=2024-11-30 |website=www.napoleon-series.org}}</ref> All three men were cleared, but while Wellesley soon returned to active duty in Portugal, Burrard and Dalrymple were quietly pushed into retirement and never saw active service again. [[John Moore (British Army officer)|Sir John Moore]], commenting on the inquiry, expressed the popular sentiment: "Sir Hew Dalrymple was confused and incapable beyond any man I ever saw head an army. The whole of his conduct then and since has proved him to be a very foolish man".