The Battle of Vimeiro, in Portugal, ended in French defeat—but rather than pursue their advantage, the British generals signed an armistice (the Convention of Cintra) that leaned heavily in France’s favor. When news of this reached England, they were recalled for a court-martial.
The inquiry into the Convention of Cintra was held at the Royal College in Chelsea, London. General Wellesley, who had commanded the British troops to their victory at Vimeiro, arrived in England at the beginning of October. The inquiry began in November and was concluded in late December.
Wellesley, who signed the preliminary armistice under orders and had no part in negotiating the final convention, was completely cleared. He went on to command the British troops in Spain and Portugal—and ultimately to drive the French from the Iberian Peninsula.
Generals Dalrymple and Burrard, the authors of the convention, were also cleared, but never saw active service again.