Chapter XV · Chapter 15

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At last all was prepared, and on the 13th of June the army once more crossed the Agueda and marched towards the Tamar in four columns.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the 17th it was within six miles of Salamanca, and Marshal Marmont, unable for the moment to stem the tide of invasion, evacuated the city, which that evening blazed with illuminations, the people being half wild with joy at their approaching deliverance.

move forward, also in the metaphorical sense

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

anew

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At last all was prepared, and on the 13th of June the army once more crossed the Agueda and marched towards the Tamar in four columns.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading At last all was prepared, and on the 13th of June the army once more crossed the Agueda and marched towards the Tamar in four columns.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading The great triumphs of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajos did not lead to the rapid successes which Wellington had hoped.

the event of one object coming closer to another

From this reading On the 17th it was within six miles of Salamanca, and Marshal Marmont, unable for the moment to stem the tide of invasion, evacuated the city, which that evening blazed with illuminations, the people being half wild with joy at their approaching deliverance.

a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state

From this reading At last all was prepared, and on the 13th of June the army once more crossed the Agueda and marched towards the Tamar in four columns.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At last all was prepared, and on the 13th of June the army once more crossed the Agueda and marched towards the Tamar in four columns.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The great triumphs of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajos did not lead to the rapid successes which Wellington had hoped.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading On the 17th it was within six miles of Salamanca, and Marshal Marmont, unable for the moment to stem the tide of invasion, evacuated the city, which that evening blazed with illuminations, the people being half wild with joy at their approaching deliverance.

past form of “blaze” — shine brightly and intensively

From this reading On the 17th it was within six miles of Salamanca, and Marshal Marmont, unable for the moment to stem the tide of invasion, evacuated the city, which that evening blazed with illuminations, the people being half wild with joy at their approaching deliverance.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading On the 17th it was within six miles of Salamanca, and Marshal Marmont, unable for the moment to stem the tide of invasion, evacuated the city, which that evening blazed with illuminations, the people being half wild with joy at their approaching deliverance.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The great triumphs of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajos did not lead to the rapid successes which Wellington had hoped.

plural of “column” — a line of units following one after another

From this reading At last all was prepared, and on the 13th of June the army once more crossed the Agueda and marched towards the Tamar in four columns.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

placed crosswise

From this reading At last all was prepared, and on the 13th of June the army once more crossed the Agueda and marched towards the Tamar in four columns.

recovery or preservation from loss or danger

From this reading On the 17th it was within six miles of Salamanca, and Marshal Marmont, unable for the moment to stem the tide of invasion, evacuated the city, which that evening blazed with illuminations, the people being half wild with joy at their approaching deliverance.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading The great triumphs of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajos did not lead to the rapid successes which Wellington had hoped.

past form of “evacuate” — move out of an unsafe location into safety

From this reading On the 17th it was within six miles of Salamanca, and Marshal Marmont, unable for the moment to stem the tide of invasion, evacuated the city, which that evening blazed with illuminations, the people being half wild with joy at their approaching deliverance.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading On the 17th it was within six miles of Salamanca, and Marshal Marmont, unable for the moment to stem the tide of invasion, evacuated the city, which that evening blazed with illuminations, the people being half wild with joy at their approaching deliverance.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

a fortified defensive structure

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading At last all was prepared, and on the 13th of June the army once more crossed the Agueda and marched towards the Tamar in four columns.

the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

plural of “general” — a general officer of the highest rank

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading The great triumphs of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajos did not lead to the rapid successes which Wellington had hoped.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading The great triumphs of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajos did not lead to the rapid successes which Wellington had hoped.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading On the 17th it was within six miles of Salamanca, and Marshal Marmont, unable for the moment to stem the tide of invasion, evacuated the city, which that evening blazed with illuminations, the people being half wild with joy at their approaching deliverance.

past form of “hamper” — prevent the progress or free movement of

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

past form of “hope” — expect and wish

From this reading The great triumphs of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajos did not lead to the rapid successes which Wellington had hoped.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the 17th it was within six miles of Salamanca, and Marshal Marmont, unable for the moment to stem the tide of invasion, evacuated the city, which that evening blazed with illuminations, the people being half wild with joy at their approaching deliverance.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

unskillfulness resulting from a lack of efficiency

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

plural of “intrigue” — a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

the act of invading; the act of an army that invades for conquest or plunder

From this reading On the 17th it was within six miles of Salamanca, and Marshal Marmont, unable for the moment to stem the tide of invasion, evacuated the city, which that evening blazed with illuminations, the people being half wild with joy at their approaching deliverance.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

the emotion of great happiness

From this reading On the 17th it was within six miles of Salamanca, and Marshal Marmont, unable for the moment to stem the tide of invasion, evacuated the city, which that evening blazed with illuminations, the people being half wild with joy at their approaching deliverance.

the month following May and preceding July

From this reading At last all was prepared, and on the 13th of June the army once more crossed the Agueda and marched towards the Tamar in four columns.

immediately past

From this reading At last all was prepared, and on the 13th of June the army once more crossed the Agueda and marched towards the Tamar in four columns.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

take somebody somewhere

From this reading The great triumphs of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajos did not lead to the rapid successes which Wellington had hoped.

something that is lost

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

past form of “march” — march in a procession

From this reading At last all was prepared, and on the 13th of June the army once more crossed the Agueda and marched towards the Tamar in four columns.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the 17th it was within six miles of Salamanca, and Marshal Marmont, unable for the moment to stem the tide of invasion, evacuated the city, which that evening blazed with illuminations, the people being half wild with joy at their approaching deliverance.

place in proper rank

From this reading On the 17th it was within six miles of Salamanca, and Marshal Marmont, unable for the moment to stem the tide of invasion, evacuated the city, which that evening blazed with illuminations, the people being half wild with joy at their approaching deliverance.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading On the 17th it was within six miles of Salamanca, and Marshal Marmont, unable for the moment to stem the tide of invasion, evacuated the city, which that evening blazed with illuminations, the people being half wild with joy at their approaching deliverance.

a particular point in time

From this reading On the 17th it was within six miles of Salamanca, and Marshal Marmont, unable for the moment to stem the tide of invasion, evacuated the city, which that evening blazed with illuminations, the people being half wild with joy at their approaching deliverance.

the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading At last all was prepared, and on the 13th of June the army once more crossed the Agueda and marched towards the Tamar in four columns.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The great triumphs of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajos did not lead to the rapid successes which Wellington had hoped.

the trait of being difficult to handle or overcome

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The great triumphs of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajos did not lead to the rapid successes which Wellington had hoped.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

on one occasion

From this reading At last all was prepared, and on the 13th of June the army once more crossed the Agueda and marched towards the Tamar in four columns.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading On the 17th it was within six miles of Salamanca, and Marshal Marmont, unable for the moment to stem the tide of invasion, evacuated the city, which that evening blazed with illuminations, the people being half wild with joy at their approaching deliverance.

the Romance language spoken in Portugal and Brazil

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

made ready or fit or suitable beforehand

From this reading At last all was prepared, and on the 13th of June the army once more crossed the Agueda and marched towards the Tamar in four columns.

done or occurring in a brief period of time

From this reading The great triumphs of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajos did not lead to the rapid successes which Wellington had hoped.

the state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action (especially military action)

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The great triumphs of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajos did not lead to the rapid successes which Wellington had hoped.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading SALAMANCA.

the property of being of short spatial extent

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading On the 17th it was within six miles of Salamanca, and Marshal Marmont, unable for the moment to stem the tide of invasion, evacuated the city, which that evening blazed with illuminations, the people being half wild with joy at their approaching deliverance.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

a parliamentary monarchy in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula; a former colonial power

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

(linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed

From this reading On the 17th it was within six miles of Salamanca, and Marshal Marmont, unable for the moment to stem the tide of invasion, evacuated the city, which that evening blazed with illuminations, the people being half wild with joy at their approaching deliverance.

plural of “success” — an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading The great triumphs of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajos did not lead to the rapid successes which Wellington had hoped.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At last all was prepared, and on the 13th of June the army once more crossed the Agueda and marched towards the Tamar in four columns.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading The great triumphs of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajos did not lead to the rapid successes which Wellington had hoped.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading On the 17th it was within six miles of Salamanca, and Marshal Marmont, unable for the moment to stem the tide of invasion, evacuated the city, which that evening blazed with illuminations, the people being half wild with joy at their approaching deliverance.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

the periodic rise and fall of the sea level under the gravitational pull of the moon

From this reading On the 17th it was within six miles of Salamanca, and Marshal Marmont, unable for the moment to stem the tide of invasion, evacuated the city, which that evening blazed with illuminations, the people being half wild with joy at their approaching deliverance.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading The great triumphs of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajos did not lead to the rapid successes which Wellington had hoped.

in the direction of

From this reading At last all was prepared, and on the 13th of June the army once more crossed the Agueda and marched towards the Tamar in four columns.

something that serves as a means of transportation

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

plural of “triumph” — a successful ending of a struggle or contest

From this reading The great triumphs of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajos did not lead to the rapid successes which Wellington had hoped.

(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how

From this reading On the 17th it was within six miles of Salamanca, and Marshal Marmont, unable for the moment to stem the tide of invasion, evacuated the city, which that evening blazed with illuminations, the people being half wild with joy at their approaching deliverance.

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading The French generals, on hearing of the loss of the latter fortress, again fell back, and Wellington was so much hampered by shortness of money, by the inefficiency, obstinacy, and intrigues of the Portuguese Government, and by want of transport, that it was nearly three months before he could get everything in readiness for an advance into Spain.

British general and statesman; he defeated Napoleon at Waterloo; subsequently served as Prime Minister (1769-1852)

From this reading The great triumphs of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajos did not lead to the rapid successes which Wellington had hoped.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading The great triumphs of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajos did not lead to the rapid successes which Wellington had hoped.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading On the 17th it was within six miles of Salamanca, and Marshal Marmont, unable for the moment to stem the tide of invasion, evacuated the city, which that evening blazed with illuminations, the people being half wild with joy at their approaching deliverance.

in the company of; together with

From this reading On the 17th it was within six miles of Salamanca, and Marshal Marmont, unable for the moment to stem the tide of invasion, evacuated the city, which that evening blazed with illuminations, the people being half wild with joy at their approaching deliverance.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading On the 17th it was within six miles of Salamanca, and Marshal Marmont, unable for the moment to stem the tide of invasion, evacuated the city, which that evening blazed with illuminations, the people being half wild with joy at their approaching deliverance.