The only suggestion - to strengthen any paper (not for me or this forum) - would be to improve on the evidence that (1) the locals avoided "resisance be offered" or they held out "menaces" to use James's words, (2) the actions of any Portuguese renegades and (3) the French view. This last as to why and to what extent they acted. All to understand and explain (not to justify).

I certainly second that suggestion.

Finding several comrades tortured, mutilated and then killed puts a body of troops in a ugly mood -- perhaps beyond the usual command control. Rendering punishment for actions arising from common rage takes some acquiescence from the body of troops, I believe.

Amassing a catalog of depredatons may convict; but it doesn't tell the whole story.

Blonde includes an anecdote (I forget Spanish or Portuguese) to illustrate the depth of feeling. 'A group of French soldiers asked at a remote residence for shelter from the weather. The woman agreed and offered to cook a meal for them. She did so, but the soldiers - fearing poisoning - insisted that she and her children join in eating. Such distrust, it is a shame! They did as requested. After the meal, during some pleasantness - singing perhaps - she suddenly shouted, "Death to the French" and fell dead. One soldier, after a time in a hospital, survived to tell the story.'

It seems to me that the outrages are not a one-sided story. Rather, it is yet another recitation of mutual reprisals beginning from an unknow origin. Neither side is justified; only incited to a blood rage.