For any French force intending to invade Portugal via Salamanca, they would have to contend with the fortified city of Ciudad Rodrigo, the Spanish border fortress of Fort Concepcion, and the Portuguese fortified city of Almeida. The three of them were within 50 km of each other. The French would reduced all three to protect their lines of communication before they advanced into Portugal.

Wellington knew he did not have the troops to decisively beat the French in open combat, so his goal was to delay the French long enough for the Lines of Torres Vedras, that would protect Lisbon, to be built. He would then retreat behind the lines and let the French exhaust themselves trying to take the city. This is what happened.

The first place the French had to take was Ciudad Rodrigo. Wellington's plan was to have the city hold out as long as possible and thus delay the French. He was quite willing to sacrifice the city and he did

Next in line was Fort Concepcion. The fort was not in the greatest shape, but in late May Wellington ordered General Picton to send troops to repair and garrison the fort. I cannot find anything to say that he specified what troops to send, however Picton sent the 9th Portuguese Line and 4 companies from the 45th Foot These troops appeared to be well supplied. Lieutenant John Burgoyne of the Royal Engineers was given the task of repairing the fort. Lieutenant Burgoyne tried to repair the fort but did not have the time to complete the repairs when it came apparent Ciudad Rodrigo would fall. Wellington ordered the evacuation of Fort Concepcion and then blew it up.

Next in line was Almeida, Portugal. From everything I read he hoped that the city would further delay the French even longer. It did not appear that he intended to fight in support of the city either. It fell to the French after a short siege when its powder supply blew up and the defenders were left with no ammunition.

My question is:

What was Wellington’s intention in regards to Fort Concepcion? When he ordered the fort to be garrisoned was he willing to sacrifice the 9th Portuguese Regiment in order to delay the French even longer?