BERLIN DEGREE.—A memorable interdict against the commerce of England. It declared the British Isles in a state of blockade, and all Englishmen found in countries occupied by French troops were to be taken prisoners of war. It was issued by Napoleon from the court of the Prussian King, shortly after the battle of Jena, November 21st, 1806.
BERWICK.—Many bloody contests, were fought here between the English and Scots. It surrendered to Cromwell in 1648, and afterwards to General Monk.
BEYROOT.—This place is celebrated for the total defeat of the Egyptian army, by the allied English, Austrian and Turkish forces. The Egyptians lost 7000 in killed, wounded and prisoners, and 20 cannons. Fought October 10th, 1840.
BHURTPORE.—India.—Besieged by the British, January 3rd, 1805, and attacked five times up to March 21st, without success. The fortress was taken by General Lake, after a desperate engagement with Holkar, April 2nd, 1805. The defeat of Holkar led to a treaty by which the Rajah of Bhurtpore agreed to pay twenty lacs of rupees, and ceded the territories that had been granted to him by a former treaty, delivering up his son as a hostage, April 10th, 1805. This city was taken by storm, by Lord Combermere, January 18th, 1826.
BIDASSOA, PASSAGE OF THE.—The allied army, under Lord Wellington, effected the passage of this river, October 7th, 1813; and the illustrious British chieftain, having thus completed his glorious career in Spain and Portugal, pursued the enemy into France.
BILBOA, BATTLE OF.—This place, which had been invested by the Carlists under Villareal, and was in considerable danger, was delivered by the defeat of the besiegers by Espartero, assisted by British naval co-operation. Espartero entered Bilboa in triumph next day, Christmas day, December 25th, 1836.
BLACK HOLE OF CALCUTTA.—Surajah Doulah declared war against the English, from motives of personal resentment; and, levying a numerous army, laid siege to Calcutta—one of the principal British forts in India—but which was not in a state of strength to defend itself against the attack even of barbarians. The fort was taken, having been deserted by the commander; and the garrison, to the number of 146 persons, were made prisoners.
They expected the usual treatment of prisoners of war, and were therefore the less vigorous in their defence; but they soon found what mercy was to be expected from a savage conqueror. They were all crowded together into a narrow prison, called the Black Hole, of about 18 feet square, and received air only by two small windows to the west, which by no means afforded a sufficient circulation. It is terrible to reflect on the situation of these unfortunate men, shut up in this narrow place, in the burning climate of the East, and suffocating each other. Their first efforts, upon perceiving the effects of their horrid confinement, were to break open the door of the prison; but, as it opened inwards, they soon found that impossible. They next endeavoured to excite the compassion or the avarice of the guard by offering him a large sum of money for his assistance in removing them into separate prisons; but with this he was not able to comply, as the viceroy was asleep, and no person dared to disturb him. They were now, therefore, left to die without hopes of relief; and the whole prison was filled with groans, shrieks, contest, and despair. This turbulence, however, soon after sunk into a calm still more hideous! Their efforts of strength and courage were over, and an expiring languor succeeded. In the morning, June 20th, 1750, when the keepers came to visit the prison, all was horror, silence, and desolation. Of 146 who had entered alive, 23 only survived, and of these the greatest part died of putrid fevers upon being set free.