Peninsular War (1808-1814). Catalonia. Gerona was besieged on three occasions by French troops. The first time by troops led by General Duhesme, on 20 June 1808, which failed. The second one, on 20 July 20 until 20 August 1808, when Duhesme's troops had to retreat when they were attacked by a Spanish army that came to the city's rescue. The third began in June 1809, when General Saint-Cyr surrounded the city with an army of 18,000 soldiers. Field Marshal Alvarez de Castro, in command of the besieged city, decided to resist until the end. This last siege lasted until 10 December 1809, when the city of Gerona capitulated and the French troops of General Augereau entered the following day. The defenders of Gerona. Chromolithography. "Glorias Espanolas" (Glories of Spain). Volume IV. Published in Barcelona, 1890.