They easily encircled the city and lay siege to it .
But Miguel 's army was formidable , composed of the best troops , with dedicated volunteers and enthusiastic militiamen ( although not , perhaps , the best senior officers ) .
volunteers easily encircled the city and lay siege to it .
But Miguel 's army was formidable , composed of the best troops , with dedicated volunteers and enthusiastic militiamen ( although not , perhaps , the best senior officers ) .