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AUTHOR OF "ECART^," "WACOUSTA," &e., &c. SECOND EDITION, TO WHICH IS ADDED, WITH NEW VIEWS, A Continuation of the Operations from the 5th of May, 1836, to the cloae qf March, 1837. LONDON: PUBLISHED BY SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, AND Co. STATIONER'S HALL COURT; J. MACRONE, ST. JAMES'S SQUARE; AND E. WILSON, ROYAL EXCHANGE, CORNHILL. 1837. i LEWIS *iiil Co., PrinlcM, IS, Frith Street, Sob*. t/ .X. ^ u uO PREFACE TO THB SECOND EDITION. So materially does the Second part of the Movements of the Legion differ from the first, that some explanation of the causes of that dif- ference may, perhaps, be expected from me. In publishing the first edition of the first part, last year, the principal object I had in view was the upholding of a service, which had been grossly vilified by a certain portion of the press, and by the partizans of Don Carlos. With that service I considered myself identified, and, in giving it the character I did, consistently with truth, I felt that I was conferring a benefit upon those of the British Army, who, like myself, had, under the . VI PREFACE. sanction of the King and Government, sought an opening to active and honorable warfare, and the promotion consequent on its successful issue. A variety of motives have contributed to the retirement of almost every British and Indian officer who had originally embarked, under the impression, universally entertained at the time, that the Legion would have effected infinitely more than it unfortunately has been permitted to do. Among the principal of these reasons, has been the arbitrary conduct of General Evans towards many of his officers, and his unexpected infringement of the Articles of Service; both which subjects will be found detailed in the second part of the volume. As an instance of the disappointment expe- rienced by those who were among the most efficient of Lieutenant-General Evans's officers, it may be stated that of nearly fifty, who had originally embarked in the cause, not more than ten remain ; the others are officers of the Por- tuguese Army, or men whose first service has been in the Legion. This is a lamentable fact, PREFACE. Vtt and bears in itself most striking evidence of the little encouragement afforded to officers of capa- bility, as those of the British and Indian services doubtlessly were. Whether their secession has been owing to the general inactivity of the Legion, or to any perception of want of military capacity in its leader, are questions whi;h they only can resolve. The service, as I have elsewhere shown, has been deprived of several highly useful men, through the intemperance of feeling, or jealousy, of the Lieutenant-General. In the first part of my work, I have described the Lieutenant-General as one whose conduct gave earnest of a successful issue to the service, in which the Legion had embarked. My account of the march to Vitoria, represented him as pos- sessed of greit prudence and foresight, but unfor- tunately, up to the period at which my volume closes, no opportunity had been afforded of judg- ing of his military talent in any practical way. The victory of the 5th of May, was certainly a very splendid one, but, unhappily, after events have not borne out the assumption that the VIU PREFACE. Lieutenant-General was the person most fitted to the important command of an army, nor, in- deed, should this have been expected, by reason of the little experience he had hitherto had even in the command of a regiment. An orderly leader of the auxiliary force confided to his care, punctiliously strict in his enforcement of the rules of discipline, he most unquestionably has proved himself to be ; but it cannot, at the same time, be denied that indecision and delay, properties which nullify all excellence in a military leader, are errors for which he is particularly remarkable. Instead of following up success witli the ardor which ensures con- fidence on the one hand ; dispiritedness on the the other; he is too readily satisfied with the slightest advantage he may have obtained. Had this vacillation not unfortunately been a leading trait in his character, the really gallant Legion would never have had to endure the scoflings and sneers of the partizans of Don Carlos, for having continued so long cooped up within the walls of San Sebastian ; but, boldly advancing on the '■ '. - PREFACE. IX enemy immediately after the 1st of October, and as soon as they had repaired their losses on the 5th of May, would have carried Irun and Hernani and thus struck a terror into the Carlist ranks, from the effects of which they would not speedily have recovered. Nay, more recently, he would not have given the Carlists the opportunity of making vigorous preparations against his long meditated attack on Fuentarabia and Irun, after the absurdly magniloquent threat of extermina- tion held out in his proclamation to the refractory Guipuzcoans ; which proclamation, by the way, has any thing but grammar to recommend it. Let me not be misunderstood. Lieutenant- General Evans has treated me, as he has treated numerous others, with every possible indignity; but this is no reason why, if his military character be good, I should seek to convey a different im- pression. Indeed, this very circumstance would render me more tenacious of upholding, than depreciating it ; and this, not from any love I can be supposed to have for the Lieutenant-General, but from respect to my own character for con- ■UM I 1 PREFACE. sistency. A first opinion is not infallible, and if my original opinion of General Evans was highly favorable, I must admit that his military opera- tions before San Sebastian, and these are already familiar to the public, have had, to urge the least of it, no other tendency than to induce an extreme qualification of that opinion. In no case, however, will it be found that I have written unjustly of the Lieutenant-General, although injustice of the most wanton kind has been done to me. Injustice, which it would be irre- levant to enter upon here, as it is my full intention to submit it to the world in a separate publication. Even in my allusion to the afilsiir of Fuentarabia, it will be found, that, differing from his accusers, who have ascribed to him all the odium of that disaster, I have shown General Evans was, from unexpected illness, rendered wholly incapable of attending to the arrangements of the day. Thus much have I considered necessary to state, in order to show, that if any discrepancy be found to exist between the first and second parts of the movements of the Legion, parts separately treat- PREFACE. xi ing of the conduct of the Lieutenant-General in the field, and out of the field, that discrepancy has been the result of his oM^n measures only. At the conclusion of my very concise account of the action of the 5th of May, I had promised further particulars in a subsequent volume. These I had at that time contemplated giving in the second part of " The Movements," but many of the details are so mixed up with the causes of disagreement between the Lieutenant-General and myself, that I have deemed it necessary to transfer them to my forthcoming volume, on the undeserved oppression which I have been made to experience at the Lieutenant-General's hands. In that volume some rather curious exposes will be found. The second part of " The Movements " having been written under circumstances different from the first, I have thought it unnecessary to continue the form of the Journal. I have delayed the publication of this volume for nearly a month, in the hope I should be enabled to record some gallant feat of arms to I xu PREFACE. ivhich all England has been looking forward. Alas ! I have only to notice the brutal massacre, by tlie ruffian Giubelalde, of six unarmed Englishmen, who have fallen victims to that flagrant violation of the terms of service, with which I have already distinctly charged the Lieutenant-General. (( THE AUTHOR." London^ March I2th, 1837. \V Xt t^^ CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Page Arriyal at San Sebastian — Description of its grandeur — Punish- ment of a soldier for mutiny — Hard duty of officers— Dinner given by the 1st regiment — Ball to the inhabitants — Traitors in San Sebastian — ^Affair of Hernani — Removal to Portagalette — Attack on Lord John Hay's boats — Infamous quarters — Affair of Portagalette — MarcL to Bilbao — ^Ai&ir of the Puenta Nueva — Carlist prisoner — Position of the enemy I CHAPTER II. Withdrawal of the Carlist forces — Bilbaon manners and amuse- ments — Removal of my regiment to St. Mames — Remarks of the Author on the decline of monasteries — Detached to Soroza — Wretchedness of quarters — Return to St. Mames — Melan- choly accident at Soroza — Station of the English and French men-of-war*-Touching anecdote of a Carlist 38 li xu CONTENTS. CHAPTER III. Page March: from Bilbao — Leave Portagalette for Castro — Romantic character of the march described — Legion fired upon by ban- ditti — Route from Castro to Limpias — Plunder committed by part, of the Legion — IHinishment by the Lieutenant-Greneral, and his remarks thereon — March to Villa Sante over Los Tornos —Grandeur of the country — March to Medina del Pomar — Country be'oraes less mountainous — Reach Oiia — Its pass des- cribed — Supper of the Staff at the rich monastery of Ona — Arrive at Brivieska — Remarks of the Author upon the nature and conduct of the march 56 CHAPTER IV. Arrival of Cordova to meet the Lieutenant- General — Miserable appearance of Brivieska — Wretchedness of the inhabitants con- trasted with the fine appearance of the Biscayans and Guipis- coans — Severe fail of snow and extreme cold in the middle of November — Reported danger of the Lieutenant-General's bag- gage — A description of the Cur^ Merino — Pursuit of him by a Spanish detachment of cavalry — ^Visit to Burgos — Rude recep- tion by the Governor — Visit the cathedral — Gorgeous beauty of its sculpture — Return to Brivieska — ^Victory gained by Cordova at Estella — Author's laments upon the mode of conduct of the war— Priest shot at Burgos for holding correspondence with the enemy — Mode of burial — Reported danger of the Lieut. - General's baggage from attack by Merino refuted 94 CHAPTER V. Dismissal »( officers from the Legion — March to Vitoria— Ordered to San Domingo — Paul Carsanada, my French servant— ;-Hi» Z' CONTENTS. XUl Page bravery in a severe af&ir againot Villa Real — Route from San Domingo to Miranda, through the romantic pass of Pancorbo — Paul's downfall— Council of Vitoria— Indifferent reception by the inhabitants— Review of the Legion by Cordova— Ball given by the authorities — Description of Cordova— Governor of Bur- gos dismissed for his rude conduct — Cordova and the Lieut.- General go to Burgos — Massacre of the Chapelgorris by Elspar- tero ^ 119 CHAPTER VI. Flag of truce from the enemy — Christmas-day—A turkey anec- dote — Report of the state of San Sebistian — Anecdotes of Zumalacarregui— Arrival of Count Almadovar, the Minister at War — Description of Vitoria — Promise of the Queen- Regent to visit the Legion in summer — ^Advance of the Legion from Vitoria — Spirited conduct of the Staff — Unhealthy state of Vitoria — Arrival of the French Legion — Critical position of the Carlists — Affair of Arlaban — Murder of Mr. Street, of the Com- missariat — Increasing sickness at Vitoria — Burial of one of Cordova's aids-de-camp — Forward movement of the combined troops upon the castle of Guabarra— Fails to draw the enemy into action — ^A Carlist colonel killed by the Queen's cavalry, in revenge for the murder of Mr. Street — ^True position of the British Legion in the affair of the 17th — Legion left unpro- tected against the whole Carlist force on the heights of Zoazo — General Evans's withdrawal of his forces across the Zadora, where a final position is taken up — Anecdote 143 CHAPTER VII. A long hiatus in the Journal occasioned by Typhus — Ravages of this disease among the troops — Inhumanity of the inhabitants I I V, XIV CONTENTS. Page of Vitoria — Billeting — ^The Emperor Jahangaeiar's laws there- upon — Insufficiency of supplies to the sick by the Spanish authorities — Changes in the Legion — Breaking up of the 2nd and 5th regiments from excessive weakness of numbers — Changes in the Staff— The Londonderry hoax — Remarks there- upon — Sir John EUey's and Colonel Thompson's speech in the House of Commons — Bitterness of the " Morning Herald " against the Queen's cause — Its correspondent supposed to be a hired agentof Don Carlos— Thecharacterofthe'^IsleO'Dogians" vindicated — Return of General M'Dougall from Madrid — Ob- ject of his mission . . . , , 177 \ CHAPTER VIII. Pitiable condition of the convalescents — Removal of head-quar- ters to Aranjues — Distribution of the Xegion— Defeat of the Carlists by Espartero's division at Orduna — His real force — Particulars of Espartero's action — Gallant conduct of a Spanish corporal — Its reward — Important discovery of traitors in Vi- toria — ^Their trial and execution by the garrot in the Plaza — Attempt of Villa Real to save them 198 CHAPTER IX. Departure from Vitoria — Curious mode of conveyance-^Break down of our vehicle between Miranda and Oiia — Perform the remainder of the journey on foot — Mr. Wilkinson's letter in the " Morning Herald" — Brief comments thereon — Reach San- cillo through the beautiful pass of Balma-de-ceda — Reception by the padrona of the posada — Descent of a very high and ragged mountain on three wheels — Reach the pretty village of Ontenada — Meet my ex-servant, Paul Carsanada, under very CONTENTS. XV Page suspicious circumstances — His great familiarity with a Spanish colonel— Reach Santander — Expedition to San Sebastian fully detailed— Remarks of the Author — Disagreeable billeting at Santander — Reception by Commodore Henry on board the Isa- bella Secunda — Conduct of Lord John Hay — Arrival of the Lieutenant -General in advance of the Legion ordered to the coast — Author's remarks — Dinner given by the Licut.-General at Santander — Departure of the Author for San Sebastian — Battle of Ayetta 214 PART II. Remarks on the extremes of party spirit in England, as connected with the Battle of the 5th of May — General Evans condemned for not advancing upon Hernani — His refusal justified — Re- covery of the Cariists from their consternation — ^Their renewed preparations for defence — Passage of the Uramea and occupa- tion of Passages, &c. by the Legion — Action of the 6th of June — Anecdotes — Advance upon Fuentarabia on the 11th July — Failure of the Expedition attributed to General Reid — Anec- dotes — Reconnoissance of the Ametzagana — Narrow escape of Captains Atkyns and Brown of the Rifles — Refusal of the Scotch regiments to serve beyond their stipulated year — Query to General Evans — Mutinous and disorderly conduct of the 8th regiment — Firmness and consistency of the 6th Scotch — Their shrewdness and intelligence — ^Their conduct contrasted with that of the Irish regiments— Strange invitation by General Chichester to the 10th regiment, that they might desert to Don Carlos if they thought proper — Decline of the morale of the Legion, attributed to the Lieutenant- General himself — His rupture with General Mac Dougall — Lavish distribution of decorations and promotion— Unjustifiable violation of the terms ;i 'iii XVI CONTENTS. Page of engagement — General Evans benefited by it in a pecuniaiy view — His rapture with General Shaw, who quits the Legion in consequence— 111 treatment of Colonel Kinloch of the Lancers — Of Colonels Boyd, Finucane, Churchill, &c. — Exten- sive Brevet made in order to tranquillize the Portuguese officers — Second reconnoissance upon the Ametzagana — Funeral of a Spanish officer — Foraging excursion from Puyo — Anecdotes — Lugaris lines attacked by the enemy on the 27th September — Their repulse — Singular omission on the part of the Lieutenant- General — Action of the Ist of October — Alza, Lugaris, and the lines in front of the Ametzagana simultaneously attacked, enemy repulsed on all sides — Gallant defence of the advanced piquet house of the Legion defended by three companies of the 3rd legiment under Major Maclean — Activity of Colonel Colquhoun — Spirited conduct of Captain Cotter of the 3rd — Gallantry of Lieutenant Backhouse of the rocket troop— His fall, and burial with all due military honors, near the light house of San Sebastian — Position occupied by General Evans and his staff during the action — Narrow escape of the former — Curious direction taken by a 32 pound shot from the Ametzagana — Remarks on the action— Advantage not taken of the enemy's weak points — Supineness of the Lieutenant General's immediate staff — Opportunity of carrying the hill lost from ignorance of its existence — Refusal of General Evans to succour Bilboa — Its deliverance attributable chiefly to the energy of Colonel Wylde Recent movements of the Legion upon Astigarraga 257 Additional Movements — Advance upon Astigarraga, Hernani, &c. 311 Appendix 327 DIRECTIONS FOR THE BINDER. PAGE Frontispiece — View of San Sebastian. Route of March from Bilbao to Vitoria 57 View of the Enemy's Position on the 5th of May 249 View of Passages 261 View of Puyo and the Venta 291 View of Alza and San Geronimo 295 View of the Ametzagana and the English Piquet- house . , . 299 JOURNAL OF THE MOVEMENTS OF THE BRITISH LEGION. CHAPTER I. ARHIVAL AT SAN SEBASTIAN — DESCRIPTION OF ITS OBANDBVR— PUNISHMENT OF A SOL^ "il FOR MUTINY — HARD DUTY OF OFFICERS — DINNER GIVEN BY THE FIRST REGIMENT — BALL TO THX INHABITANTS — TRAITORS IN SAN SEBASTIAN — AFFAIR OF HER- NANI — REMOVAL TO PORi'AQALETTB — ^ATTACK ON LORD JOHN hay's boats — INFAMOUS QUARTERS — AFFAIR OF FORTAaALBTTB— • MARCH TO BILBAO — AFFAIR OF THE PUENTA NVEVO— CARLIST PRISONER — POSITION O^ THE ENEMY. On the 23rd of July the right wing of the second regiment of the British Auxiliary Legion sailed from Portsmouth tor San Sebastian, on board the Royal Tar steamer. The passage, oc- cupying four days, offered no other incident than B / V ( i .'i! 12 MOVEMENTS OF a severe squall, which occurred on Sunday, the 26th, carry in jr away what canvass we had set, and - otherwise greatly incommoding the men, 400 in number, who were crowded upon her decks ; some thunder and lightning accomp aied a deluge of rain, and as we had taken our powder on board at Spithead, there was apprehension that injury might arise from the quantity of iron-work neces- sarily connected with the steam apparatus. The storm however passed off, and on the following morning, at day break, the bold head-lands of St. Sebastian and its vicinity were dimly seen in the distance. We entered the harbour about mid-day, and as the steamer passed the strait, conducting into the basin, we embraced one of the most mag- nificent coup-d 'ceils it is possible to conceive. There was that in the scene altogether that filled the heart with a wonderment, in which delight and awe were singularly blended. On the right, rises a bold and precipitous head-land, crowned by a light-house, that looks like the habitation of some genius of the air; on the left, the lofty battlements of San Sebastian, which convey to the THE BRITISH LEGION. 3 mind of the beholder their utter unassailableneSH by any thing short of British valour, headed by British resolution. Forming the centre of the arch, of which these points are the extremities, are to be seen a succession of lofty hills, which in England would be termed mountains, not rude and desolate, and barren, as the rocky super- stratum would lead one to believe, but clothed with rich verdure and luxuriant crops, and studded with an infinitude of antique looking houses, har- monizing admirably with the romantic character of the whole. On one of these, and distinctly visible with the telescope, is the outpost of Don Carlos' army. From this point the arrival of the steamer must have been witnessed by the enemy, whose inertness in not seeking to annoy us, (the right shore being in their possession), is truly unaccountable. Beyond this outpost, and in the tar distance, spring mountains, along whose sides roll immense volumes of clouds, that add not a little to the grandeur and sublimity of the scene, contrasting, as they do, with the white smooth sands that stand out in light relief on the low foreground f? Ill I 4 MOVEMENTS OF • of the picture. Why ^vas it that I experienced an emotion which I can find no words to render, on approaching this truly glorious scene ? I have been in various parts of the world, have beheld nature clad alternately in smiles, and in frowns, admired all that was soft and lovely — all that was terrific and grand — in her several aspects, but never, even in my early youth, did I experience that swelling of the gratified heart which leaves the voice tremulous in its expression of the ad- miration created in the soul. Never did I then, as on this occasion, attempt to convey to others the impression produced on my mind, and find that language was insufiicient for the purpose. Why, I ask, was this ? Was it the touching pic- ture of the dense masses of Spaniards, in their various characteristic costumes, who rose in pyra- midical array from its very base to the summit of San Sebastian, waving their caps and giving every other indication of joy, at receiving their new brothers in arms *? Or was it the excitement pro- duced by nature alone in the heart of one who had ever been faithful in his worship of her beauty. THE imiTlSH LEGION. iind prized her most when arrayed in the garh that told at once of loveliness and grandeur ? — What- ever it was, I felt as if I could have shed tears, and yet been unable to say to those who questioned me, wheretbre ! Early in the afternoon the boats were dispatched from the mole for us, and our disembarkation was effected, amid "vivas!" from the Spaniards, and occasional discharges of guns from the highest point of the battlements of San Sebastian. When each boat left the steamer, three cheers were given for the " Royal Tar," and on approaching the mole, three more tor the Spaniards. As each company formed on the beach, it was marched off to the barracks of St. Elmo, preceded by a Spanish band. The balconies of the houses were thronged, and over them peered many a dark and sparkling eye, that mc^rked any thing but disapprobation of the arrival of the strangers. On the whole, our reception wanted the brilliancy and fervor that had marked the landing of the 1st regiment; but this was to be expected. The nine days wonder had ceased, and the inhabitants satisfied them- *i4 ,l(i i In xu \ 6 MOVEMENTS OF selves with evincing all the kindliness o^' gratu- lation, without incommoding themselves, or us, by an exhibition of its boisterousness. The news communicated of the enemy on our arrival, was of a nature to inspire disgust and a desire for vengeance in our minds. Lord John Hay had come over from Bilbao in a steamer on the preceding day, and reported that two marines belonginff to his ship had been taken by tlie Carlists and shot. A man of the 1st regiment of the Legion, who had wandered a little distance from San Sebastian, had also fallen in with a picquet of the enemy, and was captured ; his fete can scarcely be said to be doubtful. July 30th. — A district court martial sat to day on a man, who, on open parade, swore he would knock down any officer or private who should dare to approach him, and otherwise used most mu- tinous language. His sentence will be read to- morrow before tlie brigade, which is ordered to assemble to witness his punishment, when it is to be hoped such example will be made as will pre vent others from falling into the same course. THE BRITISH LEGION. 7 July 31st. This morning the sentence was car- ried into effect, and corporal punishment inflicted upon the prisoner in presence of the brigade. He bore it unflinchingly, and at the close, when taken '\i down a challenge, to the effect that 1500 of their men would meet an equal number of ours, neither party receiving assistance while engaged. This message was communicated to Colonel Tupper, of the 6th (Scotch), who replied that he declined meeting an enemy who fought skulkingly from behind rocks, hedges, and all sorts of cover, in the manner proposed ; but if the Carlist General would bring down 1 ,000 of his men into the open ground, adjoining his position, he would engage to meet and beat them with his own regiment, consisting of 600 only, no assistance to be ren- dered to either party. Message, much to the disappointment of Colonel Tupper and the gallant 6th, not accepted. ^ ' • -- ♦ September 5th. — Our position, for the last few days, has certainly not been that of feather-bed soldiers. We are quartered outside the walls of the town, and, more than any other portion of the troops, exposed to the attacks of the enemy, who are frequently to be seen crowning some hills immediately in our rear. The consequence has been, the necessity of beating to arms long before THE BRITISH LEGION. 21 1500 of their 'ours, neither gaged. This onel Tupper, t he declined Ikingly from of cover, in rlist General nto the open i^ould engage ^n regiment, e to be ren- nuch to the d the gallant the last few feather-bed the walls of )rtion of the enemy, who some hills quence has long before day, after using every precaution against surprise during the night. The Carlists, and the 6th Scotch, who are also advanced, have had one or two trifling skirmishes, but with little or no loss on either side ; the former never venturing within the utmost range of the musket. ^ .■.,,_ .s An event of some interest and importance how- ever occurred the day before yesterday, (the 3rd.) Two boats belonging to ihe English squadron, and sailing under English colors down the river Narbionne, which conducts from Portagalette to Bilbao, were fired upon by a party of Carlists from either shore, and within my own view. The boats had been hailed, and desired not to pass, by the officer commanding the Carlists ; one obeyed the the order and went in, when the commander was made prisoner. The other boat continued its course, and the Carlists opened a running fusil- lade, by which nine men out of twelve were killed and wounded. Three of them were buried last night, with the usual ceremonies. Lord John Hay has despatched a vessel home, to announce this second daring attack upon the British flag, I I I 22 MOVEMENTS OF and it now remains to be seen whether the insult will be tamely submitted to. We are concen- trating all our strength in this quarter, with a view to drive the enemy from the position he has taken up between this and Bilbao, and thereby remove the blockade. We have here the 1st, 2nd, and 7th of the Legion, from San Sebastian, and the 6 th and 9th from Santander, making in all 3,000 British troops. A steamer is also at this moment landing a regiment of Spaniards, more of whom are expected. General Evans is to be here either this evening or to-morrow, so that by Tuesday we may expect to move forward, (supported by four or five gun-boats), upon the Carlists, who are represented at from 9,000 to 10,000 strong. There is no doubt we shall have a severe struggle, but our men are animated by the best spirit, and eager to close with their enemies ; the more especially, as they find great difficulty in procuring what is wanted in Por- tagalette : Indeed, aiy change must be for the better. The officers of our right wing have fared but indiffxirently, living almost wholly upon their ;«*' THE BRITISH LEGION. 23 ther the insult 3 are concen- larter, with a >osition he has and thereby here the 1st, an Sebastian, f, making in er is also at )f Spaniards, sral Evans is •morrow, so ove forward, ), upon the 3m 9,000 to shall have nimated by with their ^ find great ed in Por- be for the have fared upon their rations of bread, wine, and meat, (which by the way, are not bad, oi their several kinds), and occupying rooms in which there is not a table or chair to be seen. Another Captain of my regi- ment is doubled up with me, and our messing is certainly not after the manner of London exqui- sites — " Chacun pour soi-meme et le hon Dieu pour nous tous^" is the prevailing principle; and " short commons," it must be confessed, is a terrible leveller of the conventional courtesies of life. Could one of those Tories who thought proper to be sp severe upon us in the outset, take a sly peep at this moment into our den, and see my brother Captain and myself, and all unto us appertaining, he certainly might, if gifted with a talent for caricature, exercise it with ludicrous effect. We look forward, however, to Bilbao, as the terminating point of our present temporary privations, and, as we have reason to believe, we shall be received by the inhabitants with open arms, it is as much the interest as it is the desire, both of officers and men, to be brought into earliest contact with the enemy that interposes IJ! 24 MOVEMENTS OP T between us and the goal we covet. If the fellows will but stand, we shall readily enough manage them ; but their system of warfare is so dastardly — so like that of the American Indians, (never firing a shot but from cover,) that they are likely to annoy us much, even though they may not withstand our onward progress. There is a re- port to-day that the Carlists have retreated six leagues, leaving the passage to Bilbao once more free; but this is scarcely to be credited, for although they have seen a considerable body of troops landed within the last few days, it can scarcely be supposed, that with the men they can bring into the field, they will not make some show, at least, of resistance ; or, it may be, that they will suffer us to pass on to Bilbao, and when they know the greatest part of the force to have gone thither, they will make a final and determined attack upon Portagalette with the whole of their army. Should they succeed in carrying it, Bilbao will be placed precisely in the same position jf blockade in which it now stands, as there is no seaward communication with it, save by Porta- .h. THE BRITISH LEGION. 25 S!:;alotte. We shall see how far my impression is correct. Before another week some of us will have slept with our forefathers. September 6th, — After finishing what I had of my journal, yesterday, I was aroused from the rude couch on which I had thrown myself, by a report of musketry close to our barracks, and from a height completely and closely overhanging them. On ascending the hill, I found our piquet were being fired upon by a considerably party of Car- lists, who had approached very near under cover of the hedges, corn-fields, and vineyards. Two companies of our right wing (the Grenadiers and my own), advanced to repulse them, a duty in which we succeeded, driving them in succession from two lofty hills,half a league distant, on which the enemy attempted a rally. We were, however, ordered to retire, and thus missed making many prisoners. As we withdrew, the Carlists, accord- ing to their custom, followed us ; but finding that we kept up a hot fire, maintained a respectful distance. An officer of the Grenadiers being- wounded, and several of the enemy advancing E 26 MOVEMENTS OP rapidly to secure him, we a^ain, in our turn, be- came the pursuing party, when the Carlists, as before, retired with all the expedition possible. Evening put a close to the skirmish. It is re- markable how excessively ill the Carlists fired. Although our men leisurely traversed the fields and vineyards, as they returned, and a continued and heavy musketry was kept upon them, with the exception of the officer of the Grenadiers, only one man was wounded. The Carlists must have lost several men, as we distinctly saw two or three fall. We assumed that their object in approaching thus nigh, was to fire upon the Lieutenant-General, then landing from San Se- bastian. September 7th. — We have had full confirmation of the report of yesterday, that the Carlists had abandoned the siege of Bilbao, and retired some leagues into the interior of the country. We cer- tainly did not expect this, for they were said to be in great strength, and fully resolved to accom- plish the subjection of Bilbao. The height they occupied above the town, and completely com- THE BRITISH LEGION. 27 niandin^ the river, moreover oft'ercd obstacles to our advance, which it must have cost some hun- dreds of men to surmount, had they maintained their position. However, there is comfort in the thought, that although we shall not make our entry into Bilbao quite as gloriously as we had anticipated, we still shall get there, and that, after the horrid hole in which we are quartered, without chair or table, and in rooms that are flooded after every rain, will indeed be a treat. The 1st and 6th are to march to-day. September 9th. — ^This morning we received the order to march to Bilbao, and had hoped to ac- complish the distance in a short space of time ; but greatly to our astonishment, on reaching the ruins of the Puenta Lochana, which the Carlists had blown up prior to their departure, found that no preparation of any kind had been made for our transport across the water. After waiting for upwards of an hour without any boats makino- their appearance, or any steps being taken for our removal, wc at length pressed a peasant into our service as a guide, with orders to conduct us to a e2 hi i 2R MOVEMENTS OF small bridge a considerable distance beyond, and after a march of some twelve miles, over a moun- tainous country, when it should not have been more than eight, over a level road, we came to the walls of Bilbao at a late hour in the evening. The spirits of the men, who had withstood a good deal of privation during the day, were not a little depressed, for just as they expected to enter the place, an order was given for us to retrace our steps, and take post in the convent of the Capu- chins, close under the strong hold recently pos- sessed by the Carlists. Here, however, there was no asylum, and once more we were compelled to come to the right about, and secure our night's lodging under the piazza surrounding the church, in the small village of Oliveaga. Here, without other food during the day than what their scant v breakfast of chocolate and bis- cuit had afforded, the men passed the night on the sharp, rugged stones, and yet with as little mur- muring as I ever recollect to have witnessed among the most orderly British troops. Of a verity these men arc in every sense British, and TIIK imiTlSH LEGION. 29 had any one prejudiced against the service, M'it- nessed their orderly and excellent conduct through- out the day, he would have been surprised into admiration of their behavior. We have proved that the fellows will willingly and readily fight, and if they improve in their general discipline a little more, they will be able to compete for the palm of glory with any British troops in the service. September 12th. — Yesterday we were suddenly ordered under arms to support an attack, said to have been made on the 7th British, who had been sent out on the road leading to Durango. Our route lay through Bilbao, and as we passed, we were joined severally by the 1st, 3rd, and 6th regiments. As we advanced we met several wounded Spaniards, some walking, others borne upon mules, but none of the 7th, who, it turned out, had never been engaged at all, or even seen the enemy. The truth was, that General Espeleta had quitted Bilbao early in the morning, for tlie purpose of reaching Durango, with tlie force of Spaniards previously brought up to the relief of Bilbao; but so wretched was their intelligence, 'M) MOVEMENTS OF >l I SO little knew they of the inovcmcnts or position of the enemy, that it was not until having ad- vanced some six miles from the town, that, sud- denly attacked hy the Carlists, they found what they seemed not to have anticipated, the whole force of the latter upon them. Pressed in front, and in flank, Espeleta «^ave the order to retire slowly back upon Bilbao, by cchellon of bat- talions, but the officer entrusted with this message to the several commanders, mistook its purport altogether, and issued a general order to retreat. The result was, as in all occasions of the same kind, some panic, and more confusion, ensued, giving the retreat more the character of Hight. It was at this crisis that the British regiments were marched out, the 7th having considerably taken the advance; but scarcely had we passed the Puenta Nuevo, beyond Bilbao on the road to Durango, when a countermarch of the reserve was ordered, and we returned to Bilbao, our regi- ment marching back to their barracks at the church of the Capuchins, to eat their dinners, which were then cooking. THE BRITISH LEGION. 31 McanAvliilc tlic firinpf drew nearer to the town, and as we moved to our barracks, I could dis- tinctly see, with the aid of my telescope, both parties hotly engaged on the heights overlooking the to>vn. That part of the Queen's army which retired by the main road were so closely pursued by the Carlists, that on arriving at the bridge, to which I have alluded, many threw themselves into the river, and nearly 200 perished in that manner. It was at this point that the troops of the Queen sought to rally, and recover from the confusion into which the unfortunate order for general and indiscriminate retreat had thrown them. More than once the bridge was taken and retaken, while Espartera, who had come to the scene, full of shame and indignation at the conduct of his men, was seen to tear his hair, and court the loss of a life no longer valuable to him . In fact, on being re- monstrated with on the danger to which he un- necessarily exposed himself, he replied, " that he courted danger, and did not wish to survive the day." But though the bullets of the enemy spared him not, (he having received two wounds,) his 32 MOVKMRNTS OP If wish >vns not roiilizcMl. Driven ai!;ain, and Anally, from the bridge, tlic Queen's troops once more pursued their retreat, and the Carhsts pressed fiercely upon them. At this juncture, the 3rd rej>iment of the Legion, which had been ordered out to cover the retreat of the Spaniards, came up, and proceeded to carry the bridge. From the narrowness of the pass, however, this duty de- volved upon one company alone (the Light), and these acquitted themselves so well, that the enemy were speedily driven back, and kept in check until some de£*rce of order had been restored in the broken ranks of Espeleta's army. It was with difficulty the men of the 3rd could be restrained from following into the heart of the Carlists' battalion, for the bayonet had been used, and the blood of the Englishman was up to an extent to render it difficult of control. The officers of the light company conducted themselves so well on this occasion, leading on and animating their men, that General Evans paid them the compliment of noticing them in orders. Major King, of the 3rd, a gallant fine young officer, who had received a Ifv- THK MIUTISH l.EOION. 33 Iwouiul in his \v\'i arm at Hcrnani, near San I Sebastian, on llic 30th, was hit, in this adair, in Ithc little fin^,er of his /i\r\\t hand. Of the men, two only were killed, and eight wounded. The loss of the Spaniards throug^hout the day was I considerable. Independently of the 200 drowned in the attempt to cross the river, two companies were completely cut off, and 270 went into hospi- tal, many severely wounded. The number of I' killed is not precisely knomi, but the whole loss may be computed at not less than 500 men hors \(le combat. September 18th. — ACarlist prisoner Mas brought in this morning wo;inded, and being cimfined in the guard-house of one of the Spanish regiments, contiguous to our harracks at Bilbao, into which we have recently moved, I took the opportunity to visit him. Several officers entered with me, passed by the commander of the S])anish guard. On seeing us, the prisoner, who Mas lying on the ground, leaning his head upon his hand, probably pondering on the fate that awaited him, suddenly rose to his feet, both with the air of a man taken Ill t |»!' ff M MOVEMENTS OF by surprise, and of one who seems conscious that ht; stands in the presence of those from wliom he has Uttle favor to expect. His tout ensemble certainly bore every characteristic of the ji'uerilla brigand. His countenance was fierce, his brow lowering, his visage excessively dark, his hair black and matted, and his beard for the last day or two, unshaven, — a picture that was not at all improved by an incrustation of blood of the true Moorish dye upon the right forehead, where he had received the wound, which had trickled upon his face. His dress was a coarse, Irish-blackguard-snuff colored frock coat, with a red collar, and his nether garments told of the muddy passes of the mountains in which he had been in the habit of dwelling : on the whole, the man was of such unprepossessing appearance, that one would not wiUingly have made his acquaint- ance on a dark night, and in an exposed situ- ation. We questioned him as to the force in the neighborhood, and he at once said 15 l)attalions and 9,000 men. On asking if there were any i\: THE imiTlSlI LEG1(3N. 35 ,1"' En»i,lish soldiers prisoners with the enemy, he ad- mitted there were six irmsicos, (that number of the band had been cut oif while straggling on the march from Portagalette), none of whom had been touched. An officer of ours then said to liim, "if you were to take us prisoners, of course, we should be shot immediately." This inference however, he had address enough to disclaim with much warmth, meaning to imply that no such fate awaited us. In this he certainly showed tact. September 13th. — Late last night the several regiments of the Legion received an order to bo under arms this morning at four o'clock. It rained incessantly, and though it was pitch-dark at that hour, the men turned out with an alacrity that reflected the highest credit upon them ; but there was no movement. It had been intended that we should sujjport the Spanish army, in a second at- tempt to drive back the enemy and make their way to Durango ; but intelligence arrived at an hour later than that at which the order had lieen issued, that Don Carlos himself had come up with ! 36 MOVEMENTS OF seven more battalions, making his force to consist of somewhere about 16,000 men. This increase of strength seems to have altered the plan of operations on our side — what will now be done remains to be seen. It cannot be too much regretted that the Queen's generals had not better informa- tion as to the position of the enemy before quit- ting Bilbao on the 11th. Had any suspicion of their proximity been entertained, doubtless we should have marched also; ;i'- lad the move- ment been crowned with that ouccess^ we had a right to anticipate, the defeat of the Carlist army, as then composed, would have rendered its subsequent junction with that of Don Carlos a matter of secondary importance. As it is, flushed with partial triumph, and encouraged by a considerable accession of strength, there is no knowing what may be the result. The whole of the enemy's army are within four miles of Bilbao. I wish our remaining regiments, viz., the 4th, 5th, 8th, and 10th, were even partially organized, and with us. At present, we arc not more than 3,000 men, yet with these, if THE BRITISH LEGION. 37 j)roperly supported, we might do much. England, and England's Tories in particular, have their eyes upon us at this crisis, and we must do our duty — not to the Tories, but to ourselves. ! 11 ! I m "I i; \u CHAPTER II. WITHDRAWAL OF THE CARM8T FORCES — BILUAON MANNERS AND AMUSEMENTS — REMOVAL OF MY REGIMENT TO SAINT MAMES — REMARKS OP THE AUTHOR ON THE DECLINE OF MONASTERIES — DETACHED TO 80R0ZA — WRETCHEDNESS OF QUARTERS — RETURN TO SAINT MAMES — MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT AT 80R0ZA — STATION OF THE ENGLISH AND FRENCH MEN-OF-WAR — TOUCHING ANEC- DOTE OF A CARLIST. - // September 20th. — The Carlists, it is now ascer- tained, have completely abandoned the neighbor- hood ; but whitlier, no one seems to know. This is to be regretted ; for if we go forth in pursuit of them, the undertaking may be a hopeless one, and it is essential to our credit as soldiers, that we should have one fair fight at least. Now the saints only know when we shall have a chance of the sort. In the meanwhile we amuse ourselves as we may, in Bilbao, during those moments (and '^\ THE BRITISH LEGION. 39 u\ MANNERS AND ) SAINT MAMES— f MONASTERIES — 'ARTEUS — RETURN SOROZA — STATION -TOUCHING ANEC- is now ascer- hc neig-libor- knovv. This h in pursuit opelcss one, oldiers, that . Now the a chance of so ourselves Jiimiis (and they are few enough, Heaven knows) which we can spare from our professional duties. The liospitality of the people, however, can in no way admit of comparison with that shown to us by the inhabitants of San Sebastian. In the latter place, each family in which the officers were billeted did every thing in their power to evince their kindliness of feeling, and though, in not a few instances, such testimony proceeded from that class of persons in whom the refinements of life could scarcely be looked for, still the sentiment was profoundly ingrafted. In Bilbao it has been diflFerent. What families have been compelled to accord, they have accorded, but nothing more. There have been exceptions to the general re- mark, of course, but not many. The indifference of the Bilbao people may, however, be attributed, in a great degree, to the length of the siege they have sustained, (nearly two years at intervals,) during which privation, and anxiety, and long disappointed hope, may have conduced to merge their more generous impulses in an impure and selfish regard for their own interests alone. 40 MOVEMENTS OF \ September 22ncl. — In the absence of matter of military interest, it may not be malapropos to introduce a few observations as to Spanish Ufe, such as it has hitherto been unveiled to us. Tb< town of' Bilbao itself is essentially mercant:. , am. the inhabitants, with the exception of the autho- rities and families of the military leaders, wholly of that caste of society. Tertullias, or evening meetings, at their respective houses, during which dancing is occasionally introduced, seem to con- stitute their chief amusement. There is also a rather decent theatre, which appears of recent construction, and is conimodiously situated at the extremity of the well-shaded public promenade of the Arenal — i\\G quartier pa^^ excellence of Bilbao. At this theatre, (which is about equal in size with the Surrey, and neatly fitted up, the Governor's box, surmounted with the arms of Spain, being placed in the centre, and immediately fronting the stage,) operas are given once, sometimes twice, a week. Of the merit of these I do not feel myself competent to speak, but the acting of the performers may, on the whole, be pronounced THE BRITISH LEGION. 41 tolerably fair for a provincial town in the north of Spain. The hest proof of this is the favorable manner in which the opera is generally received, and the crowded state of the house. Their comedie^, nowever, are poor and spiritless pieces of composition ; too much dialogue, and little or no action, — ^that little without point. But I beg pardon, I must except one instance at least, in which point enough, and of no common character, was exhibited, a night or two ago. The first piece, as far as it was suffered to proceed, seemed to have no other aim than the development of the felicitously imagined point, at the conclusion of which, it was, much to the surprise of the au- thor, suddenly arrested in progress. The pith of the story was this : — A young lady, desirous of punishing a pert Lothario, calls upon him and requests (he loan of his clothes, in order to disguise her for some particular object. The gentleman very politely consents, and after his visitor has inducted herself in his hat, coat, and waistcoat, unceremoniously proceeds to remove that part of his dress, the very name of which, in G II '>! i I 'J ! 42 MOVEMENTS OF England, gives so much shame to *' Ladies ears polite." In this plight he is surprised by several friends of the lady, hidden for the purpose. A shout of applause followed this unequivocal action from the Spanish canaille, but in justice to the better portion of the audience, it must be admitted that these latter manifested their disapproval of the wretched taste of such an introduction, in a manner so marked, that the piece was, after one or two ineifectual attempts to proceed, wholly withdrawn. What followed was quite as repug- nant, and infinitely more absurd. It was a sort of ballet, the figurans and figurantes in which were inmates of a mad-house, whose deplorable eccen- tricities were sought to be illustrated by a variety of the most grotesque and revolting move- ments, the only tendency of which could be to convey a sense of deep pain and humiliation to the mind of the spectator. The same proper feeling which had prompted the suppression of the former gross piece, came once more to the rescue of the reputation for good taste, of the better portion of the audience, and the mon- THE BRITISH LEGION. 43 strosity was curtailed of its hideous proportion by the loud hissing which stifled it in its birtli, and amid which the curtain fell upon it for ever. I never quitted a theatre more disgusted, or dis- satisfied with myself for having visited it; so much had this caricature of human infirmity, in its most degraded state, pained and offended me. September 24th. — Nothir yet contemplated, as to change of position. The General is, no doubt, wisely resolved not to attempt a movement until his force shall be of a number, and of an efficiency, to leave no question of success, when- ever he may deem it prudent to advance upon the route leading to Vitoria, which all concur in believing to be our ultimate destination for the winter. Heaven knows there is little enough of attraction in Bilbao, to induce a desire of con- tinuance within its walls, even putting aside the anxiety one, as a soldier, must entertain, to enter upon the more active duties in which we have all embarked. Previously to our arrival here, we had been taught to look upon it as a sort of ,iil 44 MOVEMENTS OV ri('l|IS!4r *' promised land ;" but we have been wotully dis- appointed. There is, literally speaking, no so- ciety in the place. The men, who are indolent to a proverb, spend their nights and days (those hours only which are devoted to meals excepted) in the caf(6s, where smoking, chattering, (that is the word) cards, billiards, and dominos, form their invariable and eternal pastime. As for tlie women, their only care, after marriage, seems to be to " suckle fools and chronicle sour wine*' — the tbrmer, in so open a manner, as to inspire the most profound disgust in an Englishman. I have seen the wife of a principal inhabitant of fiilbao repeatedly send for her squalling brat, and, with- out apology or the slightest concern, expose her breast, without moving from the table, and give the young savage its food. I certainly had already been a little initiated into the " domestic manners of the Biscay ans," or I could not have stood this familiar exhibition, without some demonstration of the feeling it excited. But a three months ac(inaiutance with Sj)anish domestic habits, which would compel the most fastidious man alive to THE HIIITISH LEGION. 45 kink many of his nicer feelings in a prudent de- (sire to make the best of circumstances, enabled me to endure such infliction, until, in the end, lit became matter of course. Mrs. TroUope, in her account of America, (by [the bye she is much wanted in Spain) inveighs i loudly aud justly against the practice of spitting among the men ; — what would she say were she here, where crachades (to use a significant French word) come not less frequently from the chests of the women, than from those of the men. It is no unusual thing, while passing through the streets, mayhap in full dress uniform, t6 find one's chako, or coat, defiled by a descending crachade, and then, on looking up with a curse on the lip and anger in the eye, to discover in the offender some pretty woman (whom we should as soon have suspected of murder, had we not known the habits of her country) glancing down upon us from her balcon, with all the indifference arising firom an unconsciousness of having done any thing in the slightest degree unusual or wrong — a chaque pays ses habitudes. Thank God 11 ! .H ; ii I ' '1 i !i: il;"ii 46 MOVEMENTS OP this is not one of ours — Oh, England ! what do thy daughters not gain in the estimation of thy sons, when chance or inclination, or a desire of change, induces the latter to roam in search of the novelties of other climes. The dark and brightly beaming eye — the long and luxuriant hair — and the voluptuous form, may be found, it is true ; but where that which gives transendent lustre to the whole, and without which those attributes are nought ! Delicacy, — fair word, exclusively Englisli in thine origin, however thou may'st have been adopted in term by the stranger — ^thou art, indeed, that sublime characteristic, which elevates the Englishwoman so much above the sex of other lands, as to give to the homage we vield her, almost the character of deifica- tion! , September 25th. — ^This day we march to St. Mames's convent, distant about a mile and a half from Bilbao, and the same from which the Car- lists made their first attack upon the English flag. The 1st regiment, under Colonel Kirby, have occupied it since the arrival of the Legion THE BRITISH LEGION. 47 kcre, and, after three weeks service, they are be relieved by us, who have always had the ood luck to be sent upon out-post duty; — no latter, any change from Bilbao is not to be jgrctted. Septcmlx : 30th. — *'T>ie devil is not so black ^s he is painted." Inhere are worse places than \i. Mames, notwi^ ■ ^standi vg all the evil report Conveyed to us of it by tiie officers of the 1st. Kt is true we ha \ ^ no ftirniti 'e in our rooms Ibeyond a rude table and chair, (in some not even these) but we have, at least, the advantage of )eing united ; which, in Bilbao, and dispersed as ire were in billets, was utterly out of the ques- iDU. Few things tend more to the subversion )f military discipline, than the separation of len an ' officers in quarters, and this, in a lewly raised corps, — where it is necessary that all lat lias been acquired, should be well retained — >ught especially to be avoided. St. Mames las been well fortified. The windows have been mWed up, leaving intestices only for musketry, md the whole of the building is defended, in its ■f' m m ! i f II I ! 'it''''';' ' It . Mi 48 MOVEMENTS OF most accessible points, by a strong wall with loop-holes. Being an exposed quarter, we draw in our piquets and sentries at night ; but to any three Carlist battalions, who may venture to disturb us in our den, we may safely shew our teeth. While on the subject of convents, one cannot fail to be struck by the extraordinary change which seems to have been effected on the minds of Spa- niards in the north, in all matters appertaining to religion. It is true that the principal churches are held sacred, and the rules of their religion celebrated in them with all the " pomp and cir- cumstance" of the olden time ; but even these are attended only by the aged part of the community, on whom the liberal spirit of freedom has failed to take effectual hold ; and by whom the disfran- chisement from monastic tyranny seems to be looked upon less as a blessing than a curse. In nine instances out of ten, however, it will be found that the desecration of the churches becomes a matter of inferior moment, when the urgency of the hour demands it. A vast number have every THE BRITISH LEGION. 49 ts, one cannot y change which minds of Spa- ppertaining to cipal churches their religion pomp and cir- even these are he community, iom has failed n the disfran- seems to he a curse. In t will be found es becomes a be urgency of ir have every where, throughout the revolted provinces, been converted into barracks for the troops, while the numerous convents, with scarcely a single excep- tion, have been turned into fortifications, tor which, with trifling aid from the engineer, they are most peculiarly adapted. But were these evi- dences insufficient to testify the indifference of the public on all matters of the sort, a more positive proof might be had in the comparatively utter ab- sence of the monks themselves, most of whom dis- liked, and hated, and feared, have been compelled to flee and link their fates with that of Don Carlos. By the way it appears that this latter has just done the Virgin Mary the honor to appoint her generallissimo of his army ; no doubt the better to accomplish the defeat of the British Auxiliary heretics ! If following, in some degree, the ex- ample of his brother, of blessed memory, he condescends to make a pair of boots for her, I would recommend that the workmanship be strong, for if she is to head his army through these mountain-passes, she will find it severe work for the feet 1 can promise her ! u ( ri ! I i! 50 MOVEMENTS OF Sorozo, October, 3rd. — No rest for the wicked. Yesterday, after a long and fatiguing march upon the hills, an order arrived to send two companies of ours down to this outpost to support the rifles, recently arrived. This is being detached from the detached with a vengeance ; and that too, just at the moment when we were beginning to make ourselves as comfortable as circumstances would admit at St. Mames's. The furniture of my room, which is cold and bleak as a barn, is not likely to incommode me much. Chairs none ; tables none ; bedsteads none; but plenty of room, thank the stars, to swing the cat witli which I had the fore- sight to provide myself before leaving San Sebastian. On the whole, I am better off than my brotlier Captain, whose only window has two panes of glass broken in it, while mine are fortunately sound. How we are to mess heaven knows. To day we may have some chance for a meal, as we dine with the commanding officer of the rifles, the Baron de Rottenburg, under whose fatlier I served in Canada, during the late war, when he must have been quite a child. Such is THE BRITISH LEGION. 51 [tlie lottery of life ; the Baron is a Lieutenant- Colonel, and I a humble Captain. Not, be it [understood, that this is said with a shadow of linvidiousness, for Colonel de Rottenburg's repu- jtation as an excellent officer, and an excellent (fellow as well, had already preceded him here. St. Mames's, October 15th. — Once more are we [here, after an absence of a fortnight, during which ire have had marchings and counter-marchings ipon the hills without end, yet unfortunately without once encountering a Carlist. There is something very dispiriting and discouraging in going out day after day in the expectation of an 4 affair, and yet as often returning to our respective barracks without even getting sight of an enemy. The men feel the disappointment much ; for, wanting the excitement of action to sustain them, they are necessarily more sensible of fatigue. There is one comfort ; — it cannot always be thus. October 18th. — A melancholy circumstance occurred last night at Soroza, the barracks I have so rgcently quitted. An officer of the Rifles ^m 92 MOVEMENTS OF I returninjr home from Bilbao by the road which runs paraUel with the river, got into the ferry- boat with his servant, by whom he was accompa- nied, and, while in the act of sculling her across, lost his balance, and fell overboard. It would appear that he made no struggle, uttered no cry for assistance, nor indeed was he seen again to rise to the surface. The alarm was instantly given by his terrified servant, and presently the shore was crowded with officers and soldiers, bearing torches, and hastening to the rescue of their unfortunate comrade. But although the men plunged and dived in every direction, exhibiting the most eager anxiety to possess themselves of the body, their exertions proved unavailing, and after a long and fruitless search, they were com- pelled to abandon it as hopeless. This morning the corpse was discovered ; it was that of a young officer, (Robinson by name,) who had already rendered himself a great favorite with the regi- ment, and was held in high esteem by his colonel. He is said to be the son of an old officer in the British service, and one of a large family. How THE BRITISH, LEGION. 53 le road which nto the ferry- was accompa- ng her across, 'd. It would ittered no cry seen again to was instantly presently the and soldiers, [the rescue of ough the men on, exhibitinsT themselves of lavailing, and ey were com- 'his morning it of a young had already ith the regi- ^ his colonel, fficer in the mily. How eep will be their grief, less at the matter, than he manner of his death. To have lost him in he field of action, fighting gallantly in defence of he cause he had embraced, would have brought ith it its proud solace — the consciousness that e had fallen in the path of glory ; but cut off hus prematurely, and before the opportunity of distinguishing himself had arrived, the bitterness f disappointed hope will be upon their hearts ; 'Wd time alone can be expected to remove the blight. Oliveaga, October 20th. — This village being nearly opposite to St. Mames, I have taken lodg- ings here for the present, although Heaven knows how long we shall remain. Oliveaga is a pretty village, situate on the banks of the river Marbi- onne, which all the way from Portagalette, a dis- tance of two Spanish leagues, commands the most lovely views. Its course is sinuous, narrow, but deep, affording navigation, to Bilbao, of ships of considerable dimensions. The Saracen, English man-of-war-brig, is lying at anchor opposite my lodging ; and astern of her, a French man-of-war, : ' I , 54 MOVEMENTS OF \ schooner. The rake and trim of this latter is exceedingly good ; she looks formed for sailing. One would almost imagine her the Yankee vessel that sailed so fast, as to cut a whale in two in her course ! The officers are on the most friendly terms with ours. The patrona of my lodging recounted some interesting anecdotes of the siege of Bilbao, all corroborative of the utter destitution of the Carlists, and the horrors of a civil war. Among others, the following : — During the time the enemy were in possession of Oliveaga, they suf- fered the country people to go into Bilbao with articles of provision for the inhabitants ; the Bil- baoans, on the other hand, admitting of merchan- dize, &c., being taken out, (a curious mode of warfare) to the Carlists. These reciprocal ex- changes took place at an early hour in the morn- ing, before hostilities were renewed. It happened there were two cousins, very fond of each other, but enlisted on opposite sides. The Christino, knowing his relation to be near, and being anxious to see him, availed himself of this permission, and THE BRITISH LEGION. 55 went out one morning to a preconcerted inter- view. On approaching each other, they mutually put aside their arms, and the CarUst asked the Christine if he would embrace him. This was not denied, and while the Christine enfolded him in his arms, he perceived that his cousin trembled much. He inquired the cause, when the other, bursting into tears, replied, " that he was very unhappy, being in a state of utter destitution, without shirt, or shoes, as might be perceived. He then solicited a few sous and some cigars; upon which the Christine remonstrated with him on the impolicy of his conduct, in serving the rebels, offering at the same time to take him back with him into Bilbao, where he would be well received, and comfortably treated. But the Carlist rejected every overture of the kind, say- ing, that he had pledged his allegiance to Don Carlos, and suffer what he might, he would not desert his cause. This was a fine trait in the character of the youth : — ^neither of the cousins were more than sixteen years of age. CHAPTER III. MARCH FROM BILBAO — LEAVE PORTAGALETTE FOR CASTRO— RO- MANTIC CHARACTER OF THE MARCH DESCRIBED — LEGION FIRED UPON BY BANDITTI — ROUTE FROM CASTRO TO LIMPIA8 — PLUNDER COMMITTED BY PART OF THE LEGION — PUNISHMENT BY THE LIEUTENANT-GENERAL, AND HIS REMARKS THEREON — MARCH TO VILLA 8ANTE OVER LOS TORNOS^-ORANDEUR OF THE COUN- TRY — MARCH TO MEDINA DEL POMAR — COUNTRY BECOMES LESS MOUNTAINOUS — REACH ONA — ITS PASS DESCRIBED — SUPPER OF THE STAFF AT THE RICH MONASTERY OP ONA ARRIVE AT BRIVIB8KA — REMARKS OF THE AUTHOR UPON THE NATURE AND CONDUCT OF THE MARCH. Portagalette, October 30th. — After many days devoted to long marches on the neighboring hills, the better to inure the men to the important one they were intended definitively to make, the Legion this day commenced its route for Vitoria, by a road, the selection of which, for the reasons which follow, will, more than any thing else, refute the charges, of indiscretion and undue • V. E FOR CASTRO — RO- BED — LBOION FIRED ) LIMPIAS — PLUNDER UNISHHKNT BY THE LS THEREON — MARCH DEUR OF THE COUN- InTRY BECOMES LESS CRIBED SUPPER OF T ONA ARRIVE AT N THE NATURE AND ter many days neighboring the important y to make, the te for Vitoria, or the reasons y thing else, n and undue II THE IIRITISH LEGION. 57 exposure of his force, so impertinently broujijht against Lieutenant-General Evans, by the enemies of the Spanish expedition at home. Accurate information having been received at head quarters, that the Carlists had thrown four- teen battalions into position, with a view to dispute our advance upon Vitoria, the original intention of moving by the main road was abandoned, and the narrow and difficult passes bordering on the sea adopted for route as far as Castro ; at which point it is purposed to turn off into the main road, and thus leaving the enemy on our left, to defeat the object he has in view — that of preventing our junction with the army of Cordova. Preceded by several battalions of Spaniards, among whom we were glad to perceive the gallant regiment of Fernando, and the Africans, as well as our old friends the Chapelgorris of San Sebastian, the whole of the eleven regiments of the Legion (including the Rifles) this morning quitted Bilbao, favored by as brilliant a sun, and as brautiful weather, as ever marked the autumn I MOVEMENTS OF of a more southern clime. It was truly a pic- turesque sight to behold the long line of troops, English and Spanish, as they wound, accom- panied by a host of baggage mules and horses, along the banks of the river from Bilbao to Soroza, at which point the route took a direction more into the interior, until we finally reached this place, where we are bivouacked for the night. Castro, November 1st. — Yesterday we moved through a country remarkable only for its wild- ness of aspect, and the rugged nature of its passes. But that part of the road — romantic and picturesque throughout — which principally at- tracted, from a boldness approaching to savage- ness, rose upon the view towards twilight, when, having completed the dull and difficult ascent of a stupendous ridge of rock, each brigade found itself, in succession, suddenly threading a pass bordering on the very verge of a cliff overhang- ing the sea, and recalling to memory some of the strongest outlines of Swiss scenery. One false step of a horse or mule, and both animal and TME BRITISH LEGION. 59 rider must, in many parts, have been precipi- tated down the fearful abyss ; and when one reflects on the long line of heavily-laden, much- jaded mules and horses that moved between the respective brigades, it really affords matter for surprise, that not one of the number should have met with accidmit of the kind : — ^nor was this point the only one that teemed with danger. For several miles, until we finally reached Castro, (a small seaport town, remark? ble only for the imposing appearance of its sea-girt, rock-based castle, at which it was purposed we should halt for the night,) this rocky verge, the pathway along which could only with difficulty be distinguished at that advanced hour, offered the same natural obstacles, with the additional evil of its being an alternation of steep ascent and descent, render- ing each footfall of the horses, a movement preg- nant with danger to their riders. Once, while cautiously leading my tired and timid animal, I lost my own footing, and went tumbling down one of those descents, expecting every moment to feel my horse's hoofs upon my head. But he,. ^ m : I 60 MOVEMENTS OF more fortunate, or more careful than his master, kept his ground, and calmly waited until I rejoined him. On the whole, the day's route, while fatiguing and annoying to a degree, was not without in- terest, from the romantic character of the scenery. Nor was the line of march itself by any means a poor feature in that interest. On leaving Portagalette, I had been appointed to the quarter-master-general's department, and, as in the course of the day I had frequent occasion to drop to the rear, the chapter of accidents peculiar to a long line of march, through a rugged and broken country, and by an army newly organized, and as yet little inured to a service of the sort, was fully revealed to me. Here were to be seen stragglers dragging their wearied and stiffened legs after them, and cursing the knapsacks which, although containing their all in this world, they would willingly have con- signed in deed, as they did in word, not to her most catholic majesty from whon? they had re- ceived them, l)ut to his most aatanic majesty, who THE BRITISH LEGION. 61 took more interest, perhaps, in themselves, than their kits ; — while others — some with a natural, some with an eflForced wit — jeered at the grum- blers, thus seeking to sustain their own sinking strength and spirits by an outward mockery, which the inward man denied — until, in the end, both the grumbler and the jeerer sat side by side upon the road, and yielded to the imperative necessity of rest, which exhausted nature de- manded. In one place the eye rested upon some unfor- tunate soldier's wife, from whom pain and fatigue amounting almost to exhaustion, had drawn tears of bitterness, as her swollen feet carefully met the ground, and her anxious gaze bent itself on the far diiitance, as if to discover the haven of rest which was to terminate her sufferings for the day. In another, the same description of character pre- sented itself, but armed with an energy that seemed to put bodily pain at defiance. Along the rugged road passed by the army this day, one woman — young, and of interesting appear- ance, walked the whole way, shoeless and with ■'''•-rm^^^m^m,.^,^^-^^;^;^^ i I 62 MOVEMENTS OF shrinkiii|^ feet ; and yet, to the close, there was a cheerfulness of manner about her that touched one more, efForced, as I saw it was, to encourage her husband, than all the tears that were shed by her less uncomplaining copartners in suffering. These, with the blocking up of the narrow lanes by frequent upsettings of baggage, wretchedly packed upon their respective beasts of burden, — the oaths of the servants in consequence, — and their squabbles with the loquacious muleteers, formed the principal features in the ground that separated the brigades — which latter, taken again at a single coup-d'oeil from some prominent point in the line of march — their bright arms glittering in the suri as t\*ety wound along the road — lent an invigorating air of action to the scene, which rather added to, Ami took from, the sublimity of its wil(irwjss. The ^i«rtion of the country we passed through this <*«iy was known to be infested by bandtfWi of *lf»s^>ef!sile character ; and it was apprehended that if mr stragglers fell not by the hands of any roving parties of Carlists, their destruction would be equally certain of accom- THE BRITISH LEGION. plishment by these people. As the day drew towards its close, the number of men who fell out, and threw themselves, absolutely worn out with fatigue, along the road side, visibly increased, and 1 could not but feel, and deplore as I passed them by, that they were doomed through their own mere helplessness to the bullet of a Carlist or a bandit — or, if possibly escaping these, to the knives of the very peasants themselves. Except in two instances, however, we are not yet aware that such apprehension has been borne out by results. In the cases of exception, two stragglers ' i ere shot by bullets from a distance ; one rereivina a wound in his thigh, the other in some other p.irt of his body. How they escaped closer collision wHh their enemies I am at a loss to understand. But these were not the only evidences cf the proximity ofa lurking and assassin foe. Mr. Thynne, of the commissariat, having occasion to detach himself in advance of his. brigade, suddenly came upon a ruffian who was in the act of stripping a soldier's child, that by some accident had been left quite in rear of the pre- 64 MOVEMENTS OF ceding brigade. He immediately called to him to desist, when the bandit, deliberately quitting the child, seized and presented his musket. Mr. Thynne had no other alternative than to fly for his lite. On his return at the head of the brigade no one was to be seen ; — but more than this, the fellows had the audacity to fire several shots upon the Rifles, who led the advance, which attack, however, ended in the loss of two of their party. . These banditti are men whose original occu- pation was that of workmen in the iron mines, which greatly abound in this part of the country. They are alike feared by Carlists and Christinos ; plundering and burning wherever they sfiow themselves, and perpetrating every other descrip- tion of outrage. Having been detained for some time in the rear of the last brigade that entered Castro, I did not perform the closing league of the march until past eight o'clock, and I was then utterly alone. The road lay along a ridge of rock that rever- berated my horse's footfall in a most alarming manner, while my figure was thrown into bold THE imiTISH LF.GIO:^. 65 relief against the sea that murmured in the dis- tance, so that any one, hostilely disposed, might have picked me off from the dark rocks on my left, with perfect ease and without hazard. As this part was said to be one of the principal haunts of the banditti, I confess I did not feel at all comfortable until I had joined the brigade in front, which seemed to be much farther off than it actually was. Limpias, November 2nd. — Yesterday we re- sumed our march along the high road leading fro.n Castro to Balmaceda ; but a heavy rain coming on, and the General being apprehensive in consequence of a long line of stragglers, in- dication of which had already been given, a retrogade movement was ordered, after the fjrst brigade had accomplished about a league and a half of the route. It moreover appearing to the General that a direct advance along the high road leading to Balmaceda, would in a great de- gree cut ofll' his communication with Esparterc, who led the Spanish troops, and greatly expose his Hanks, he at once resolved on abandoning •■^VWSi>'¥^^sa;^p|$i* /«^^*.^*..iU»fe n ») MOVEMENTS OF the road to Balmaceda, and pursuing the difficult passes leading to Ona, on the Ebro, in the direc- tion of Burgos, Two of the brigades were pushed forward on the same day to Viesca ; while the remainder of the Legion occupied their res})ective quarters of the preceding evening at Castro. From Castro they moved this day, and across a district so mountainous that, per- ha})S there is no instance on record of English troops having ever accomplished an equally arduous march. Having been sent to Lerida by water, on particular duty, I was at once spared the fatigue, and deprived of the beauty of the ascent of one of the most elevated mountains of Spain ; but the reports of all concur in ascribing to the view, a sublimity and grandeur without parallel, even as the dlHiculties surmounted were of the most trying character : — yet was A not altogether without my gratification — even par- ticipation in the scene. From the sea — as the small boat in which I wjis embarked, moved slowly on — I could distinctly command a view of the whole ascent, and imposing in truth was the THE BRITISH LEGION. 67 sight. The eye embraced the continuous line of troops, tbilowed and preceded by their baggage- mules, winding up an extent of little less than a league, until they iinally and successively reached the highest point of elevation, where tLjir forms and glittering arms, thrown into bold relief against a cloudless sky, formed a picture in it- self as insthict with interest as with life. At length the scene faded like a closing panorama from my view, and I beheld no more than a con- fused mass of moving atoms, resembling rather the serpentine march of an army of ants, than one of human beings. Many a poor fellow was knocked up on this occasion, and even at the late hour at which I make this note, numbers are coming in to head quarters, jaded and harrassed, and unable to gain their respective regiments. Limpias, November 8rd. — This day has been devoted to a rest which the long march of yester- day had rendered absolutely indis})ensable. Yet has it not been an Ukiimportant one — a good deal of disorganization had, as in most situations of the sort, crept in among the soldiery, who seemed '^'■^"mi^mmm^^^msm^;. 68 MOVEMENTS OF I to fancy that a relaxation from discipline was, in some degree, their claim in compensation for the toils of the march. In this however, they have been nndeceived. Several men o*" two re- giments, billeted at some distance from head quarters, having been guilty of plunder, com- plaint was made to the Lieutenant-General, who, on riding up to the cantonment with a view to institute inquiry into the case, caught a party in the very act of plundering a house, the inmates of which were screaming loudly for assistance. A drum-head court martial was instantly assembled, and while the General rode on to the other offend- ing regiment, the culprits were severally flogged. Returning to this corps, he addressed them in a speech not more remarkable for its fluency than its point. He said that he had never been an advocate for corporal punishment ; but as the service in which we were embarked, rendered it imperative that the strictest order and discipline should be preserved, to prevent those we were come to aid as friends, from looking upon us as enemies, he was detcrmiiiod to havt^ recourse to TIIK BRITISH LEGION. 69 it. He reminded them, that in the Peninsular war, when the Spaniards were equally our friends and allies, similar acts of aggression had been punished by the Duke of Wellington, by instant hanging at the first tree ; but as he himself did not wish to adopt so severe and summary a mea- sure, he would, for the present, content himself with the minor punishment they had just wit- nessed, until a perseverance in such gross mis- conduct should render it indispensable for him to award the higher. Next addressing the officers, to whom he seemed to attach some blame, — the outrage having taken place within the limit of the cantonment — he said it was possible that some had come out with a sincere desire to make themselves acquainted with the service, and the duties required by it ; while the object of others might have been to spend a year or two agreeably in the capacity of military tourists. With the private views of these latter he had nothing to do, neither would he inquire into tliem. But he b'\d every thing to do with their conduct as officers, while in the service, and 70 MOVEMENTS OF ill I the strielcst iittentioii to their respective duties. If, he hint' d, there were those who tlion^ht that service too fati^'uiiig*, and too little in accordance with the ideas they had originally entertiiined of it, nothings could be more simple than to disem- barrass themselves of their charge. After expres- sing a hope that the examples of that day would prove a suitable warning to the men, and that hei should not again have occasion to find fault with a corps which had previously ranked high in his esteem, he concluded with an argumentum ad homiiiem^ which, with many of the soldiers, no doubt, was the most forcible part of his address; and which could not have failed to leave a lasting impression on their minds — namely, that the amount of spoliation should be charged against the respective companies of those implicated. Villa Sante, November 4th. — This is surely an extraordinary country. Each day seems to bring with it fresh matter for wonder and interest. I had fancied the march to Castro, and that from Castro to Limpias to have been such as to ex- haust all one's stock of admiration of the scenes THE IMUTISH LEGION. XI traversoc], hut both sink into tomparativo no- thintJ:Hess, after that which the army has accom- plished this day. It would be difficult to ct' f^e to the imniMiintion of whomsoever has not luf.el^l d, :i truv Tor of the realities of the wild scenery throuii .kiiich we moved, and which in itself was sufficient to repay us for all our fatigue. Now (he army wound its way through the fertile bosom of some rich valley, whose treasures were enclosed, as with a gigantic wall, by immense masses of mountain crag, the barren white and precipitous sides of which presented a bold and striking con- trast with the verdant meadows at their feet: — now it issued from the heart of that valley, winding its course up the steep sides of some tall moun- tain, from the summit of which the eye looked achingly down upon the pigmy world below — and the wearied and panting soldier asked wonder- ingly of himself, how he had accomplished the ascent? It was along this line of road alone that inter- ruption from the Carlists was to be apprehended, for it abounds in passes of defence which an army. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I a §21 12.5 ■ 21 11.25 in 1.4 — 6" I 2.0 1.6 fliotographic Sciences Corporation 33 WIST MAIN STRieT WIBSTIII.N.Y. 14580 (716) •72-4503 '^V^ 4gp \ Cv i. 72 MOVEMENTS OP worn clown by incessant toil, would have found difficulty in carrying. Once, and for nearly half a league, our route lay through one of these passes, bounded on the right by a precipice of many hundred feet of perpendicular descent, and on the left by a tall crag, nearly musket-shot in height, the bold yet regular sides of which assimi- lated it rather to some tower of strength, the work of human hands, than the sport of caprici- ous Nature, who has scattered her grandeur over these remarkable provinces with so unsparing a hand. Fifty Car lists, placed upon the summit of that crag, might have annihilated our whole Legion, had the latter persisted in the advance ; and that without resorting to other means of destruc- tion than fragments of the rock itself, while every attempt of their enemies to reach and punish them, must have been met with unconcern, and baffled with scorn. But even this spot, fearful as it was, fell into insignificance, and was thought of no more, when, towards the close of the day, we found ourselves on the extreme summit of Los Tomos, THE BRITISH LEGION. 73 a mountain which it took me nearly an hour to ascend on horseback, although on a perfectly good and open road. Here, indeed, was a concen- tration of the sublime and beautiful. Far before and around rose a succession of mountains, some of which we had previously passed ; and which, then apparently of great elevation, now seemed scarcely worthy the designation. A rich and extensive valley, which, firom the great height at which it was viewed, seemed one large patch of alternate corn-field and pasture, spread itself like a carpet of many colors at the base ; and as the eye wandered to the long interminable chain of mountains beyond, rising amphitheatrically each above the other, it rested on the favorite and familiar haunts of those we had by skilful com- bination and good generalship so successfully avoided. On reaching the top of Los Tornos, I lingered for a few minutes to gratify both heart and eye with an uninterrupted view of the vast world of mountains and vallies from which I had just been emancipated, and into a region so cold that I was 74 MOVEMENTS OF glad to draw ^e folds of my cloak more closely around me. At this point I found Jauregui, ac- companied by his staff, leaning over a parapet that overlooked the abyss. Even in him, to whom such scenes of grandeur could not be new, the imposing prospect had evidently called up feelings of wonderment and admiration, for he seemed as intent on the contemplation, and as much interested in the view, as I was myself. More than once here, and at the pass first des- cribed, did the difficulty and boldness of the ascent remind me of the passage of the Alps by Napoleon; and indeed I much question if that far- &med movement was executed over ground more wild or precipitous than that vWe have this day, thank Heaven, left completely behind us. The only features of similitude wanting were the ice and snow, the latter of which we beheld, on arriv- ing at the summit of Los Tornos, on some low mountains in the distance. The apex of this stupendous mountain gained, we were free from all danger from a lurking and insidious foe, tor we entered upon a totally dis- THE BRITI6H LEGION. 75 similar class of country,, and could defy all the efforts of the Carlists to withstand our onward progress. So impressed did the General appear to be of this fact, and of the necessity of attain- ing this object, that he lingered in the rear of the closing brigade, until the last man had come up. Then only, and at a late hour,^ did he hasten to this village, selected as head-quarters for the night ; where the satisfaction he could not fail to entertain at the successful transit of his army over the most exposed and dangerous part of the march, must have amply compensated for the absence of all comfort that awaited him in the rudest billet into which he or any other general- in-chief had ever yet, perhaps, the ill fortune to be thrust. As for mine — n*en parlous pas — mads a la guerre cemme a la guerre. Two brigades are bivouacked in the open air, and their appear- ance is truly picturesque, the light of their cheerful fires casting that of a very brilliant ftill moon, completely into the shade. To listen to their sounds of merriment, one would scarcely imagine they were the same men who had 76 MOVEMENTS OF accomplished the toilsome march which they have done this day. Medina del Pomar, November 5th. — A visible change in the aspect of the country dm'ing this day's route — the mountains are seen only in the far distance, and the intermediate space is dotted with rich fields and pastures, with flocks of sheep and goats, and with droves of mules and homed cattle ; in short, with every thing that tells of industry in a land not immediately laboring under the afflictions arising from a state of civil feud. We reached this place — ^a rude old Moorish town, equidistant from Santander, Bilbao, and Vitoria, at an early hour. Oiia, November 7th. — Were it a fact, as the General hinted the other day, that certain officers of the Legion had come out simply with a view to a party of pleasure, and rather in the character of tourists than soldiers, their excuse might have been found in the scene witnessed yesterday. After two leagues of march through an open country, the army came suddenly upon the banks of the Ebro, associated with which are so many interesting THE BRITISH LEGION. 77 recollections connected with military history. It would be vain to attempt to convey a just idea of the majestic-savage grandeur of its principal gorges. When I entered them, I was alone, totally, detached from the thousands who yet lingered in my rear, and the better enabled, per- haps, from that circumstance, to absorb myself in the scene. There was a solemnity about the aspect of the whole sufficient to inspire awe, even at the most peaceful epoch; and now, when the possi- bility, tliat behind some projecting rock lurked a Carlist guerilla, or one of Merino's bandit party, whom we had reason to suppose at no great dis- tance from us, suggested itself to the imagination, a feeling, — ^not of fear, since fear would not have encountered the hazard,— but of interest, was created, commensurate with the gloom and loneli- ness of the spot. But though lonely, it was not noiseless. Here and there the otherwise placid river, choked in its progress by masses of rock detached irom the mountain, which had formed their bed within its bosom, forced its way angrily over the intruders, and sent the hollow echo of its "v. 78 MOVEMENTS OF lall startlingly upon the ear. But even this sound was full of gloom, and came rather as the dis- turbed spirit of the wild, than the enlivening murmur of the merry waterfall. The most im- posing of these passes, (and indeed what part of the whole route along the Ebro is not imposing,) is that which takes its name from Ofia, and is celebrated for the extinction of a French colunm, by the guerillas, during the peninsular war ; — and later, for its defence, by a handfol of Carlists, against a considerable body of the Queen's army. So much for our passage of the Ebro, which, I believe, it had been prophesied by our enemies at home, we should never reach. Mid-day brought us to Oiia, where we, tor the first time, saw our cavalry ; a division having a few hours previously arrived from Santander. Here it was that we had an opportunity of wit- nessing, and in no mean scale, the exemplification of that grinding system of the church in Spain, and that rich endowment of her revenues, at the expense of an abruti and bigotted peasantry, so universally, and, it would seem, so truly THE BRITISH LEGION. 79 ascribed to her. The village of Ofia is perhaps nowhere to be surpassed in meanness and poverty; and yet within its heart stands imbedded, and has stood imbedded for centuries, a monastery that might form a palace for an eastern emperor, — a tower of strength in its external appearance ; it covers an extent of nearly two acres of ground, and throughout its vast interminable cells or rather rooms, and corridors, and courts, might have afforded accommodation for the whole Legion, artillery and cavalry not excepted. To this convent moreover are appended fourteen leagues of territory, the property of the monks. ** Oh, religion ! thou art in truth a conifbrtable sort of occupation. Li justice to the government, it must be ad- mitted that we found the monks, some forty or fifty in number, exclusively of the lay brethren, on the eve of a general dercmte^ — ^their term of occupation having expired this very day. It might have been this circumstance, or a desire to conceal all evidence of their real personal wealth, and luxurious mode of living, tliat caused them to 80 MOVEMENTS OP afford the scanty fare they did last night to the officers of the staff; but certainly there was little to bear out the highly colored accounts given by our romance writers and tourists as to their pam* pered habits. None of the monks (the abbot, by the way, was said to be a prisoner), made their appearance in the refectory, and the lay brethren, with but indifferent good will, served us with a fare not much to be exceeded in frugality in any age or clime. The first course was a sort of sopa or poiage, in which bread a la Frangaise was a principal ingredient. This was eaten with wooden spoons ; — ^next succeeded a description of 6om7/e, served in a rude tin platter, and most comfortably ensconced within a circular ridge of beans ; — after this came small portions of boiled mutton, which, in their turn, gave way to a dry insipid sort of fish, eaten by those who could endure the nauseous stuff, with very bad oil. Some excellent bread — the best we had tasted in the country, lent a gusto to the whole. Wine, of a poor description, was poured from a skin, in one comer of the room, into our rude goblets, and for dessert we had TIIR IIRITIRH LFOION. 81 apples and walnuts, which two lay brethren took from large baskets, and placed in as much pro- fusion before each guest, as if they had been fattening so many pigs for their autumnal market. And this — ^the whole served up in utensils, the uncleanliness of which might have fairly called for animadversion from an habitue of St. Giles's, constituted the evening repast of a set of half famished men, much too eager for the matter to feel disposed to quarrel with the manner : — and the cheer did restore us, tor when we had emptied each dish of its contents, and filled our last goblet with sour wine, la ciga/re en bouche^ we made the walls of the old refectory resound with many a hearty laugh and spirited jest, at the expense of the holy fathers. One of the most amusing passages, connected with the supper, was that of a whole troop of Chapelgorris acting in the capacity of waiters ; one who knew them not would have wondered at their unsolicited, yet active, service on officers not their own, and yet it required no very nice discrimination to perceive that their attendance M 82 MOVEMENTS OF was not altogether of the most disintcreflted kind. They certainly brought us all that the kitchen afforded, but so in proportion was their gain. Not a scrap of meat or bread ever found its way out of the refectory. What was left on the plates or dishes was a1 once consigned to their ample pockets, whither the contents of one or two platters, designed for us, had already preceded these fragments, without arriving farther than the small window connecting the refectory with the kitchen. Nor was their talent in the wine department less actively displayed. Several officiated as butlers, and every time that a tankard M^as sent to be replenished for the officers, those who kept the skin contrived to convey an equal quantity into the canteens of their comrades. And yet this pilfering was done so openly — so barefacedly, that, instead of calling forth anger or displeasure, it but created amusement. Such are the Chapel- gorris wherever they go, and a Spanish peasant, I do believe, would quite as soon see the devil enter his village, as a party of these light-fingered THE BRITISH LEGION. 83 gentry. At Bilbao, where they were tor a short period, the inhabitants had an absolute horror of them ; and yet they are the most cheerful, perhaps the bravest, and certainly the best countenanced men 1 have seen, of the whole Spanish army. Such was our repast in the refectory of the monastery of Ofia, which from its endless corri- dors, and cells, and court-yards, and subterranean passages, could not fail to call up to the recol- lection of several, Mrs. RatclifTe's well known Mysteries of Udolpho, — an assimilation which acquired greater force and truth from the ro- mantic and banditti-favoring country we had passed through that day along the banks of the Ebro. After an execrable night's lodging on the naked floor of one of the principal rooms of the convent, I took advantage of a temporary delay in the march to visit the chapel and sacristic. The former is of a gorgeousness commensurate with the vast extent and general richness of the whole building; and the latter, handsomely decorated, is filled with scriptural subjects and 84 MOVEMENTS OF portraits by the best masters. I could have coveted a peep into the holy fathers' best wine cellar (and I had heard there was such) after this visit to the chapel, but access to the one I found to be more easy of attainment than to the other.— Breakfast was equally denied me, so that 1 was even driven to that fountain of all good things — the kitchen — where another hungry subject joined me in an appeal to the cook — a squint-eyed sinner — who after vainly endeavoring to palm off. some horridly gross stuff he had the audacity to call a soup, — was even compelled to allow us a portion of boiled mutton and beans, the only demerit of which, in the then state of our stomachs, we admitted to be its extreme scantiness. ? >/ - ^«« Brivieska, November 10th. — Before leaving Ofia, a report reached the Lisutenant-General, that Moreno was lingering in the neighborhood with one hundred and fifty of his cavalry, for the purpose of cutting off our baggage. Every due precaution was, of course, taken to guard against such a disaster, and a wing of a regiment Tim BRITISH LEGION. 85 immediately attached to the baggage of each brigade. The day, however, passed over without incident; and, in fact, from intelligence had from several of the peasantry, the information proved to be false; — Moreno not having been seen in the neighborhood for three weeks pre- viously. Once indeed, there seemed a chance of an affair, and I was rather sorry than not that we were disappointed. The country we were pass- ing through was so level — not a mountain to be seen above the horizon in front — so unlike that to which we had latterly been accustomed, that we could scarcely persuade ourselves we were in the same region. I was riding in front of the baggage guard with the quarter-master-general, the brigade being at some distance ui our rear, when on gaining that part of the plain which seemed most favorable to the operations of cavalry, and chancing to glance my eye upon the left, I beheld a dark column of men moving: down parallel with our flank, whom, at the mo- ment, not being able to distinguish whether they were cavalry or infantry, by reason of their great 86 MOVEMENTS OF distance, I took tor the enemy, by whom we were said to be threatened. I immediately called the attention of the Quarter-Master-General to them, and with the aid of our glasses we soon made them out for a battalion of the queen's infantry, taking the route to Ofia. The same impression, meanwhile, had been entertained in the rear, and the troops were formed to receive cavalry some minutes before the error was dis- covered. The brigades, it will be observed, moved separately, and at long intervals from each other. ■» ' On the morning of the 8th, the head quarters reached this place, the terminating point, for the present at least, of our long and laborious march ; having accomplished thirty-three Spanish leagues over a country such as no army of Englishmen ever previously attempted to set foot upon. And here, although the object of this com- pilation is simply a journal of occurrences, and not a formal History of the Campaign, a few observations may not be ill placed, or inapplicable to the subject. ' -. THE BRITISH LEGION. 87 Whether, following the mandate of the Spanish^ government, or acting from his own judgment, it is evident that the object of Lieutenant-Gcneral Evans, throughout, has been to avoid collision with the enemy, until his men had attained that state of discipline, and the country could afford those advantages of position, which might justify him in looking for success. The imbecile venom of a taction at home — ^the sworn enemies of all liberty, save the liberty of planting their own feet upon the necks of others — ^had induced them to revile him, and in no measured terms, for an unnecessary exposure and sacrifice of life at the affair of Hernani ; whereas, as I have already shown in the early part of my notes, nothing more than a re- connoissance, which unlooked tor circumstances turned into a sort of engagement, was originally intended. In this, to borrow a vulgarism, they had " their fling" — but what will those gentlemen say now, when they learn that by the mere effort of well combined plans, added to a knowledge as admirable as just of what an army may be made to accomplish in a case of pressing need — that 88 MOVEMENTS OP same General, whose rashness they affected to contemn — ^has, by the exercise of great prudence, completely baffled the projects of his enemy, throwing himself, with a loss of little more than fifty men, by casualties in the rear, and effecting a junction with Cordova. To have remained inactive at Bilbao would have been to have nullified the very object of our coming out ; while to have advanced upon Vitoria, through the mountains of Biscay, would have been to have risked the destruction of the whole Legion, by an invisible foe : — one defeat in these passes, after a third day's march, when fatigue and consequent disorganization had crept into our ranks, and we must, at once, have been annihilated and disgraced. What in this crisis did the General ? Tamely bow before the adverse circumstances which op- posed themselves to his plans ? No. He resolved to overcome them, and although fully aware of the difficulty and toil he must necessarily encounter, formed his resolution to conduct the army, by a circuitous route, into a country at once favorable THE BRITISH LEGION. 89 to his operations, and demanding his presence. How that object was effected, has already been seen. In proportion as his success has been complete, so will be the annoyance of the Garlists, and the virulence of attack of their partisans in England. The former have been essentially toiled; they had planted themselves across the Biscayan mountains, certain that no other route into the interior would have been attempted ; nor once dreaming that a measure so bold — a march so tedious, — as that actually taken would ever have been resorted to by the British General ; and that they continued in ignorance of this, until it was too late to prevent it if they could, is, there is reason to believe, to be ascribed to the wisdom of that General, in concealing his plans from all until the very moment of execution. Had the Carlist chiefs been apprised in due time of our movements, there can be no doubt that they would have made forced marches, and endeavored to gain the passes already alluded to, as being so capable of defence, before we could possibly reach them. But even here, the foresight of the General 90 MOVEMENTS OF ^1 ill 1 , rendered iiseW conspicuous, nor was anything left to chance. Wheresoever there was danger to be apprehended, he had his ally in Jauregui, who threw his light-footed, light-fingered Chapelgorris ever in advance upon our flanks. At Los Tornos, that truly formidable defile, where, as an Irish officer of the Legion remarked, the Carlists might have "rained rocks" upon us, all his caution was called forth ; and on the summit of this moun- tain, a body of the Queen's cavalry remained stationed tor four and twenty hours prior to our gaining it. For the execution of this detail, he was indebted to the efficient heads of the quarter-master-general and military secretary's departments ; who, from their long standing and experience in the British army, were enabled to bring with them a zeal and intelligence into the service, without which the confidence of the commander must have been shaken, and the interests of the troops in no wise benefited. Another observation intrudes itself — unimpor- tant as the circumstance may appear, and little as THE imiTlSH LEGION. 91 it seems to have met with attention I'roin miUtary men, that part of the movement most worthy ol' remark, is, next to the adoption of the original line of route, the aheration of the plan of advance from Castro upon Bahnaceda. Had the General considered it expedient to risk an encounter with the Carlists, with his raw forces, and having higher objects in view, it is obvious he would have done so, by a direct march from Bilbao, across the mountains, without causing his army to be put to the inconvenience and fatigue of a long and cir- cuitous route. But as it was his object to avoid his enemy in position in the first instance, so it must have been in the last. What was essential at Bilbao, could be no less so at Balmaceda. The advance by the high road to this place must necessarily, from its direction, have brought us more immediately in the neighborhood it was our object to avoid, than the advance upon Ona ; and there is every reason to assume that, when intelli- gence did reach the Carlist camp (as it would from their numerous friends in Bilbao) of our ■iiiiiiy*"^' 92 MOVEMENTS OF actual course, their chiefs would have taken it for granted, we conceived our views to he fully at- tained on reaching Castro, and that we should then have continued our march along the high road to Balmaceda in fancied security: — sufficient time would, in that case, have been afforded them to abandon their original position, and throw themselves across our route, where, if they could not succeed in opposing our progress, they might at least annoy our flanks, and cut off our stragglers and baggage. By suddenly moving his columns in a different direction, it is fair to suppose that the British General completely, and for a second time, foiled them in their purpose ; and that, while they awaited our passage by the road to Balma- ceda, our troops were enabled to obtain a day, at least, in advance. This, however well grounded it may be, is but an assumption, the correctness of which time only can elucidate. Whether the fact be so or not, one point is self-evident, and that is, that the march from Bilbao to Brivieska, by the THE BRITISH LEGION. 98 route actually taken, has been one of the best conducted of any ever yet undertaken by men wearing the British uniform, and as such, deserves a page in future history. hr- ' u ' ;J. CHAPTER IV. ARRIVAL OF CORDOVA TO MEET THE LIEUTENANT-GENERAL— MI8EU- ABLB APPEARANCE OF URIVIE8KA — WRETCHEDNESS OF THE IN- HABITANTS CONTRASTED WITH THE FINE APPEARANCE OF THB BI8CAYANS AND GUIPISCOANS-^SEVEHB FALL OF SNOW AND EX- TREME COLD IN THE MIDDLE OF NOVEMBER — REPORTED DANGER OF THE lieutenant-general's BAGGAGE — A DESCRIPTION OF THE CURE MERINO — PURSUIT OF HIM BY A SPANISH DETACHMENT OF CAVALRY — VISIT TO BURGOS — RUDE RECEPTION BY THE GOVBRNOH — VISIT THE CATHEDRAL — GORGEOUS BEAUTY OF ITS SCULPTURE— RETURN TO BRIVIESKA — VICTORY GAINED BY CORDOVA AT E8TELLA — author's LAMENTS UPON THE MODE OF CONDUCT OF THE WAR— PRIEST SHOT AT BURGOS FOR HOLDING CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE ENEMY — MODE OF BURIAL — REPORTED DANGER OF THE LIEU- TBNANT-GENERAL's baggage FROM ATTACK BY MERINO RE- PUTED. Brivieska, November 11th. — I had omitted to mention, in its proper place, that General Evans was received on his arrival here by Cordova, who, leaving his army echelloned along the road from Vitoria to Logrono, had come over for the express TUB BRITISH LBOION. 95 purpose of con|rratulatinfl^ his ally on the masterly and efficient manner in which his junction with y\m had been eftected. The meeting of these oh. ;ers was one of interest, and could not fail to he full of gratification tp themselves. On the morning of the 9th they went out on a tour of reconnoissance, escorted by the troop of dragoons Cordova had brought with him, and the 1st di- vision of lancers, under Major Rait. Nothing resulted from the movement, and at a late hour of the same day Cordova returned to his army. November 12th. — Brivieska is one of the most wretched places under the sun — the houses are miserable — ^the people are miserable — all they possess seems to be of the most miserable description. Of the comforts of life they have no more idea than a Hottentot, and there is an apathy of manner about them, in the midst of all their filth and meanness, which provokes and vexes even more than their poverty. The fact is, however, that a strange anomaly presents itself in all of Spain we have yet traversed. Amid the rude mountains of Biscay, where the 96 MOVEMENTS OP cultivation of the soil is limited to the occasional patches of valley that spread themselves, at in- tervals, few and far between, at their base, the peasantry are of sturdy, cleanly, and healthy, even characteristic, appearance; while on the other hand, in proportion as our advance has been extended into districts teeming with every evidence of fertility and richness, not only the peasantry, but the inhabitants of the towns, have universally presented the most pitiable pictures of squalid misery : — and this the more despicable, inasmuch as it springs less from want of means to remedy the evil, than from a natural indolence and inaptitude for all improvement. November 13th. — ^This morning I arose be- numbed with cold, which had kept me awake the greater part of the night ; and on looking out of my window upon the Plaza, was for some time at a loss to conceive to what quarter of the globe I had been, as if by enchantment, conveyed during the last twelve hours. First Russia, and next Switzerland, suggested themselves to my imagi- nation ; and finally, the snows of America, amid Aflte.^.. TIIK imiTISK LP.GION. 91 M'hich I had pasHed a couple of campaigns in my early youth. But there was wanting the inspirit- ing air of liveliness, and vigorous action peculiar to the inhabitants of these climes, as well as the internal comfort to he met with in their homes. The Plaza was covered with a deep snow — the mountains in the tar distance, and the tops of the houses were clothed in the same cheerless garb ; and when I looked around my wretched room, and beheld nothing but a brick floor, without carpet of any description — ^the naked square of its walls unbroken by a fire-place — I confess I shuddered at the prospect that awaited me. Had it been the close of December, one would not have cared so much, as each succeeding day would have brought with it the certpintv of a proximate and enlivening spring. But ihe 13th of November only, and in Spain, to find one's self regularly imbedded in snow, and half con- gealed >vith cold, with the probability of something worse, was more than the anticipation had been prepared for. From the melancholy contempla- tion of my apartment, I turned my gaze again o :^^ljU0jsSif'' 98 MOVEMENTS OP upon the Plaza, and had already begun to derive some shadow of comfort and hope from the snug appearance of our soldiers, as they issued forth to parade in their warm great coats, apparently regardless of the weather, when that trifling con- solation was taken from me, by the picture pre- sented by the natives themselves. Shrinking, trembling, with cliattering teeth, and in a half torpid state, these latter moved through the Plaza, to their several avocations, either in their shops or in the market place, with an air of inertness that gave to the scene around an aspect even more dreary than it was. Nay, what heightened the misery still more, Avere the very cloaks in which all — inhabitants and peasants without exception — were inducted, to preserve them from the effects of that cold — old, tattered, threadbare — ^and mostly resembling in color, the *' sere and yellow leaf," which tells, in language not to be misunderstood, of the unpromising advent of blear-eyed winter ; these were drawn around the faces of the drooping crowd, in a manner to conceal every thing but the eyes ; while, THE BRITISH LEGION. 99 as an additional protection, across their mouths and noses were tied handkerchiefs, remarkable for anything but their purity of color: — ^the very sight of these was sufficient to petrify one. With such a prospect before me, it is not likely that I should fail to look with some degree of despair upon my return to my miserable billet at night, after performing the duties required of me during the day. Nor was that apprehension ill- founded. After finishing a sad apology for a dinner, I am now warming both my toes and my nose over a braziero^ which I have managed to procure, yet in which there are infinitely more ashes than coals. The window of my room is hermetically closed, to keep out as much of the cold air as possible, and a horse-cloth is placed under my chair to receive my heels — ^the toes resting upon the braziero; — my servant's regi- mental great coat is on my back, and yet despite all this luxury, all this comfort, I can scarcely hold the pencil that traces my note. We are allowed wood, it is true ; but, alas ! where are the chimnies in which to consume it ? And yet these lish and Spanish, now here, the flifficulty of billeting is great, and there seems no disposition on the part of the people to do more than what is absolutely and imperatively required of them. Vitoria, December 6th. — Yesterday the Legion was reviewed by Cordova, who had arrived i'roni THE BRITISH LEGION. 133 LogToiio, on the preceding day, for that especial purpose. At an early hour the Lieutenant- General, with his staff, Avas on the ground, ready to receive him, and as the morning was fine, the troops were seen to advantage. When Cordova made his a eai« 'e, his staif, v*''''h was very brilliant and numerous, united with that of the British General — the whole forming a splendid cortege well mounted, and richly costumed. On this occasion, a new system of salute was ob- served by the Legion, which, in my humble opinion, is no improvement. As the reviewing General passed along the line, arms were not presented by the men, but each officer dropped his sword separately and independently, as the staff arrived within a few paces of his front. This mode of saluting is Spanish, and produces any thing but a good effect, for it gives the line an unsteady appearance. Several evolutions were afterwards performed by -the troops, highly to the gratification of Cordova, and the whole was concluded by a volley, and the charge — the lat- ter of which was given with so much spirit. ]34 MOVEMENTS OF accompanied by such startling shouts, as to causo the Spaniards to look on with astonishment. The Carlists must have heard it. In the evenings, a ball was given at the The- atre, to the officers of the Legion ; but a sad apology for an entertainment it proved, being spiritless and stupid to a degree. Unlike at San Sebastian and Bilbao, there was no supper, and whoever wanted refreshments had to repair to the caf6 of the Theatre, where he paid his sous for value received. Cordova, Esparto ro, and General Evans were present for an hour or two, but they retired early. The former mingled much with the crowd, and showed much gallantry of manner towards his countrywomen, with most of whom he exchanged compliments. ' Cordova is not by any means a fine man. His figure is thin and spare — ^liis shoulders are narrow, and altogether, his appearance is not so much that of the robust soldier, as I had been led to expect; — yet notwithstanding this, there is an elasticity, and lightness about his action — a quickness of intelligence in his eye — and an t \ THE BRITISH LEGION. 135 ardor of expression in his countenance — all which united, convey at once, to a reader of character, the certainty of a man prompt to conceive, and no less ready to act. Although extremely youth- ful both in figure and feature, there is an expres- sion of determination about the man, which redeems his want of the severer personal attri- butes of the mere soldier : — and one cannot be- hold him without being sensible that a mind of no common order inhabits his delicate frame. About the middle height, and apparently not more than thirty-five years of age, he forms a striking contrast to Espartero, whose dark un- bending brow, and immoveable features, half buried in whisker and moustache, convey the im- pression of the warrior of many battle fields. While Cordova, on the other hand, with shaven cheek and beardless chin, reminds you rather of the gay frequenter of the drawing-room. The conduct of the Governor of Burgos, to Captain Clarke and myself, I have already re- corded. Yesterday the report was laid before Cordova, and, without a moment's hesitation, he 136 MOVEMENTS OK caused the name of the delinquent to be struck out of the Governorship, and that of the Baron de Sola to be substituted in its stead. This is as it should be. This morning, accompanied by General Evans, and the personal staff of the latter, Cordova left Vitoria for Burjj^os, for the purpose of mfcetinjr General Alava, arrived from Madrid on his route to France, for the express purpose of remon- strating with the Government of Louis-Phillippe on the subject of supplies conveyed directly, or indirectly, to the Carlists, from that country. What the result of that remonstrance will be, heaven only knows. Vitoria, December 12th. — This day (Sunday), has been remarkable tor a cruel tragedy, — one which will long live in the memory of the brave, although it must be admitted, lawless Cbapel- gorris. The facts connected with it are as follows : — Some time ago a party of these latter attacked a Carlist village called La Bastide, in Alava, and succeeded in driving the enemy out. A priest, ( \ THE BRITISH LEGION. 137 who was amonj^ the number of the fugitives, was shot in the act of flyinp^ with the Carlists ; and the Chapelgorris, on their return to the village, plun- dered the church, and drank wine out of the chalice. A representation of this fact was made to the Government of Madrid, with this impor- tant alteration in the true version of the story, — that i\e priest had been murdered in the church, — and simply with a view to subsequent spoliation. Espartero, the commander of the division here, was accordingly written to, and strongly censured for having suffered the commission of such an outrage. The measure he immediately took to justify himself, and punish the offenders, was fearfully summary. The whole of the Chapel- jrorris were this morning marched a few miles on the Miranda road, and, without being in the slightest degree aware of what was in prepa- ration, were ordered to ascend a rising ground, — the same where the French batteries were planted which did so much execution during the advance upon Vitoria by Lord Wellington's army. Here they found a lx)dy of 6,000 infantry, the horse T 138 MOVEMENTS OF artillery which had preceded thern trom Vitorin, and a considcral)le number of cavalry, already drawn up. Having completed the ascent, they were halted, and ordered to pile their arms, from which they were commanded to move some distance. The cavalry now rode up between the Chapel- gorris and their muskets, forming a guard to these latter. Then, for the first time, the poor fellows began to form a suspicion of what was intended against them, and several moved as if to repossess themselves of their arms ; but the cavalry drove them back, and they were left helpless. Espartcro, who commanded in person at this scene, now ordered that lots should be cast for decimation. The command was <)])eyed, and the unfortunates stood apart from their asto*^ished and indignant comrades. The first ten of this devoted number were again selected, and these were inevitably to die. Among them was a fine young man, a Frenchman, and, as his comrades assert, a nephew of Lafitte. This youth, scarcely nineteen, was an object of general interest, both from his appearance, and the TIIK BRITISH LEGION. 139 earnest manner in which he avowed his innocence of all crime that could possibly lead to such an end. But his judge was inexorable, and he was compelled to share the lot of his companions. His fate once decided, he thought only of dying as best became a brave soldier ; and when told to turn his back to the firing party, he refused, saying that he was no traitor, and that he had too often faced the bullets of his enemies, tr tear those of his comrades now. Then, waving his cap, he tossed it in the air, and told them he wa ready to die like a Frenchman. Thus have perished ten of our old San Sebastian friends. It happens, unfortunately for them, that General Evans is absent, or his intercession with Espartero might have obtained them their lives. December 16th. — The affair of the poor Chapelgorris has been the suijjov^t of general conversation in the Legion, for the last few days, and the conduct of Espartero designated as any thing but merciful. Even Jauregui himself is deeply chagrined and pained, it is said, so much so, as to be obliged to keep his bed. It J 40 MOVEMENTS OF is a singular circumstance that a nephew of his own, in the ranks of the Chapelgorris, stood eleventh, originally, on the list for decimation ; but a yet more remarkable fact may be recorded. Among the ten who received the fatal fire, was a young man to whom Jauregui was particularly partial ; — the only ball by which he was hit slightly grazed his ear or neck, sufficiently to draw blood, and he had the presence of mind to throw himself down, and continue perfectly still, as if struck by a mortal wound. Here he re- mained until the troops had all withdrawn, when he was removed to the quarters of Jauregui, where he is at this moment ; and where the gallant El Pastor declares he shall continue unharmed and untouched . . • A visible change has been eft'ected in the man- ner of the Chapelgorris generally. To the sprightliness and enjouement of character, which distinguished these men from all other Spanish soldiers, has succeeded a reserve and dispiritedness, that proclaim how much, and how deeply, they have felt the tragic occurrences of Sunday last. THE BRITISH LEGION. 141 This force has hitherto been composed of a mix- ture of Spaniards and foreigners; but, within the last two days, the whole of the latter, chiefly French and Italian, have been taken from the corps, and moved off, with the intention of being sent to their respective countries. This may be politic, but it will sadly lessen the efficiency of the corps, on whom great reliance has hitherto been placed : — not the less, for having these same Frenchmen and Italians of their number. Many of the Spaniards are dissatisfied with the arrange- ment, and, as all are volunteers who may quit the service at their pleasure, it is supposed not a few will disband themselves, and return to San Sebas- tian, at the first favorable opportunity. To day I conversed with one of them, and he declared, with tears in his eyes, he would no longer remain after what had occurred. He was at the affair of La Bastide himself, and although he admits that he and his companions plundered the church, and drank wine out of the chalice, he swears positively that the priest was killed in fair fight, and while fleeing with the Carhsts, — both parties having 142 MOVEMENTS OF sustained some loss in killed. He morever asserted, and repeated his assertion, that so tar from Espar- tero being dissatisfied with their conduct on that day, he was the first to encourage them, by exclaiming, '* Good, Chapelgorris, good ; you have behaved well." But, added he, with strong emo- tion, produced by the recollection of the recent fate of his comrades, — " it is only to shield himself, and court favor with the Government, that he has done this deed." '-:■< t i CHAPTER VI. FLAG or TRUCE FROM THE ENEMY — CHRISTMAS DAY — A TURKEY ANECDOTE REPORT OP THE STATE OP SAN SEBASTIAN — ANEC- DOTES OP ZUMALACAREEOUI — ARRIVAL OP COUNT ALMADOVAR, THE MINISTER AT WAR — DESCRIPTION OP VITORIA — PROMISE OF THE QUEEN REGENT TO VISIT THE LEGION IN SUMMER — ADVANCE OF THE LEGION FROM VITORIA — SPIRITED CONDUCT OP THE STAFF — UNHl^ALTHY STATE OF VITORIA — AfiKXYAL OF THE FRENCH LEGION — CRITICAL POSITION OF THE CARLISTS — AFFAIR OP AR- LABAN — MURDER OF MR. STREET, OP THE COMMISSARIAT INCREASING SICKNESS AT VITORIA — BURIAL OP ONE OF CORDOVa's AIDS-DE-CAMP — FORWARD MOVEMENT OP THE COMBINED TROOPS UPON THE CASTLE OF GUABARRA — FAILS TO DRAW THE ENEMY INTO ACTION — A CARLIST COLONEL KILLED BY THE QUEEN's CAVALRY, IN REVENGE FOR THE MURDER OF MR. STREET — TRUE POSITION OF THE BRITISH LEGION IN THE AFFAIR OF THE 17tH LEGION LEFT UNPROTECTEP AGAINST THE WHOLE CARLIST FORCE ON THE HEIGHTS OF ZOAZO — GENERAL EVANS's WITHDRAWAL OP HIS FORCES ACROSS THE ZADORA, WHERE A FINAL POSITION IS TAKEN UP — ANECDOTE. Deceml)er 20th. — Nothing important during' the week. This n^orning a flag of truce came in from the enemy, the announcement of the arrival of which, occasioned some little excitement in the 144 MOVEMENTS OP Legion, anxious to sec in what manner its bearers were equipped. As the parties were not suffered to enter the gates of the tower, we were compelled to go forth to them ; and pleasant indeed was the appearance the poor devils exhibited. I longed for the presence of the correspondent of the Morning Post, who, in his letter of the 27th of November, describes the perfect and soldier-like bearing of his parties proteges. The officer was a very young man indeed ; and, although he had evi- dently done all his forlorn condition in the moun- tains would admit of, to render himself fine, the effect was utterly lost upon us all. The men were as meanly attired as their officer ; and the horses bore marks of the privation from which their masters had suffered. The only decent looking fellow among the party was the trum- peter, who, in his dark eyebrow, lustrous eye, and ruddy cheek, formed a singular exception to his comrades. We, of course, expected the flag had arrived with some communication of consequence ; either a summons to the garrison to surrender, or an offer of submission on the part of the rebels. -«^' THE BRITISH LEGION. 145 Not so ; the officer was the bearer of an account for items incurred in the maintenance of certain prisoners of the Queen's army, recently exchanged and sent into Vitoria. Having acquitted himself of his mission, and taken a glass of wine with the officer commanding the cavalry piquet who re- ceived him, he soon afterwards 'departed, — ^not a little to the amusement of the usually grave Spaniards, who could not conceal their mirth at the ludicrous gait of the miserable horses, as their riders, anxious to show them off to the utmost, spurred, or endeavored to spur, them to their speed. December 25th. — This is the day the Tories prophesied that what few of us should be left, would be in London half-starved and crippled, and gaping eagerly into the plum-pudding shops. They were wrong. — ^The day has been kept by us with all the festivity peculiai to our ancestors ; and we have wine and charity in abundance, thank Heaven, to drink to a better feeling on the part of the Tories themselves. To crown these festivi- ties, we have had the pleasure of witnessing the arrival of a number of deserters, who came in u 146 MOVEMENTS OF early in the evening — some of those same persons whom the correspondent of the Post describes as so enthusiastically devoted to their lawful sove- reiffn, Charles the Fifth ; but who, in eflTect, it would appear, are fonder of their comfort, and their lives. En passant, I cannot omit a good joke on the part of these same Carlists : — Aware of the English mania for turkeys at Christmas, many of the peasants had fattened numbers, tor the purpose of bringing them into the Vitoria market. The Carlists watched the preparation, and saw the turkeys fatten, with no inconsider- able satisfaction. Two days before Christmas, they were collected together in flocks, and already on the move, when the facetious (^arlists interposed ; — " No," said they, " these turkeys stop with us; the English may be fond of them, bui we no less so : with your permission we will make our dinner off them instead." — And thus we lost our turkeys. I This evening, the Lieutenant-General, who had been absent on a tour throughout Cordova's lines, almost ever since our arrival here, returned to THE BRITISH LEGION. 147 head-quarters. As the Carlists are said to be twenty-two battalions strong at Salvatierra, within two leagues of us, (whence indeed parties of them frequently ride up to the gates of the town, when they see the " coast clear") — an attack on their position may be daily expected. December 27th. — The Deputy-Adjutant-General de Lancy arrived this day from Santander. He had left us at Oiia, on the march from Bilbao, and performed the whole of the journey singly and on horseback. From Santander he proceeded, under the command of Colonel Arbuthnott, with a part of the garrison, and some artillery, to San Se- bastian, then closely besieged by the Carlists, the same party we had encountered at Hernani. The account Colonel de Lancy gives of San Sebastian is truly deplorable ; and I confess, as one of those who had experienced the hospitality and kindness of the inhabitants, I was touched by it. He des- cribes i^ac place as painfully altered ; — all the principal families we had known, had abandoned it, and repaired to Bayonnc. The pavement of the streets had been taken up, and bomb-proofs 148 MOVEMENTS OF constructed in every part of the town. Altogether, San Sebastian had lost the air of liveliness and gaiety it wore at our landing, for the first time, in Spain; and the few inhabitants lef', bitterly re- gretted the absence of the two reffi;nents (the 1st and 2nd) towards whom th^^vhad testified so much amity, and on whom they had placed so much reliance. Our poor old convent of St. Francisco was filled with Carlist troops, and the refectory, had exchanged its offerings of claret and cigars for the fumes of Aguardiente and tobacco-pipes. The whole bay was covered with Carlist canton- ments, and on the elevated point, where the light- house stands, batteries had been erected. And yet with all this hostile array of the enemy, Se- bastian was safe, as long as its inmates could be faithful to themselves. It is true, they were sheltered beneath bomb-proofs, but only as a measure of precaution. The execution done by the enemy was trifling, scarcely worthy of remark ; and when Colonel de Lancy left, it was under the impression that the town (the citadel could never be taken,) was in no danger whatever of falling. THE BRITISH LEGION. 149 On the day of Colonel Arbuthnott's departure, the Carlists saluted him with several discharges from thjeir artillery ; but this was so wretchedly served, that every ball fell at least three hundred yards short of the boat in which he was embarked. December 28th. — A rather interesting anecdote was recounted to me this morning by Captain Clarke, who returned from a tour of examination along the Logrofio lines the day previous to the arrival of the General. On his return from Pam- peluna he stopped at a small village, the principal posada of which was remarkable for the beauty of its hostess. Nor was the style of that beauty Spanish, (Spanish beauty few of us have had the bad taste to admire, however our romantic cock- ney toui'ists may descant on it,) but essentially and touchingly English. The husband was ex ceedingly fond of her, and indeed testified so much attachment, as to render it a matter of re- mark to his guest, who, in the course of subsequent conversation, elicited the following fact : — While Zumalacarregui was traversing this part of the province, struck by the beauty of M|^JU|dl>' 150 MOVEMENTS OP the woman, he carried her off to the mountains, where she remained for some time. Filled Mith grief and despair, the unfortunate husband sent to the General, entreating the restoration of his wife. Moved by the appeal, Zumalacarregui at length consented to do so, provided within a certain time, 1200 sheej) and 700 dollars were sent to him as the price of ransom. The poor fellow had great difficulty in raising the amount; which, indeed, was more than he was worth. But affection will conquer much in favor of its object ! The money was obtained — paid into the hand of Zumalacarregui, and the delighted Spaniard once more strained his beautiful wife to his heart. " Ah," said he, with a look full of love, as, on concludin^'an> of tije^ arc classically bcnuiii'nl, both in face and figure. THE BRITISH LEGION. 157 Beyond the plaza of Vitoria, and terminated by the horse-artillery barracks, is a sort of square, in which the guns of that corps are kept. Nothing- can be in better order than this park of artillery ; the men are chiefly young, good-looking, and well- dressed. Their horses, moreover, are, like most Spanish horses, of glossy coat, and in good con- dition. It is really a source of gratification to see them turn out ; the only thing to be complained of is, that they make no use of them. There is a decent post-oflice at the entrance of the Calle Cuchilleria, which is rather wider than its brethren already described, but is approached through the same sort of archMay. There is also a theatre, but I was too sick of the BilbdJ representatiouH, to venture upon those o*^ Vit.>*ia. Except at the ball given on our arrival. 1 have never been in it. The country around Vitoria is beautiful, and some of the views commanded of the place superb. V itoria is situated in a plain, and numerous vil- lages (lot the space between it and the mountains . .' r. f 158 MOVEMENTS OF already been shown, on the Miranda road, by a rather broad avenue of trees, of about half a league in extent ; from the farther extremity of which a very excellent and distinct view of the town is commanded. At the end of the valley rise ex- cessively lotty mountains, which, in winter, are covered with snow. January 2nd. — To-day the Minister of War, the Count Almadovar, held a grand levee for the officers of the Legion. SuflFering severely from rheumatism in the head, I had not an opportunity of attending, but, from all I can learn, his recep- tion was very gracious. In addition to other matter, he stated that it had originally been the intention of the Queen mother to have seen us here, but that the severity of the weather had prevented her carrying such intention into effect. He promised, however, in her name, that later, and as the weather became milder, the journey from Madrid nould he undertaken, when we should have the satisfaction of making our obeisance, and kissing her hand. He concluded by saying, that mucli reliance \\ as placed upon the THE BRITISH LEGION. 159 efforts of the Legion ; and he himself would remain with us, to witness the result of an attack it was intended to make on the enemy's position at Salvatierra, in the course of a few days, when he doubted not his English allies would cover them- selves with their wonted glory. January 3rd. — This day, the light brigade, under General Reid, and the 2nd under Colonel Shaw, moved forward upon the Salvatierra road, to occupy the villages that lie between this, and that supposed strong hold of the enemy. They were preceded by the Chapelgorris recently attached to the Legion, — between whom, and the advanced post of the enemy, some unimportant skirmishing took place. The Carlists were in force near the Castle of Guabara, about three kaf^ues from this, which they have been for some time busily occupied, in fortifying. As soon as the advance of the English was perceived, they drew up under cover of their entrenchments, and with an evident determination to make a stand. But an attack was not contemplated ; — the Chapel- gorris having been pushed forward, merely with ! i 160 MOVEMENTS OF m^''^ a view to cover the reconnoissance which Cordova and Evans had in view. The position occupied by the staff, commanded a highly picturesque view of the enemy, and as they were within musket range, the fire of the latter was in no slight degree directed against them ; but their aim was so infamous, that not a ball took effect, either falling short, or going over the heads of the officers. One or two challenges to single combat were offered from the Queeji's side, — bqt these were not accepted. Among others, a Cap- tain Potier, a Belgian,- — who had deserted from the Carlists the preceding week, and come into Vitoria, was principally forward in this defiance. He went considerably in advance with his drawn sword, but no other weapon, — and called re- peatedly on a Carlist officer to come down and meet him, — but the offer was not met. Several Lancers, Iiowever, came, and on their appear- ance th mounted orderlies of the staff moved forunrd to suppoit the brave Beige. They pur- sued the horsemen to an jid joining wood, where in all probability they would have falleu a sacri THE BRITISH LEGION. 161 fice to a stronger party of Carlist Cavalry, who were coming" to the aid of their comrades, had it not been for a spirited movement made by the staiF, who suddenly formed into two squadrons, and presented a front which had the effect of checking the advance of the enemy's reinforce- ment, and enabling our own party to get off. January 8th. — Vitoria is decidedly, to us, a most unhealthy place, and its air promises more destruction to the Legion, than the bullets of the Carlists. The climate, in every sense, appears like that of England, clear, cold, and bracing ; and yet there are few of us who have not our health materially affected, since our arrival. We are, and have been, burying from six to eight men a day for the last fortnight, and five officers have fallen victims to the epidemic. The general com- plaint is the unhealthy and uncomfortable state of the hospitals, and the Spanish authorities are unwilling to afford any assistance to render them better, or in any way ameliorate the sufferings of the poor English soldier. The diff^erence is striking in the hospitals, — each Spaniard has a Y 162 THE BRITISH LEOION. comfortable bed, while, in many cases, the English ha\^e none whatever. Things are said to have been better managed in Portugal under Mr. Al- cock, who is second in rank of the Medical De- partment here. Instances have occurred of the men creeping into corners of the cold convent, where they were quartered, and having actually been drawn out dead. In one of these churches where my regi- ment is quartered, no less than from thirty i^ forty men a day have been sent into hospital; these poor fellows had one bed, about the width of a sofa, to every five men. January 10th. — No rencontre yet with the enemy, nor does it seem likely. The Cailists appear to be in no way inclined to provoke us to an engagement, nor is it our object to go in search of them. As it is, we shall work our way quietly, and gradually, to Pampeluna, occupying in succession, the thickly scattered villages that lie in the vallies between it and Vitoria. The French Legion is expected in a day or two, when our two remaining brigades will, in all probability, THE BRITISH LEGION. 163 wholly evacuate the place, to make room for them, and push our advance to Pampeluna, with- out troubling ourselves with Salvatierra at all. January 12th. — ^To-day, a part of the Legion from Africa, three thousand five hundred strong, marched into Vitoria. They are, in general, a fine l)ody of men — principally Poles, Germans, and Belgians — but I confess I looked in vain for the martial air of the French soldier. Of these, ac- tually, there did not appear to be one hundred, all of whom were easily distinguishable, by their (lark features and moustache, from the fair com- plexioncd and light haired northerns. The dress of these men is precisely that of the Chapelgorris — red caps, red trousers, and a bluish-grey great coat, with this difference only, that, instead of the black pouch-belt around the waist, they wear the white cross-belts of regular troops. Several of them had evidently seen hard service, and the faces of more than one presented undeniable evidence of having been in close con- tact with the Arab sabre. On the whole, they may be considered a valuable addition to our ii m I'll!:: 164 MOVEMENTS OF force ; and what the mere soldier may have prin- cipally to regret is, that the war will, in conse- quence of their arrival, be finished too soon. In truth, the game is now nearly up with Don Carlos. From Pampeluna to Medina dci Pomar, the cordon has been eslablished, which shuts him completely into the mountains ; and, as we shall move gra- dually and slowly on, driving them before us, Est( lla, Durango, and what few other places of any strength they at present hold, must, of neces*- sity, fall into our hands ; until, in the end, they will not have a single roof under which to shelter themselves, or a depot whence to draw their sup- plies. " - • . — A report has been some days in circulation here, that the valley of Rongal, and two or three others in Navarre, hav(^ declared in favor of the Queen. If this be a fact, there is no doubt the example will be followed ; — in which case Don Carlos may recommend his cause to his General- in-chief, the Virgin Mary, for, without the inter- position of a miracle, his case will be a hopeless one. There is also another report in circulation, THE imrrisii legion. 165 nay have prin- will, in conse- too soon. In th Don Carlos, nar, the cordon lim completely lall move gra- cm before us, ther places of Tiust, of neces*- the end, they liich to shelter raw their sup- in circulation 1 two or three n tavor of the no doubt the ich case Don 3 his General- out the inter- be a hopeless in circulation, namely, that the head of Espartero had been de- manded in the chamber of Madrid, for his massacre of the Chapclgorris. This report, however, re- quires confirmation. January, 16th. — Yesterday there was a grand movement of the troops ; the English marching forward from the villages i occupied, in the direction of Salvatierra ; — tlio French Legion and Cordova, on the road to France; — and the division of Espartero, on that of Bilbao. At an early hour, Cordova found himself engaged, and the action lasted until midnight. It terminated, how- ever, without any decided advantage to either party, each occupying its own ground at the close. To-day, a good number of wounded have come in, (about 150), and a few of the French Legion. The English, on the right, had but little work, the principal force of the Carlists having been collected in the centre of those three roads already named. One or two only were killed, and two olficers, and three privates, wounded. A gallant charge was made on this occasion by the Grenadier company of the 3rd, who drove half a IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 1.1 I :^ as. 12.0 IJil ^^ / w Photographic Sciences Corporation 7i WfST MAIN STtliT WIBSTIR.N.Y. MSM (71*)S73-4503 S & 166 MOVEMENTS OP battalion of Carlists, at the point of the bayonet, from a wood of which they had taken possession, and which they at first showed symptoms of determination to hold. At the close of this charge, the officer commandinjj it. Captain Fitz- gerald, was wounded in the leg, and borne off the field. Of nine officers of the Queen's army wounded, there were two of Cordova's personal staiF, — one a Captain Santrago Y'Hopp^. January 19th. — This day the Spanish and English head-quarters returned to Vitoria, the several divisions of the combined army having fallen back upon the villages they had previously occupied. An attempt at advance was indeed impracticable, by reason of the dense fog and frost, that has continued to prevail for several days. The only casualties that have occurred, since the 16th, have been the deaths of a Sergeant of the 2nd regiment, and a young man in the Commissariat, (a Mr. Street), both of whom were shot in advance of the troops, while entering a village they supposed to be perfectly safe. The bodies arc said to have been immediately stripped, THE BRITISH LEGION. 167 and shockingly mangled. The servant of Mr. Street, a man of the 7th, who was with his master at the time, had a most^ narrow escape, having received at least a dozen lance wounds in various parts of his body. So closely was his contest with the man who attacked him carried on, that he repeatedly grappled with the lance, in a vain endeavor to wrest it from his enemy, whose horse he twice threw down by passing under him. He is now in the hospital for the wounded here, and with every fair chance of recovering. January 22nd. — Vitoria may, in truth, be said at this moment to be the city of death. Day after day, the poor fellows of our Legion are carried, in bullock carts, to their graves, and all they have to cover them is a sheet ; — the officers, long unpaid by the Spanish Government, being utterly unable to afford their men the customary means of interment. The prevailing fever has at length been pronounced by the faculty, to be typhus of the worst kind. Whatever it be, it is making fearful ravages in the Legion ; — ^and as I have, tor my sins, been appointed to the office of J 68 MOVEMENTS OF Commandant of Vitoria, pro-temp — I have, unfor- tunately, too many opportunities of seeing into its extent: — ^nor do the^^ officers suffer less in pro- portion. We have already buried eight, in- cluding one major and four captains, while many more are expected to follow. Captain Santrago Y'Hoppfe, Cordova's Aid- de-camp, who had died of his wounds, received on the 16th, was buried yesterday, and the manner of interment pleased me much. Instead of the lid of the coffin being screwed down, as with us, it was carried separately by four bearers. The body itself, partly visible above the edge of its last tenement, was habited in lull uniform, — ^the arms were folded across the chest, and the fea- tures, placid to a degree, seemed rather to wear the repose of slumber, than of death. The cocked hat placed on the top of the head, more- over, lent to the whole an ensemble as touching as it was military in effect, and, as a soldier, I felt that thus I should wish to be borne to my grave, after falling in the field of glory. January 24th. — ^To-day I rode out with Colonel THE BRITISH LEGION. 169 Wylde, (who has been almost constantly with the Legion, and who, by his sound advice, based on his intimate and accurate knowledge of the country, and of the contending parties, has, on more occasions than one, considerably advantaged our cause,) to see the combined force of Spaniards, French, and English, who were making a demon- stration in front of tlie castle of Guabara; but all their efforts to draw the enemy out proved in- effectual. With the black flag flying at the top of the building, they prudently kept themselves under cover of its walls, content, as usual, with exchanging a few long shots. Two parties of cavalry, however, met, and in a successful charge by that of the Queen, a Carlist Lieutenant-Colonel was made prisoner. He was immediately run through the body by a dozen lances, in revenge, as the Spaniards said, for the brutal murder of Mr. Street. The movement towards Guabara was intended, principally, to cover an advance of Espartero. The day was exceedingly fine, and the coup d*oeil offered by the various divisions and bri- gades in position, highly picturesque : — nor was the z 170 MOVEMENTS OP effect less striking, as they moved off, in succession, to occupy the various bivouacks of the morxiing. By the way, I cannot understand how it is that this same Castle of Guabarra is suffered to con- tinue a monument of our inertness ! It is true the Carlists have so barricaded the approaches, that but one man can enter at a time, and that, I believe, sideways, whence it might result it could not be stormed without immense sacrifice of life ; but what, in the name of heaven, is the use of our artillery ? We have some of the most splendid battering pieces (Spanish 24 's) I ever beheld ; and, albeit, no engineer, I would engage to bring the walls of Guabarra about the ears of the Carlists in less than a week. At present there are too many flags of truce coming in from the enemy, under pretence of an exchange of prisoners, to please me ; and, contrary to all usage ; the bearers are suffered to enter the place without being blindfolded: — of course with full power to ascertain its deiences. I would there were fewer flags of truce admitted into Vitoria, and more hard blows w ithout its walls ! THE BRITISH LEGION. 171 January 26th. — The trtie position of the Legion, which I have cursorily touched upon, some few days since, on the 16th, 17th, and 18th, was as follows ; — On the 15th, Evans received Cordova's order to march on the Salvatierra road, and engajife the attention of the enemy at a small village then occupied by them, called Mendigar, while he moved by the centre. Four Carlist bat- talions made their appearance, one of which only had possession of the village, from which they were driven several times in the course of the day. True to his instructions, which were to act chiefly on the defensive, the Lieutenant-General caused the regiment tlien engaged, to retire upon the main body. This emboldened the enemy, who threw half a battalion in advance, into a wood at the toot of the village, from whence they kept up a smart fire. It was at this crisis that a com- pany of the 3rd were thrown forward, who, with the usual war cry, dashed into the wood at the point of the bayonet, and cleared it, although op- posed by double their number. Par parenthese^ we may as well remark, that the 3rd, or Westminster 172 MOVEMENTS OF Grenadiers, are part of the" Isle of Dogians,'* whose original appearance excited so much mirth among the Tories, and whom I had the honor to com- mand at their first formation. Night put an end to the partial contest, and the General retired, as commanded, into cantonments. On the following day, having heard a continual firing on the left, in the direction Cordova had taken, he moved the Legion to the heights of Zoazo and Marietta, about a league and a half from Cordova's position, there to await any order that might arrive from that General. But, although there was an incessant fire kept up throughout the day, no directions were sent to General Evans, as to what course he was to pursue ; here, there- fore, they bivouacked. On the close of the 18th the Lieutenant-General, still uncertain as to the actual position of Cordova, determined on taking a party of dragoons, and, with his staff, repair across the enemy's country to ascertain the true state of affairs. The ride, as described to me, must have been most ludicrously performed, it being at the THE BRITISH LEGION. 173 utmost speed, and across an uneven country . Two or three were thrown from their horses, and the alarm depicted on their countenances, as each imagined himself left behind, was most felicitously portrayed, and did justice to the narrator. On their arrival at the heights of Arlaban, to their surprise, they fell in with the rear of Cor- dova's army, in full retreat towards Vitoria, the .General at their head. Thus left to act for him- self. General Evans returned instantly to the Legion, laboring under the very natural appre- hension, that the whole of the Carlist force would be directed upon them in the absence of Cordova. Fortunately, the weather was foggy, and particu- larly so on that evening. At twelye at night the brigades were ordered to descend the heights with as little noise as possible, and cross the Zadora river, which they had traversed the day before. This movement was executed under the superin- tendence of the General in person, who telt all the imjfortance of getting out of sight of the Carlist battalions before day-light. In a few hours the whole of the Legion had passed the Zadora, and 174 MOVEMENTS OF taken up a position in its rear. Cordova says that he ha/e thought of retiring, and it not being our intention to bivouack on the ground, if was high time, at that hour, to return to San Se- bastian, and our nearly unprotected convent. We did so ; and I can safely say, that my company never exceeded an ordinary march, that is, the usual quick march, during any one part of tlie 190 MOVKMBNTS OP time. When we reached San Sebastian it was quite dark. Retiring thus, as of necessity we must, and after having accomplished our original intention, I cannot admit the affair of Hemani to have been any thing approaching to a defeat on our part. The enemy, on the contrary, sustained defeat, being driven from his original position. I have been thus diffuse in my second allusion to this affair, because the various accounts that have been published of it in England, are all at issue with the truth. As for the Carlists claiming any sort of victory there, the idea is absurd ! The true cause of the judicious retreat from the heights of Arlaban, under cover of the fog, alluded to in the same debate, will be found in my notes of the 26th of January. March 14th. — The Morning Herald, — whose vainly disguised acharnement leads it into a thousand ridiculous reports of our Legion, and whose hos- tility to the Queen's cause is only to be exceeded by that of the Marquess of Londonderry, in the House of Lords, — after exulting over the capture THE BRITISH LROION. 191 of two insignificant ibrtresse- Balmucrda and Mercandillo, (the latter of which wc never heard named before,) asks, with much naivete^ *^ where was the British Legion, which ought to have guarded these passes ? Where was Espartero 9 Where was Cordova ^ " We can tell this organ of Carlism : — Cordova was on the French frontier ; The British Legion were fortifying the impor- tant pass of Trevifio ; — and Espartero was com- pletely defeating a battalion of Carlists, who were on their march, with the intention of crossing the Ebro ; but who met with a fate similar to that of the more daring Batanero, who had the impudence to advance upon Madrid with 1,500 men, but who deemed himself fortunate in recrossing with one tenth of the number. The copy of the Heraldy in which these queries are so exultingly put, was lying by my side on my convalescent bed, even at the moment when Espartero arrived, conducting 200 prisoners, of the battalion destroyed by him, into the plaza, by beat of drum. They are all, I learn from those who have seen them, young men, and well dres ed, I I ,'j .,i#l--4- i^^^^^mfir- J 92 MOVEMENTS OP in order to cheat the simple Quintas into the be- lief, that Don Carlos's army is wholly so equipped, and thus induce them to join him. Apropos des bottes. — Is the man who writes in the Morning Herald from Oiiate generally, bond fide, the correspondent of that paper ? Or, what appears more probable, is he the hired agent of Don Carlos, paid for puffing off his resources, and the prosperou'j state of his cause ? No one could assume that an Englishman, much less a person who, it may be presumed, would be very much offended were he not called an English Oentleman, would write thus of his own countrymen. There is an old and vulgar proverb, which, in this in- stance, seems highly applicable : — *' It is a dirty bird that fouls its own nest." ^^^^ ' ' It is in order to give the most direct contradic- tion to these statements — statements as false as they are injurious to our reputation in England, — that I hasten to publish this first volume of notes, which, perhaps, had never else been given to the world, certainly not in their present rude state. I have obtained sick leave for a few weeks, and I THE BRITISH LEOION. 193 shall avail myself o the opportunity of pub- lishing, not hearsay reports given by hireling scribes of the enemy, but the impartial account of an officer, who has been present with the Legion *from its first formation, and to whom its suffer- ings, its privations, its good conduct, and its courage are equally familiar. That a wrong im- pression of the Legion has gone abroad, we are aware, — yet why ? Are not the men Englishmen, though enlisted in a foreign service ? Or, is it sup- posed, that because some of them were in rags at home, they should not make as good soldiers as the stupid awkward looking dolt of a peasant, who repairs comfortably dressed in his smock-frock, to be enlisted in a regiment in England? For in- stance, no men could be in a greater state of destitution than those enlisted in London, and sent to the Isle of Dogs; — and where are there better soldiers than these have turned out ? The regiments into which they were enlisted, were the 1st and 3rd, the corps that have principally dis- tinguished themselves hitherto ; while as a proof of their good conduct, I may remark, that the 2c m\4 m i - tUU^^^^'-*'^ 194 MOVEMENTS OF Lieutenant-General distributed orders, sent from Madrid for the express purpose, to nearly a dozen men of each of these corps, the other day in the Phiza. No others than these got them — so much more for the " Isle o' Dogians." We are ready to* admit that the men have endured great privations, still they have been ever willing to do their duty in the field. That they have accomplished but little hitherto, is no fault of theirs, but of their enemies. But this defence of the Legion is prin- cipally intended as a contradiction, not only to what almost daily emanates from the Herald, but to the statements of officers, who, dismissed the service, have found no greater gratification than in reporting unfavorably of it at home. By the way, a most wanton outrage connected with the capture of these men, has just been communicated to me by Colonel Boyd : — A fine fellow, an officer of dragoons of Espartero's division, who was billeted in the same house with the Colonel, and for whom he had conceived a strong prepossession, was of the party attacking. The prisoners were disarmed, as usual, with the i\ THE BRITISH LEGION. 195 exception of one man, who, by some accident, retained his musket. The officer of Dragoons (Captain Elio) was immediately in front, when this scoundrel, instigated by God knows what motive, levelled his piece and fired. The ball entered the back of the unfortunate Elio's head, and he fell dead from his horse five minutes afterwards, and the Carlist was cut into as many hundred pieces. The corpse of poor Elio was brought into Vitoria, and buried with military honors. March 14th. — ^Trevifio, to which, allusion has so often been made, is remarkable principally as a military position, and commands the main road. It was taken at the outset of the war by Zuma- lacarregui, and retaken by the Queen's troops. It is situated at the foot of a lofty mountain, on which is a castle capable of strong defence, and, although a deep snow lay upon the ground, it was otherwise put in a complete state of resist- ance by the British Legion, about a month absent on that duty. They now re-occupy the village in the neighborhood of Vitoria, leaving 196 MOVEMENTS OF the safe custody of Trevino to a detachment of Spaniards, A singular custom prevails here — Trevino is a district in itself, and gives its name to several of the adjacent villages ; the Alcaldes of which are compelled to send men, when re- quired, to the capital. In the present instance, it chanced that all the young pai/sans were absent, having entered into the service, either of Don Carlos, or of the Queen. As substitutes for these, the young women were sent to work, and I understand it was pitiable to see them ascend to the walls, with baskets full of rubbish on their heads, at six o'clock in the morning, and in the severest cold know in Spain for years. Some of these young women were exceedingly good looking. March 16th. — Brigndier-General M^Dougall, who had accompanied Colonel Wylde to Madrid, for the purpose of conferring with Mendizabel, and expostulating on the neglected state of the Legion, has just returned, with the assurance that money will be had immediately, and men and officers paid all their arrears up to March. THE BRITISH LEGION. 197 This will place us on an entirely new tooting, and we shall enter the ensuing campaign under the most favorable auspices ; — ensuing, I have said, but the whole of our past winter has been a cam- paign, tor the Legion have been for months moving in the midst of winter, and occupying the most miserable villages, although it is true there has been little or no fighting. Hence one of the great causes of our disease, which, instead of exciting the sympathy of our enemies at home, seems to have pleased them much. Let them exult as they may, over the deaths of some sixty officers and 700 men, and although we are thus much reduced, they may send their Carlists from the mountains, in which they are hidden, as soon as they will ! . liliif*"'" CHAPTER VIII. PITIABLE CONDITION OP THB CONVALESCENTS — KEMOVAL OP HEAD QUARTERS TO ARANJVES — DISTRIBUTION OF THE LEGION — DE- FEAT OF THB CARLISTS BY ESP RTERO's DIVISION AT ORDUNA — HIS REAL FORCE — PARTICULARS OP ESPARTERO's A'lTION — GAL- LANT CONDUCT OP A SPANISH CORPORAL — ITS REWARD — IM- PORTANT DISCOVERY OP TRAITORS IN VITORIA — THEIR TRIAL AND EXECUTION BY THE GARROTTE IN THE PLAZA — ATTEMPT OF VILLA REAL TO SAVE THEM. March 17th. — This Morning, after six weeks confinement, I, for the first time, left my bed, but found the effect of the fever so debilitating, that I coula scarcely stand. However, a pure air and a genial clime will soon restore me. While inhaling the air at the front balcon of my lodgings, I saw a painful exhibition. It •A'd'^ that of the convalescents, 518 in number, march- ing out from the convent of Santa Clara to a THE BRITISH LEGION. 199 distant building without the walls. They were pitiable objects like myself, scarcely able to move, from the effects of Typhus. March 20th. — This day the head-quarters of General Evans moved from Vitoria, in front of the enemy's position at Guabarra. The ravages of Typhus are beginning somewhat to diminish, and, as abundance of clothing of all kinds has arrived from England for the men, we may be certain of opening the campaign under the most favorable auspices. The following is the dis- tribution of the Legion : — Head quarters, 6th and 8th, Aranjues ; 9Ai and 10th regiments, one troop of Lancers, Ferondis; 7th regiment, Men- diguron ; two troops of 1st Lancers, one company 9th regiment, Venta de Mendiguron; three troops of 1st Lancers, Antezana; 1st regiment Brigadier Chichester, and Rocket Troop, Abe- chuco; 2nd Lancers, Arriaga and Abechuco; 3rd regiment, Arriaga ; 4th and Rifles, Bitonia ; Artillery — Provisional Battalion Depdt of Ca- valry, Vitoria. March 21st. — To-day Espartero, who had again x^UiJj^ja^ff.' 200 MOVEMENTS OP left Vitoria for Orduna, with his division re- turned from the latter place, having had another severe engagement with the Carlists, of whom he killed 500, putting as many more hors de com- bat. His own loss, in killed, I could not learn exactly, but I believe it is trifling. He has brought in 207 wounded, chiefly slightly. Hearing considerable cheering in the Calle Santa Clara, adjoining my lodgings, I went out tor the first time, and saw Espartero's division, covered with dust, and bearing every other evidence of fatigue. The cheering I found to be occasioned by the distribution of orders of m^rit to the officers and men who most distinguished themselves, by Cor- dova himself, who is here, and empowered as Commander-in-Chief thus to act. From the prisoners we learn that the force of the enemy has been much exaggerated. Don Carlos has, in all, forty battalions, of from 600 to 800 men, and these are variously distributed throughout the provinces, under diff^erent leaders ; the men have not received pay for six montlis, and altogether they begin to tire of this protracted THE BRITISH LEGION. 201 service. A Mr. Wilkinson, who was dismissed from our service, went over to them from Tre- vifio. They have, in all, two companies of Englishmen, principally composed of deserters from us. The manner in which they endeavor to recruit from our ranks, is worthy of themselves. When a deserter arrives, they compel him, under pain of death, to write to his comrades that the service is excellent ; that they receive double rations ; that their pay is regularly issued ; and that forty dollars are given to each on his arrival. They are thus, from dread, made to write the most gross falsehoods, while literally starving themselves ; and the letters are forwarded by post, or pep'^.nts hired for the purpose, to their com- rades. Several scoundrels have nibbled at the false bait, until fairly hooked ; but they are few in number. The sooner they were got rid of from the Legion the better. The above information has been obtained, not from the prisoners by the way, but from a non- commissioned officer of the ranks, who has been with them from the first, and who came over, with 2d m ■iniiir'"--' 202 MOVEMENTS OP his whole picquet, to Espartero, the evening be- fore the action. Forty pieces of cannon compose the whole train of the Carlists, of which, he de- clares, only four are mounted in the castle of Gua- barra. The rest, like the battalions, are distri- buted about in different positions. No bounty whatever is given. By the bye, this man states a curious circumstance : — He was at the affair cl Hernani, and declares that an English serjeant, who had gone over a tew days previously, was killed on the side of Santa Barbara, and rolled down a part of the hill. This could be no other than Serjeant Prendeville, of my company, named in the early part of my notes. Indeed, I remem- ber a man of (hat description was conspicuous in the affair of that day, and that he was repeat- edly fired at by an officer of the 7 th regiment. Whether he killed him or not, remains unknown : — a just retribution. ' March 22nd. — As it is probable that, according to custom, the Carlists may claim a victory over Espartero, in the Tory papers, the following may be relied upon as correct: — General Espeleta, THE BRITISH LEGION. 203 with his division, was fortifying Balmaceda, from which the Carlists had been expelled, and strengthening a castle near it. Finding himself much annoyed by the enemy, he sent to Cordova for a reinforcement. Two battalions of the guard were accordingly dispatched from this, under the safe escort of Espartero's division. The object being effected, and the guards being left with Espeleta, Espartero made the best of his way towards Vitoria, accompanied, tor a short distance, by two battalions under General Rivero. He had entered Ordufia, where his men halted to refresh themselves, Mhen it was reported that the enemy, in great force, were coming down upon him. He immediately collected his scattered men, and took up a position outside the town. The army of Egueia halted on the opposite height, and the action became general. Espartero waited until, as had been previously arranged. General Rivero, with his two battalions, took the enemy in flank, when he charged them with the bayonet. The routed battalions of Egueia fled in great disorder, and the result was, what has already been given. ml 204 MUVKMENTH OF The Carlists had eighteen hattalions ; Espartero, eleven. A corporal of Espartero '9 division distinguished himself on the occasion, and was particularly pre- sented to Cordova by his general, on the arrival of the corps in Vitoria. Espartero also proposed to Cordova that the man should receive the order of Christino, with a pension. Cordova then asked the corporal which he would prefer ; the order of Fernando, which was merely honorary, or that of Christino, with the pension ? The corporal unhesi- tatingly chose the former; on which Cordova, pleased with his spirit and high feeling, told him to come to his apartments, on the dismissal of his company from parade, and he would give him one year's pension out of his own purse, — an example which was instantly followed by Espartero. The cross of Fernando was formerly very select, and, in Ferdinand's time, was accorded only for very distinguished services, and to military officers of high rank. u March 22nd. — A serious and important dis- covery has just been made. Desertions have latterly TIIK BRITISH LKQION. 205 been numerous; and the men deserting have, as I before remarked, been compelled by the enemy to put letters in the post office through the medium of peasantry, or have them personally con- veyed through these latter. A serjeant Richard- son, who had deserted, sent in a letter to his nephew, who was then sick in hospital, urging him to join the Carlist ranks. This man, whose name was Nangles, immediately communicated the contents of the letter to Captain Byrne, Pay- master of the 7th, who at once acted on the information. As the letter stated, that a certain baker of the place (Jose d'Elozegui) would afford the necessary assistance, to him the soldier was enjoined to go. The baker at first hesitated, but when he saw the post mark, and the writing of the Serjeant, whom he had known, he at once avowed himself an agent of Don Carlos, and offered his services. The man, as previously instructed, said that a serjeant and several soldiers of his regiment were anxious to desert also, and a night was fixed for their departure. On the night in question, Captain Byrne, who had previously I, li I I I 206 MOVEMENTS OF communicated with Colonel Considine, repaired to Don Jose's house, disguised as a Serjeant, and accompanied by several men. A spy had been previously provided, who was to act as guide, and conduct the party to the head quarters of the enemy — Don Jose promising to give a letter of introduction to Villa Real. The letter, how- ever, he contrived to withhold, from some motive — perhaps of prudence — and Captain Byrne set out, with his party, from Don Jose's house, without it. At the gate leading out of the town, Captain Byrne and his Companions seized the spy, and handed him over to the guard ; then hastening to Colonel Considine, and acquainting him with what he had done, they both repaired to the house of the traitor Elozegui, and instantly se- cured and confined him. He is this day to be tried before a Spanish tribunal, when it is hoped he will suffer death. My servant Paul shrugs his shoulders and says not, and for this reason, that he is ivealthy, and has plenty of ounces ! Don Jose, it must be remarked, (for all are Dons here) was principal baker, and a contractor THE BRITISH LBGION. 207 for the supply of provisions — consequently pos- sessed great facilities of communication with the men. It is now supposed that the illness which has so long prevailed in Vitoria, is mainly at- tributed to his having mixed something deleterious with the flour. But in this opinion, although assured of its truth by the Lieutenant-General himself, I do not join. Our fever was, I fancy, (indeed it has been pronounced) honest downright Typhus. March 25th. — Last night there was great ring- ing of bells, and other rejoicings among the loyal Spaniards of this place, in consequence of the reported intervention of England in their cause. The news was communicated to the Lieutenant- General, who had received a dispatch from Lord John Hay, on the subject. By the way no officer could have manifested a better feeling towards the Legion than Lord Hay, who has been uni- formly kind, and has evinced a zeal and intel- ligence in the cause, commensurate with the intentions of the British government in keeping him so long on the station. In Lord John Hay, w 208 MOVEMENTS OP and the officers of the Castor generally, the Legion have universally found not only x)ersonal friends, hut warm supporters to the cause in which they were embarked. . March 26th. — Yesterday, a man, an assistant of the baker, who had been implicated with his master, was flogged with large rods, something in the shape of the fasces of the ancient lictors of Rome. The punishment was inflicted in the Plaza, and on the bare back. He was, moreover, nearly stoned to death by the Chapelgorris, who are in here at present, and who with difficulty could suppress their indignation. The same punishment is, I understand, to be repeated to-day and to-morrow. March 27th. — Yesterday the tribunal finished its proceedings on Don Jose d' Elozegui, and, contrary to our expectations, he is sentenced to be garrotte or strangled — but when or where, the finding, — which I sow at the General's immediately after it came out, — did not specify : the accused had nothing to offer in defence, but threw himself (m the mercy of the court. It has now been *\ THE BRITISH LEGION. 209 ascertained lieyond question, for an analyzation has taken place, that the bread, issued by the scoundrel, has been adulterated "with prickly rye — ^which accidentally occasioned the deaths of so many families in France a fev\ vears back — and that the aguardiente had m it a mixture of white lead. My leave having been obtained for England, I had thought of setting off to-morrow ; hut, though no advocate for these things, I would willingly see the fellow suffer. March 28th. This day the baker, Don Jose, and the spy, suffered the extreme penalty of the law, by death from the gai^ot. This mode of punishment, at once singular and curious to us, is common throughout Spain. A platform is erected some three feet in height, and a strong pole is driven through its centre — a seat is also added, and on this the criminal is placed with his hands tied, and resting on his knees. The garrot is then affixed to the pole at the proper height, and the circular iron, (attached at one ex- tremity by a rivet, on which it moves,) placed around the throat. A central piece of iron, with 2e 210 MOVEMENTS OF grooves, passes through the other — resembling in appearance a patent corkscrew. The handle is a transverse piece of iron, and when this is turned by the executioner, the screw advances, closing the opposite extremity of the circular piece, or neck band, in the same proportion. One half turn is sufficient to produce instant death — and the head inclines forward, over the chest, supported only by the iron which encircles the neck. I have ever avoided scenes of capital punish- ment, such as they are practised in England and France. I have never seen a man hung or guillotened, and yet I was in London when all the world went to see the execution of Thistle- wood and the rest of his party ; but, from the .description given me, I have no hesitation in pro- nouncing death by the garrot, at once the most manly, and the least offensive to the eye. One is spared the blood of the one, and the humiliation of the other ; for certainly, it must be confessed humiliating to ourselves, to see a fellow-being dancing in air after death, in the manner practised THE BRITISH LEGION. 211 in England. Death by the garrot is divested of this objection : — ^The criminal takes his seat, attended by his confessor, and he is bound in that position to the pole ; at a given signal, the executioner, having placed the collar round the sufferer's neck, gives a half turn of his screw, — and all is over. Then the white handkerchief, previously thrown over the face in a loose manner, is removed, and to the gaze of the multitude, are exhibited features, — not distorted by the agonies of death, — but as they were before the fatal screw was turned. The execution of the traitors took place in the open space of Vitoria, which adjoins the Plaza. The platform was constructed a few yards from the public fountain, and the flank companies of the Legion were drawn up to witness the punish- ment. The ground was kept by a regiment of our lancers. I had intended to break through a rule, and be present, but was detained at General Es- partero*s, whither I had gone to get my passport signed, until it was too late. When I returned to the Plaza, the men were dead, seated, as before I 212 MOVEMENTS OF described, but their countenances wore no other indication of death, than what was afforded by their paleness. They looked more like men suf- fering punishment in the pillowry ; their bodies remained an hour in that position, for the crowd to gaze at, and were then taken down by the exe- cutioner (a smart little fellow, dressed in black), and placed in shells. From all I can learn, the criminals met their fate sullenly, but without fear. The baker died first ; once, as the spy ascended, he cast his eye towards the dead body of his companion, and it assumed an expression of savage wildness, — ^but, the confessor interposed himself quickly before the trying sight, and it again disappeared. There was a good deal of cheering from the Spanish soldiers, and the assembled multitude, as each traitor ascended the platform. The men of the Legion cheered also, but not so much. Both suf- ferers were ill-looking fellows — dressed like com- mon pay sans — the spy extremely so. Villa Real made an effort to save his chief agent, the baker, and wrote to an old friend of his THE BRITISH LEQlON. 213 at Yitoria, the Marquess de Arabaca, the Alcade of the place, entreating him to spare his life ; but the Marquess fortunately possessed not the power, even if he had the inclination. CHAPTER IX. DEPARTURE FROM VITOHIA — CURIOUS MODE OF CONVEYANCE — BREAK DOWN OF OUR VEHICLE BETWEEN MIRANDA AND ONA — PERFORM THE REMAINDER OF THE JOURNEY ON FOOT — MR. WILKINSON's LETTER IN THE MORNING HERALD BRIEF COMMENTS THEREON — REACH SANCILIO THROUGH THE BEAUTIFUL PASS OF BALMA-DE- CEDA — RECEPTION BY THE PADRONA OF THE POSADA — DESCENT OF A VERY HIGH AND RAGGED MOUNTAIN ON THREE WHEELS — REACH THE PRETTY VILLAGE OF ONTENADA MEET MY EX-SERVANT, PAUL CAR9ANADA, UNDER VERY SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES — BIS GREAT FAMILIARITY WITH A SPANISH COLONEL — REACH SANTANOER — EX- PEDITION TO SAN SEBASTIAN FULLY DETAILED — REMARKS OF THE AUTHOR — DISAGREEABLE BILLETING AT SANTANDER RECEI*riON BY COMMODORE HENRY ON BOARD THE ISABELLA-SECUNDA — CON- DUCT OF LORD JOHN HAY ARRIVAL OF THE LIEUTENANT-GENERAL IN ADVANCE OF THE LEGION ORDERED TO THE COAST — AUTHOr's REMARKS DINNER GIVEN BY THE LIEUTENANT-GENERAL AT SAN- TANDER — DEPARTURE OF THE AUTHOR FOR SAN SEBASTIAN — BAT- TLE OF AYETTA. Miranda, March 30th. — This morning I left Vitoria, in what is considered a great novelty in this part of Spain, a close carriage. The party THE BRITISH LEGION. 215 consists of five, and we are to pay 150 dollars on arriving at Santander; — ^rather dear travelling com- pared with that in England, especially as, although drawn by seven mules, we seldom exceed a walk. The manner of driving is also good. The wheelers alone are honored with reins, the two pairs in front, preceded by their leader, having no other guidance than what originates in the verbal directions of our driver, to Leona, Ramona, Pla- tera, Cocina, and Christina, who obey him most faithfully. Our wheelers are Sefiora and Capi- tana. As the whip is none of the longest, the driver and his (tsmtiente frequently descend from the vehicle, and fill their pockets with stones, which are afterwards employed in propelling the animals, and it is remarkable with what precision they throw them. They hit which ever mule they like — ^the result, of course, of much practice. Ofia, March 31st. — ^This evening we met with a sad misadventure. When within about a good league of this place, the hind-wheel of our coach came ofi^, and we fell to the ground. On alight- ing, we found that the axle-tree was completely 1 W*M 11^ Bra W^\- ^''Y m i ri* 2](] MOVEMENTS OF broken off, about an inch from tlie lynch-pin. — • What to do in this extremity, it was difficult to say ; however, the padron, after viewing the dis- aster for some time steadily, decided, with a heavy sigh, that he must go back to Miranda, a distance of nearly nine leagues, for another carriage, while we remained at Oiia until his return. Mean- while, the old assistiente^ whom we had designated by the name of** Setenta cinqua,'* from his years, appeared with a huge pole upon his shoulders, which he had cut from off a neighboring moun- tain, and aid having been procured from some paysans who were passing, we raised the carriage, and replaced the wheel. The pole was then placed across the centre, and tightly bound with strong cord, so as to prevent it coming off, yet without impeding its rotatory motion. In this manner we reached Oiia, the passengers per- forming the remainder of the day's journey on foot. At Oiia I chanced to see the Morning Herald of the 1 1th, containing a letter from Mr. Wilkin- son, alluded to in a former note, as having gone TUB BRITISH LEGION. 217 over to the enemy. Of this long tissue of farrago I shall briefly notice one passage, which is that wherein he says, *' I had left all my kit behind me, and only brought my baggage." Now, as it appears from his letter, that he only took Mrs. Wilkinson with him, we may fairly presume that she is the "baggage" alluded to. How far she deserves that character, may be learnt from the following petite histoire of the lady, about whose honor so much fuss is made. The 7iow Mrs. Wil- kinson came o it from Scotland, the mistress of an assistant-surgeon of one of the Scotch regiments, who, when we marched from Bilbao, supplied her liberally with money, to take her back to Scot- land. Instead of going to Scotland, however, she went round to Santander, in the Mazeppa steamer, where, between her present husband, (or somebody else, for I am not quite sure,) and ano- ther officer, who had been dismissed the service, a regular battle took place, as to who should claim priority in the lady's favor. The ex-lance corporal of the Portuguese service, however, bore the palm from his adversary, and married his prize, who 2k ■■'■■'(til '^km 218 MOVEMKNTS OF tramped it with the soldiers, and soldiers' wives, (occasionally dressed in the habit of a man,) as far as Brivieska, where Mr. Wilkinson was left in dep6t, and where, it appears, he was dismissed the service, — not for ** building churches !" It would hardly be lair, under any other circumstances, to enter upon the vie privee of the lady, but when her husband states that he was dismissed for up- holding tbp 'foworof his wife, and attacks, in such bitter terms, both the Legion and its Chief, it cannot be too distinctly known how nice must have been his sense of that honor ! His wife, by this time, we are assured, forms one of the bright- est ornaments of Don Carlos's choice little court at Onat^. I heartily wish the soi'disant king joy of such an acquisition. Soncillio, April 1st.— To-day, instead of wait- ing for a new carriage, our Padron intimated his intention of proceeding with the wheel, fastened in the manner above described, without lynch-pin, or the means of inserting one. To this, though attended with some danger, we readily assented, as a stay of twenty-four hours, in the miserable THE BIUTIHH LEGION. 219 village of Ofia, was any thing but desirable. Wu had arrived so late at night, that we found it impossible to see the monastery. Moreover, from its being Good Friday, the priests were much engaged, so that we had no time to revisit the old refrectory : — Our supper at the yosada was execrable. At an early hour this morning, we came to the pass of Ona, which I found to be not the same, described in a former part of this work. The pass of Ona is bold to a degree, and offers every evidence of the most gigantic proportions ; but it was admitted by an officer who was of our party, and one of the half dozen of the Legion who had ever seen the former, that it had none of the touching — romantic — beauty of tjie Medina. So remarkable is the difference in the beauty of the passes, that it appears I had gone through that of Ona, on the day of our advance,'J^but after threading that of Medina, it had failed to excite any wonderment in my mind. Later, we came to the pass of Balma-de-Ceda, even much bolder than that of Ofia,' (it consists chiefly of white, 220 MOVEMENTS OF solid, and gigantic rocks, that give you the idea of petrified castles, and ranges of battlements;) — making, in all, four important passes I have visited since my arrival in Spain — namely, Medina, Pancorbo, Ofia, and Balma-de-Ceda. At Son- cillio we arrived at a late hour, and were gruffly received by the Padrona of the only Posada in the place, who said she had neither bed nor supper to give us. I went immediately to the Com* mandant, whom I subsequently found to be a very nice fellow, and, showing him my passport, re- quested his good offices. The officer soon pro- cured me a billet in the Posada in which I had been so rudely received, and I found myself in possession of a bed, gi'atis, which had been refused to me for money. One of my com- panions is lodged at the Commandant's, the others are billeted in one room at the Curb's. We are at last as comfortably seated as circumstances will permit, while a good dinner, procured by the Commandant, is being prepared for us. Ontanada, April 2nd. — ^We reached this place, after passing through the pretty village of Ageita, THE BRITISH LEGION. 221 about five o'clock, having traversed one of the loftiest mountains in Spain, and over the most wretched of roads. Our descent of the mountain ivas nearly a league and a half, and, during that time, we experienced no slight nervousness, owing to the state of the carriage. The road was ankle deep with mud, and in the deep ruts were placed large loose stones, which shook and jolted us unmercifully, as the vehicle passed over them. Each moment we expected our unfortunate wheel to come off, in which case our situation would have been truly pitiable — as there were no means of repairing the disaster. The Padron turned his eye frequently to the wheel, and it was evident that he was as nervous as some of the party. After upwards of an hour's duration of this penance, however, we once more got upon a better ground. We had a heavy snow storm, while on the top of the mountain, and it was bitterly cold. Santander, April 3rd. — ^To-day we reached this garrison, in the appearance of which, I have been agreeably disappointed. I had always been led to 222 MOVEMENTS OF imagine it the most miserable of places. I have seen no town like it in northern Spain. Vitoria is not to be compared with it ; and I like it better than Bilbao. Its quay is extensive, regular, and composed of fine edifices; and it possesses this decidedly superior advantage to Bilbao, that men- of-war and merchantmen of the largest size, sail immediately- into its harbor. This gives it a greater air of liveliness, especially in summer! We alighted at the Hotel of the Quatro Naciones in the Calle Artilleria, kept by a Frenchman. A curious circumstance occurred on our route of to-day. At the close of my illness, my French servant, Paul Carganada had left me with some abruptness, giving out that he was going through Pampeluna, to his native country. I presumed he was gone by that route, though I all along suspected he did not intend returning to his wife, a little credulous Spanish woman, my hostess, whom he had married during my illness. At the posada at which we stopped, at Ontanada, there is a billiard-room, into which, having nothing better to do, I sauntered, while dinner was being THE BRITISH LEGION. 223 prepared. A Spanish colonel, whom we knew to have heen at Yitoria, and who had that day kept pace with us over the mountain, looking fre- quently most intently into the carriage windows, was playing at the time with a person of whom I took no other notice, than that he appeared to he a servant. The colonel seemed desirous of enter- ing into conversation, but as I had no ambition to enter upon one with a man who appeared on such familiar iis with his fellow billiard-player, I immedia..t.iy quitted the room, remarking at dinner what I had seen above. To-day, on stop- ping at a posada half-way to Santander, I saw the same colonel standing in its doorway, and convers- ing laughingly with some person, who was hidden behind a projecting wall. Not the slightest sus- picion had entered my mind, but, having occasion to alight from the carriage, I passed through the doorway, close to the colonel. My sudden ap- proach had not permitted his companion to retire, and, as I crossed the vestibule, who should I be- hold, but my ex-servant. Monsieur Paul Carga- nada! I looked at him some time, and fully, 224 MOVEMENTS OF before I could positively satisfy myself as to his identity. His face bore the marks of a recent scuffle, and a handkerchief, drawn over his oil- skin hat, completely overshadowed what was left uncovered of the former — he was evidently dis- guised. After some few moments, I said to him, " What, you here ! " He answered, " Yes ; " that he had changed his mind, and was going to San- tander, to embark for France. I turned to the^ colonel, who was an attentive listener, and spoke good French, and said — •* This man, Senor Colo- nel, whom you make your companion, was my private servant, and left me under peculiar circum- stances the other day. I wish merely to put you upon your guard against him." Paul then said — ^'* Have I ever robbed you. Sir ? '* As I had some occasion, after his departure, to know he had, I replied in the affirmative. But this seemed to have no greater effect upon the Spanish colonel, than the former part of my communication. He merely shrugged his shoulders, as if it was no affur of his, and continued the same air of friend- liness. Soon after, his horse being baited, he THE BRITISH LEGION. 225 departed, saluting me as he moved from the door. Paul followed on a horse he had contrived to purchase out of his cribbings from me, in company with the regimental servant of the colonel. My opinion is, that as I was expected to travel alone in a cabriolet to Santander, there was more in the appearance of my ex-servant on the road, and so singularly selected as a com- panion, than at first appears. But we were four in number, and all well armed with pistols and sabres. Santander, April 8th. — On our arrival here, we found that the Royal Tar, in which we had pro- posed taking our passage, had been some days sailed, so that we have decided to await her re- turn. Meanwhile, I have taken the opportunity of visiting the barracks and hospitals, which are in a most efficient state, reminding me strongly of the good beds, and clean rooms provided for the reception of the men, at their first entry into San Sebastian. The men are kept wholly out of the town, at the convent of Corbon, and one seldom sees even an officer, except of the staff. It 2g ^Hyps?-' 226 MOVEMENTS OK must be admitted, that Colonel Arbuthnott's management of his command is excellent. Of the expedition to San Sebastian in Decem- ber last, alluded to by Colonel de Lancy, I have obtained, and from an authentic source, the fol- lowing particulars, which may be confidently re- lied upon, and which I the more readily insert, because they tend to prove, to its revilers, what may be expected from the British Legion, wheh left to the guidance of its own chiefs, and acting wholly independently of a controlling Spanish power. On the 11th of December, Captain Henderson, of the British Steamer Phcenix, arrived at San- tander, with an urgent entreaty from the Governor of San Sebastian, that Iriatfe, the Governor of the Province, would send immediate aid to that for- tress, botli in guns, ammunition, and men. The communication, moreover, stated that upwards of 3000 of the inhabitants had left the town, while the remainder were sheltered under bomb-proofs, hastily constructed, to resist the fire of the enemy. Captain Henderson, after communicating with THE BRITISH LEGION. 227 Lord John Hay, waited on Colonel Arbuthnott, and repeated the deplorable state of San Sebastian — beset by enemies without, and traitors within — when Colonel Arbuthnott or*^ ~^ed a force of 600 men of the Legion to be „ t in stant readines. jA without promulgating the object. Colonel A. then waited on Iriatfe, to ascertain his intentions ; when the latter said he was sorry he could not do anything for San Sebastian, as he had not a soldier, particularly artillerymen, to spare. The Colonel then told him he had ordered 600 men to be in readiness, whereof a hundred and fifty were artillerymen, and that, if it met his approbation, he would embark them, with the necessary ma- teriel 'mmediately. Iriatfe expressed himself much delighted with the measure, and, in three hours from the arrival of the Phoenix, Colonel Arbuth- nott was steaming out of the bay, in the same vessel, having on board her, and the Isabella- Secunda, 600 men, in addition to 150 artillerymen, and sixty dismounted Lancers of the 1st regiment. The Isabella had in tow a Chasse-Mar6e, on board of which were embarked two thirty-two pounders. .! I 228 MOVEMENTS OF from the Castor frigate, with 500 rounds of ammu- nition, Congreve rockets, &c. In passing San- tona, the Phoenix took from thence, in tow, another Chasse-Marle, laden Vith two twenty-four pound- ers, and their necessary materiel. In consequence of the bad state of the weather, 200 dismounted men of the 2nd Lancers, under the command of Colonel Jacks, were compelled to reland, and the remainder of the force proceeded on to San Sebastian, into which they threw themselves under cover of midnight. The defenceless state of the town may be in- ferred from the fact of there being only 240 of the militia, and 250 Urbanos to defend it. More- over, traitors, more formidable than any other enemy, were within its walls. A certain number of the inhabitants, suspected of Carlism, were refused admission into the ranks of the Urbanos, and these persons, annoyed at the exclusion, and secretly devoted to the adverse cause, had found means of communicating with General Sagas- tibelza, between whom and themselves it was agreed, that a petard should be exploded near THE BRITISH LEGION. 229 one of the gates at night, so as to admit of the entrance of the Carlists. This scheme was happily detected in time, and the dehnquent incarcerated ; but confidence was far from being restored — since, in addition to the weakness of the garrison, the Governor, who should have been the first to set an example of bravery, slept nightly in the bomb-proofs, with the women and children. Such was the condition of things when Colonel Arbuthnott arrived. His appearance gave a new aspect to affairs; and the despondency of all ranks, within San Sebastian, was succeeded by the utmost confidence. Early in the following day, the artillerymen mounted the walls of the town, where the Carlists were in the daily habit of ex- pelling the l)csieged with musketry, and, by their cool and skilful fire, succeeded in driving them to a distance. It was at this period that Colonel Arbuthnott, having received some intelligence that the Du- rango decree had been rescinded, sent a flag of truce . to Sagastibelzaj with an intention to be I ; 230 MOVEMENTS OF satisfied if such was actually the case. The inter- view demanded was complied with, and the parties met about midway on the causeway, leading from San Sebastian to the enemy's principal entrench- ments. Sagastibelza, a short, stout man, of no remarkable appearance, was attended by his staff, among whom was Montenegro, commanding the artillery, and dressed in a Zamara, or black sheep- skin jacket. The interview was short and pithy^ The following question was put by Colonel Ar- buthnott through his interpreter : — *' Having been informed that Don Carlos has rescinded the decree of Durango, I wish to know if that information be correct?" Sagastibelza instantly replied, and through the same medium ; — ** I have received no orders to give quarter to the Auxiliary Legion ; we do not look upon you as regular soldiers, but troops recruited to serve Christina, and not to assist Spain;" — laying great emphasis on the words Christina and Spain. An officer of Ur- banos, wh« bore the flag, then asked how they (the Urbanos) were to be treated ? — the answer was, " The Urbanos and Chapelgorris are to be THE BRITISH LEGION. 231 treated the same as the Auxiliary troops ; " — and thus ended the interview. One cf Sagastibelza's aids-de-camp who accompanied Colonel Arbuth- nott part of the way back, remarking, " You have been extremely fortunate in the weather ; — we had no idea San Sebastian could have been relieved in less than ten days." Although Colonel. Arbuthnott had acted for himself, in succoring San Sebastian, it was, of course, not his intention to continue in it longer than a reinforcement of Spaniards could be re- ceived. He accordingly pressed the authorities, whose answers urged him in the strongest manner to remain. Troops, however, came on the 18th from Santona, to the number of 600 ; and Colonel Arbuthnott quitted San Sebastian on the following day, Laving behind him the whole of his artillery- men to work the guns. I have seen the original documents, and no one can doubt, after their perusal, that the most important service was ren- dered by the Legion, and at a most critical mo- ment, to San Sebastian. Of its desperate con- dition some idea may be formed from the note Mi 232 MOVEMENTS OF g;iven in the appendix, and addressed to Colonel Arbuthnott, from the French Consul ; for not only was danger apprehended from without, but also from its numerous traitors within. Apropos of San Sebastian traitors. On one occasion, while I was quartered in the convent of San Francivico, a highly gentlemanly-looking man was identified, near the barracks, by some of the soldiers, as having offered them money to desert to Don Carlos. He was instantly seized, and notwithstanding all his protestations to the con- trary, conveyed to my room, where I had orders from the Colonel, who held me responsible for his safety, to keep him a prisoner. He rec^uested permission to send to General Chichester, who then commanded the English garrison, and who, he said, knew him well, as one of the first men in the town. His demand having been complied with, the General arrived in about an hour — came into my room, where ,1 was seated conversing with my prisoner, — recognized an individual with whom he was personally acquainted, — apologized, in the gentlemanly manner habitual to him, for THE HRITISH LEfllON. 233 Ills detention, and liberated him on the instant. Notwithstandinfi;;, the men still persisted that he was the same man who had soug'ht to entice them to desert ; and I at the time believed, and still do believe their assertion ; for so many men could not all be in error as to the person. The baker, who suffered at Vitoria, was also one who had been turned out of San Sebastian for sus- pected treason. As an officer in the service of the Queen, it is not permitted to me further than to remark on the extraordinary fact of San Sebastian — the key of Northern Spain, and the fortress which, most of all others, the Carlists had coveted, and still covet — having been left in the destitute condition which has just been shown. What could 500 men be expected to effect against such a besieging a .'my as the enemy brought close under its walls ? And wherefore was it that the recommendations to some mark of favor from the Queen, expressive of the important service rendered by the Legion in their timely succoring San Sebastian, have not 2h . ||j||gp^HI» 234 MOVEMENTS OF to this hour met with the slightest notice from the Government ? As an officer in the Spanish service, I repeat, I do not now feci myself authorized to give my opinion, but a time will come when I may be en- abled to assure my countrymen, that if the British Legion have not hitherto had greater opportuni- ties of acquitting themselves valiantly in the field of honor, it has been wholly owing to considera- tions of a nature but indifferently understood at home. I have confined myself to facts connected with the Legion, in this volume — in a second I shall claim the privilege of offering opinions. Santander, April 12th. — Nothing can be more odious or uncomfortable than the manner of billet- ing here. Billets are given only for three days, and it is optional with the person billeted on, to receive you, or pay your lodging-bill at a posada. Not only this, but the billet-master is a disagreeable, ugly little fellow, who compels you to get a new order from the Governor, and also from the English commandant, every three days. THE BRITISH LEGION. 235 This might easily be dispensed with, were the man of office willing ; but he is one, who, I should say, hates every thing English, irom the bottom of his heart. Wherefore is it, that some linguist is not appointed to the duty ? The present man speaks Spanish only, to the great inconvenience of the majority of her Catholic Majesty's liege auxiliaries. April 13th. — ^Last night Brigadier-General Evans arrived from Vitoria on his way to Eng land ; and the Royal Tar, reported lost in the late gales, not having come in, it was arranged he should go by the Reina Gobemadora. Colonel Arbuthnott, whose attention to officers of all ranks, and whose desire to facilitate their views, is pro- verbial, sought to obtain a passage for those who were on leave at Santander, waiting for a convey- ance home. This, however, Commodore Henry, the senior officer here, positively refused, — de- claring that none but field «~ 244 MOVEMENTS OF In the evening, and before dinner, Colonel Tupper arrived, announcing that the light brigade under his command, were outside the town. They had marched no less a distance than thirty-six miles, which, considering it to be the ninth day of their route from Vitoria, affords no bad specimen of the state of the Legion. There were no stragglers. < To-day the 6th embarked for San Sebastian on board the Isabella-Secunda, and the Reyna Gobernadora. General Evans went also, accom- panied by paVt of his staff. April 21 St. — Yesterday the James Watt Steamer arrived, which had carried the Chapel- gorris to San Sebastian. Captain Jamieson re- ports that no attempt was made by the Carlists to interrupt the landing: not a gun Mas fired, although they must have distinctly commanded the harbor. My opinion is, that they have already, in anticipation of our arrival, withdrawn their artillery. As Passages is an important k( y to the frontier, likely to be first attacked by us, and is romantically situate between Iwo bold and THE BRITISH LEGION. 245 abrupt mountains, a view may not be un- interesting. San Sebastian, April 27th. — Yesterday, after a very severe passage, I landed here on my route to Bayonne through France, intending to proceed by a small French Steamer to Socoa — but as there is something to be done against the Carlist lines, in a few days, 1 have resolved to waive my leave of absence for the present, and remain until we have had an affair. May 3rd. — Since my arrival here, the rains have been incessant, and the weather so cold, that fires are every where in demand, and the snow has fallen thickly upon the mountains. Our attack would have taken place before this, had the Legion been all here ; but many are still at Santander; — sufficient means of transport not having been found. Little co-operation seems to be afforded by the Commanding Officer of the squadron. On the evening of our departure from Santander, he had sailed also, having nine hundred men on board, but scarcely had he pro- ceeded to sea, when he put back again, nor came m m a'' tl li •ill ,: ' it Vit 246 MOVKMKNT8 OF until the James Watt, on board of which I had embarked, made her second trip. Surely if one vessel could weather the storm, the other might, especially as it was a case of pressing emergency —but the Commodore, it is to be feared, does not enter de hon cceur, into the success of the Legion. May 4th— —Our sole amusement, since our ar- rival, has been to mount the ramparts, and watch the effect of our fire Mpon the Carlist lines. There has been nothing to return to this, hitherto, but musketry, the enemy having apparently with- drawn (as I had predicted) all their battering train farther into the interior. To-day it was supposed the Brigade, to which I am attached, (the Light) were to have crossed the river, at the point at which the breach was effected by the Duke of Wellington in the Pen- insular War ; but the tide not admitting of our fording, and the bridge of boats not being in readiness, the attack was delayed until to-morrow, when, at day-light, we move to attack the enemy's lines. The General this afternoon, held a council THE BRITISH LEGION. 247 with the Commanders of Brigades on the Citadel, whence a dill view of the posts of the enemy could be commanded. It is now arranged, that without crossing the water to San Francisco, to which the enemy have set fire during the night, and which still continues burning, we shall move along the high road to the convent of San Bartholomo, at present occupied by our Chapelgorris, and thence to the various points of attack allotted to us. My brigade at- tacks the left of their position, the 2nd (or Irish) the centre, and the 1st, the right. The Carlists may make an excellent defence if they will, for the ground is liighly favorable to such a purpose, being thickly covered with hedges, houses, &c. independently of their intrenchments. To-morrow will be the anniversary of a despe- rate attack, in which I bore a part, on the enemy's batteries, during the last American war, which batteries were carried, singular to say, by the &ther of an officer of the company to which I am nominally attached, (I say nominally, tor I am in orders to command a wing of my regiment to- 248 MOVEMENTS OF morrow.) My only hope is, that the men will do their duty now, as they did on that occasion. May 7th. — In pursuance of the plan arranged for the 5th, we marched forth before day to the convent of San Bartolomo, immediately in front of us. To prevent the enemy from ascertaining our movements, the Lieutenant-Gei?xeral had taken the precaution to order that the men should be assem- bled soon after midnight, and without sound of drum or bugle. The first part of this movement was executed with the necessary precision, and, at early dawn, the whole moved off in their allotted directions, simultaneously, and with a view to final co-ope- ration. The enemy's lines were three in number, most formidably built, and otherwise defended by some heavy artillery, discovered only the day before. In a few minutes they were apprized of our advance, and showers of grape and cannister were vomited upon the main road leading to the position. Soon after this, the guns of the castle began to open, but these were fired so slowly and Iwidly, as to afford us very little assistance. In a 11 id tie of ur he m- of ited wn, ms, >pe« )er, by lay of ster the Istle land [n a 11" it .111 111! l! i^ THE BRITISH LEGION. 249 quarter of an hour the Light brigade came into view of the strongest part of the enemy's lines, whence an annihilating fire of musketry, supported in the centre by a formidable battery of cannon, was directed upon us. But this did not stay the onward progress of the men. Although exposed to a most galling fusillade, the bullets flying lite- rally like hail, they drew not a trigger, but ad- vanced determinedly with fixed bayonets across the plain, uttering loud cries as they doubled through it. Five, hundred yards brought us to some houses occupied by the enemy, from which they were speedily driven, our men instantly pos- sessing themselves of them. From these houses the fire of the eii'iny was returned by some Chapelgorris, while the 3rd anJ 6th advanced to storm the line; but no sooner had these latter emerged from the cover of the houses, forming in column of attack, than a shower of musketry and grape was poured in upon them. Tn defiance of this they moved on, the men falling in every direction. But human courage could not withstand the galling fire of '2k pill "1 il fi It. l! 1^ !''l ?:' • Il l>i ■|t]l ■ I i* ■■ Hi i 250 MOVEMENTS OP our invisible foe, especially as there was no breach through which we could enter, and as not a shot was returned. The men therefore retired under cover of the houses we had taken. Close to these houses was a parapet, intersect- ing the road, and partially broken down to admit of the passage of the column. On this parapet, the Lieutenant-General, who had come to us from the 2nd division, which had likewise failed in its attempt at an impression, immediately ascended, and exposing himself to the hail-storm of the enemy, called upon the men to advance, and, if necessary, die like Englishmen. But although he set the example of the contempt of danger he sought to inspire, the troops had no sooner un- covered themselves to the deadly fire of the enemy, than they again experienced a check. Meanwhile, the Phoenix and Salamander, Eng- lish steamers, had arrived in the harbor from Santander, the latter bringing with her the re- serve, consisting of the majority of the 4th and 8th regiments. These were instantly landed, and marched up the heights, and a heavy cannonade ii' THE BRITISH LEGION. 251 of mortars opened from the Phcenix upon the enemy's battery, on the left of their position, which the 1st brigade, consisting chiefly of the 1st regi- ment, had attempted, kielFectually, to carry. Beautiful, indeed, was the direction of this ar- tillery. The shells were fired with such precision, that they passed successively over the heads of our troops, and fell into the enemy's trenches. By their instrumentality a breach was effected, and the 4tli and 8th (reserve) coming up, the left of the position was stormed and gained. The Carlists, thunder-struck, saw that the day was lost, and sought safety in flight ; but no mercy was shown them, for they had savagely bayoneted several wounded officers and men in the early repulses. Numbers fell beneath the steel of the enraged assailants, burning for revenge ; and not a Carlist who could be reached, lived to recount to his comrades, that the English Auxiliaries, in imi- tation of the example set by themselves, give no quarter. The position once gained, the success of the day was no longer donbtfu/, and the other brigades, ; :'A 252 MOVEMENTS OF cheered by the example of their comrades, who had come fresh into action, once more moved to the assault. The Irish, like the 1st brigade, bayoneted all that came near them, and the Light brigade, formed in column of attack by the General himself, rushed with deafening cheers upon the right of the enemy's position. The 6th was headed by Colonel Tupper, who was in the act of cheering them on, when he received r. ball in his head, and fell, dangerously wounded. The whole brigade then rushed forward, and in less than ten minutes, the battery, which had galled us so much, was carried by the 6th, who planter! the Queen's colors upon it. This centre of the principal line thus won, the others necessarily followed, although under a still continued fire, and by twelve o'clock the whole of their truly formidable position, in- cluding their j.; m&, together with ammunition, and provision;; in abundance, had exchanged masters. But the most gratifying part of the aftair was at the close, when the General came up to the battery. Here officers and men i)roniiscuously THE BRITISH LEGION. 253 blended themselves together, and saluted him with the most vehement cheering, — intimating, that to their gallant leader, was their success mainly attributable. Such a moment could not fail to be one of pride to the Lieutenant-General, who, much touched by this enthusiastic reception by his gallant soldiers, replied, that the victory had been gained by them, not him. The day, under such an unexampled fire, and against so formidable a position, was, of course, not obtained without great loss on our side. We have seventy-eight officers and nearly 800 men killed and wounded — a great majority of these, wounded. But the loss is trifling, in comparison with the glory. Cordova's whole army, the people of San Sebastian say, would never have carried the position we did ; and the men conducted themselves like huroes. The most veteran troops of England would have been repulsed, hotly ex- posed, as our fellows found themselves, in the first iissault upon a concealed enemy — and veterans could not have accomplished more in the end, op- posed as we were to the elite of Don Carlos's army. ' 1 1 * 1 i*%^5P 254 MOVEMENTS OF THE BRITISH LEGION. Among the enemy's killed, are General Sagas- tibelza, the second in command, and Anolo, colonel of the Chapelchuris, or white-caps. We do not know the extent of their numerical loss, but it must be less than ours, although the country people who have come in, state it to be from 600 to 700 killed and wounded. But the greater glory is ours, — if, after the heavy loss we sustained in the early charges, while their strength continued unimpaired, we could still carry their position ! I have alluded to the Light Brigade particu- larly, because, as one of its number, its opera- tions, with those of the staff, were more imme- diately under my own eye ; — but all were equally forward. At a later period, I may give some interesting personal anecdotes of the action, — not less piquant than true, — anecdotes from which the public will be better enabled to decide upon the real palmam qui meruit ferat. MOVEMENTS OF THE BRITISH LEGION PART II. 2 T. ''ill MOVEMENTS OF THE t I BRITISH LEGION. PART II. Nothing is more difficult than to blend in approbation the opinions of two parties poli- tically hostile to each other. Neither the eclat of national glory, nor the merit which attaches to individual gallantry, can disarm envy of its sting, or cause the inimical — simply because they are inimical — to be just. A great — a splendid victory had been gained by General Evans and his brave followers, on the 5th of May 1836. The English Tory prints were in arms — their indionation against the success of their own countrymen, was even more bitter than that of Tip ¥ i ) ' ■t '> IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I ■^ li& |Z2 ^ U£ |2.0 ii.a 1 '-2^ ffl '-^ iJi^ < 6" ► Hiotogr^hic Sciences Corporation 33 WIST MAIN STMIT Wf ■STIR, N.Y. 14SM (716) •72-4S03 V <^ •ss <^ ,''•'« %■ *» o -s^'"* i\ '^ ) 258 MOVEMENTS OF the enemy who had been conquered. They stormed — fumed — abused — all in the most inco- herent manner. It was, according to them, an affair of brute force — neither skill nor judgment were displayed — the troops owed their success entirely to intoxication, which had blinded them to the magnitude of their enterprise — it was a mere mob attack — ^an affair of blood-thirsty, ill- guided mercenaries, and, last not least, came the consolatory assurance, that the day would never have been won, but tor the co-operation of a solitary English steamer, which chanced to throw a few well directed shells. This was one side of the question : the other party fell into the opposite extreme. It was an action without parallel in the records of modern or ancient warfare, — the Carlists were annihilated. The manoeuvring and skilfulness of attack out- Wellingtoned Wellington. Certain individuals, simply because they were the idols of their party, merited the Apotheosis ; and, ludicrous as it must have appeared to the military reader, the victory was ascribed, nut to Licutenant-Geueral Evans THE BRITISH LEGION. 259 commanding the British Legion, but to the gallant member for Westminster — proh pudor! What had the gallant member for Westminster to do with the question ? But such things are, and such things will be, as long as the mutually detesting schisms of Whig and Tory continue to exist in England. If the former party, that is to say the Whigs, made more of the aifair than it merited, it was, at least, an error on the amiable side. It proved that politics had not so entirely seared their hearts, or perverted their judgments, as to induce feelings of delight in sinking the gallantry of their own countrymen, simply because — ^to borrow an elegant illustration from the Emerald Isle — one party shouted paise, the other banes. It has been strongly urged against General Evans, that he was guilty of an unpardonable oversight in not advancing his victorious columns upon Hernani, before the Carlists had time to recover from the consiernation of unexpected defeat, on the 5th of May. There can be no doubt that had lie so advanced, the town of 260 MOVEMENTS OP Hernani would have fallen, a bloodless conquest, into his hands ; for after-intelligence assured us of the fact, that the relics of Sagastibelza's army did not even pause in the town, but, imagining that the English force was in hot pursuit, precipitately abandoned it. But it must be recollected that our loss in carrying the position was immense, both in men and officers ; and, with the difficulty he found in obtaining proper information as to the Carlist strength in reserve, it would have been highly imprudent in the Lieutenant-General to have compromised the important advantages he had gained at so great a sacrifice of life. The Legion was literally unofficered at the close of the engagement, and an army flushed with victory, and not too well disciplined at any time, it would have been found not a little difficult to direct or restrain. Whatever the advantages, however, which might have accrued to General Evans from the early possession of Hernani, certain it is that the enemy, left unmolested, began to respire more freely, and sat himself at work, with his usual indefatigability, to construct a new line of .f d it ly ir in nd ist ily ive lad ion le ind ave iin. lich the the lore sual of z t and Pass and one Th extenl exclul Mari the c THE BRITISH LEGION. 261 Z defence, though nearer to his own home. Emboldened by the inactivity of the Anglo- Spanish army, the Carlists began to hope, that as their positions had been wrested from them by dint of sheer valor, they might be recovered even through the same medium ; and accordingly they made preparations to carry the ground they had lost. Meanwhile a pontoon bridge having been thrown over the Uramea, near the ruin of that which had been broken down by the Carlists, the army crossed on the 28th, under a storm of shot and shells from the garrison ; one brigade marched to the heights above the dilapidated convent of San Francisco, and carried them almost without opposition. At Passages a similar result was achieved by the 4th and 8th regiments ; the whole affair was literally one of parade. -'■^' The lines now occupied were of considerable extent, the heights of Alza being the extreme left, exclusively of Passages, which was held by the Marines under Lord John Hay ; Ametzagana, the centre ; and Puyo and Lugaris (on the San 262 MOVEMENTS OP Sebastian side of the Ummea) tlie extreme right. On the 31st, the enemy, in order to feel our strength, rather than with any .serious object in view, attacked the advanced posts about three in the morning, but they were gallantly received by the 7th and 10th of the Legion, and after four hours of ineffectual firing, completely driven back. Their loss was inconsiderable, having only five ofificers, and twenty-four men, killed. On the 6th of June the enemy re-appeared. His feint attack commenced on the right of the British line, but it continued only long enough to afibrd time to the reserve on our left to be drawn oiF in support, when they furiously attacked the left and centre. Apiquethouseof the 4th, some hundred yards on the left of Alza, was completely surprised, and Lieutenant-Colonel Losack, in command of the post, was obliged literally to cut his way through the enemy, in order to effect his escape to Passages, losing in the attempt fourteen of his men. Four poor fellows were left in the piquet house, having slept so soundly that neither the firing nor the exertions of their comrades (hasty as they THE BRITISH LEGION. 263 necessarily were) could awaken them, and they, of course, fell victims to the bayonets of the Carlists. So closely was the piquet engaged with the enemy, that a Sergeant of the 4th was cut down by a Carlist Officer, over some slight breastwork which had been erected in front of the entrance ; and one man, on turning round to speak to what he mistook for a Chapelgorris, a few of whom had been in advance of the building, was run through by a Chapelchurris. Meanwhile, the enemy, pressing on in great force, made a desperate and simultaneous attack upon Alza, and the Ametzagana. Such was the impetuosity of their advance that they caused the troops at the former of these positions to give way, but they were eventually rallied by their officers, and, after a most obstinate struggle, the assail- ants were finally driven back on all sides. At Ametzagana, the efforts of the enemy were crowned with no better success. They advanced boldly and fearlessly up to the very breastwork which had been imperfectly thrown up, and nothing but the cool determination and courage of the 2 M 264 MOVEMENTS OF English soldier could have withstood their gallant daring. However they were finally driven oflF, and pursued down the heights with great slaughter. Their loss in killed and wounded was computed at 800 men — ours 225 killed and wounded, including* six officers. The general order published on this occasion ascribed to Lieutenant-Colonels Churchill and Cannon, the principal merit of the repulse from the Ametzagana at the head of their respective regiments the 3rd and 9th ; Colonel Fitzgerald commanded the Brigade. The first active operations (if such they may be termed) of the Legion, after the affair of the 6th of June, was the advance upon Fuentarabia. So little, however, was really done on this occasion, and so much has the unfortunate movement been criticized in England, that little remains to be added on the subject. In common justice though it should be recollected that General Evans was, at the time, exceedingly ill ; so much so that he was seen lying on the grass, in great bodily pain, while the action was going on. Moreover, if he THE BRITISH LEGION. 265 failed in pursuing his object with the determination that might have been expected of him, it was in a great degree attributable to the representa- tions of Brigadier-General Reid, whose caution in these matters was proverbial, and whose counsel in a great degree influenced his Chief on all occasions.* * It is a singular anomaly in the character of Lieutenant- General Evans, that, while his own personal bravery is imdis- puted, he should have suffered the prudential considerations urged by IJrigadier- General Reid to influence his conduct on all occasions of the sort : almost to the downfall of his honor, and that of the Legion, in this. — In the affair of the 5th of May General Mac Dougal was Sviid to have been most urgent in his recommendation of an instant advance upon Hernani, but without success ; and, subsequently, a serious rupture took place between these officers, which ended in General Mac Dougal's retirement from the service. This was felt by all to be a truly serious loss ; General Reid's absence never was so consider«d, except in the Lieutenant-General's despatches. No one can doubt, as I have before remarked, the personal intrepidity of the chief of the British Legion ; and I have already shown it would have been highly imprudent in him to have followed up his success of the 5th of May, after the extensive loss of life he had experienced ; but, was it the conviction of this necessity for prudence, or was it envy that General Mac Dougal should have been the original proposer of the movement, that led him to dissent from the opinion of that officer? In the affiiir of Fuentarabiathe Lieutenant-General was too ill to superintend the / 266 MOVEMENTS OF One circumstance deserves honorable record — it was the gallant defence, by two companies of the 10th Irish, of a position deemed of some importance by the enemy, if one might judge from their efforts to carry it. — They came on in overwhelming force, and with a desperate rush, to accomplish their object, but the coolness and intrepidity of these two companies baffled every attempt ; the Carlists were repulsed with con- siderable loss ; no mention however was ever made of the officers commanding those companies, although some others, who boasted much of their gallantry on the occasion, were rewarded with the cross of St. Ferdinand. arrangements of the day. Whatever blame there was, therefore, was attributable to General Reid ; and the Lieutenant-General feeling less jealousy of the daring and ability of that officer, was glad to shield himself under his advice. Let not the Legion be blamed for the non-success of the expedition to Fuentarabia, they would have carried it by assault, had they been permitted. Several batallions were in reserve the whole day, scarcely firing a single shot, and nothing could exceed the astonishment of all ranks when they received the order to retire. In the whole, the Fuentarabia affair differed from that of Hernani, last year, in no other rc'Si)oct than that the former was originally intended to bo attacked, tlio latter not. THE niUTISlI LEGION. 267 At the bridge communicatinjr between Irun and Fuentarabia, there was some hard fighting, and a good deal of personal courage displayed. A Carlist cavalry officer killed several men of the 6th Scotch with his own hand ; and a captain of that regiment, a puny little officer, whom the very wind of a blow must have annihilated, owed the preservation of his life to a friendly ditch, into which he jumped to avoid the descending sabre of the Carlist. There were also some narrow escapes : a soldier of one of the Irish regiments, being so severely wounded as to be unable to crawl away, when the Legion began to retire, entreated a comrade to shoot him through the head, in order to avoid being subjected to the inhuman treatment of the Carlists ; the man replied he could not shoot him as desired, but he would perform the friendly office of kicking him into the river : — He was kicked oif the bridge, accordingly, into the Bidassoa whence he, later, contrived to effect his escape. Another man was passed by Colonel Boyd of 268 MOVEMENTS OF the Qiiarter-Master-General's department ; he told a piteous tale of his sufFeringfs " Oh, sir, I have heen treated worse than a dog : I have been shot ; I have been bayoneted ; I have been stripped ; and I have been beaten : I suppose I have nothing' more left me than to die." Colonel Boyd however had him carried off the field, and he eventually recovered. ^ \ Such was the issue of the expedition to Fuen- tarabia, in which, albeit, I took no share ; certain acts of extreme cruelty and injustice on the part of the Lieutenant-General, which a future volume will unfold, had caused me to retire from the Spanish service at the completion of my year, which terminated on the 29th of June. I still however remained with a view of watching the operations of the Legion, to which I was, from military motives, much attached. Shortly after the return from Fuentarabia I re-entered the service, simply with a view to obtain my majority, which had been most obstinately withheld from me, through j)i([uc on the part of the Lieutenant- General, and wljich was onlv eventuallv conceded THE BRITISH LEGION. 269 to my determined claim for it ; this step attained, I again retired from the service. , On the 1st of August an attempt was made upon the Ametzagana, which had been abandoned to the enemy on the advance of the legion upon Fuentarabia. The force employed consisted of a regiment of Spaniards, and the 1st and Rifles of the Legion, the whole under the command of Jauregui ; the object of the movement having been accomplished, (that of discovering if the enemy had any guns in position) the heights, which had been speedily carried, were again abandoned ; as usual, the enemy followed, confining himself however to the brow of the hill. On this occasion Captain Atkyns of the Rifles, a very gallant young officer, was made prisoner by a party of Chapelchurris, but, by great presence of mind, succeeded in effecting his escape. Captain Brown of the same corps, (a relation I believe of Lord Palmerston,) mistaking the Carlists for Christinos, from the fact of Captain Atkyns being with them, was on the point of being taken also, with the few men who accompanied him, when '*:iw*tS'*^ il ■ \ ' 270 MOVEMENTS OP r. Captain Atkyns called out to apprize him of his error ; Captain Brown of course turned instantly to the right about, when a volley from the Carlist party was directed upon him and his men. Captain Atkyns immediately took advantage of the latter circumstance, and darting off towards our lines, but in a direction differing from that which had been taken by the Rifles, and by having recourse to the shelter of an intervening hedge, had got too far in advance before the Carlists could re-load and take any precise aim. Captain Brown received three wounds, all of them in the discharge that was aimed at himself and party, on the occasion alluded to. From Lord John Hay's batteries on the heights of Passages, where I was then in command of the 4th Fusileers, the whole of the movement was distinctly seen. The beginning of August was the termination of the year of service of many of the men of the Legion, and more particularly of the Scotch regiments, the 6th and 8th. The 8th had pre- viously mutinied for want of pay, which step they found successful in obtaining it, although it had THE BRITISH LEGION. 271 been pretended there was no money whatever in the military chest. By the bye, while on this subject, will the Lieutenant-General answer the following query to the Legion, and to the British Public generally ? Did he or not, during a period when the soldiers were absolutely starving from want of the common necessaries of life, and when the junior officer scarcely shared a better fate, regularly receive his own pay from the military chest, amounting to some tour or five hundred pounds a month ? The Commissary-General has asserted that he did ; that he never was in arrear for a single month, although his men were daily dying of inanition, and typhus, blended together, in Vitoria. To return to the 8th : — ^Their conduct was con- sidered so refractory, that it was deemed prudent to get them out of the way altogether ; and some troops being required at Santander, where Gomez had made his appearance, they were driven on board for that destination, literally at the point of the bayonet, by the 9th Irish. While at Santander, their conduct did not improve; they 2n "i««»ii»J''' 272 MOVEMENTS 01? sold their necessaries in every part of the town, and were constantly inebriated with the pro- ceeds. They were every where proverbial for their ragged and slothful appearance. Later, they returned to San Sebastian, and under the care of Colonel Apthorpe, who devoted his whole attention to the regeneration of the corps, a rapid improvement was effected in them. Their original insubordination had been caused solely by a violation, on the part of the Lieutenant- General, of the terms under which they had engaged in the service. The Cth, among whom insobriety was of rare occurrence, were also infinitely more determined. The regiment having vainly demanded a release from the service, in consequence of their having fulfilled the year of contract for which they had been engaged, refused to obey their officers ; accordingly they were marched upon the glacis of the town, for the purpose of being disarmed. About three hundred returned to their duty, after a sharp lecture from Brigadier-General Shaw ; the remainder (about three hundred also) were sent to THE BRITISH LEGION. 273 the castle of San Sebastian, in the expectation that their resistance would be thereby subdued. Not so. The men continued firm in their deter- mination not to serve any longer, and in tiieir con^nement, got up plays, and wrote their bills, and cast their characters in the most approved manner. General Evans was obliged eventually to acknowledge their claims to retire- ment, and to send them home. Many of these Scotch soldiers were shrewd, sensible fellows. On leaving the staff I had been appointed to the 6th ; and, on my return from England, and prior to my first retirement, I had frequently been on advanced piquet with them. Often, on these occasions, have 1 been both amused and instructed by their conversation, without apparently taking the slightest notice of it ; metaphysics, politics, poetry, philosophy, — all were equally familiar to them ; and I have heard them express themselves in terms which few of their officers could hope to attain. I had always a great regard for the soldiers of the 6th Scotch, although nearly a company of i! 274 MOVEMENTS OF u them had passed over my body, when thrown down, and nearly trampled to death, in a vain attempt to rally them, in a repulse they expe- rienced on the 5th of May ; but this repulse must be attributed, not to any want of proper deter- mination on their parts, but to the folly and inconsiderateness of those who ordered them to advance upon an impregnable position without even a scaling ladder. In this the Scottish soldier only evinced his natural shrewdness, which pointed out, in an instant, the utter hopelessness of the attempt. The Irish soldier, on the contrary, without taking the trouble to see what he had to encounter would run his head against a post, not even being aware that such an obstacle was opposed to him ; whereas the Scotchman looked around him, and saw, at a glance, if his object was attainable or not. , I The 6th were much condemned for insisting upon their right of retirement ; I think most unjustly ; they were quite as much entitled to the privilege as their officers, and, at least, they were consistent in their conduct. The 10th THE BRITISH LEGION. 275 Irish regiment, which had been the first to ofter to fire upon them if required, and to express their readiness to serve without pay, subsequently threatened to go over to Don Carlos, unless they were settled with; and when they did receive their money, (mutiny which ought to have been anticipated, ever achieved this result) they continued for a length of time in the most riotous state. General Chichester had once the impolicy to tell them, when urging their claims for pay, that they might go over to Don Carlos if they chose, as their service could easily be dispensed with ; here was encouragement for desertion with a vengeance : It was on this hint the men had acted, in the threat already ascribed to them. A good deal of this insubordination might however be ascribed to the absence, on leave, of " Old Maurish " as they familiarly termed their Colonel. Indeed, O'Connell, one of the most gentlemanly officers in the service, was deservedly as great a favorite with his men, as with those who were personally known to him. His return to his regiment, al a later period, ir 27(i II MOVEMENTS OK was hailed with rapture by his "Wild Irish Boys." While historical truth compels an admission of this insubordination on the part of the Legion, historical truth also demands that the causes of that irregularity should be made known. Anomalous as it may appear, the moral decline of the Legion may be dated from the victory obtained by it on the 5th of May. Elated with a success which seemed but the precursor to other glories, almost deified by the Journals of his party, to which certain members of his staif (and, it is even said, himself) were known con- tributors, and vainly assuming that a vent vidi vici future awaited him, the Lieutenant-General utterly lost sight of moderation, and conducted himself with the utmost hauteur and super- ciliousness towards some of his ablest officers, the principal of whom (General Mac Dougal) retired a few days after the action. Sensible of the folly he had committed, he would fain have won General Mac Dougal back to his cause, but, with a becoming pride, grounded on the con- sciousness of his own not duly appreciated worth, THE imiTISH LEGION. 277 that officer rejected all overtures, and returned to England. General Evans sought to blind the public, and to conciliate General Mac Dougal, through the medium of an order, in which the services of the latter officer were stated in terms, only to be surpassed by the Lieutenant-General's compressed regret at the loss he had sustained. General Mac Dougal's worth as an officer was duly appreciated by the Legion, and the general order ascribed to him nought ])eyond what he fully merited ; but the real motive of that order was obvious ; and while the English public were made to believe that General Evans and General Mac Dougal had parted the best of friends, the Legion were aware that his retirement had originated purely in disgust. But, though the weakness of a mind unable to sustain the weight of its new and selt-created consequence, was thus early evinced, this was not the evil which principally tended to the destruction of the morale of the Legion. It was in the profuse, the indiscriminate, bestowal of decorations and promotion after the affair of the 5th ; instead of ^ll m %> 278 MOVEMENTS OK giving' the former to those who more particularly merited them, and the latter to the seniors of each rank, out came a general order, which, under the pretence that they could not earlier ohtaiii returns, it took the united talent of the stall' more than ten days to concoct, yet which ought to have been produced in as many hours; and a gazette conferring both distinctions on nearly a third of the officers engaged, nay on some who were not even in the country. Brevet Majors, and Brevet Lieutenant-Colonels were more numerous, after this affair, than sub- alterns ; and one regiment alone contained four Brevet Majors among the number of its officers ! Nor were these distinctions always according with the merits of individuals, but, in most instances, at the caprice of command- ing officers and heads of the staff, who, in their anxiety to push their favorites forward, made no mention whatever of men who had bled, or were crippled for life, in the service ; of these I will merely instance one ; Captain Wilson of the 7th regiment. This officer, a friend of THE nniTIRH LEGION. 271> Colonel Dickson,* of long standing in the British service, and the senior of his rank in his regi- ment, \vi " most severely wounded, yet was he not recommended either for the regimental ma- jority, or for the decoration, while hoth were conferred on a stripling who was junior to him, and who had never been in any other service than the Portuguese. Again, the Adjutant-General took one young officer by the hand, who, three years before, had been a volunteer in Portugal, and pronouncing him worthy of a regimental majority, (although a Captain in the staff) obtained it without difficulty from the Lieutenant-General, to the exclusion of the next in seniority ; nay two of the four Brevet Majors I have stated to have obtained that rank in one regiment, were promoted, simply on the 'personal application of one of them to the Lieu- tenant-General, and without any previous recom- ^ * The affair of Colonel Dickson with Brigadier- General Evans, and the true bearing of the latter officer to one, whom in a spirit of vindictiveness he had sought to crush, must be still fresh in the minds of the public. 2 o ii 280 MOVEMENTS OK mendation from the officer commanding citlier the regiment or brigade ! Thus were these things managed : — it was principally to be remarked, that a decided preference was given to officers of the Portuguese service. Such glaring injustice could not fail to create corresponding dissatisfaction and discontent, and many old and meritorious officers instantly quitted the service ; nor did the causc!» for the dismemberment of the Legion end here ; many who had entered it, simply with a view to promotion and the order, (and among these may be classed almost all the British and Indian officers,) returned home, nominally on leave, but virtually with the intention of reposing on the laurels they had acquired. These included tlic commanding officers of regiments, who confided their charge into the hands of inexperienced men, whose enforcement of the rules of military discipline was not so rigid as it ought to have been. Hence the decline of the Legion, which, undoubtedly has never been what it was, in point of good order and military bearing, prior to the 5th of May. THE URITISU LKUIUN. 281 But tho final cause of the disorgunization of the Legion may he traced to the Lieutenant-Gencral himself, and to the extraordinary support given hy him to the Spanish Government, in a question which has already heen much agitated before the public. Namely, the right of officers to retire from tho service, with their gratuity, at the end of the first year. The conditions of service were distinct, and no ofhcer, on entering the Legion, was required by the Spanish Government to stipulate for any given term. Had there been any doubt on the subject such a precaution would most unquestionably have been taken, and it was easy for the Spanish authorities to have procured officers who, influenced by the mere consideration of pounds shillings and pence, would have bee- glad to enter upon a two years engagement.* But the terms were clear and distinct, leaving it com- pletely at the option of the party entering to * This was done in one instance by a Lieutenant-Colonel Shaw of the Legion artillery, who not only stipulated for two years positively, but made the Spanish Government give him the whole amount of his pay in advance. This may ceitainly bo ranked as one of the wise acts of this oflicer's life. 282 MOVEMENTS OF remain or depart, as he might prefer, at the termination of his year. That General Evans, feeling himself about to be abandoned by his best officers, who had obtained (almost all they came out for) rank and honors, should oppose himself to the palpably plain agreement, to which he himself had been a contracting party, and be the first to suggest to the Spanish Government that a double interpretation might be given to the article which bore more immediately upon the question ; That General Evans, I repeat, should have so acted may be easily accounted for, as the continuance of the Legion for a second year must necessarily put into his pocket, little less than «;85,400 (exclusively of rations and forage) or 110,000 francs, but how such conduct can be justified, on a principle of equity, in one who ought to have been the protector of the interests of the Legion, remains yet to be seen. As a proof that no second meaning had ever been attached to the now disputed article of the condition of service, it may not be irrelevant to remark that an officer commanding a regiment had applied to retire from the service with the THE IRITISH LEGION. 283 {••fatuity, as tar back as February last, when we were in Vitoria, but was refused, with the under- standing conveyed to him by letter from the military secretary, that his claim would be ac- knowledged at the termination of his year. — I have moreover, at this moment, in my possession, a letter from the military secretary, to an officer who had resigned subsequently to the 5th of May, but pi'ior to the completion of his year of service. This letter, which is a reply to an application for the gratuity, specifically states that the officer is not entitled to such gratuity, having resigned before his year had expired ; the inference, there- fore i?. that had he completed his period of service, he would have been entitled to the gratuity. More- over, in a letter addressed to the Minister at War, and bearing date the 14th of June, the Lieutenant- General positively states the British Legion had been engaged only for one year, and that he fully expected the retirement of a number of officers at the end of their year : this letter was written not more than six weeks before a diiFerent tone was adopted in his address to the Legion. li 284 MOVEMENTS OF Had General Evans been less profuse in his distribution of rank and decorations, after the 5th of May, fewer officers would have gone home, some from gratified, others from mortified, vanity ; and he would not have been obliged, in order to compel the continuance of those who were about to follow, to have recourse to such glaring injustice, such flagrant violation of all good faith. While orders and rank were yet to be gained, few would have availed themselves of their right to retire at the end of the first year, and General Evans has only to blame himself for the gradual unofficering of the Legion; neither would he have had re- course to the extraordinary measure of threaten- ing officers with the dungeons of the castle, in order to compel their concession to his new view of an originally differently understood subject, and issuing general orders which, coming under the cognizance of the men, led them to a knowledge of the points in dispute, and, following the example of their officers, to claim their own right of retire- ment, which they have since done, even unto open mutiny. THE BRITISH LEGION. 285 To return, however,