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MAP
of the
SEAT OF WAR.
Compila & Engrav'd by Davies, 30 Goodge Str.
Pub 1812. by P. Martin, corner of Orchard Str. Oxford Str.
(late of the Firm of Cuthell & Martin)
R. Guadalquivir
Lucar
C.Trafalgar
Gibraltar
of Gibraltar
10
20
Scale.
ผิง
British Statute Milos 69½ to a Deorce.
STRAITS OF GIBRALTAR
40
ве
60
Motril
A
NARRATIVE
OF THE
PRINCIPAL EVENTS
OF
THE CAMPAIGNS
OF
1809, 1810, & 1811,
IN
SPAIN AND PORTUGAL;
INTERSPERSED
WITH REMARKS
ON.
LOCAL SCENERY AND MANNERS.
IN A SERIES OF LETTERS.
Um
BY CAPTAIN WILLIAM STOTHERT,
ར
ADJUTANT THIRD FOOT GUARDS.
LONDON:
Printed for P. Martin, (late of the Firm of Cuthell & Martin,)
CORNER OF ORCHARD STREET, OXFORD STREET;
AND FOR JOHN BALLANTYNE AND COMPANY, EDINBURGH;
By W. Smith and Co. King Street, Seven Dials.
1812.
L
ERRAT A.
Letter 1, date, for 1810 read 1809
Page 4, line 10, for Lion read Leon
4, line 13, for Modina read Medina
4, line 25, for in read at
5, line 1, for our read one
6, lines 24, 25, for westword read westward
11, line 10, for 200 read 300
14, line 4, for received read reviewed
22, linė 17, for stands read stand
29, line 19, for the river read that river
30, line 2, for the read a
36, line 8, for while read whilst
53, line 21, for natural read mutual
66, line 12, for contrived read continued
70, line 22, for century read quarter of a
72, line 5, (after) where read there
73, line 4, for place read plan
79, line 24, for rear read river
136, line 8, for the time read this time
228, line 20, for burning read burying
245, line 15, for columns read column
268, line 2, for toal read total
271, line 15, for pretty read petty.
sotheran
1·2-12
4103
INTRODUCTION.
3
}
}
The following Letters have been arranged for
publication nearly in their original form. In
relating the circumstances of these eventfal cam-
paigns, the Writer has avoided offering any
opinion on the policy of Great Britain in the aid
afforded to the Peninsula, and the manner in
which that aid has been applied. These pages
will be found to contain, simply, a soldier's jour-
nal of the operations he has witnessed, of the
marches he has performed, interspersed with oc-
casional remarks on the manners and customs,
and the local scenery of countries, which from
the difficulties of travelling are less known than
the rest of the continent. He is aware that
many of his observations will not have even the
recommendation of novelty, but where he may
appear diffuse in his description of subjects not
of a military nature, he relies on the indulgence
of his readers.
1
iv
INTRODUCTION.
The marches of the army have only been gene-
rally touched upon, the Writer confining himself
principally to the route of the 1st division, and
sometimes only to that of the battalion in which
he served; but he has not omitted to detail occa-
sionally, the movements of the whole, where he
has had an opportunity of doing so with accuracy.
•
In a narrative of this nature, the Writer has
denied himself the gratification of expatiating
upon the well known gallantry of British troops,
and the skill and military talents of the leaders
under whom they fought. Their merits will be best
appreciated in the hearts of a grateful country;
and the historian when recording in his brightest
page the BATTLE of TALAVERA, will not fail
to transmit to an admiring posterity, a faithful
detail of the splendid atchievements and deeds of
noble prowess displayed by the warriors of Britain
throughout every trying hour of that memorable
day!
[
I
F
CONTENTS.
1
LETTER I.
The Expedition Sails from Portsmouth.-Separated in a Gale
of Wind, re-assembles at Cork.-Refused permission to
dis-embark at Cadiz.-Arrival in the Tagus
LETTER II.
Short Account of Lisbon.-The Churches, Aqueduct, &c.
Reported situation of the French Armies under Marshals
Soult and Victor
Page
1
LETTER III.
The Guards March to Saccavem.-Sir John Craddock moves
his Head-quarters to Lumiar.-Account received of Mar-
shal Soult having taken Oporto.-Marshal Beresford sets
out for Thomar
LETTER IV.
Continue their March through Alhandra, Carregada, and Al-
coentre to Riomayor.-Description of the Country on the
Route
LETTER V.
Convent of St. Dominick at Batalha Leyria.-Sir John Crad-
dock takes leave of the Army.-Bishop's Palace, &c.
ล
:
-
14
12
21
vi
CONTENTS.
LETTER VI.
Page
The Army assembles at Coimbra.-Description of that City.-
Camoens.-Monastery of Santa Cruz, and Nunnery of St.
Clare. Sir A. Wellesley takes the Command of the Army 24
LETTER VII.
Position of the French.-M. Beresford proceeds to Vizeu with
Major-General Tilson's Brigade.-Staff of the Army and
Line of Battle
-
28
•
35
LETTER VIII.
First movements of the British. Arrival of the Guards at
Villanova da Porto.-Passage of the Douro.-Oporto taken
and Retreat of the French Army
LETTER IX.
Pursuit of the Enemy to the Borders of Gallicia.-Affair of
Salamonde.-Conduct of the Peasantry
LETTER X.
J
Return to Oporto.-City of Braga.-Cruelty of the French
on their Entrance into Oporto.-Traits of National Cha-
racter
LETTER XI.
44
J
50
March of the British to the South of Portugal.-Monastery of
Grijon, Pinheiro, Albegaria Velha, and Adega. Halt at
Coimbra.
LETTER XII.
55
Through Condiexa and Pombal to Leyria Ourem.-City of
Thomar,-Arrive at Punhete.-Reflections on the Campaign 57
(
CONTENTS.
vii
LETTER XIII.
Advance of the British into Spain.-The Guards march to
Castel Branco, through Abrantes, Cortiçada, Sobriera
Formosa, and Sazedas
LETTER XIV.
*
Page
62
The British enter Spain at Zarza Major, and arrive at
Placentia, where the whole of the Army is concentrated
LETTER XV.
The British form a Junction with Cuesta's Army, and arrive
at Talavera de la Reyna.-Position of the French, and Plan
of the intended Attack
LETTER XVI.
The Combined Army moves from the Wood of Olives,
to the Banks of the Alberche.-Retreat of Marshal
Victor.-British Out-posts at Caselegas.-The Spaniards
occupy Santa Olalla.
LETTER XVII.
- 66
Battle of Talavera.--Positions of the Respective Armies.
The Enemy foiled in his repeated Attempts to turn the
left of the British makes a Grand Attack upon the right
and centre.-General Sherbrooke's Division advances to
the charge with bayonets.-The Brigade of Guards having
advanced too far under a heavy fire, sustain a considerable
loss, and retire, covered by the first battalion of the 48th
Regiment, The French retreat during the night.-On the
following morning General Robert Crawford's Brigade of
Light Infantry arrived
72
78
82
1
$
1
viii
CONTENTS.
LETTER XVIII.
Information received from a French Officer taken pri-
soner.-Report of Marshal Soult advancing on Pla-
centia
Page
94
LETTER XIX.
Retreat of the Combined Army, to the South Bank of the
Tagus. Particulars of the March.-Cuesta resigns hist
Command.-The British Prisoners of War treated with
great humanity by Marshal Mortier
LETTER XX.
Truxillo.-Tomb of Pizarro, &c.
LETTER XXI.
Route of the British to Merida. Short account of the
Roman Antiquities in that City
-
LETTER XXII.
The 1st division of the British encamp on the Banks of
the Guadiana.-Positions of the French
LETTER XXIII.
The Guards go into Cantonments in Badajos.-Lieutenant-
General Sherbrooke receives the Order of the Bath.-
Viscount Wellington's Gala
LETTER XXIV.
99
108
110
116
- 119
Birth-day of Ferdinand VII.-The public Promenade of
Badajos. Tertullia.-Remarks.-Situation of the French
Corps
121
CONTENTS.
ix
Page
126
LETTER XXV.
Escape of two British Officers from Madrid, &c.
LETTER XXVI.
if
Remarks on some of the leading features of the Campaign.-
In consequence of the Army of La Mancha under General
Arriesaga being defeated, the British break up from Spain.-
Route of the 1st Division.-The Guards at the Head of
the Column reach Abrantes, passing through the following
places on their march:-Elvas, Barbacena, Montforte,
Portalegre, Gafete and Gavio.-Sick left at Abrantes
LETTER XXVII.;
March of the Guards to Leyria, &c.
LETTER XXVIII.
{
The Guards arrive at Vizeu.-Short Account of that ancient
City
LETTER XXIX.
128
140
142
The British Army in Winter Quarters.-Marshal Ney sum-
mons Ciudad Rodrigo, and Victor overrunning the Province
of Andalusia suddenly appears before Cadiz, to which
place the Honourable General W. Stewart was dispatched
from Lisbon, with a Brigade of Infantry.-Skirmish at the
Out-posts
-
149
LETTER XXX.
Description of the Country round Vizeu.-Festival of St.
Josephine
- 154
J
CONTENTS.
LETTER XXXI.
Situation of the French Corps-Remarks on the War in the
Peninsula.-General Robert Crawford throws himself into
Fort Conception
LETTER XXXII.
Page
-
· 157
The French are making Preparations for the Siege of Ciu-
dad Rodrigo, &c.
LETTER XXXIII.
- 160
The British move up to the frontiers.-Head-quarters at Ce-
lerico.-Marshal Beresford at Fornos.-Astorga surrenders
to Junot.-Massena arrives at Salamanca.-City of Guarda 163
LETTER XXXIV.
Ciudad Rodrigo besieged and taken after a most gallant de-
fence. The British out-posts withdrawn to Val de Lamula,
&c.
-
· 169
LETTER XXXV.
General Crawford retires over the Coa, after a smart affair
with a greatly superior force of the Enemy.-General Hill's
Division crosses the Tagus.-Regnier arrives at Castel
Branco. Movements of the British.-A party of Officers
visit the Estrella
LETTER XXXVI.
Almeida taken, and Retreat of the British
LETTER XXXVII.
The combined Army takes up a position on the right Bank
of the Mondego.-Battle of Busaco.
- 172
- 179
- 183
CONTENTS.
xi
LETTER XXXVIII.
The Combined Army retires to the entrenched Position,
in the vicinity of Lisbon, &c.
LETTER XXXIX.
Retreat of the French.-The British in pursuit, arrive
before Sautarem, where General R. Crawford is left to
watch the Enemy, &c.
Page
-
· 195
· 205
LETTER XL.
The French after retiring from before the fortified position in
the vicinity of the Capital, are cantoned during the Winter
Months in Santarem, Thomar, &c.-Death of the Marquis
of Romana.-Sketch of his Character, &c.
LETTER XLI.
Retreat of Massena from Santarem, and advance of the Bri-
tish.-Operations during the Pursuit, which is continued
until the whole of the Army of Portugal cross the Agueda,
leaving Almeida to its fate.-French barbarity
LETTER XLII.
-
Massena having collected the whole of the Troops in the
North of Spain, makes an attempt to relieve Almeida.—
Battle of Fuentes de Honor.-Almeida abandoned by the
Garrison
212
- 221
- 242
LETTER XLIII.
Operations of Marshal Sir William Beresford on the Guadiana.
- Battle of Albuera.-General Lumley's brilliant Affair
with the French Cavalry at Usagre.-The Siege of Badajos
raised a second time.-The whole of the Allied Army in
XII
CONTENTS.
$
Page
the Alentejo.-Lord Wellington in the beginning of August,
recrosses the Tagus, and invests Ciudad Rodrigo, into
which, Marmont throws supplies on the 24th of September,
and advances over the Aqueda.-The Allied Army takes
up a Position in Front of the Coa--Marmont retires
LETTER XLIV.
-
General remarks on the successful Campaign of 1811.—Ob-
servations respecting the Spanish Guerillas, &c.
252
195
I
A NARRATIVE,
&c. &c.
}
LETTER I.
The Expedition sails from Portsmouth.-Separated in a
Gale of Wind; reassembles at Cork.-Refused Permis-
sion to disembark at Cadiz.-Arrival in the Tagus.
On Board the Queen Transport,
Off Lisbon, March 12, 1810.
THE Expedition embarked at Spithead,
under the orders of Major-General Sherbrooke,
which had been detained for some days by
contrary winds, sailed per signal in a fresh
gale at N.E. about noon, on Sunday, the
15th of January, 1809, under the protection
of the Niobe frigate and Isis of 50 guns.
At 4 P. M. the fleet anchored for the night in
Cowes Roads; and at day-break on the fol-
lowing morning, weighed and stood through
the Needles with a leading wind.-The mas-
ters of the transports went on board the
B
01
Niobe for instructions at noon; when they
were informed, that the object of the expedi-
tion being of the greatest national import-
ance, all possible sail was constantly to be
carried during the day. Before dusk, the
fleet was off Portland. Next day, while
standing down Channel, the Niobe made the
signal for Cadiz.
From this time the convoy met with baf-
fling winds and squally weather until the
morning of the 30th, when the whole were
dispersed in a tremenduous gale of wind;
after which some of the transports bore im-
mediately up for Cork, the appointed ren-
dezvous.
On the 25th of February, the whole of the
missing ships having previously joined, the
fleet again weighed, and stood out of the
Cove with a light and favourable breeze,
which at sun-set had carried them nearly out
of sight of land.
我
​Nothing particular occurred until the 6th
of March; when, continuing the voyage
with a moderate gale, and fair weather, at 9
A. M. the Niobe telegraphed a large frigate
passing through the fleet, and shortly after-
3
嘁
​wards made the signal for seeing the land,-
the rock of Lisbon on the weather bow; and
for each ship to pass within hail. Spoke
the Commodore, who desired a good look-
out to be kept, as the French fleet was at
sea, having sailed from Brest on the 3d in-
stant. A British
A British squadron had been de-
tached in pursuit.-At noon the rock of
Lisbon bore east 4 or 5 leagues: Cape Espi-
chel S. E. 10 or 12 leagues; steering due
south.
By some mismanagement, the Prince George
transport, the head quarters ship of the
Coldstream Guards fell on board His Majes-
ty's ship Isis about 11 o'clock at night. In
the alarm naturally occasioned by such an
event, occurring too at so late an hour, from
which the most fatal consequences were to
be apprehended, several of the officers and
men jumped on board the Isis; but Ensign
Long failed in the attempt, and was unfor-
tunately drowned. The transport soon after
got clear of His Majesty's ship, with the loss
of her mizen-mast.
At midnight the fleet hauled round Cape
St. Vincent. On the following morning Cape
B 2
4
St. Mary bore N. E. by E. at the distance of
7 or 8 leagues. The Niobe under a press of
sail a-head. At 10 P. M. shortened sail, the
Commodore having hove to.
At 2 A. M. on the 8th instant saw the
lights of Cadiz. At dawn of day the city
appeared right a-head, about 5 leagues dis-
tant. The fleet ran along the shore, having
a beautiful view of the Carraccas, the Isle of
Lion, and the inner harbour, in which lay
the Spanish men of war and the French
prizes. In the distance appeared the lofty
mountains of Modina Sidonia. A British
squadron, one ship bearing the flag of Rear-
Admiral Purvis, lay at anchor in the outer
harbour.
At half-past 2 P. M. a lugger from the
Admiral spoke the Niobe; immediately after
which the signal was made to rendezvous in
the Tagus. At this time the ships were close
in with the city, and the inhabitants were
distinctly observed enjoying the sea breeze on
the tops of their houses, which are all flat-
roofed, in the form of a terrace.
Cadiz, seated in the extremity of a penin¬
sula, appeared a well-built handsome city,
1
!
5
with several magnificent edifices.—Our great
necessary of life is wanting; namely, fresh
water, which is brought in boats at a consi-
derable expense across the bay from Port St.
Mary's. The harbour is formed by Fort St.
Sebastian on the south, and the town of Rota
on the north. The entrance is strongly for-
tified; and, indeed, every assailable point is
protected by heavy batteries. The river Gu-
adalette, the fabled Lethé of the ancients,
falls into the bay of Cadiz.
The master of a transport which had en-
tered the harbour, and was boarded by a
boat from the British fleet, was informed that
a division of troops, under the command of
Major-General Mackenzie, after remaining
at Cadiz for upwards of a month, without
being permitted to land, sailed on the pre-
ceding day for Lisbon. This intelligence oc-
casioned various surmises; as the conduct of
the Spaniards, in refusing to admit an English
force into Cadiz, could not be reconciled
with what had been previously and industri-
ously proclaimed respecting the disposition
of this nation towards Great Britain.
The wind continuing favourable, at day-
ነ
6
}
light yesterday the fleet arrived off the mouth
of the Tagus. About 8 o'clock, the Portu-
gueze pilots came on board, and took charge
of the ships. Nothing can be conceived
more delightful than the view of Lisbon in
sailing up the river. The day was remark-
ably fine; and, as the fleet advanced, every
object, so late in possession of the enemy,
forcibly engaged the attention of the British
troops. At the bottom of the mountain,
which is called the Rock of Lisbon, stands.
the small town of Cascaes; beyond that, the
convent of St. Antonio, beautifully situated
close to the beach, under the shelter of a fine
grove of pines. Half a mile to the eastward is
Fort St. Antonio; and two miles higher up,
Fort St. Julian; which, in conjunction with
the Bugio, a circular battery of two tiers of
cannon on the opposite side of the channel,
protects the entrance of the Tagus, and cer-
tainly presents a most formidable obstacle to
the passage of a hostile fleet. About two
leagues above Fort St. Julian, stands the an-
cient Moorish Castle of Belem; to the west-
word of which, and immediately adjoining,
a large half-moon battery has recently been
7
constructed. Several smaller forts line the
north bank of the river, but the whole are
commanded by superior eminences, conse-
quently untenable on the land side. At 5
P.M. the fleet anchored a little above Belem
Castle, and opposite to the convent, one of
the few edifices of note which were not over-
thrown in the memorable earthquake of 1755,
at which time nearly the whole of Lisbon
was destroyed. On this melancholy occasion
several thousands of the wretched inhabi-
tants sought shelter, and were received within
its consecrated walls. This noble Gothic
pile was erected on the spot where the daring
Vasco de Gama received the benediction of
the Patriarch of Lisbon, before he embarked
on his voyage of discovery.
8
1
LETTER II.
Short Account of Lisbon.-The Churches, Aqueduct, &c.-
Reported Situation of the French Armies, under Marshals
Soult and Victor.
;
Lisbon, March 16, 1809.
MAJOR-GENERAL SHERBROOKE having
previously issued orders, that the troops
should adopt a conciliating mode of conduct
towards the Portuguese nation in general, and
pay particular respect to the religious cere-
monies of the country; on the morning of
the 13th instant, his division disembarked.
The second brigade of Guards, under the
command of Brigadier-General H. F. Camp-
bell, occupied the barracks at Belem. The
officers were quartered upon the inhabitants,
who in general evinced the utmost civility
and attention to their accommodation. Ma-
jor-General Tilson's brigade, consisting of the
2d batallion of the 87th regiment, and 1st of
the 88th, was quartered in Lisbon, and form-
ed the garrison of the capital.
Lisbon is adorned with several handsome
streets and squares, particularly the Real
•
9
سلام
Praça de Commercio, where is an equestrian
statue in bronze of Joseph the 1st.; but the
general appearance of this metropolis cannot
fail to disgust a stranger, owing to the ex-
treme filth which meets the eye in every part,
and is unpardonable, as its situation on the
banks of a noble river, from which Lisbon
derives more important commercial advanta-
ges than any other capital in Europe, London
excepted, affords the utmost facility for keep-
ing the streets perfectly clean.
The city is of great extent, reaching from
below Belem, to which it is joined by a con-
tinuation of buildings to Marivala, along the
beach, a distance of nearly seven miles, but
the breadth is irregular, owing to the high
grounds which rise up in almost every direc-
tion from the banks of the Tagus. The prin-
cipal street is called the Rua Augusta, ad-
joining the grand square of the Roscio, in
which the Palace of the Inquisition, now oc-
cupied by the Regency, is situated. Near
this are the theatres of the Salitre and Rua
das Condes. There are no public buildings
of sufficient consequence to merit attention,
excepting the churches, the generality of
2
10
which are decorated in a most splendid style.
And although it may be from motives of po-
licy that so much splendour is exhibited in
their religious edifices, as it must have a
powerful effect on the minds of the ignorant
and bigotted, yet to adorn the temples of God
with all possible magnificence, seems to be
but paying a proper homage to the Deity.
www
The Estrella convent, which was built by
the present Queen, and the churches of St.
Domingo, St. Francis, and St. Roque, are
pointed out to strangers as particularly deser-
ving of notice. In the latter is the celebrated
chapel of St. John the Baptist, made entire-
ly at Rome, by order of King John the Fifth,
of exquisite workmanship, and embellished
with the most beautiful paintings, in mosaic.
The frontispiece of silver chased ornaments,
had been taken down, and packed up to
send to Paris, by order of Junôt.
Excepting the old castle, Lisbon has no
other means of defence; works however,
might be crected on the hills, forming the
environs of the city, which would consider-
ably retard the approach of a hostile army,
11
but nothing of the kind has as yet been at-
tempted.
At a short distance from the city, is the
noble Aqueduct thrown across the vale of
Alcantara, which supplies the whole of Lis-
bon with the waters of the Pusilippo. This
princely specimen of modern architecture is
above a mile in length, and is supported on
seventy fine grand arches, the centre and
principal one being upwards of 200 feet in
height, from the bed of a small river which
runs under it. Its amazing strength enabled
it to resist the effects of the great earthquake
on the 1st of November, 1755.
There are several good taverns in Lisbon;
the Golden Lion, La Tour's, Barnwell's,
charmingly situated at Buenos Ayres, &c.
This being Lent, the theatres and opera are
shut, which is the less to be regretted, parti-
cularly the opera, as since the departure of
Catalani, Vestris, and Angiolini, the Italian
theatre no longer enjoys its former reputation.
At Belem are the royal gardens, which,
although magnificent, are in too formal a
style to please an English taste. A few rare
12
birds remain in the aviary, but the menage-
rie was completely emptied by Junôt.
The royal-museum still contains a great
number of natural curiosities, although a
considerable quantity had been carried off
by the French, and many rare productions
wantonly destroyed.
Among other objects of attraction in the
beautiful environs of Lisbon, is the palace of
Queluz, a league from the capital, on the
road to Cintra, which place, from the salu-
brity of its air, is esteemed the Montpelier of
Portugal. The surrounding country, compri-
sing the rugged mountain, with the convent
of Pina, is highly picturesque, and the blue
waves of the Atlantic ocean, terminating the
prospect on the west, impart a character of
sublimity and grandeur to the varied and ro-
mantic scenery.
Two leagues from hence, and seven from
Lisbon, stands the abbey of Mafra, cele-
brated for its fine gardens and extensive li-
brary. Here the court were accustomed an-
nually to spend a few weeks in solitude.
One league beyond, is Torres Vedras, the
Turres Veteres of the Romans.
13
A stranger is particularly struck by the
apparent devotion of the people in the streets,
who on hearing a bell announce the approach
of the host, drop on their knees, and remain
in that position, however unfavourable the
weather, saying their prayers and crossing
themselves until it has passed. The several
town guards are turned out and present arms,
and the officers and soldiers of the British
army, halt and take off their hats, in con-
formity with the orders issued to that effect.
At present little is known here respecting
the movements of the French, except that
they threaten the northern and eastern fron-
tiers of the kingdom. The Portuguese seem
to be in a state of apathy, and are apparent-
ly taking no measures for the defence of their
country; but it is to be hoped, they will be
roused from this inactivity should the enemy
actually make an irruption into Portugal.
}
1
14
LETTER III.
The Guards march to Saccavem.-Sir John Craddock
moves his Head Quarters to Lumiar.-Account received
of Marshal Soult having taken Oporto.-Marshal Beresford
sets out for Thomar.
Saccavem, March 30, 1809.
A PARTIAL change has taken place in the
quarters of the army.
On the 18th instant, the guards marched
into Lisbon, and were received by Lieut.
General Sir John Craddock, commander of
the forces. Two days afterwards the brigade
commenced its route along the north bank
of the Tagus. The Coldstream occupied the
town of Saccavem, and the 3d regiment halt-
ed about noon at Olivias, a small but beauti-
ful village surrounded with groves of olives
and vineyards, two miles in the rear.
On the 22d, the 3d guards advanced, and
took up a strong position; the town of Sac-
cavem, about a mile to the right, and a small
river running through a deep valley in its
course to the Tagus, in their immediate front.
The left of the battalion extended to the vil-
15
7
lage of Unhos, a distance of two miles. The
walks in the vicinity are delightful, and the
hedges, in which grow spontaneously the
Indian fig, the myrtle, and the orange, impart
a most grateful fragrance to the air.
The commander of the forces has removed
his head quarters to Lumiar, and the several
brigades of infantry are drawn in a cordon
round the capital; the left of the whole being
at Alcantara.
General Beresford, who has been honour-
ed with the rank of marshal, by the Regency,
is about to proceed with a numerous staff to
Thomar, in order to organize the new levies
assembling in that city.
The intelligence of M. Soult, with an army
of twenty-four thousand men having taken
Oporto, creates a considerable sensation. A
number of the inhabitants of that city and
neighbourhood, on hearing the approach of
the enemy, quitted it, and have arrived in
Lisbon. Among others, the venerable Arch-
bishop of Braga and suite. The reports of
the enormities committed by the French on
gaining possession of Oporto, almost exceed
16
*
belief; but they are unhappily too well au-
thenticated.
Every exertion is making in the several
departments to enable the army to commence
active operations. In a few days it is ex-
pected the troops will leave their present po-
sition, and take up another in advance.
17
'
LETTER IV.
Continue their March through Alhandra, Carregada and
Alcoentre, "to Riomayor.-Description of the Country
on the Route.
Riomayor, April 17, 1809.
THE campaign may now be said to have
commenced, and thus far have the British
advanced into the heart of Portugal.
On the morning of the 9th instant, the
army was put in motion. The brigade of
Guards marched to Alhandra, three Portuguese
leagues or twelve miles, and arrived about
one o'clock. The baggage was carried on
mules, no wheel-carriages being allowed in the
line of march but to general officers. Alhan-
dra is delightfully situated at the base of a
range of hills cloathed with vineyards.
On the following day the Guards resumed
their march about nine o'clock, and soon af-
ter mid-day went into cantonments. The
Coldstream and light infantry at Villa Nova
da Rainha, the 3d regiment at Carregada. The
route was through the towns of Villa Franca
C
18
1
•
da Xira and Castanheira, situated on the
banks of the Tagus.
Next day, General Alexander Campbell's
brigade consisting of the second battalions of
the 7th and 53d regiments arrived at Castan-
heira.
After a halt of three days, the division ad-
vanced at day-break on the 14th to Alcaentre,
a small town, nearly four leagues from Carre-
gada. Soon after leaving the latter place, the
smiling fertile plains of Lower Estremadura
were succeeded by a bleak and partially culti-
vated district, where nothing relieved the eye
for many miles but a few scattered cork and
pine trees. In some parts of this dreary region
wooden crosses were erected to mark the spot
where murder had been committed, and these
sad memorials of human depravity are but
too frequent throughout this kingdom.
{
The dust on this day's march was particu-
larly troublesome. At one the brigade halted.
Part of the 3d regiment was quartered in the
Chateau of the Condé de Lumiar, a large
and once magnificent pile, but now aban-
doned to the care of a few domestics, and
scarcely habitable. The grounds, although
19
quite neglected, are still beautiful; and the
situation of the castle embosomed in trees,
was rendered peculiarly striking from its
bursting unexpectedly upon the view, after
a long march over a sandy tract of country.
The next morning at daylight the Guards
proceeded on their route, and at the end of
three leagues reached this place. The coun-
try at first bore a similar feature to that
through which they had marched the prece-
ding day, when within a league of the town
the road led through a deep and extensive
forest of pines intermixed with the olive.
General Alexander Campbell's brigade
marched into quarters here about an hour
afterwards.
Riomayor is an inconsiderable town on the
banks of a small river, which, taking a south-
erly direction falls into the Tagus below San-
tarem.
At the distance of three miles is a cavern
in a romantic glen, in which several families
had taken refuge on the first entrance of the
French into Portugal. There is nothing re-
markable in the appearance of the cavern,
but the surrounding scenery is inexpressibly
c 2
20
beautiful, and adorned by some very fine
cork trees, several of which measured up-
wards of twenty feet in circumference.
Sir John Craddock with the principal part
of the army has arrived at Caldas, five
leagues on the left.
?
1
21
LETTER V.
Convent of St. Dominick at Batalha.-Leyria.—Sir John
Craddock takes leave of the Army.-Bishop's Palace, &c.
Leyria, April 26, 1809.
Ar four on the morning of the 21st in-
stant, the general beat; and exactly at five,
the column moved off on the road leading to
Oporto. This day's march was long and fa-
tiguing; about seven leagues or twenty-eight
miles,—the road one of the best in Portugal,
made by order of the Marquis of Pombal.
No water was to be procured on the march;
but of this the troops had been previously
informed. The Guards arrived at Batalha
about five o'clock, and nearly the whole were
quartered in the ancient Convent of St. Do-
minick. At six, an excellent dinner was
served up to the officers in the refectory: the
Prior himself, with several of the monks, at-
tended during the repast. After dinner, they
were conducted to see the body of John the
Second, which was still in tolerable preserva-
tion, although the monarch had been dead
22
upwards of three hundred years. The archi-
tecture of the Convent excited universal ad-
miration: a beautiful corridor run round each
story; and it is perhaps the most magnificent
specimen of the Arabesque remaining in
Europe, with the exception of the palace of
the Alhambra at Grenada.
Next morning, at an early hour, the offi-
cers took leave of the hospitable brethren of
St. Dominick; and after a march of two short
leagues, the brigade arrived at Leyria about
eight o'clock.
This city, seated in a fertile valley, watered
by the small river Leyes, is the sce of a bishop.
Its first appearance is particularly impressive.
On a high isolated rock stands the ruins of an
old castle, proudly overlooking the city, and
forming a remarkable contrast with the bi-
shop's palace, a handsome modern building
immediately below. Nearly adjoining is the
cathedral, which has nothing striking in its
exterior appearance, but is richly decorated
within. In the palace are a few pictures, but
none of any merit. The principal suite of
apartments opened to a terrace, commanding
rich and beautiful views of this picturesque
country.
23
Considerable anxiety is now felt respecting
the future operations, and a variety of opinions
and reports are in circulation. By some, it
is supposed, that the army will remain quietly
in Leyria, covering the capital; while others
conjecture, that it is intended to advance in
the course of a few days to attack Marshal
Soult in Oporto; although, the situation of
Victor's army, on the right flank, but on the
opposite side of the Tagus, seems to present
an obstacle to a further advance in that di-
rection.
Yesterday, Sir John Craddock set off for
Lisbon on his way to Gibraltar, of which
fortress he has been appointed Lieutenant-
Governor. His Excellency, in general or-
ders, expressed his entire approbation of the
conduct of the troops in the trying situation
in which they were placed; and his deep re-
gret, at being removed from the command
of this gallant army at a crisis of such im-
portance, which it was not in the power of
any consideration to alleviate.
24
}
LETTER VI.
The Army assembles at Coimbra.-Description of that
City. Camoens.-Monastery of Santa Cruz and Nun-
nery of St. Clare.-Sir Arthur Wellesley takes the Com-
mand of the Army.
Coimbra, May 3, 1809.
THE whole of the army, with the exception
of Major-General Mackenzie's brigade, which
had been detached to the right, was assem-
bled in Coimbra about the beginning of May.
Soon after morning parade on the 29th of
April, a sudden order was issued for the army
to advance; and, by noon, the Guards, with
General Richard Stewart's brigade, moved
off on the road to Oporto in a heavy fall of
rain. After a march of four leagues, about
seven in the evening the column halted in the
town of Pombal, which possessed nothing
remarkable but a fine old castle in a com-
manding situation. Next day, the troops
reached Condeixa about two o'clock; distance
five leagues.
At day-break, on the 1st of May, the di-
vision resumed its march; and soon after mid-
25
day, arrived at Coimbra. From the summit
of a hill, on gaining which, the first view is
caught of the city, the road led by a winding
direction for above a mile through a wood of
olives to the bridge over the Mondego; on
the northern bank of which Coimbra is situ-
ated. The appearance of the British troops
was hailed by the inhabitants with the most
lively demonstrations of joy.
This is the seat of learning; for Coimbra
contains the only university in Portugal.
Here Camoens, the pride and boast of his
country, received his education; and on the
banks of the Mondego, he first wooed the
Muse, and composed several of his most ad-
mired sonnets. The vale, through which this
river glides, is of great extent and beauty,
and might well be supposed to have excited
the most sublime ideas in the bosom of the au-
thor of the Lusiad. Of his attachment to Co-
imbra, Camoens gives numerous proofs in his
writings. With peculiar delight, the poet fre-
quently recurs to a description of the roman-
tic scenery amidst which in early youth he
sought recreation from his literary pursuits.
The several classes are held in the college
26
of St. Paul's, which had been the Royal resi-
dence before the seat of government was re-
moved to Lisbon. The number of students is
usually about a thousand; but the whole are
at present dispersed, in consequence of the
critical situation of the country. A few re-
mained in Coimbra; and about three hundred
are formed into an armed association, called
the Academic corps, commanded by Lieut.-
Colonel Trant.
The library of this College is very extensive,
and fitted-up in an elegant style. From the
top of a high tower, to which the ascent is
by a narrow winding staircase, a fine view is
obtained of the surrounding country, and the
course of the Mondego, until it falls into the
vast Atlantic.
Yesterday, about two o'clock, the arrival
of Sir Arthur Wellesley was announced by
the firing of rockets; and the bells of the dif-
ferent churches immediately commenced a
peal of joy. Surrounded by a numerous staff,
the commander of the forces rode to his quar-
ters amidst the acclamations of the people, who
testified the highest delight on beholding the
hero of Vimeira. At night, the city was brilli-
antly illuminated in honour of His Excellency.
27
The monastery of Santa Cruz, where Head
Quarters were established, is inhabited by
monks of the rich order of St. Augustine. As
a particular favour, the British officers were
allowed to see the sanctuary, into which few
strangers are ever admitted. Here, the intel-
ligent French. Abbé St. Croix, who had emi-
grated from his native country at an early
period of the revolution, had taken refuge.
-
On the south bank of the Mondego, and
immediately opposite to the city, stands the
magnificent convent of St. Clare. The nuns,
who are of the first families in Portugal, were
much pleased with the visits of the British
officers at the grate, and sought to amuse
them by the spontaneous exertion of their
talents in singing and music. Several of them
were handsome, and would be thought so
even in England. The peculiarity of their
dress was certainly unfavourable to the display
of their personal charms, and formed a re-
markable contrast with the naïveté of their
manners.
28
1
LETTER VII.
Position of the French.-Marshal Beresford proceeds to
Vizeu with Major-General Tilson's Brigade.-Staff of
the Army and Line of Battle.
Coimbra, May 7, 1809.
THE position of the enemy, against whom
it was generally supposed the British were
destined to act in the first instance, was un-
derstood to be as follows: Marshal Soult with
the main-body of his army, is in Oporto; and
his advanced guard, composed of cavalry,
under the command of General Franceschi, on
the north side of the Vouga. The total num-
ber of the French is stated at 24,000; but this
force is very much scattered at present, as
they occupy Viana on the Lima river, and
Valence and Tuy on the Minho. The latter
is an important post, being the ferry which
communicates with Gallicia; and they have
moved all the boats on the Minho, as well as
those which belong to Viana, to this point.
Victor's army is in the neighbourhood of
Badajos, but not advancing. Major General
Mackenzie's brigade is stationed at Abrantes;
29
t
the Lusitanian legion under Colonel Mayne
as a corps of observation at Alcantara; and
the principal part of the Portuguese army has
been collected in the valley of the Tagus:
There are gun boats moored in the river as
high up as Azambujo, manned by thorough
bred seamen, volunteers from the transports ;
and this little naval force has some long guns
on the shore attached to it. The engineers
have ascertained that Lisbon can be bom-
barded from the opposite heights, for which
purpose the enemy may probably move a
corps through the Alemtejo on the peninsula
betwixt the Tagus and St. Ubes.
Colonel Trant with about two thousand
Portuguese is in front on the banks of the
Vouga, keeping a vigilant watch on the move-
ments of the French, and Sir Robert Wilson
is also on the river, commanding the advan-
ced corps of Brigadier General Barcellar's
division of the Portuguese army which is sta-
tioned at Vizeu.
Several battalions of Portuguese infantry
are already united with the British brigades.
Marshal Beresford, who came to Coimbra on
the arrival of Sir Arthur Wellesley, moved
30
forward on the morning of the 5th instant,with
Major General Tilson, and the division of
troops on the road to Lamego. Yesterday Sir
Arthur Wellesley reviewed his army on the
extensive plain below the city.
The following is a list of the staff of this
army, and the order of the line of battle as
given out in general orders:
Lieut. Gen. the Rt. H. Sir A. Wellesley, K.B.
Commander of the Forces.
Lieut. Col. Bathurst, Military Secretary.
Captains The Hon. Fitzroy Stanhope; Lord
Fitzroy Somerset; George Bouverie; and
C. F. Canning, Aides de Camp.
Major GeneralsSherbrooke; Payne;
Lord William Bentinck; and the Honorable
E. Paget, with the local rank of Lieutenant
Generals during the continuance of this
service.
Major Generals-Cotton; Hill; Murray;
Erskine; Mackenzie, and Tilson.
Brigadier Generals—A. Campbell; H. F.
Campbell; R. Stewart; Cameron; Fane;
Drieberg; and Langworth.
31
C
Colonel Donkin, Colonel on the Staff.
Adjutant Generals' Department.
Brigadier General the Hon. C. Stewart; Ad-
jutant General, Lieut. Colonels Darrock, 36
regiment; Lord Aylmer, Coldstream; Ed-
wards, Heimber, 68th regiment; Elley, Horse
Guards; Majors Tidy, 14th regiment; Wil-
liamson, 30th; Berkeley, and C. Campbell.
Assistant Adjutant Generals.
Captains Cotton; Elliot; Dashwood; Graham;
Cockburn; Mellish; and During,
Deputy Assistant Adjutant Generals.
Quarter-Master Generals' Department.
Col. Murray, 3d Guards, Quart. Mast. Gen.
Lieut. Col. Delancey, Dep. Quart. Mast. Gen.
Lieutenant Colonels Bathurst; Bourke;
Majors Blaquiere and Northey,
Assistant Quarter-Master Generals.
Captains Mercer; Sutton; Langton; Kelly;
Heverfield; Scovil; Waller; and Beresford;
Deputy Assistant Quarter-Master Generals.
32
A
The army is brigaded, and will stand in
line as follows: viz.
CAVALRY.
Lieut. Gen. Payne and Major-Gen. Cotton.
14th Light Dragoons
20th
ditto
3d K.'s Ger. Lt. Hussars
16th Light Dragoons
Colonel Hawker.
Major Blake.
Lt.Col.Arentschild.
Colonel Anson.
GUARDS.
Brigadier General H. F. Campbell.
1st Battalion Coldstream Lieut. Col. Hulse.
1st Battal. 3d Regiment Hon.Col.Stopford.
1st Company 60th
Captain Haines.
INFANTRY.
1st Brigade, Major-General Hill.
3d or Buffs
Lieut. Col. Muter.
Lieut. Col. Duckworth.
66th Reg. 2d Bat. Major Murray.
48th ditto
60th 1st Company
3d Brigade, Major-General Tilson.
60th 5 companies Major. Woodgate.
33
88th 1st Battalion Major Vandeleur.
1st Battalion Portuguese Grenadiers.
87th 2d Battalion Major Gough.
5th Brigade, Brigadier-General A. Campbell.
7th 2d Battalion Lieut. Col. Sir W. Myers.
53d ditto
Lieut. Col. Bingham.
16th Portuguese, 1st Bat.
60th 1 Company.
Lieut. Col. Oliver.
7th Brigade, Brigadier-General Cameron.
9th Regiment Lieutenant-Colonel Molle.
10th Portuguese, 2d Battalion.
83d Regiment, ditto Lieut. Col. Gordon.
60th 1 Company.
6th Brigade, Brigadier-General R. Stewart.
*Detachments 1st Batal. Lieut. Col. Bunbury.
16th Portuguese Regiment Lieut. Col. Doyle.
29th Regiment Lieut. Col. White.
4th Brigade, Brigadier-General Sontag.
*Detachments 2d Battal. Lieut. Col. Copson.
16th Portuguese.
*The Battalions of Detachments were formed of those
soldiers of Sir John Moore's army who were left sick in Lis-
bon, or fell out from sickness in the march through Portugal
to Salamanca, and the sick and stragglers during the retreat
to Corunna.
D
34
97th Regiment Lieut. Col. Lyon.
60th 1 Company.
2d Brigade, Major-General Mackenzie.
27th Regiment, 3d Bat. Lieut. Col. Maclean.
45th ditto 1st
31st ditto 2d
Lieut. Col. Guard.
Major Watson.
KING'S GERMAN LEGION.
Major-General Murray,
WITH
Brigadier-Generals Drieberg and Langworth.
ROYAL ARTILLERY.
Brigadier-General Howarth.
Lieut. Colonels Framlingham and Robe.
35
Į
T
LETTER VIII.
First Movements of the British.-Arrival of the Guards at
Villa Nova da Porto.-Passage of the Douro.-Oporto
taken, and Retreat of the French Army.
Oporto, May 13, 1811.
AFTER a series of operations, conducted
with the utmost rapidity and attended with
the happiest success, terminated by an at-
chievement second to none recorded in the
page of history, either for boldness of con-
ception or the promptitude with which it was
carried into execution,-Sir Arthur Wellesley,
on the 12th of May, obtained possession of
this important city.
The following is a detail of the movements
of the British from the hour of their leaving
Coimbra, until the auspicious moment, when
Lieutenant-General Paget, with a handful of
men, made good the passage of the Douro
in the face of a formidable enemy.
On the morning of the 8th instant, Lieute-
nant-General Payne, with the brigades of ca-
valry and infantry, under the command of
D 9
.
!
36
Major-Generals Cotton and Hill, marched
from Coimbra, the latter by way of Aviero,
at which place the infantry was to embark for
Ovar, and turn the enemy's right by the road
on the sea-coast.
The first and immediate object of the com-
mander in chief, was to dispossess the enemy
of Oporto; and while the principal force
was employed in the attack upon the main
body of the French in that city, Marshal
Beresford was directed to proceed with his
division by Lamego on the Upper Douro, and
cross the river at that point, for the purpose
of diverting the enemy's attention.
On the following day, the brigade of Guards,
with those of Brigadier-Generals Sontag, A.
Campbell, and Cameron, advanced from Co-
imbra with the whole of the artillery and
stores attached to them. Brigadier-General
Cameron took the road of Aviero; the Guards
halted about three o'clock at Familicoa, and
the other two brigades occupied Malheada
and adjacent villages in the rear.
May the 10th.-The march of the troops
was resumed at day-light; and, at two o'clock,
the head of the column arrived upon the bridge
37
over the Vouga. Generals Payne and Cotton
with the cavalry, and Colonel Trant with the
Portuguese under his command, had passed
the river late on the preceding evening, and
early this morning drove in the advanced
posts of the enemy; who, after making a short
resistance, retreated on the road to Oporto
pursued by the British. The Honourable
Major Lincoln Stanhope was wounded in the
arm by a sabre in charging the enemy with a
squadron of his regiment, the 16th Light
Dragoons. At six o'clock, the Guards halted
in the miserable village of Albegaria Nova,
where the French had converted the dwellings
of the inhabitants into stables.
May the 11th.-Much depending on the
rapidity of movement, the Guards were again
under arms at an early hour; and having
halted to refresh themselves from ten o'clock
until noon in the small town of Penhieros,
about five in the evening they arrived at St.
Antonia de Arifana, the head quarters of the
reserve for the night,-twenty-four miles from
Oporto. The pursuit of the enemy had been
continued by General Payne to a position, the
heights of Grigon, about three leagues from
1
38
#
that city, whence a reinforcement was sent
by Marshal Soult, making their numbers
amount to nearly five thousand men. Upon
this body a spirited attack was made by Bri-
gadier-General R. Stewart, and Major-Gene-
ral Murray, by a well conducted movement
with a brigade of the King's German Legion,
turned the left flank of the enemy; who, in re-
treating, was charged by two squadrons of the
16th and 20th Dragoons under Major Blake,
led on by Brigadier-General the Honourable
C. Stewart, assisted by Lieutenant-Colonel
Delancey, Captain Mellish, and Captain
Dashwood. The advance of the British took
up a position on the hill beyond Carvalhos,
within two short leagues of Oporto.
The brigade of Generals A. Campbell and
Sontag, which halted yesterday in Albeguria
Velha, were this evening quartered in Pen-
heiros.
The faintest tints of dawn appeared in
the horizon as the Guards quitted their can-
tonments yesterday to advance. The intelli-
gence of the preceding evening had led the
troops to expect an immediate meeting with
the enemy; but it was now learnt that he had
39
retired with considerable precipitation during
the night, and destroyed the bridge of boats
across the Douro. The troops continued to
advance, and entered Villa Nova da Porto
about two o'clock, when they had the satisfac-
faction of finding that a part of the army had
already crossed the river in boats, assisted by
the Portuguese, notwithstanding the vigilance
of the French sentries, and were at that mo-
ment engaged with the enemy.
From the Sierra Convent, situated on the
south bank of the Douro, the Commander of
the forces had observed the French retiring to
a height immediately above the city, and, with
the intention of cutting off their rear-guard,
he pushed three companies of the Buffs across
the river, under Lieutenant-General Paget,
who was directed, in the event of being
pressed, to throw himself into a convent, which
the enemy could not approach without being
exposed to a destructive fire from some guns
advantageously placed in the gardens of the
convent. The result happened as Sir Arthur
Wellesley had foreseen.
The enemy's co-
lumns, on observing the movements of the
British, descended from the height to re-enter
ป
40
Oporto; but by this time Major-General
Hill had crossed the Douro with his brigade,
which he was enabled to effect with great ce-
lerity by the unremitting and voluntary ex-
ertions of the Portuguese in navigating the
boats. Nearly at the same moment a squa,
dron of the 14th Light Dragoons, under Ma-
jor Hervey, and two pieces of artillery, were
got over, and Major-General Murray, who
had passed the river, a few miles above, with
a battalion of the King's German Legion,
appeared on the left flank of the enemy, who
found himself compelled to retire, but took
up a more advantageous position, where he
seemed determined to make a stand. The
Guards now received orders to advance, and
were embarked as they reached the Douro,
under the superintendance of Colonel Don-
kin, with the most perfect regularity. Al-
though harrassed by a fatiguing march of
upwards of eighty miles in four days, over a
most difficult country, yet no sooner were
they formed on the opposite shore, than the
whole began to run up the steep streets of
Oporto, and continued their exertions until
the head of the column was ordered to
41
६
halt. In passing along, the brigade was
cheered with repeated shouts of Viva Inglezes,
by the inhabitants, who hailed the British as
their deliverers. The smiles of the young
ladies at the balconies, their white handker-
chiefs waving as the troops approached, and
the prayers of the aged, accompanied with
tears, for their success, formed a most inter-
esting scene. The way was somewhat ob-
structed by the artillery and waggons of am-
munition which the enemy had abandoned
in his retreat. Amid these lay the bodies of
the dead and wounded Frenchmen, already
stripped by the Portuguese, and exhibiting a
most painful sight.
The brigade had only halted a few minutes,
when a considerable number of prisoners,
chiefly wounded, were brought in, and the
enemy, who at first made a shew of main-
taining his position, finding himself pressed
on both flanks, retired in great confusion,
after a spirited charge of the 14th Dragoons
by Major Hervey, towards the hill of Valongo,
about a league in front. There the com-
mander of the forces determined on leaving
him for the night, satisfied with the advan-
42
tages he had already obtained. The French
must have suffered considerably in the action,
but on the side of the British the loss was tri-
fling, compared with the importance of the
victory they had gained, which in less than
three hours had given them possession of
Oporto, the second city in the kingdom.
After remaining a short time on the ground,
the British marched into quarters, and were
received by the inhabitants in the most hos-
pitable manner.
Marshal Soult was completely surprised in
Oporto, and consequently had made no ar-
rangements for the removal of his sick, of
whom above a thousand were found in the
hospitals. It certainly was in his contempla-
tion to evacuate Portugal, his army having
been considerably diminished by sickness;
but this he meant to put in execution at his
leisure, conceiving himself perfectly secure by
the destruction of the bridge; and Loison
had been detached towards Amarante to op-
pose the progress of Marshal Beresford in that
direction. Nothing could exceed the asto-
nishment and distress of the French Chief, on
being assured that the British were actually
$
43
crossing the Douro, and this bold movement
was equally unexpected on the part of the
Portuguese.
The conduct of Marshal Soult must be
considered as the best eulogium on the me-
rits of this enterprise, as he is universally
acknowledged to be one of the best officers in
Bonaparte's service, and as such, is said to
enjoy a considerable portion of his master's
esteem.
і
1
44
}
LETTER IX.
Pursuit of the Enemy to the Borders of Galicia.-Affair of
Salamonde. Conduct of the Peasantry.
Travessa, on the Northern Frontier of Portugal,
May 19, 1809.
THE exertions of the army for several days
succeeding the capture of Oporto, were unre-
mitting, and of the most fatiguing descrip-
tion.
The bridge over the Davé having been re-
paired, on the 14th instant the 16th Light
Dragoons, the brigade of Guards, and Briga-
dier-General Cameron's, advanced to Villa
Nova de Familicoa, on the road to Braga,
with the intention of cutting off Marshal
Soult's retreat by that direction into Spain.
On the march it was understood that the
commander of the forces had received in-
formation from Marshal Beresford, of his
having defeated General Loison, near the
bridge of Amaranté, and that he was pursu-
ing the fugitives towards Chaves.
Next day the column reached Braga about
45
noon. Marshal Soult had taken up a position
at the distance of a league and a half, and was
supposed to meditate an attempt at pushing
through the city in the night, with a view of
getting into the road to Tuy and Valence. About
two in the morning, the French drove in the
out piquets; but this was merely a feint, as
immediately afterwards they continued their
route towards the frontiers. At four the co-
lumn marched; and although the rain on this
and the two preceding days was nearly inces-
sant, yet the spriits of the troops were kept
up by the hope of overtaking the flying foe.
This hope was partly verified; for about six in
the evening the enemy was discovered by the
advance, posted in the village and adjacent
heights of Salamondé. Lieutenant-Colonel
Fuller of the Coldstream Guards, commenced
the attack with the Light Infantry of the
brigade, which would have been followed up
by the whole division; but on the approach
of night the French fled, after sustaining a
trifling loss. As it continued to rain during
the night, and no cover could be obtained,
the troops were in a most uncomfortable situ-
ation, only to be equalled by that of the de-
46
1
feated enemy. Next morning (the 17th) se-
veral prisoners were taken in the woods, and
a considerable quantity of baggage was
found. It was now discovered that the
French had been enabled to retire by the left,
over a small bridge, which only admitted the
passage of one at a time. The armed pea-
santry had been directed to oppose the ene-
my at this point, but, unfortunately, some
Swiss troops, cloathed in red, under the com-
mand of General Reynaud, being mistaken
for British, were permitted to cross, and by the
dispersion of the Portuguese, the remains of
the rear-guard were enabled to effect their
escape, but many fell over the precipices in
the darkness of the night, and were drowned
in the river Cavedo, which was considerably
swelled by the late rains.
About noon the column moved forward,
and at dusk halted in the village of Ruvaens,
without seeing any thing of the enemy. This
place afforded very indifferent accommoda-
tion, and there was no possibility of bringing
forward wine for the troops, the advance
being much too rapid, and the roads so bad
1
47
as to preclude the carriage over this moun-
tainous district.
On the 18th the army marched at day-
break, and in the course of a few hours the
British found themselves again in the track of
the enemy, who had burnt several villages in
his retreat. A number of men and horses lay
dead in the roads, as the French destroyed
all the animals who, from weakness, were un-
able to proceed, to prevent them from falling
into the hands of the British. At three in
the afternoon the column, consisting of a bri-
gade of Artillery, the 16th Light Dragoons,
the Guards, a brigade of the King's German
Legion, and Brigadier-General Cameron's,
was halted for about an hour within two
leagues of Montalegre, the frontier town of
Portugal. The several corps were then can-
toned in the adjoining villages, which they
found deserted by the inhabitants. Strong
parties of French cavalry had visited them in
the morning, and carried off all the bread and
wine they could find.
This morning the British remained in
their quarters, it being ascertained that M.
Soult had entered Gallicia with the remains
·
•
48
&
of his army. Major-General J. Murray, with
his Aid-de-Camp, witnessed the retreat of the
enemy from
Montalegre; his columns
marched slowly, and appeared to be in great
distress.
It must ever be regretted, that the British
were not enabled to advance immediately
after the action on the 12th at Oporto; when
the enemy, dispirited by his defeat, and as-
tonished at the boldness of Sir Arthur Wel-
lesley's measures, might have been alarmed
into an unconditional surrender. But it was
found impossible to move the ariny forward
without supplies of every description, the ra-
pidity of the advance from Coimbra having
outstripped the most active exertions of the
Commissariat, and the country through which
the troops were destined to pursue the French,
not affording the means of subsistence. Owing
to these circumstances, and the want of pre-
cision in the execntion of some important
orders issued by the commander of the forces,
Marshal Soult, although surrounded with dif
ficulties of no ordinary nature, had the good
fortune to accomplish his escape; but his di-
vision may be considered as completely hors
!
49
de combat for the present, and he has lost the
whole of his artillery and baggage.
In reviewing the events of this short, but
most active campaign, it is impossible not
to feel considerable mortification, that the
vigorous and well concerted measures, which
were adopted for the total annihilation of
the enemy, did not experience a more pros-
perous result.
The behaviour of the Portuguese, who ac-
companied the British in the pursuit of the
enemy, was the natural consequence of the
vengeance and deadly hatred, excited in
their bosoms by the barbarous excesses
which the French had committed; armed with
any sort of weapons they could pick up, the
peasantry hung upon the rear and flanks
of the retreating enemy, and put to death
every straggler from the main body, who was
not so fortunate as to be saved by the ad-
vanced guard. The French have eventually
suffered for the cruelty of their conduct;
every information respecting the movements.
of the British troops having been care-
fully withheld from their knowledge, by
the exasperated Portuguese.
E
*>
1
50
LETTER X.
Return to Oporto.-City of Braga.-Cruelty of the French, on
their entrance into Oporto.-Traits of national character.
Oporto, 27th May, 1809.
The British commenced their descent
from the mountains, on the 20th of May,
and in the afternoon of the 24th, re-entered
Oporto. The weather as they returned to
the south, became daily more mild and fa-
vorable; and in the prospect of getting into
comfortable quarters, the troops seemed to
forget their recent hardships and privations.
The Alpine scenery of the inhospitable
region bordering upon Gallicia and the
Tralos Montes, bore a strong resemblance,
in many places, to the Highlands of Scotland,
but on approaching the environs of Braga,
the face of the country assumed a very dif-
ferent appearance.
9 miles from the city, on the high isolated
rock of Falperra, is seated a small tower,
and chapel, dedicated to our Lady of the
Pillar. This was the position of the French
on the night of the 15th instant, and the
At the distance of 8 or
51
Marshal Duke of Dalmatia, was glad to ac
rept the shelter of a miserable hovel, which
stood by the road side. The towers of a con-
vent rising out of the wood on the brow of
a fine commanding eminence, claimed atten-
tion from its beautiful situation. Braga is
watered by two small streams, the Cavedo
and the Deste.
The country in the vicinity is richly
wooded, and the well cultivated fields already
give promise of an abundant harvest. This
city is the see of an archbishop, who dis
putes the primacy with Toledo. The cathe-
dral is a handsome structure of the Corin-
thian, having been rebuilt in that order of
architecture about a century before. The
original was gothic, of which only one chancel
remains. On the first entrance of the French
into the north of Portugal, the archbishop
directed the sacred symbols of their religion,
to be buried under ground.
The expulsion of the French, from the
handsome city of Oporto, was the signal for
the revival of commerce, and the lively
bustle of the now thronged streets, formed
an agreeable contrast with its appearance,
E 2
· 52
1
1
about a fortnight ago. The cruelty of the
French is spoken of with the utmost detesta-
tion. On their first arrival, the unarmed in-
habitants who happened to be in the streets,
were bayoneted without distinction of age or
sex. Loison is universally execrated by the
Portuguese, as the author of this inhuman
massacre.
The foreign merchants residing in this
city, are particularly hospitable and attentive
to strangers, who would otherwise be much at
a loss; as the higher ranks in Portugal are
little inclined to associate even with each
other. This
This may, in some degree, be ac-
counted for by the extreme indolence, which
forms a prominent feature in the character of
this nation, and is repugnant to the laws of
polished society.
*
The Portuguese are more superstitious than
the inhabitants of any other Catholic coun-
try, and are remarkably fond of all religious
processions and ceremonies. Few houses are
without a private chapel, in which mass is
celebrated at least once a day; hence the in-
credible number of the clergy.
Every family
has a confessor, who not only takes care of
53
their spiritual concerns, but the domestic
arrangements also are often under his con-
troul.
No people in the world are more docile
and submissive to the order of their magis-
trates and superiors; and this ready obe-
dience was found of the greatest consequence,
as facilitating in many instances, the ope-
rations of the campaign.
They are remarkably sober, and seldom
indulge in any excess. The men wrapped
up in long cloaks at all seasons, amuse them-
selves for hours in looking out of the win-
dows, while the women are actively em-
ployed in attending to their household con-
cerns.
In their demeanour towards strangers and
each other, they are extremely courteous,
and it is no uncommon thing to see peasants
conversing with their heads uncovered, in
token of natural respect.
The Portuguese have always been consi-
dered the most jealous nation in the world,
and not without reason; for they keep their
wives in the greatest restraint, which treat-
ment is sure to produce aversion and disgust.
54
In general, the women of this country have
a decent, and most respectable carriage, and
there is nothing in their exterior appearance
to proclaim the least impropriety of conduct;
yet it is well known, they make amends for
the tyranny of their husbands, by occasion-
ally listening, without scruple, to the vows
of a lover.
55
&
LETTER XI.
March of the British to the South of Portugal.-Monastery of
Grijon, Pinhiero, Albegaria Velha, and Adega.-Halt at
Coimbra.
Coimbra, 4th June, 1809.
On the 28th of May, soon after day-
break, the guards marched from Oporto,
and before noon, the 3d regiment halted at
the monastery of Grijon, in a beautiful and
finely wooded situation, about four miles
from the sea, to which there is a gentle
descent. The monks were regular canons
of the rich order of St. Augustine. At their
desire, the provisions were given to the cooks
of the convent, and about 4 o'clock, the
officers sat down to dinner in the Refectory.
The repast was but indifferent, nothing being
added by the good fathers, who, in excuse,
pleaded poverty, and alledged the French
had stript them of every thing.-Next day,
the brigade halted at Pinhieros, 4 leagues-
30th, at Albegaria Velha, 3 leagues-31st,
reached Adega, a small town on the banks
of a beautiful stream. The Coldstream was
1
{
56
quartered in the adjacent village of Sardao.—
On the following day, halted. June the
2d, the guards marched to Malheada, 2
leagues and a half distant from Coimbra,
where they arrived about 10 o'clock yester-
day. The men occupy convents, the officers
are quartered upon the inhabitants, who
received them with kindness and hospitality.
The amiable sisterhood of St. Clare, par-
took in the general satisfaction, at the intel-
ligence of Sir Arthur Wellesley's successful
operations against the enemy in the north
of Portugal, as they had felt considerable
alarm on the first arrival of the French, for
the safety of their peaceful and splendid
establishment.
In a day or two, the British continue their
march to the South, Abrantes having been
fixed upon as the head quarters of the army.
༑
57
}
LETTER XII.
Through Condiexa and Pombal to Leyria, Ourem.-City of
Thomar.-Arrive at Punhete.Reflections on the Campaign.
Punhete on the Tagus, 18th June, 1809.
ON the morning of the 6th instant, the
guards and General Cameron's brigade,
marched from Coimbra, and passing through
Condiexa and Pombal as on the former route,
the guards reached Leyria on the 3d day.
Brigadier-General Cameron marched by a
road to the left of these towns.
On the 9th to Ourem, 4 leagues of a very
indifferent cross road. The column was de-
tained considerably by the brigade of artil-
lery ten horses with difficulty dragged each
of the guns up the steep bank of the Leyes.
The little town of Ourem is beautifully
situated on the side of a hill, whose summit
was crowned by the ruins of an ancient
Moorish castle.
June the 10th, to Thomar, 3 leagues; the
road as yesterday. This city was for some
time, the head quarters of the Portuguese
army, under Marshal Beresford. The bri-
1
+
58
gade was quartered in a fine old convent,
which is supplied with water by a superb
aquaduct, constructed for the purpose by
Philip the 3d. The church, which is ap-
proached by a noble flight of steps, is a pure
and costly remain of the Arabesque. It
contains some beautiful paintings; particu-
larly a Magdalen in one of the pannels: the
wood work of the choir, is carved in a rich
and inimitable style.
On the 11th, the guards arrived in the
small town of Punhete, beautifully situated
at the confluence of the Zezere with the
Tagus.-A bridge of boats lay across the
former river.
The whole of the army has been assembled
in this neighbourhood; Major-General Mac-
kenzie's division forms the advance, and
Colonel Donkin's brigade has proceeded to
Castel-Branco. Reinforcements are daily
expected from England, and it is the general
opinion, that the commander of the forces
intends to advance into Spain; Victor having
retired from the frontier towards Madrid.
Mean time, the most active preparations are
making to re-equip the army for the field.
59
A few reflections naturally occur on the
present situation of affairs. Six weeks have
scarcely elapsed since Sir Arthur Wellesley
assumed the command of the army. At this
period, Marshal Soult, with a force of 24,000
men, was in possession of Oporto and the
whole of the north of Portugal; while Victor,
with a superior army, hung upon the eastern
frontier, and might be expected to interpose
betwixt the rear of the British and Lisbon,
the moment of their advance beyond the
Mondego. Notwithstanding this imposing
attitude of Victor's army, the commander of
the forces promptly decided on attacking the
force under Marshal Soult. Leaving a corps
of observation to watch the motions of the
former, he directed his principal attention to
the north; which, in the course of a few
days, was completely freed from the presence
and dominion of the enemy. After allowing
his troops a short repose, Sir Arthur Welles-
ley hastened to place his army on the line of
the Tagus; and this operation was effected
with a rapidity which has seldom been equal-
led, even in the annals of modern warfare.
Marshal Victor, on receiving intelligence of
60
Soult's discomfiture and subsequent retreat
into Gallicia, commenced his march for the
neighbourhood of Madrid, so that, out of
the 50,000 French who lately threatened and
infested Portugal, not a man is left. It is
but too much the fashion, to estimate the
importance of any enterprize by the loss
which is incurred in atchieving it; but this is
frequently an unjust criterion, certainly not a
fair one, in regard to the services of this
army, which have been of the most useful
and brilliant description, as the result has
indubitably proved.
The several brigades of infantry are now
formed into 4 divisions, under the command
of the senior general officers with each.
1st division,
Lieutenant-General Sher-
brooke, is composed of―
The brigade of guards,
Brigadier-General Cameron's brigade,
King's German Legion.
2d division-
Major-General Hill,
Brigadier-General R. Stewart.
61
3d division-
Major-General Mackenzie,
Colonel Donkin.
4th division-
Brigadier-General A. Campbell,
Colonel Peacoche.
Colonel Peacoche being appointed com-
mander of Lisbon, was succeeded in the
command of his brigade by Colonel Kemmis.
་
*
1
62
LETTER XIII.
Advance of the British into Spain.-The Guards reach to Castel
Branco, through Abrantes, Cortiçado, Sobriera Formosa, and
Sazedas.
·
Castel Branco, 2d July, 1809.
THE situation of the enemy having been
perfectly ascertained by intelligence from
General Cuesta, Sir Arthur Wellesley ad-
vanced with the army from Abrantes on
the 28th of June, in several divisions, and
by different routes; the country through
which the line of march lay, being unfa-
vourable to the movements of large bodies,
from the difficulty of procuring supplies.
The 2d division, under the orders of
Major-General Hill, and the German legion
on successive days with the artillery, marched
along the south bank of the Tagus, which
they crossed at Villa Velha, by a bridge of
boats. Brigadier-General A. Campbell's
route was on the north side, and the march
of the guards and General Cameron's bri-
gade, forming part of Lieutenant-General
63
Sherbrooke's division, was on the direct road
to the frontier by which Junot entered the
kingdom, and experienced such difficulties
as obliged him to destroy a great number of
his guns.
After a pleasant halt of a fortnight, the
guards marched from Punhete on the 27th
of June, and reached Abrantes, two leagues
distant, by 9 o'clock.-Latter part of the
road extremely hilly.-The 3d regiment was
quartered in the convent of Religieuses of
St. Clare.
At half-past 1 on the following morning
the generale beat, and by 3 the column was
formed on the road leading to Castel Branco.
At 9 the troops halted and hutted in a
wood of pines near the village of St. Do-
mingo.
1
June the 29th the troops advanced at the
same early hour as on the preceding day :
and about 4 halted in the little town of
Costicada. This day's march was six leagues,
the road very hilly, and the troops in con-
sequence were much fatigued. About 2
o'clock a tremendous thunder storm came
on, accompanied with lightning and heavy
་
64
rain. The Coldstream and General Came-
ron's brigade halted at Cardagos, seven
miles in the rear.
June the 30th, at half-past 4 A. M. the
3d regiment marched, and about 8 o'clock
reached the miserable village of Sobriera
Formosa, 2 leagues; where being joined by
the Coldstream, at 11 the column advanced
to Sazedas, 4 leagues beyond. At 1 the
troops defiled through the strong pass of
Montegordo, defended by several redoubts,
and a Portuguese battalion; and soon after
crossed the river Alvito, knee-deep. At 5
P.M. halted and went into very indifferent
quarters. The town was completely deserted
by the inhabitants, who had fled to the
mountains with all their effects, by order
of the government, on the French making
their appearance at Alcantara. Next day
the brigade moved out of the town to the
side of an adjoining hill, and constructed
huts. At 2 this morning the guards were
again on march, and arrived at Castel Branco,
3 leagues, about 11 o'clock.
The troops
were hutted a mile beyond the city. The
country around Castel Branco is fertile, and
abounds in cattle.
1
65
In general the roads of Portugal are in
very bad order, and the distances between
towns computed in an arbitrary manner, as
the league varies in length from 3 to 7
miles. The patriotic cares of the Marquis
de Pombal for the improvement of his
native country, had suggested the necessity
of good roads throughout the kingdom; but
since that minister's decease none of his
many excellent plans have been adopted.
The reports current here are, that the
French have concentrated their forces at
Talavera, to the amount of 45,000 men, of
which number Joseph Buonaparte had
brought 6,000 from Madrid, after pillaging
the city.
F
1
66
LETTER XIV.
The British enter Spain at Zarza Major, and arrive at Placentia,
where the whole of the army is concentrated.
!
Placentia, 16th July, 1809.
Ar half-past 1 on the morning of the 3d
instant, Lieutenant-General Sherbrooke's
division was in motion on the road to the
frontier, and about noon halted at Lodiero,
a village consisting of a few houses, 4
leagues distant from Castel Branco-the
road very good.-On the march the column
forded the Ponsul, where Junot lost 200
men, it being much swoln at the time of
his advance into Portugal.
July the 4th. To Zibriera 3 short leagues.
The troops contrived to bivouac at the end
of each day's march, and were particularly
fortunate in having fine weather throughout.
July the 5th, at half-past 2 A. M. the
column was in motion, and after a march of
2 leagues passed the frontier town of Sal-
vatierra, situated on an eminence. Soon
after, fording the small river Elja, which
here forms the boundary of the two king-
:
67
1
doms, the division entered the Spanish ter-
ritory, and proceeding over an uncultivated
plain, arrived at Zarza Major, 3 miles from
the river, about 10 o'clock.
The troops
went into the huts which had been con-
structed by Major-General Mackenzie's
division, a league beyond the town: here
they halted until the morning of the 7th,
when the division moved forward about
2 o'clock. This day's march was through a
delightful country, part of an ancient royal
forest. At 10 halted and hutted within a
mile of the town of Montalegar, situated
on the banks of the Allagon, over which
there is a good bridge of 7 arches. This
little place had an appearance of cleanliness
superior to what was usually seen in the
villages of Portugal; it had once been for-
tified, but the works were now in a ruinous
state.
July the 8th. At this morning the
column advanced, and about 8 o'clock
passed through Coria, a town of some note,
and hutted for the night in a wood, about
a mile beyond. A column of dust on the
road to Placentia, marked the route of
F ?
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>
[
68
i
General Hill's division.-Coria stands in an
elevated situation, and about a quarter of a
mile distant runs the Allagon, which an
earthquake had caused to descrt its former
channel, so that a handsome bridge of 5
arches is now rendered useless. At the
entrance of the town is a monastery of
Franciscans, whose personal appearance cer-
tainly bespoke the poverty of their order.
July the 9th. An hour after midnight
the generale beat, and the column, left in
front, passed under an arch of the bridge,
and proceeded on the road to Placentia.
At noon the troops forded the Allagon,
which was attended with some delay, as
the river runs broad and deep. About 1
halted and hutted on the side of a hill
facing the town of Galisteo, at the distance
of a mile on the south bank of the Xerte.
The division remained on this ground the
two following days. On the 10th a report
reached the camp of the Spanish army,
commanded by General Blake, having been
defeated by Suchet. Sir Arthur Wellesley
had gone from Placentia, accompanied
by Colonel Murray, Quarter-Master Gene-
ral, to hold a conference with Cuesta,
!
3
69
}
whose head-quarters are at Almaraz, on the
Tagus; his advance under the Duke of
Albuquerque at Arzobispo.
On the 12th of July the division marched
to Placentia, 10 miles of good road. The
peasantry in this district were employed in
cutting down the corn.
The division after crossing the bridge over
the Xerte, passed under the walls of the
city to a wood about a league distant, and
hutted. The whole of the infantry, except
Major-General Mackenzie's division, which
continued to form the advance, was assemblea
on this ground.
The city of Placentia has many remains
of Moorish architecture, particularly the
great church; it is completely walled round
with circular towers at short distances, but
unprovided with cannon, and the works are
mouldering rapidly into decay. The streets
are narrow, yet the houses are of a good
stile, and have a pleasing air of cleanliness.
There are two bridges over the Xerte, one
of seven handsome arches. Water is con-
veyed into the city by an aqueduct of very
ancient construction.
·
70
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1
A striking difference is already perceived
betwixt the personal appearance and manners
of the Portuguese and Spaniards, clearly in
favour of the latter, who seem of a more
manly character.
Provisions are tolerably plentiful, and
vegetables in abundance. Indeed the dis-
trict of Placentia is considered one of the
most luxuriant in Spain. Wine is brought
into the camp daily in great quantities, but
of an inferior quality.-By a wise regulation
the price of every article is settled by the
Alcades, and affixed in the market place to
prevent imposition.
Ice is procured from the mountains, at the
foot of which the troops were encamped.
Even at this advanced season their tops are
covered with snow.
In a valley not far from the city, stands
the celebrated Jeromite convent of St. Juste,
into which Charles V. after alarming all
Europe for upwards of a century, by the
terror of his arms, retired with a few do-
mestics to end his days in penitence and
prayer.
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71
This day the 1st battalion of the 48th
regiment, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel
Donelan, marched into camp in 18 days.
from Lisbon, leaving only four men sick on
the road.
}
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2
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!
72
LETTER XV.
The British form a Juncture with Cuesta's Army, and arrive at
Talavera de la Reyna.-Position of the French, and Plan of
the intended Attack.
Talavera de la Reyna, 22d July, 1809,
An hour before day-light, on the 17th of
July, the British quitted Placentia, and after
a march of two leagues, the infantry halted
near Malpartida de Placentia, on a plain,
where was not a single bush to shelter the
troops from the scorching heat of the sun.
Water was very scarce and bad.
Brigadier General Fane, with the brigade
of heavy cavalry, was advanced 2 leagues in
front.
July the 18th, the army moved from their
ground at half-past 3 in the morning, and in
four hours reached the Tietar, which was
crossed by a temporary bridge; the one of
boats being rendered unserviceable by the
Spanish peasantry, on the appearance of the
French. At 2 P. M. the troops halted, and
hutted close to the river. The commander of
the forces, with his staff, passed the column
73
to Mayadas, a small village about a mile be-
yond. General Cuesta's army crossed the
Tagus this morning at Almaraz, according to
the place of operations concerted betwixt
him and Sir Arthur Wellesley. And Sir
Robert Wilson, whose corps had hitherto
preceded the advance of the British, moved
by a road to the left, after passing the
Tietar.
A little wine was this day brought into
camp by the peasantry, but nothing besides.
July the 19th, the army was again in mo-
tion before day-light, and proceeded until
noon along the banks of the Tietar, in a line
parallel with the march of the Spanish army.
The heat of the sun had been extremely op-
pressive for these three days past. After a
march of twelve hours, the troops halted in
a beautiful wood, near the village of Centi-
nello. It was generally understood, that the
French out-posts were at the distance of
only 3 leagues from the advance of the Bri-
tish under Major General Mackenzie, who,
supported by General Fane's brigade of heavy
cavalry, was about three miles in front of the
main body.
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By the latest information received of the
enemy, it appeared that Victor had made the
following disposition of his forces, amount-
ing, according to report, to about 30,000
men.
His advanced guard of cavalry occupied
the city of Talavera de la Reyna.
His right flanked by a rising ground, and
secured by heavy artillery, rested upon the
Alberche, which protected his front, the line
being extended along the banks of that river
to the Tagus, and eastward in the direction of
Toledo; in the neighbourhood of which city,
Venegas, who had been detached by Cuesta,
with 18,000 men, was directed to arrive on
the 24th instant.
The intended plan of attack was formed on
this information.
General Cuesta's army supported by the
British cavalry, was to force the bridge over
the Alberche, and attack the left of the enemy
whilst the British infantry forded the river in
front, and endeavoured to turn his right.
Venegas, after gaining possession of Toledo,
in which the enemy was supposed to have
left a very inconsiderable force, was to pass
75
2
the Tagus, and place himself betwixt Madrid
and the rear of the French army, co-operating
if possible, with Sir Robert Wilson, who had
been for some days at Escalona, with the Lusi-
tanian legion, consisting of 2000 infantry,
500 cavalry, and a few field pieces. Sir Ro-
bert had succeeded in opening a communica
tion with the capital.
July the 20th, the army moved forward at
S in the morning; and on leaving the wood,
entered a long extensive plain, which reached
to Oropesa, 6 leagues distant. About 4
o'clock the column halted a mile beyond
the town, after a most fatiguing march. A
strong piquet of French cavalry had been
here on the preceding evening; and at their
departure this morning, they plundered the
town, and carried off all the bread and wine
they could find.
In the course of this afternoon, Cuesta's
advanced guard entered Oropesa, and the
junction of the two armies was effected.
July the 21st, the generale beat at the
usual early hour, but after the troops were
under arms, the march was suspended to
give time for the Spanish army to take a
76
1
1
position in front of the British. About
half-past 10 o'clock the army of Estrema-
dura halted to refresh, at the distance of
half a league, in number 35,000, including
7000 cavalry. The infantry appeared strong
able bodied men, but deficient in discipline.
They are the same troops who behaved so
well at the battle of Medellin, on which oc-
casion the conduct of the infantry was cool
and resolute, and they positively turned the
left wing of Victor's army; but the cavalry
gave way when their services were most
wanted.
At 4 in the afternoon the whole of the
troops were drawn out, and General Cuesta,
with his adjutant-general O'Donaghue, ac-
companied by Sir Arthur Wellesley and his
staff, reviewed the British line.
The Spanish leader appeared an infirm old
man, so much so that he is obliged to be
lifted into his saddle; and as he cannot rc-
main long at a time on horseback, an ancient
family coach drawn by 6 mules, is in con-
stant attendance.
General. Cuesta is said to possess the en-
tire confidence of his troops, and this may
#
77
be the reason why he has been selected to
command an army of patriots, which ought
to have an officer of youth, vigour, and
talent at its head. The Duke of Albuquerque
who commands the cavalry, is esteemed an
active officer, zealous in the cause of his
country. Report speaks highly of the mili-
tary talents of General O'Donaghue.
This morning the combined army was in
motion before day-break, and advanced
along the extensive plain towards Talavera.
Few officers had ever previously seen so large
a body acting as if by one impulse, and
marching in one direction. It was in truth a
sublime and magnificent spectacle, and the
occasion was calculated to excite the most
cxalted ideas in a soldier's bosom.
About 6 o'clock a heavy cannonade com-
menced in front, and continued at intervals
until 3 in the afternoon; a little before which
the combined army bivouaced within a mile
and a half of Talavera, whence the enemy
was dislodged in the course of the morning,
by the advance of the British and Spaniards.
The French cavalry retreated over the Al-
berche closely pursued.
$
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78
1
LETTER XVI.
The Combined Army moves from the Wood of Olives, to the
Banks of the Alberche.-Retreat of Marshal Victor.-British
Out-posts at Caselegas.-The Spaniards occupy Santa Olalla.
Talavera de la Reyna, 26th July, 1809.
EXACTLY at 4 in the morning of the 23d
instant, the several divisions of the army
moved out of the wood in which they had
reposed the preceding night, and were
halted almost immediately afterwards. At
8 o'clock the troops again advanced, and
about noon, arrived near the ruins of an
old convent, within 2 miles of the Alberche,
on the opposite bank of which the enemy
was posted in force, when an order was
given for the British to return to their former
ground. This unexpected movement occa-
sioned a variety of reports and surmises.
By some it was said, that Sir Arthur Wel-
lesley and Cuesta had disagreed, and the
Spaniards were averse to engage on a Sun-
day; others asserted that the preparations
of the latter, were not complete, and that
he waited for ammunition however, it was
79
generally understood, that the position of
the French was to be attacked on the fol-
lowing morning.
An hour after midnight, on the 24th of
July, the army assembled without beat of
drum, and advanced left in front, in silence
and with the most perfect regularity to the
expected attack. About 6 the guards
arrived within sight of the Alberche, when
they perceived with surprise, that the enemy
had abandoned his position, and was in full
retreat. The commander of the forces, and
Lieutenant General Sherbrooke had passed
the Alberche with a considerable body of
cavalry, and Major General Mackenzie's
division of infantry, and hung on the rear of
the enemy's retiring columns. The advance
of the British halted at the village of Case-
legas, 1 league beyond the Alberche. Cuesta
pushed forward his out-posts, 2 leagues fur-
ther to Santa Olalla, late the head-quarters of
Marshal Victor.
After halting for orders until noon, during
which interval, the officers crossed the rear
to see the French huts, which were remark-
able for their neatness and regularity; the
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;
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:
troops returned to their former position, on
the Wood of Olives. It was now a subject
of general regret that the French had not
been attacked on the preceding day, even
without the co-operation of the Spaniards..
Whatever was the real cause of this retro-
gade movement, the disappointment of the
troops at not being led against the enemy,
whom they had made so many harassing
marches to come up with, was very appa-
rent. An advance however, at the present
moment, was doubtless rendered either unne-
cessary or impracticable from circumstances,
which were known only to the commander
of the forces. Indeed the difficulty of pro-
curing supplies for so large an army might
have proved an insuperable obstacle. So
far hitherto, had success attended the move-
ments of the allies, that the enemy found.
himself compelled to quit his position on the
Alberche, which the appearance of Cuesta's
force alone would never have effected.
In the course of this day, the conduct of
the Spanish leader was very generally com-
mented upon. He was considered a man of
strict honour, and to possess an invincible.
3.
i
1
81
hatred to the French; but his dilatory and
half digested measures did not seem calcu-
lated to be of much service to his country.
Talavera de la Reyna is a large town with
several handsome streets, but an air of deso-
lation and ruin reigned throughout; many of
the houses were deserted, and the appearance
of the whole place presented a sad picture of
the ravages of war, which seemed to have
been in a peculiar manner inflicted on this
devoted town. The French troops during
their stay, had been guilty of the greatest ex-
cesses; a number of houses were completely
destroyed, and the furniture burnt for fuel.
In
every quarter were to be seen marks of
the devastation they had committed, which
must have imprinted a lasting hatred in the
minds of the unfortunate inhabitants. Even
the satisfaction felt by those who remained in
the town at being delivered from an enemy
who had caused them so much misery and
vexation, could not prevent an air of melan-
choly from appearing in their countenances
on viewing the destruction of property and
the havoc made on all sides. The Plaza de
Toros, where the bull-fights and other exhi-
G
$2
bitions were held, was now a scene of the
greatest desolation. In contemplating the spot
where the Spaniards enjoyed their national
amusements, it was impossible not to feel
regret at the sad change that had taken
place.
The cathedral, a handsome modern build-
ing, remained uninjured; the French being
contented with carrying off the splendid orna-
ments used in their ceremonies of religion.
A very fine altar-piece by Murillo, excited
universal admiration. In the church of St.
Antonio, the enemy destroyed every thing,
and converted it into a barrack for infantry.
1
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}
83
LETTER XVII.
Battle of Talavera.-Positions of the Respective Armies.-The
Enemy foiled in his repeated Attempts to turn the left of the
British makes a Grand Attack upon the right and centre.~
General Sherbrooke's Division advances to the charge with
bayonets.-The Brigade of Guards having advanced too far
under a heavy fire, sustain a considerable loss, and retire, covered
by the first battalion of the 48th Regiment. The French retreat
during the night.-On the following morning General Robert
Crawford's Brigade of Light Infantry arrived.
Talavera de la Reyna, 29th July, 1809.
ON the 26th instant, a heavy cannonade
commenced soon after day-light, and con-
tinued until 4 in the afternoon, when the
commander of the forces, who had rode out
at an early hour, returned from the field in
high spirits. The action was betwixt the ad-
vance of the French and the Spanish out-posts,
which fell back upon the position heretofore
occupied by the enemy on the Alberche.
The Spaniards lost from 3 to 400 in kil-
led and wounded; several of the latter were
brought into Talavera in the course of the
afternoon.
G 2
84
The cannonade was renewed next morn-
ing, the 27th; and the Spaniards, covered
by the British cavalry and Major-General
Mackenzie's division of infantry, continued
to retire upon the town. As the day ad-
vanced, the intention of the enemy to try
the issue of a general engagement became
no longer doubtful; and about 3 P. M. his
columns, which moved forward after crossing.
the Alberche with great rapidity, having
approached within 2 leagues of Talavera,
the several divisions of the British army
were placed in the positions previously cho-
sen, where they remained awaiting the at-
tack.
Brigadier-General Alexander Campbell,
with two brigades of infantry, was posted
on the right, near an unfinished redoubt;
the Guards, General Cameron's brigade,
and the King's German Legion, formed the
centre, under Lieutenant-General Sher-
brooke, and Major-General Hill's division
extended along the rising grounds on the
left, flanked by a heavy battery. Major-
General Mackenzie, who commanded the
advance, had previously withdrawn his
35
troops after the whole of the Spaniards re-
crossed the Alberche; and this movement
was executed with the utmost judgment and
ability by that gallant officer. His division
formed a second line in rear of the centre.
The cavalry was commanded by Lieu-
tenant-General Payne. Major-General Cot-
ton's light brigade, supported the right and
centre, Brigadier-General Anson's and the
heavy brigade under General Fane, were on
the left.
Brigadier-General Howarth commanded
the royal artillery, and the several batteries
were under the superintendance of Lieu-
tenant-Colonels Robe and Framlingham.
The ground in front of the British was
principally open, but intersected with roads
leading to the town, and the bed of a
small river, which had been formed by the
winter torrents, and was at present dry.
The Spanish infantry formed in two lines,
and supported by the king's regiment of ca-
valry, were posted behind the mud enclo-
sures of the olive grounds and vineyards,
extending from the right of General Alex
ander Campbell's position, to the suburbs
86
+
and town of Talavera, which they also oc-
cupied, having their right flanked by the
Tagus.
The Duke of Albuquerque was in rear
of the left of the whole line, with the main
body of the Spanish cavalry, and Lieutenant-
General Don Luis Bassecourt was subse-
quently placed with about 3,000 light troops
in the valley below the left of the British,
to keep in check, a body of the enemy who
appeared in the mountains beyond, which
were, however, at too great a distance to
have any effect upon the impending con-
test.
The Spanish army was commanded by
Cuesta, General in chief, and the several
divisions of infantry were under the orders
of Lieutenant-Generals Don Francisco de
Eguia, second in command, the Marquis
del Partago, Don Rafael Maglano, and Don
Juan de Henestrosa.
The French army, in number nearly 50,000
strong, was commanded by Marshal Victor,
assisted by Marshal Jourdain and General
Sebastiani, under the direction of Joseph
Buonaparte, in person.
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87
About half-past 6 o'clock, the enemy
appeared in considerable force on the heights
opposite the centre of the British line, and
opened a heavy cannonade of shot and shells,
which was instantaneously returned from the
principal battery placed on a commanding
eminence in the rear of General Hill's divi-
sion. At the same time, the French made
a vigorous attack on the left, where after a
most obstinate conflict, they were completely
repulsed at the point of the bayonet. The
enemy also pushed forward several corps of
infantry, supported by a strong division of
cavalry on the right, with a view of carrying
the town of Talavera, in which object he
failed, and was driven back by the fire from
the Spanish batteries. The cannonade con-
tinued on both sides until dusk.
In the course of the night the enemy made.
a second assault upon the height; from
whence, after gaining a momentary possession
he was dislodged by General Hill, with pro-
digious slaughter.
At 2 in the morning the Spanish line was
alarmed at all points, by the approach of the
enemy's light troops, who were received with
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43
a brisk discharge of musquetry, which ceased
in about 10 minutes, when the silence of night
again prevailed on the field of battle.
At length day-light broke upon the con-
tending armies, who were drawn up opposite
to each other in the positions they respectively.
occupied at the beginning of the action on
the preceding evening. About 6 the en-
gagement was renewed, and continued with-
out intermission, until 11 o'clock, when the
firing ceased, as if by mutual consent, for
nearly three hours, during which interval,
the French appeared to be employed in
cooking, and the British army reposed on
the ground, seemingly regardless of the
enemy's presence. It was at this time also
the wounded were carried off to the rear,
and while engaged in this painful duty, the
British and French soldiers shook hands with
each other, and expressed their admiration
of the gallantry displayed by the troops of
both nations. The principal efforts of the
French throughout the morning were again
directed upon the left; but Major-General
Hill successfully repelled every attempt to
89
turn his position, and obliged the enemy to
retire with considerable loss.
Sir Arthur Wellesley with his staff, ob-
served the progress of the battle on a height
to the left of the British line. From this
point he witnessed every movement that
was made, and in the midst of the hottest
fire issued the necessary orders with his
characteristic coolness and judgment. Two
of his Aides-de-Camp, Captains Bouverie
and Burgh, were wounded by his side.
At 1 P. M. the enemy was observed bring-
ing up fresh troops and forming his columns,
apparently for the purpose of renewing the
action; and in fact about 2 o'clock, the
French again advanced under a heavy cannon-
ade, and made a general attack upon the
whole of the position occupied by the
British.
The enemy's attacking columns on the
right had arrived within a short distance of
the unfinished redoubt, when General Alex-
ander Campbell made a vigorous charge with
his division, supported by two battalions of
Spanish infantry, and drove them back with
the loss of their artillery.
90
་
The efforts of the enemy on the left were
equally unsuccessful as before, and a charge
made by Brigadier-General Anson with the
23d light dragoons and German hussars, upon
a solid column of infantry, although attended
with a severe loss to the former regiment, had
the effect of checking their further advance
in that direction.
Meanwhile the centre was warmly engaged.
Exactly at 3 o'clock several heavy columns
advanced upon this point, and deployed with
the utmost precision into line as they entered
the plain, which lay betwixt the heights
occupied by the hostile armies. This was
the grand attack, and on the first indication
of the enemy's intention, General Sher-
brooke gave directions that his division
should prepare for the charge. At this
awful moment all was silent, except a few
guns of the enemy, answered by the British
artillery on the hill. The French came on
over the rough and broken ground in the
imposing manner and
valley, in the most
with great resolution, and were met by the
British with their usual undaunted firmness.
As if with one accord the division advanced
91
against the enemy, whose ranks were speedily
broken, and thrown into confusion by a well
directed volley. The impetuosity of the
soldiers was not to be repressed; and the
brigade on the immediate left of the guards
being halted, that flank from its advanced
situation in the eagerness of pursuit, became
exposed to the enemy, who had already
given way, and deserted his guns on the
hill in front, until observing this part of the
line unsupported, the French rallied, and
returned with increased numbers to their
attack upon the centre.
Brigadier-General Harry Campbell now
gave orders for the guards to retire to their
original position in line, and the 1st battalion
of the 48th regiment was directed to cover
this movement by the Commander of the
Forces, who saw and provided for every
emergency during the tremendous conflict.
Foiled at all points, the French withdrew the
remains of the columns which had been un-
successfully opposed to the centre; they
however continued the fire of their artillery,
and the engagement which had been renewed
92
*
this morning with the rising of the sun, ceased
only with its setting.
About 6 in the evening, the long dry grass
having caught fire, the flames spread rapidly
over the field of action, and consumed in
their fatal progress numbers of the dead and
wounded.
A dim and cheerless moon threw a feint
lustre over the surrounding objects after the
close of day. Small parties were sent out
to bring in the wounded; the enemy was
employed in a similar manner, and had made
large fires along the whole front of his ex-
tensive line.
The troops lay upon their arms this second
night, without provisions of any kind—water
even was scarce. It was fully expected that
the French would renew the attack in the
morning, but they retired under cover of the
night, leaving in the hands of the British
20 pieces of artillery, and some prisoners.
Their rear guard, consisting of cavalry, alone
remained on the right bank of the Alberche
at day-break. The retreat
The retreat was certainly
conducted with ability, and was not generally
1
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93
known in the British army until long after
the enemy had abandoned his position.
This brilliant victory, over an enemy so
infinitely superior in numbers, has not been
achieved without a considerable loss both of
valuable officers and men. That of the
enemy, however, to judge from the appear-
ance of the field, must be immense.
Soon after 8 o'clock, the British quitted
their positions in the field, and again hutted
in the Wood of Olives. About 9 the light
brigade under General Robert Crawford ar-
rived, having marched 12 Spanish leagues in
the preceding 24 hours.
A
94
1
LETTER XVIII.
Information received from a French Officer taken prisoner.-
Report of Marshal Soult advancing on Placentia.
Talavera de la Reyna, 1st August, 1809.
MOTIVES of curiosity induced several
officers to visit Talavera on the afternoon
of the 29th of July. The town appeared
almost deserted ; here and there a few
soldiers were walking about, looking for the
quarters of their wounded comrades. The
houses were for the greater part shut up;
the inhabitants previous to the engagement,
had fled across the Tagus with their most
valuable effects, and were not yet returned.
The French are said to be continuing their
retreat. From an officer who was taken
prisoner on the banks of the Tagus, the fol-
lowing information has been obtained :
When the combined army arrived in front
of Talavera on the 22d of July,
Marshal Victor's force amounted to 28,000
Joined him from Toledo
8,000
Carried forward 6,000
95
Brought forward
On the 25th two regiments of cavalry,
the 14th and 26th infantry
Joseph Buonaparte arrived on the
afternoon of the 27th, with the
guards from Madrid
36,000
3,000
8,000
Total number of the enemy engaged 47,000
Joseph retreated on the evening of the
28th, and slept at Caselegas.
On the 29th his guards moved forward
to Santa Olalla, when they halted for the
night
Late on that day a division was sent
8,000
off towards Toledo of
9,000
Killed and wounded on the 27th and
28th, fully
* 8,000
Remains with Victor
22,000
The above facts stated by this officer accord
with the information received from two dra-
goons taken with him, examined separately,
and also with the intelligence obtained from
the Alcalde at Cebolla, who is known by the
* It is certain the loss of the French in killed and wounded was
at least 14,000.
96
magistrates to be a true patriot; to a cer-
tainty Joseph is off, but whether to Madrid
or Toledo this officer does not know. It is
equally certain that a strong division was
sent off on the evening of the 29th, to sustain
Toledo.
Sebastiani had a command in the battle,'
and Marshal Jourdain remained with Joseph
Buonaparte until he quitted the field. Victor
commanded under the immediate direction of
Joseph.
The French army is in the greatest distress
for provisions, and the troops have had little
bread from the day they were first driven out'
of Talavera, and none from the 27th until
the 31st, when four thousand pounds of bis--
cuit arrived from Madrid, and a farther sup-
ply was expected, but is supposed to have
been taken. The whole of the French from
Victor down to the lowest soldier, are dis-
contented with the war in Spain, and all wish
to return to their own country.
On the arrival of Joseph on the 27th, he
publicly reproached Victor for not having
beaten or taken the British and Spanish armies
already, and assured the army that this
{
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should be done on the 28th. He was seen
on the evening of that day retiring from the
field, the picture of melancholy and disap-
pointment.
This prisoner heard Victor say, on the
afternoon of the 28th, that he felt himself
abandoned by Soult. On the 30th it was
known in the French army that the latter
was coming round by Placentia with 12,000
men.
When the troops came from Toledo to join
Victor, there were only 1500 left in that
city, and Joseph withdrew the whole of the
garrison from Madrid, except about 3000
men, of whom a part were stationed in the
fort of El Retiro.
It caused much consternation in the French
army to hear, during the engagement, that
Toledo was bombarded by Venegas, (whose
operations were restrained by an order of
the Junta,) and that the British had been
reinforced by General Crawford's division.
General Morlot was killed, and Lapice
received a mortal wound on the 28th, of
which he died the next day. An immense
number of Colonels and Field Officers were
H
ނ
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killed and wounded; and the oldest soldiers
in the French army declared the day after
the action that they had never seen more de
termined fighting; and all agreed that in the
war with Spain this was the first time they
had met with soldiers. They wondered
where the Spaniards were; as their position
was covered with wood, our allies were not
seen by the French.
The sick and wounded of the army are in
a shocking state; and this prisoner thinks the
retreat is suspended to give as much time as
possible to send away the wounded, which is
almost impracticable, as they have scarcely
any means of conveyance.
All letters from France are opened by
order of Joseph Buonaparte, and those
burned which contain bad news. The French
army, however, has heard of Napoleon's
defeat in Austria.
The report of this day is, that Marshal
Soult is advancing with 12 or 15,000 men om
Placentia, from which he was only 10 leagues.
distant on the 30th ultimo.
99
'
LETTER XIX.
Retreat of the Combined Army, to the South Bank of the Tagus.-
Particulars of the March.-Cuesta resigns his Command.-The
British Prisoners of War treated with great humanity by
Marshal Mortier..
Banks of the Elmonte, 14th August, 1809.
Ir is now necessary to turn from a con-
sideration of the splendid victory obtained
over the troops of France, on the plains of
Talavera, to a relation of the events which
caused a gallant and successful British army
to retire precipitately, from the scene of their
late triumphs, and act upon the defensive.
j
During the stay of the army at Talavera,
both before and after the action, the supplies
of every kind had been very insufficient, and
the inhabitants of that town evinced no
disposition to relieve the wants of the British,
and to accommodate the sick and wounded.
Their removal from Talavera therefore,
was become an object of too much interest
to be any longer delayed, particularly, as
by Marshal Soult's arrival at Placentia,
1
}
H 2
100
the provisions expected from that quarter,
and for which arrangements were made by
the commissariat, had fallen into the enemy's
hands.
On the morning of the 3d of August, the
British army moved from Talavera; but for
an hour after the troops were under arms,
they remained uncertain, whether it was
Sir Arthur Wellesley's intention to advance
upon Madrid, or proceed against Marshal
Soult, in the contrary direction. Their
doubts, however, were soon at an end, for
on leaving the Wood of Olives, the army
began to retrace its former steps, and about
2 in the afternoon again halted near the town
of Oropesa. Although by this retrogade.
movement, the British were of necessity
compelled to leave behind a considerable
number of their sick and wounded, yet less
anxiety was felt on this account, as they
relied on the Spaniards keeping Victor in
check, should he, on being informed of Sir
Arthur Wellesley's departure, again attempt to
advance besides, under any circumstances,
it would not have been consistent with
101
humanity, to have attempted the removal
of more of the sick and wounded than were
really brought off.
Cuesta, whose force remained nearly entire,
having taken little share in the action,
promised to maintain the position which the
British had so successfully defended, but
in a few hours after their march, the Spanish
leader abandoned his post, and, with the
whole of his army, followed the route of the
British.
This conduct of General Cuesta, increased
the embarrasments of the situation in which
the British army was already placed by
Marshal Soult's arrival at Placentia, and all
hopes of any effectual co-operation being
now at an end, the commander of the forces
determined to withdraw his troops over the
bridge of Arzobispo, with a view of covering
Saville and the South of Spain, and at the
same time, to preserve the communication
open with Lisbon.
In pursuance of these objects, on the
following morning the march was resumed,
and after having experienced considerable
102
difficulties and privations, the whole of the
British army arrived in the valley watered
by the Elmonte, on the 11th instant.
Although there can be no pleasure in
dwelling on the particulars of a march per-
formed under such circumstances, yet, per-
haps, a detail of the daily progress made by
the British troops, through these inhospitable
mountains, may prove somewhat interesting.
At day-break on the 4th instant, the troops
were under arms, but did not move from
the ground on which they bivouaced until
9 o'clock. A very small quantity of bread
was issued to the army, which then marched
down 2 leagues to the bridge of Arzobispo,
and crossing the Tagus, halted for the night,
on the opposite bank. It was reported,
that the Spaniards on the approach of the
enemy, had removed the bridge of Almaraz,
and many expected the one at this place
would have been destroyed, the more effect-
ually to secure the rear.
August the 5th.
The troops advanced 6
leagues over a difficult country, and about
4 in the afternoon bivouaced on a hill near
the village of Valdela Cosa.
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1
103
August the 6th. This day's march 3
leagues only was through a mountainous
district. About noon, the column halted
in a romantic spot, near the small river
D'Ibor. Several working parties were em-
ployed in dragging the artillery up the
heights until a late hour.
August the 7th. The country, this day,
was even more mountainous and rugged than
that through which the army passed yes-
terday, consequently little progress was
made. The heat was excessive, and the
troops began to sink under their fatigues.
The army had been without bread on the
5th and 6th. A small quantity of flour was
received yesterday, but no wine could be
procured to raise the drooping spirits and
recruit the exhausted strength of the soldiers.
Among other reports of the day, it was said,
that an officer had crossed the Tagus, and
observed the march of the French over the
plain, in the direction of Arzobispo.
August the 8th. Although the troops
assembled at 4 in the morning, yet the march
was deferred nearly 5 hours, to give the
artillery time to ascend the heights.-About
104
noon, halted on the banks of a small stream,
a league from Deleytosa. The villages
through which the British had passed, since
leaving Arzobispo, were nearly deserted and
ruinous. Not one article of the necessaries
of life could be procured in any of them.
August the 9th. At 5 the troops were in
motion. About 8 o'clock passed the town
of Deleytosa, and halted 2 miles beyond,
in a wood on the left of the town of Truxillo,
situated on a hill, apparently at the distance
of 6 leagues.
A very inadequate proportion of flour and
biscuit was issued yesterday, but the troops
received a tolerable supply of the latter this
morning.
Marshal Soult, after making an unsuc-
cessful attempt to force the bridge of
Arzobispo, passed the Tagus with a body of
cavalry, at a ford about 2 miles above, and
surprised the Spaniards in their position.
The latter retreated, after a slight resistance,
pursued by the French. It was feared, the
whole of their artillery would fall into the
enemy's hands. The Duke of Albuquerque,
had arrived at head quarters.
105
In the general orders of this day, the army
was informed, that the charge of three-pence
per diem only would be made to those troops
who had not received their rations regularly,
since the 22d of July. During the march,
a number of bullocks, sheep and goats were
driven forward for the daily consumption of
the army. The provisions were cooked over-
night for the following day, and being divided
into messes, each man carried his dinner in
his tin. This was in general the arrange-
ment throughout the campaign.
August the 10th. This day the troops
halted, but were kept in readiness to move at
a moment's notice. It was asserted, that the
French were marching to the South, by the
way of Guadaloupe.
August the 11th. Yesterday's halt proved
extremely serviceable, from the repose it
afforded to the troops and to the horses of the
artillery, whose labours had been very severe
for some days past.-The Spaniards indeed
declared, that the road by which the army
marched over the mountains, was imprac-
ticable, but, contrary to their opinion, the
whole of the artillery and stores were ultimately
106
ין
brought forward.
Many horses died from
fatigue, and the troops, in several places, were
obliged to drag the guns and ammunition
waggons up the heights.
The troops moved off their ground at day-
light, and about eight o'clock, came upon the
high road from Madrid to Cadiz, one of the
best in Europe; shortly afterwards passed the
ruined village of Iaracejo, where are the
remains of a Moorish castle, and halted about
mid-day on the banks of the Elmonte.-Head-
quarters at Iaracejo.
Marshal Soult is again in Placentia, and
his out-posts at Coria. Some British soldiers,
who were left sick in that city, fell into his
hands, but have since made their escape, and
arrived at Zarza Major, where Marshal
Beresford is at present, with the two brigades
of infantry, under the command of Generals
Lightburne, and Catlin Crawford. Sir
R. Wilson has retired into Portugal, after a
severe action with part of Ney's corps, near
the Pass of Banos. The French have their
piquets on the right bank of the Tagus, oppo-
site to Almaraz, where General Robert Craw-
ford is stationed with a division in advance.
·1.07
1
His men bathe in the river, and exchange
civilities with the enemy, without receiving
the smallest molestation.
Cuesta has thought proper to resign the
command of his army, and is succeeded by
General Eguia.
By the courtesy of Marshal Mortier, who
commands at Talavera, accounts have been
received of the wounded. He has placed
sentries over the quarters of the officers and
hospitals, to prevent any of their property
being pillaged, and has advanced money to
some out of his own pocket.
**
108
LETTER XX.
Truxillo.-Tomb of Pizarro, &c.
Truxillo, 20th of August, 1809.
THIS morning, soon after day-break, the
1st and 4th divisions of the army quitted the
valley d'Elmonte, in which they had halted
since the 11th instant, and after a march of
4 leagues, reached Truxillo, close to which,
the troops bivouaced for the night.
Truxillo was formerly a town of some note,
but is now only famous for having been the
birth-place of Pizarro, at whose house, in
the square, the commander of the forces
fixed his head-quarters. In the church of
Santa Anna stood the monument erected to
his memory, which was entirely demolished
by the French. Small pieces of agate, of
which the warrior's tomb had been con-
structed, lay scattered about. Adjoining to
the church is a deserted nunnery, and a little
beyond, the ancient Moorish castle, now a
heap of ruins.
Mr. Dillon of the Commissariat, who
was taken prisoner by the French on the
109
27th ult. at Casalegas, and subsequently
effected his exchange, arrived this day from
Talavera. This gentleman brings pleasing
accounts of the wounded, who receive the
most humane treatment from the enemy.
The British prisoners are allowed to have the
first choice of all articles brought into the
market; and in every possible way, their
comfort and accommodation has been in-
variably attended to.
}
こ
​110
LETTER XXI.
Route of the British to Merida.-Short account of the Roman
Antiquities in that City.
Merida, 30th of August, 1809.
ON the 21st instant, the division marched
3 leagues to the village of Casas del Puerto
de Santa Cruz.
August the 22d, to Mayadas, 4 leagues,
sub Jove as usual. On the following morn-
ing, the division arrived about noon on the
banks of the Guadiana, and halted opposite
Medellin, at the foot of a handsome bridge
of twenty arches. This day's march was
nearly 4 leagues. Two miles from the town
is the field where a severe engagement was
fought, in April last, betwixt the French
army, under Marshal Victor, and the army
of Estremadura, commanded by General
Cuesta; in which, the latter sustained a
signal defeat.
Medellin is a small town, with a fine
Moorish castle on an eminence, rising ab-
ruptly from the banks of the river. The
whole face of the country, from the valley
f
111
d'Elmonte, was without wood; and the
greater part uncultivated, so that it is dif
ficult to conceive whence the numerous
towns and villages in this district, drèw their
fuel and subsistence. But the same obser-
vation equally applies to the whole of Spain
through which the army marched, very dif-
ferent in appearance from the fertile vallies,
the rich corn fields, and vineyards of Portu-
gal. The residence of a gentleman was no
where to be seen, but in the towns: very
few farm-houses, and here and there, only
the solitary hut of a goatherd.
On the 24th, after a most fatiguing march
of 6 leagues, under a burning sun, the
division arrived in the city of Merida, and
crossing the ancient Roman bridge of sixty
arches, which was constructed by Augustus
Cæsar, 28 years before Christ, the troops
halted on the south bank of the Guadiana.
Merida was once a considerable Roman
station, and there still exist many noble
reliques of antiquity, in tolerable preserva-
tion. The gate of the temple of Mars, one
of the first edifices to which the curiosity of
a stranger, particularly if a military man, is
112
directed, alone remains entire, and forms
the entrance to a modern church. Under
the inscription Marti sacrum Vitella paculi, is
another, illustrative of its present designa-
tion.-Iam non Marti sacrum sed Jesu Christo
consecratum.
At a short distance from the scite of the
temple, three antique Roman altars, which
were dug up about a century ago, are placed
one above another, and form a handsome
pedestal, surmounted by the statue of a
Spanish king.
The area of the temple of Diana is now
filled by a modern building; but the co-
lumns, with most of their capitals, remain
in a perfect state, and are built into the walls
of the house, still, however, in such a way,
as to leave them fully exposed to view. One
window of exquisite beauty, has been care-
fully preserved.
The superb aqueduct, built by the Ro-
mans, is now in ruins; but several arches
are still standing, and convey to the mind
of a spectator, a tolerably just conception
of its former magnificence.
1
1
113
Beyond the present extent of Merida, are
two amphitheatres; the largest of which is
supposed to have been the Naumachia. It
seems more probable, however, that the
exhibition of sea fights must have taken
place on an island near the bridge, where
are the remains of some considerable works.
The lesser amphitheatre has been converted
by the Spaniards, into a Plaza de Toros, for
which purpose, the arena is now enclosed.
In front of the Corregidor's house, in the
square, are seven beautiful columns of white
marble, supposed to have belonged to a
Roman temple. In a street, a little beyond,
is an arch of prodigious magnitude, which
originally formed one of the entrances of
the city, and was, probably, a memorial of
some great victory. Amongst the ruins of
an old house, prostrate on the ground, and
neglected, lay a colossal statue of Diana, as
a vestal: the head and arms were gone, but
the drapery of the figure was remarkably
fine, and bespoke the merit of the artist.
In the principal court of the ancient Moor-
ish castle, is the bath of Diana, to which the
I
114.
4
descent is by a passage of 50 steps. A most
beautiful pilastre of the composite order, was
placed at the entrance.
A little beyond the castle, are the remains
of some buildings, which, from their situation
and appearance, are conjectured to have been
the public baths of the Romans.
About a mile from the city and near to the
modern aqueduct, is the circus where the
chariot races were held. By the situation of
the Roman gate, under which, the high road
from Madrid passes, and the ruins of the
walls, an idea may be formed of the ancient
boundaries of this city, which must have been
of great extent. Indeed, tradition says, that
Merida contained 150,000 inhabitants.
After the battle of Medellin, a small French
force had possession of the castle for some
weeks, and barricaded the bridge, to prevent
the passage of a Spanish corps which was
posted on the opposite bank of the Guadiana.
At length, the Spaniards forced their way
under the fire of a few guns which the enemy
had mounted, and passed through the city to
a height, commanding the castle which they
were preparing to cannonade, when a consi-
115
derable body of French cavalry made their
appearance. The Spaniards conceiving them
to be the advance of Victor's army, retired
with precipitation, which gave the garrison
an opportunity to make good their retreat
unmolested, being covered by the cavalry.
}
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116
LETTER XXII.
The 1st division of the British encamp on the Banks of the
Guadiana.--Positions of the French.
Talavera de Real, 27th September, 1809.
At day-break, on the 2d instant, General
Sherbrooke's division moved off on the road
tó Badajos, and about 11 o'clock, halted
within 2 miles of the village of Lobon.
Next day the troops advanced at the same
early hour, and after a march of 2 leagues.
constructed huts, on a plain watered by the
Guadiana, about half a league from the in-
considerable town of Talavera la Real, and
4 from Badajos, where head-quarters were
established.
The following are understood to be the
present positions of the French corps →→
Victor's division is betwixt Talavera de la
Reyna and La Mancha; Sebastiani, who
was wounded on the 28th of July, is in La
Mancha; Mortier at Oropesa; Arzobispo,
and Naval Moral, and Marshal Ney, after
his engagement with Sir Robert Wilson, re-
turned to Salamanca.
117
}
On the 13th, Lord Blantyre arrived with
the 2d battalion of the 42d regiment, to join
General Cameron's brigade; and on the fol-
lowing day, General Catlin Crawford's bri-
gade, consisting of the 2d battalions of the
28th, Honorable Lieutenant-Colonel Aber-
crombie; 34th, Lieutenant-Colonel Maister,
and 39th, Lieutenant-Colonel Wilson, forded
the river at this place, on their route to join
Lieutenant-General Hill's division at Mon-
tejo, Puebla Nova and Torremayor.
This morning a troop of horse artillery
marched to relieve Captain Ross's troop at
Merida; the latter having lost a great num-
ber of horses in the retreat from Talavera.
Preparations are now making for the
removal of the guards into Badajos, which
the brigade anticipate with much satisfaction,
having been constantly in the field since the
latter end of June.
The army has become very sickly. This is
considered the most unhealthy time of the
year, but the approaching rainy season is
expected to clear the air and dispel the pes-
tilential fever, so fatal to the troops. The
Guadiana, at this period, is reckoned so
118
``
unwholesome, that the Spaniards will not
use the water, or eat of the fish taken in it.
Another reason assigned for this repugnance,
is, that after the battle of Medellin, a con-
siderable number of the slain were thrown
into the river.
The Marquis of Romana having taken his
seat at Seville, as one of the supreme Junta,
is succeeded by the Duke del Parque in the
command of his army. Head-quarters at
Ciudad Rodrigo. The Duke of Albuquerque,
with about 10,000 men, is stationed in front,
beyond Merida; and General Eguia has
ceeded to join Venegas in La Mancha, with
the remainder of Cuesta's army, upwards of
20,000 men.
pro-
t
}
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:
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119
LETTER XXIII.
The Guards go into Cantonments in Badajos.-Lieutenant-General
Sherbrooke receives the Order of the Bath.-Viscount Wel-
lington's Gala.
1
Badajos, 15th October, 1809.
THE Guards quitted their encampment of
huts on the 9th of October, and marched
into quarters at Talavera la Real. At the
same time, General Cameron's brigade took
the road to Lobon. Next morning, the
guards resumed their march, and about noon,
arrived in the city of Badajos, the capital of
the province of Estremadura. The Officers
were quartered upon the inhabitants, and the
men in convents.
Badajos contains 6 monasteries, the same
number of nunneries, and a population of 7
to 8000. The fortifications are partly an-
cient, partly modern: the fine Roman bridge
over the Guadiana, is defended by a tete de
pout, on which, a few guns are mounted.
On the right bank of the river, stands the
fort of St. Christoval, which commands the
city. Badajos was twice besieged by the
Portuguese, but never taken.
3
}
120
>
On the 7th instant, the commander of the
forces gave an entertainment upon the occa-
sion of Lieutenant-General Sherbrooke being
invested with the insignia of the Bath. Im-
mediately after the ceremony, a royal salute
was fired. About 8 o'clock the nobility and
principal inhabitants of Badajos began to
assemble at Lord Wellington's, and after a
few songs from the ladies, the ball was opened
with an English country dance, by a General
Officer and Donna Anna Fortunata, of Elvas.
The dancing continued until midnight, when
supper was announced. The party broke
up about 2 o'clock.
121
LETTER XXIV.
Birth-Day of Ferdinand VII.-The Public Promenade of Badajos.
Tertullia. Remarks.-Situation of the French Corps.
Badajos, 29th October, 1809.
THE 14th instant being the birth-day of
Ferdinand, a royal salute was fired from the
ramparts.
In the afternoon there was a numerous
assemblage on the Almada, the public pro-
menade, or prado of this city, near the river,
where the inhabitants, of all ranks, are ac-
customed to take the air. Several beautiful
women were present, who attracted attention
by their engaging, yet not immodest looks,
and the graceful ease of their carriage. The
veil, which is universally worn, no longer
serves to conceal their faces, and the toute
ensemble of their simple and elegant dress,
is admirably adapted to display a fine form
to the best advantage.
A short religious ceremony, peculiar to
this nation, is deserving of notice. At sun-
set, every evening, the bells of the convents
122
and churches are tolled for a few moments.
On hearing this signal, the people cease con-
versing with each other and quit their occu-
pations, and all in silence, address a short
prayer to the protecting power, which has
brought them in safety to the close of another
day.
There are no public places of amusement
in Badajos; but one Lady Donna Payna,
opens her house every night to the best
society and the British Officers, who are
received with the utmost politeness. Con-
versation, cards, the song and dance, suc-
ceed each other, and form what is called the
tertullia, similar in most respects to a London
route.
On the above evening, the tertullia was
particularly well attended. The young and
lovely Marchioness D'Almeida and the hand-
some widow Donna Manuela, were the ad-
mired and principal ornaments of the assem-
bly. There were several other ladies present,
who maintained the reputation of their
country for the beauty of its women. In
general, the Spanish ladies are elegantly
formed, and spare no pains in the decoration
123
of their persons. They are remarkably mild
and engaging in their manner and address,
but few of them speak any language except
their own, and the education of all is ex-
tremely confined. A Spanish lover is certain
of seeing his mistress, at least, once a day,
as nothing but indisposition prevents all
classes from attending church. The Duenna
still forms part of the establishment of a
Spanish household, but without her former
authority and privileges. Ladies of a certain
rank, never stir abroad without a female
attendant, who, if they are young, is about
their own age, and more a companion dis-
posed to promote their wishes, than a rigid
observer of their actions.
About 10 o'clock, the commander of the
forces and part of his staff arrived. The
widow Donna Manuela, accompanied on the
guitar by Senhor Fuentes, sung a Spanish
ballad in a pleasing style, and with much
taste. A country dance was afterwards
formed; at the end of which, Donna Josepha
Basquez danced a bolera, playing the casta-
nets at the same time, in a most graceful
manner. The same young lady and Donna
124
1
Payna, in the course of the evening, enter-
tained the company with their favourite
national dance, the Fandango.
The Spanish gentlemen have a natural
reserve, and an appearance of hauteur about
them, which, at first sight, is calculated to
displease. They have for some years past,
adopted the French mode of dress, and the
Portuguese have followed their example in
this respect. They are remarkably temperate
in their manner of living, although, on par-
ticular occasions, they indulge in drinking
hot-spiced wines to excess. It is the fashion
to dine at an early hour, and all ranks after-
wards take the siesta, at which time, the
houses and shops are shut up, and the most
populous city, during this part of the after-
noon, appears to be quite deserted and wrapt
in the silence of the grave. This is one
reason, perhaps, why the British have not
been admitted to their tables, as they may
not chuse, out of compliment to any foreign-
ers, to forego their national customs.
On the 21st, 2 privates of the guards
arrived, who made their escape from Madrid
on the 15th ult. They report, that above 20
125
British Officers, taken at Talavera, marched
on the 10th for France. The prisoners uni-
formly receive the most humane treatment
from the enemy.
On the 1st of September, Marshal Ney
was at Salamanca, with 14,000 men; Soult
at Placentia, Zarza Major, and Coria, with
8000; Victor's head-quarters at Oropesa
and 4000; Marshal Mortier at Talavera,
with 10,000 men, and General Sebastiani is
said to be in motion to the South, with a
division of nearly the same strength,
The Honourable Captain Alexander Gor-
don, who went with a flag of truce to the
French out-posts, has brought intelligence
of Austria having made peace with France.
Beside the brigade of Guards, the 1st bat-
talion of the 40th, and 3d of the 27th
regiments, are quartered in Badajos. The
duties of the fortress are taken by the Spanish
troops.
126
LETTER XXV.
Escape of two British Officers from Madrid, &c.
Badajos, 20th November, 1809.
Two officers of the 61st regiment, who
had been wounded and taken prisoners at
Talavera, arrived here on the 9th instant,
having escaped from the convent in which
they were confined at Madrid. They re-
mained concealed in that city for 8 days,
and on their way hither, passed through the
Spanish army in La Mancha. General
Ariezaga had his head-quarters at Damiel;
Colonel Roche and Lord Macduff were
with him. From the proximity of the
enemy, a battle may be expected soon to
take place, but the Spanish leader has it in
his power to avoid an engagement.
On the 12th instant the Commander of the
forces returned from Cadiz, where the
Marquis Wellesley has embarked on his re-
turn to England.
Lieutenant-General Sir Stapleton Cotton
remains at Merida, with the principal part
of the British cavalry. General Hill's divi-
127
sion of infantry at Montego, Puebla, &c,
The light infantry under Brigadier-General
Robert Crawford at Campo Mayor. Major-
General Cole at Olivenza, and Brigadier-Ge-
neral Cameron at Lobon and Almondarelehy.
The Spaniards under Lieutenant-General
Don Luis Bassecourt, occupy a line betwixt
Merida and the Tagus. Head-quarters at
Truxillo.
1
128
LETTER XXVI.
Remarks on some of the leading features of the Campaign.-In
consequence of the Army of La Mancha under General Ariezaga
being defeated, the British break up from Spain.-Route of the
first division.-The Guards at the head of the column reach
Abrantes, passing through the following places on their march.-
Elvas. Barbacena.- Montforte.- Portalegre. Gafete and
Gavio. Sick left at Abrantes.
Abrantes, 16th December, 1809.
THE events which followed the ever memo-
rable battle of Talavera, so glorious to the
British arms, and which at first seemed to
promise the greatest advantages to the cause
of the peninsula, have been already detailed
in the preceding letters.
In reviewing these events, a variety of re-
flections naturally present themselves, and
the mind sickens at the melancholy conse-
quences of the imbecility of those chiefs, to
whose guidance the Spanish armies were en-
trusted; who by their futile plans conceived
without judgment, and attempted to be car-
ried into execution without ability, disap-
pointed alike the hopes of their country and
the British leader, who in vain looked forward
129
to any co-operation which might produce a
beneficial result to the general cause.
On Sir Arthur Wellesley marching from
Talavera with the avowed intention of attack-
ing Marshal Soult at Placentia, Cuesta ought
to have moved forward with his army, and
taken post on the right bank of the Alberche,
with one corps passed over that river, and
strong piquets of cavalry to watch the enemy.
The effect of this movement on the opera-
tions of the British must be obvious; and it
will not be doubted by military men, that
had Cuesta assumed this attitude, which
would have enabled him to intercept all com-
munication betwixt the French armies, and
maintained his position as agreed upon, the
Commander of the forces would have been
again successful in a rencontre with the French
who had arrived at Placentia, although their
number was upwards of 50,000, composed of
the remains of Marshal Soult's division which
had escaped from Oporto, with those of
Ney and Mortier. The British troops were
flushed with victory, they placed an entire
confidence in their general, and were to
be opposed to the corps of the same enemy
K
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130
whom they had recently defeated in the
most signal manner. There were other cir-
cumstances also highly favourable to the
British continuing to act on a system of
offensive warfare; the army had been rein-
forced by the addition of General Robert
Crawford's fine brigade of light infantry, and
a troop of horse artillery. Marshal Beresford
was on the frontier, threatening the enemy's
rear, whilst that active and enterprising officer,
Sir Robert Wilson, made a rapid march across
the mountains and alarmed his left.
This was the state of affairs, when the
British army, by the unexpected march of
General Cuesta from Talavera, was compelled
to retire to the left bank of the Tagus, fol-
lowed by the Spanish troops. A considerable
number of the latter withdrew into the moun-
tains of La Mancha, where, if unable to offer
any obstacle to the progress of the French,
they were at least, in a state of immediate
security and daily acquiring numbers. Mean-
while, the British fell back upon the frontier,
and occupied the line of the Guadiana, the
advance being at Merida. At the same time,
that the troops were easily subsisted in this.
تم
131
position, the safety of the province of Anda-
lusia was ensured, as the enemy could not
attempt to penetrate into the Sierra Morena,
with the British army on his right flank. In
other respects, however, the position was not
an eligible one, and it may be fairly presumed,
that the Commander of the forces went into
cantonments on the Guadiana, for the pur-
põses of giving confidence to the army of La
Mancha, and of encouraging the people to
persevere in the cause, but more particularly
to afford the Spanish nation an opportunity
of reforming its government, and of choosing
new men to direct their measures in the
cabinet, and conduct their armies in the field.
The arrival of the Marquis Wellesley, whose
abilities and experience might naturally be
expected, not only to aid such a reform, but
to point out to the Spaniards, those measures
which ought to be adopted, to call forth the
military and financial resources of the country,
to administer them with judgment and pru-
dence, was another circumstance which might
have had considerable weight in deciding on
the necessity of remaining in Spain, until
the government of England should be ac-
;
+
K 2
152
quainted with his opinion of the real senti-
ments of the people, the capacity of their
rulers, and the numbers and discipline of their
armies.
1
By such or similar motives, the Commander
of the forces appears to have been actuated.
The low flat plains of Spanish Estramadura,
and nearly the whole of the country watered
by the Guadiana, have been noticed by dif-
ferent writers as the most unhealthy part of
the peninsula. The British troops were, un-
happily, destined to prove the truth of this
remark, and numbers of the brave fellows,
whose constitutions had borne up against all
the fatigues and privations of the campaign,
sunk under the baneful influence of this de-
structive climate. The state of inaction, in
which the troops now remained, proved too
sudden a change after their extraordinary
exertions, during the retreat from Talavera,
and was, doubtless, another cause of the
sickness which spread rapidly throughout
the army, to counteract which, orders were
given, that they should be frequently exercised
in short marches, whenever the weather per-
mitted. The end of autumn, and the latter
133
part of a campaign, produce the same effects
in all armies; besides, it was observed, that the
prevalence of malignant fevers was greater at
this period, both in Spain and Portugal,
than had been known for several preceding
years.
The communication with Lisbon, by either
bank of the Tagus, continued uninterrupted;
indeed, the enemy evinced no disposition to
make any movement towards the quarter in
which the British army was stationed.
The Marquis of Romana was at Seville,
where he had taken his seat as one of the
Supreme Junta, but even the accession of his
councils, dictated as they were by talent and
undoubted patriotism, failed to inspire a con-
fidence of this government in the minds of the
people, and those measures, which were alone
calculated to rouse the energies of the
Spaniards in the cause of liberty, and direct
their efforts with the happiest effect, still
remained untried.
A sudden and fatal blow was now about to
be struck, and the genius of freedom seemed
overwhelmed by the dire calamity.
134
The army of La Mancha, to the chief com
mand of which, Lieutenant General Don
Juan de Ariesaga had been appointed, was
highly respectable, both in numbers and the
component parts of which it was formed. A
plan of operations was said to have been drawn
up and submited to this general by the Baron
de Croisard, an intelligent officer and Com-
missioner from the Emperor of Austria to
the Spanish armies. Whether this plan,
which had for its object to drive the French
out of Madrid, and beyond the Banks of the
Ebro, by a series of manoeuvres, without
risking a battle, would have been successful
or not, it is impossible to say, as the Spanish
chief did not think proper to adopt it; but
contrary to the wishes and opinion of all
around him, and to every principle of pru-
dence or of military tactics, General Ariesaga,
in an unhappy moment, blindly resolved to
quit the mountains, and descending into the
plains to commit himself with new formed
levies against the veteran troops of France.
The whole South of Spain, by the dispersion
of Ariesagas' army after the unfortunate battle
135
of Ocana, lay open to the incursions of the
enemy, and it became no longer necessary or
desirable in a military point of view, to
retain the British army on the borders of
Estramadura. At 8 on the morning of the
8th instant, the guards marched from Ba-
dajos with a brigade of heavy six-poun-
ders, under the command of Captain Law-
son, followed on successive days by the
King's German legion and General Came-
ron's brigade.
The preceding day was the festival of the
Virgin, which is always kept with much re-
ligious pomp and ceremony by the Spaniards.
High mass was celebrated in the cathedral,
which is of Moorish architecture, the interior
hung entirely with crimson velvet and gold.
The ceremony, at all times solemn and im-
pressive, was interrupted by the sudden
fainting of one of the officiating canons, a
venerable priest, 85 years of age. On
being carried into the open air, he reco-
vered.-Several salutes in honor of the saint
were fired from the ramparts, and in the
evening the principal inhabitants assembled
in their best attire on the Almada.
136
At the distance of a league from Badajos,
on the road to Elvas, the brigade forded a
small river, the Caya, which in its course to
the Guadiana, forms the boundary of the
two kingdoms, and re-entered Portugal after
an absence of five months. A little after
mid-day the guards reached Elvas, which at
the time was the principal depôt of the sick
and wounded. This city, seated on a hill,
is one of the strongest places in Portugal.
On an eminence stands the celebrated fort
built by General Count la Lippe, and called
after his name. A very noble aqueduct sup-
plies Elvas with water.
;
On the 10th, to Barbacena, two long
leagues over a heath, cloathed with gum
schistus, myrtle and rosemary, and here and
there a clump of olive trees. The day re-
markably cold, with a thick haze. At 1 the
3d guards arrived in the village.
On the 11th to Montforte, the same dis-
tance as yesterday; the country through
which the road lay was extremely picturesque
and well wooded. Montforte is a town of
some note, with an ancient castle now in
ruins. Here is a monastery and nunnery,
}
137
the latter dedicated to Santa Francisca. The
nuns who appeared at the grate were more
agreeable and lively in their manners than is
usually found in the recluse inhabitants of a
convent.
December the 12th, to Portalegre 20 miles ;
the face of the country extremely beautiful,
the greater part a forest of fine cak, cork
and pine trees. This city is the see of a
bishop, and contains two monasteries, three
nunneries, and about 5000 inhabitants; it
is romantically situated on a hill, and the
surrounding country appears well cultivated.
Here the brigade re-united, the Coldstream
having proceeded from Elvas by a differenț
route, through the towns of San Olaia and
Assumar on the right.
Halted on the 13th, which allowed the
officers an opportunity of visiting the bishop's
palace and cathedral; the latter a very noble
modern pile.
On the following day the brigade marched
by Apalhao to Gafeté, 16 miles. Soon after
leaving the beautiful environs of Portalegre,
the column entered on a wild uncultivated
district, and about 4 o'clock halted in this
138
miserable place. The road throughout was
rugged, and the guns in front could only
proceed slowly, which obstructed the march
of the troops. There not being sufficient
accommodation in Gafeté, the light infantry
and artillery went forward to the small town'
of Toloza.
Yesterday the guards reached Gavio, about
3 in the afternoon, having marched 4 leagues
through a country similar in appearance to
that over which the troops had passed on the
preceding day, until they approached the
banks of the Tagus, when the scenery became
at once bold and picturesque.
The road this morning led the whole
distance 18 miles, through a beautiful dis-
trict, in a line with the course of the Tagus.
The appearance of the castle of Abrantes
from the south bank of the river had an
imposing air of grandeur. About 3 P. M.
the brigade crossed the bridge of boats,
and ascended the eminence on which the
town stands, in the midst of a fertile
country.
During the whole of the march from
Elvas, the troops were cheerfully supplied
139
by the inhabitants with whatever they had
for sale, at a moderate rate; they often
expressed their fears that the British were
upon the point of withdrawing from Por-
tugal. Guides were provided at each stage
on the route.
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140
|
LETTER XXVII.
March of the Guards to Leyria, &c.
Leyria, 29th December, 1809.
ON the 17th instant the brigade halted in
Abrantes, where the sick of the army were
embarked on the Tagus for Lisbon.
The naturally strong situation of the town,
(which must be considered the key of the
Tagus,) is improving by works constructed
under the direction of the royal engineers.
A considerable magazine had been formed
here during the time the British were in
Spain.
The stormy and boisterous night of the
17th was succeeded by a lovely morning;
and the guards again bent their way to
Punhete, over the vale of Abrantes, which
is esteemed the granary of Portugal. The
orange-trees tinted with the yellow foliage
of autumn, and bending beneath the weight
of their golden fruit, gave a richness to the
scenery which vied with the beauties of
141
summer. Soon after mid-day the brigade ar-
rived in the village, and occupied their former
cantonments. The inhabitants received them
with kindness, and expressed their deep re-
gret for the fate of those who had fallen in
the battle of Talavera.
On the following day the guards continued
their march, and about 2 o'clock in the after-
noon reached. Thomar.
The brigade was
again quartered in the convent of Christ.
Marshal Beresford has his head quarters
in this city, and General Miranda is also
here, with two brigades of infantry.
Yesterday the guards arrived in Leyria
about 3 in the afternoon, having halted on
the preceding night at Ourem. The roads
from Punhete were rendered very bad by
the late rains.
Brigadier-General Coleman commands the
garrison, which consists of about 3000 Por-
tuguese infantry.
142
LETTER XXVIII.
The Guards arrive at Vizeu.-Short Account of that ancient City,
Viseu, 31st December, 1809.
YESTERDAY the brigade of guards which
led the column during the march of the
British army through Portugal, arrived in
this city.
On the 22d instant the guards left Leyria,
and passing through the towns of Pombal
and Condiexa, entered Coimbra on Christmas
Day. Their reception in that city was
friendly and hospitable, although not distin-
guished with the same lively expressions of
gratitude as the inhabitants evinced on their
first visit, when the British came to deliver
them from an enemy whose approach they
had for some time awaited with the utmost
apprehension.
Coimbra wore a more gay and busy
A number of
appearance than formerly.
families who had fled from their homes were
returned; the restoration of quiet by the
expulsion of Marshal Soult's army had
143
admitted of the University being re-opened,
and the youth of Portugal were once more
pursuing their studies. The academic dress
was uniform and simple, yet extremely be-
coming.
The gardens of Santa Cruz even at this
advanced season of the year, were still
delightful; the way to them was through
the dormitory of the convent, from which
a path led to the quinta or country house,
seated in an orange grove, where the holy
brethren of St. Augustine occasionally retired
to relax their minds from the severity of
monastic duties. The appearance of every
thing about the quinta bespoke wealth and
comfort; a suite of apartments terminating
with a billiard-room, opened to a terrace
from which there was a charming view over
the extensive gardens. The cellars were
filled with the produce of their own vine-
yards. During the first stay of the army in
this city, a table was kept for the officers at
Santa Cruz, and a handsome entertainment
daily provided.
Next day, the 26th, being a festival, was
celebrated with much splendor in the nun-
144
nery of St. Clare. On this occasion the
magnificent tomb of the foundress Queen
Isabella, was decorated with a profusion of
jewels and flowers, through which a small
rill of water was seen to flow. At noon the
Lady Superior, attired in the robes of the
order, her train borne by the two eldest
nuns, entered the chapel, and passing with
a slow and solemn step to a seat at the upper
end, around which the nuns were already
ranged, a beautiful girl in the habit of a
novice, who sat at the organ, commenced
the symphony, after which the anthem was
sung in full chorus by the sisterhood. The
voice of Maria
the young and inte-
resting votary of St. Clare, within whose holy
walls she had fled for refuge on the first invasion
of Portugal by the French, was distinguished
above the rest by its sweetness and variety of
tone. Charmed with the manners of its
inhabitants, and the peaceful solitudes of a
cloister, Maria
2
at the early age of
17, after passing through a short noviciate,
voluntarily embraced the veil. A bewitching
grace sat upon the fair and polished forehead
of the young religieuse, and the mild yet
145
touching expression of her lovely countenance
indicated the purity of her mind.
After high mass the Lady Abbess and
several of the nuns approached the grate and
welcomed the officers again to Coimbra.
On the 27th the brigade advanced to
Malheada, 13 miles; and on the 28th to
Martigoa, 4 leagues. The route lay over
the steep and rugged mountain of Busaco,
on whose summit the towers of a convent of
the order of La Trappe, appeared to rise out
of a beautiful wood. The extensive grounds
were inclosed within a lofty wall; and it
is scarcely possible to conceive a more se-
questered spot than the scite of this mo-
nastery.
Descending the mountain, the troops en-
tered a well-cultivated valley, and about
3 o'clock arrived in the village, where the
3d regiment was with difficulty accommo-
dated. The Coldstream proceeded to a
hamlet, a league beyond.
On the 29th to Tondella, 4 leagues; this
little town is situated in a beautiful district.
Next day, after a march of 15 miles, the
guards reached this city; the Coldstream
L
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146
}
occupied the Bishop's Palace; the Sd guards
the Convents of St. Antonio, and the Con-
gregation of Oratory.
Vizeu situated in the centre of the province
of Beira, betwixt the Mondego and the
Vouga, is an episcopal city, and of great
antiquity. The inhabitants indeed pretend
that it was founded by the Turduli, a Gothic
race, 500 years before Christ, and originally
named Vacca; but to support this they
produce no satisfactory document. The
account which is considered as most entitled
to credit is, that this city was built in the
time of Sertorius by the pro-consul D. Brutus,
who called it Vicontium. Two towers ad-
joining the cathedral yet remain, of Roman
construction, on which appear the eagle, and
the names of Flaccus and Frontinius, who
are supposed to have been the architects.
Northward of the city is a Roman camp of
considerable magnitude, in which the hitherto
victorious legions of Rome were compelled
to remain inactive before the town, by the
renowned Portuguese general Viriatus, whose
memory is held in repute by his countrymen
to this day. A small village, Alvoka, in the
147
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"
Sierra de Estrella, is pointed out as the
birth-place of this leader, who from being
originally a captain of banditti, was chosen
to command the Lusitanian army, and be-
came the terror of the Romans.
Vizeu contains two monasteries, a convent
for nuns, and about 5000 inhabitants. There
is a good weekly market, and the surrounding
country is well cultivated.-The peasantry in
this district are of a more industrious cha-
racter than those of the south.
The Benedictines seemed to partake in the
general satisfaction excited by the arrival of
the British; and refreshments were presented
to the officers who visited the grate. All the
confectionary is made in the convents, and
this forms one source of the revenue of these
institutions. The nuns of Vizeu were more
unreserved in their manners than one would
expect from the secluded life they lead, and
the nature of their establishment. They
were sufficiently talkative, and old and young
had a wonderful share of curiosity to know
what was passing in the world.
The bishop is 70 years of age, and resides
principally at a quinta, a short distance
I 2
148
from the city. Some of the officers went to
pay their respects, and found him dining
upon a single dish; his chaplains seated at
another table, were also partaking of a very
frugal repast—this was a little after mid-day.
The bishop politely rose on their entrance,
and hastened to express his extreme gra-
tification at seeing a British army in his
diocese.
With the exception of the 1st division, the
whole of the army proceeded to the frontier
by the route of St. Combadao, after passing
through Coimbra.
"
149
}
LETTER XXIX.
The British Army in Winter Quarters.-Marshal Ney summons
Ciudad Rodrigo, and Victor overrunning the Province of
Andalusia suddenly appears before Cadiz, to which
place the Honourable General W. Stewart was dispatched
from Lisbon, with a Brigade of Infantry.-Skirmish at the
Out-posts.
Vizeu, 20th February, 1810.
EARLY in January, the whole of the British
army had arrived in their new position, and
the troops were quietly settled in winter
quarters. The Commander of the forces
after a short visit to Lisbon, for the purpose
of reconnoitreing the chain of works con-
structing in its vicinity, had returned to this
city, in front of which, the main body of his
infantry was cantoned in the several towns
and villages on the road to the frontier,
with the exception of the 2d division, and
Major-General Slade's brigade of cavalry,
which continued on the line of the Tagus,
under the command of Lieutenant-General
Hill.
1
150
R
The out-posts were stationed on the Banks
of the Coa, and the duty taken by the light
brigade, and 1st German hussars, under the
orders of Brigadier-General Pobert Crawford.
The 3d division, Major-General Picton's, was
the next in advance, supported by the 4th divi-
sion, Major-General Cole's at Guarda, Ce-
lerico, and the villages in the valley of the
Mondego; General Fane's brigade of heavy
cavalry was in Coimbra, and the 16th light
dragoons at St. Combadao.
The first 6 weeks succeeding the return
of the British to Portugal, were passed in a
state of comparativè tranquillity; but within
the last, a considerable sensation has been
excited by the movements and demonstra-
tions of the enemy in various parts of the
peninsula.
On the 11th instant, the French, to the
number of 9 or 10,000 approached Ciudad
Rodrigo at 4 different points. At half-past
7 in the morning, a flag of truce arrived,
with a letter from Marshal Ney, requiring
the surrender of this fortress.-The governor,
Don André de Herrasti returned a spirited
refusal.
151
On the following day the enemy bombarded
the city for several hours, without making any
impression. Disappointed in his hope of
entering Ciudad Rodrigo without resistance,
Marshal Ney pushed his corps down to the
river Aqueda, which he crossed at the bridge
of San Felices, but finding it impracticable to
bring his artillery over this pass, he withdrew
his troops, and has cantoned them in the
villages betwixt Ciudad Rodrigo and Sala-
manca, leaving a small corps of observation
on the Aqueda.
Victor has arrived at Port St. Mary's,
opposite Cadiz, and is in possession of Seville,
and the immense magazines collected by the
late Junta in that city, which he entered
without opposition, in the same manner as
he did at Jaen, Cordova and Granada, on his
march to the south. Meanwhile, the remains
of the army of La Mancha retired on Algeziras,
and the Duke of Albuquerque entered Cadiz,
with about 10,000 men, only 12 hours before
Victor appeared. General William Stewart,
who had been detached from Lisbon with a
brigade of infantry, has also reached Cadiz,
152
}
so that no fears are now entertained for the
safety of that valuable place.
Joseph Buonaparte is with Victor's army.—
The French have prevailed on a few of the
prisoners taken at Ocana, to swear allegiance
to him; and the discouraging aspect of affairs,
induces many of the armed peasantry to return
to their homes; but it is a war of partizans,
the peasant against the soldier, and unless
Joseph can keep a force in every town, he
will not, for a long time, be enabled to subdue
the spirit of the people. The most melancholy
feature in the cause of Spain is, that most of
the soldiers, when routed or dispersed, throw
away their arms.
Last month, a French corps of 10,000 men,
of which 2000 were cavalry, passed through
Vittoria to Burgos, and then struck off
on the road to Madrid. The cavalry
appeared good troops, the infantry chiefly
conscripts.
A smart skirmish took place on the 16th
instant at the out-posts. The enemy after
dusk, having passed a body of 600 men
over the Aqueda, was opposed by 4
I
*
153
companies of the 95th regiment, under
Lieutenant Colonel Beckwith, who compelled
them to retire with a loss of 50 in killed,
wounded and prisoners.-On the side of the
British, Lieutenant Mercer and 12 men were
killed.
1
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154
LETTER XXX.
Description of the Country round Vizeu.-Festival of St. Josephine.
Vizeu, 1st March, 1810.
THE weather, which was unusually severe
during the months of January and February
has now become extremely mild, and the
face of the country in the neighbourhood of
this city, appears to great advantage. In
every direction are beautiful walks and
rides.
At the distance of a league is a remarkable
hot spring on the banks of the Dao, a
mountain torrent, which forces its way
through rocks, in a valley of the most
picturesque appearance.
The garden at the bishop's country house
is a delightful spot, but it yields in point of
beauty to the quinta of Don Jose Ernesto,
about a mile from Vizeu. The road to it
leads through an avenue of cherry trees
already in blossom, to the Val de Besteros
or Valley of Cattle, at the head of which, the
house and grounds are situated. At each
155
step the scenery becomes more romantic,
and is uncommonly rich in all its features.
The vale is bounded by a chain of hills,
the Sierras de Caramula, whose summits
at this moment are covered with snow.
But the grate of the Benedictine nunnery
possessed more charms for
charms for the British
officers than all the beauties of the surround-
ing district.—A regard for the eternal welfare
of the nuns had induced the venerable bishop
to express his displeasure to the Lady Abbess
at their frequent visits; but this interference
on the part of his reverence, was not attended
with any visible effect.
Yesterday the church of the convent was
filled at an early hour, it being the festival
of their saint, whose image was adorned
with jewels, a number of wax tapers burning
before it, and the grand altar lighted up
and embellished in a similar manner. The
service of the day commenced, and all
in silence listened to the sweet voices of the
nuns, at times interrupted by the hollow
tones of the officiating monks, who were
celebrating high mass at the altar.—Again
the harmony of the choir broke upon the ear,
156
accompanied by the loud swell of the organ;
and after a short pause, Sister Joanna
Perpetuza sung a solo in a deep and powerful,
yet melodious strain.-She was followed by
Maria Benedita, who acquitted herself with
much taste and execution in a difficult hymn.
At this moment, a friar of the order of St.
Francis entered the church, and kneeling on
the steps of the altar, prayed for a short
time; after which, he ascended the pulpit
and delivered a sermon extempore. When
his discourse, which did not seem to make
much impression upon the auditory, was
ended, an anthem was chaunted by the
whole of the nuns in full chorus.-Donna
Antonia Maria, the fair novice of St.Josephine,
played on the organ with a masterly hand.
:
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157
"
LETTER XXXI.
Situation of the French Corps-Remarks on the War in the
Peninsula.-General Robert Crawford throws himself into Fort
Conception.
Vizeu, 14th March, 1810.
THE Corps of the enemy are gathering fast
around this kingdom, and form a cordon
from Corunna to Cadiz. According to recent
information, Junot is at St. Jago (betwixt
Corunna and Vigo) and Marshal Ney con-
tinues on the right bank of the Aqueda, be-
twixt Ciudad Rodrigo and the bridges of
Zamora and Ledesma, with his out-posts at
San Felices, three leagues from the advance
of Lord Wellington's army at Almeida.
On the other side of the Sierra de Francia,
Marshal Soult is stationed, with his head-
quarters at Placentia, securing with his right.
the important pass of Banos.
Mortier is at Talavera la Real, and his corps
is cantoned in that town and the neighbouring
ones, Almondarelehy, Zafra, Valverde and
Olivenza.
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158
The enemy are said to be strengthening
Burgos, and there are 5 to 6000 men in that
city, and about the same number in Val-
ladolid. At Burgos, the French issued a
proclamation, offering pardon to such armed
peasants of the guerilla (sharpshooters) as
should return to their homes.
These detached corps of mounted peasants
had cut off an escort near Vittoria, of 300
French bullocks going to the army, and put
all the party to death. There is also an armed
force of this description which hovers round
Madrid and annoys the enemy's convoys.
There are occasional reports of large
reinforcements to the French army passing
through Bayonne, but every thing remains
quiet upon the frontier, and the enemy has
not renewed his attempt on Ciudad Rodrigo.
This calm, however, may be the forerunner of
a storm, for the designs of Buonaparte against
the independence of the peninsula, are of a
nature not to be doubted. The patriotism of
the Spaniards, although chilled and repressed
by the imbecility of their government and the
gigantic efforts of Great Britain in defence of
an injured and insulted nation have hitherto
159
foiled the plans, and blasted the hopes of the
usurper; but now that he can give his undi-
vided attention to an object of so much im-
portance as annexing the resources of this
immense territory to the power of France, by
placing the crown of Spain securely on his
brother's head, it is impossible not to feel
considerable anxiety for the ultimate result
of this great contest.
Within these few days, General Robert
Crawford has passed the frontier with the
light division and a troop of horse artillery,
and thrown himself into Fort Conception,
two miles beyond Almeida. Deserters,
chiefly Germans, frequently come over, but
from them little information can be obtained.
The sick of the army are sent every
Monday to Fozdao, where they embark on
the Mondego for Figueira, and from thence.
proceed to Lisbon.
160
}
LETTER XXXII.
The French are making Preparations for the Siege of Ciudad
Rodrigo, &c.
Vizeu, 24th April, 1810.
Romana is at Badajos,
ON the 22d ultimo, Mortier's head quar-
ters were at Zafra, with 9000 men, and Merlé
at Meridia with 3 to 4000, having his out-
posts at Torremayor, &c. The whole of the
enemy's force in Estramadura, does not
exceed 15,000 men.
and Balasteros, with the right of his army
at Olivenza, where the French were for
some time; the left extends to Albuquerque,
and there are some troops in Campo Mayor.
The number of Spaniards bearing arms is
about 15,000, and as many more in training.
The French are supposed to have not more
than 25,000 men to the southward of the
Sierra Morena.
The 2d division of infantry is at present
quartered in Portalegre. Major-General
Slade's brigade of cavalry at Apalhao and
Abrantes. Lieutenant-General Hill is in
161
communication with Badajos, and his light
troops are at Nisa and Villa Velha to observe
the movements of the enemy, should Regnier
attempt to push a corps along the left bank
of the Tagus.
Brigadier-General Howarth, and another
troop of horse artillery have arrived at Lisbon.
The force under Marshal Ney is said to be
increased from 15 to 25,000 men: with him
are Generals Loison, Laborde and the younger
Kellerman. Forty of Ney's body guards
deserted the other day.-Frequent skirmishes
take place at the out-posts, in which the
British are uniformly successful.
Colonel Trant has proceeded from Oporto
with 3000 men to defend the strong Pass of
Salamonde, should Junot endeavour
penetrate into Portugal by that route.
to
Head-quarters moved on the 14th instant
to Cea, a small town on the acclivity of the
Estrella, the largest mountain in Portugal, at
the distance of 6 leagues from Vizeu.
Upon
its summit are two lakes, from the greater,
two of the principal rivers in this kingdom,
the Mondego and Zezere take their rise; the
Alva derives its source from the lesser.
M
The
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162
country is highly beautiful and romantic, and
the green vallies at the foot of the Estrella,
form a remarkable contrast with its snow
covered sides.
On the 19th instant Lord Wellington
returned to Vizeu.
This morning, two Spanish deputies arrived
from Ciudad Rodrigo, to request the Com-
mander of the forces would move up to the
relief of that city, in the event of its being
attacked, for which the French appeared to
be making serious preparation.
1
}
163
I
LETTER XXXIII.
The British move up to the frontiers.-Head-quarters at Celerico.
-Marshal Beresford at Fornos.-Astorga surrenders to Junot.
-Massena arrives at Salamanca.-City of Guarda.
Celerico, 20th May, 1810.
ABOUT 1 o'clock on the morning of the
27th instant, an order was issued for the
guards to advance, each man carrying 3 days.
provisions, and biscuit for six days on
mules. Although this order was equally sud-
den and unexpected, yet the whole were in
readiness at the appointed hour, and marched
from Vizeu, with the good wishes of the in-
habitants, to Mongualde, 2 leagues, where
the brigade arrived soon after mid-day. The
country on the right, was extremely beauti-
ful and picturesque. The weather hazy,
with frequent showers; Sir Stapleton Cat-
ton's head-quarters, were at the magnificent
mansion of the Paez family. General
Cameron's brigade, under the command of
Lord Blantyre, marched from Mongualde
this morning, and the whole of the army was
M 2
4
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164
in motion, to take up a position nearer the
frontier. The Commander of the forces
passed through to Celerico. The Cold-
stream went 2 leagues further to Villacova.
April the 28th, to Fornos, 3 leagues over
a very hilly road. In these 2 last towns, the
troops were but indifferently accommodated.
The day was remarkably warm, and the
beautiful green fields every where carefully
cultivated, formed a striking contrast with
the barren summit of the neighbouring
Estrella.
On the 29th, the guards arrived at Cele-
rico, which not affording sufficient quarters
for the brigade, the Coldstream proceeded
to Lagiosa, in the Val de Mondego, and 4
companies of the 3d regiment to the village
of Frontilhera.
The Mondego, after running for some
leagues due north, makes a bend round Cele-
rico, and then pursues its course to the Atlan-
tic, in a westerly direction. The antient
name of this town, is said to have been Silio-
brigum, and here are the remains of a Ro-
man fort, but of its history, no certain infor-
mation can be obtained from the inhabitants.
165
ཎྜཱ,
The clergy are almost the only class who pos-
sess any learning, and even among them a great
number are extremely ignorant, and know
little of their country. In this respect they
differ from their neighbours, the Spaniards,
who take a pride in the traditions handed
down by their ancestors, and dwell with a
peculiar delight on a recital of those battles,
which ended in the total expulsion of the
Moors. It is only from foreign authors, that
the Portuguese can derive a just knowledge
of their country, as their own historians give
such a colouring to facts, as to leave little
semblance to the truth.
Astorga, a town without walls, and garri-
soned by 3000 men, has surrendered to Junot
after a months siege, during which the
French lost about 6000 men.
Ney has his position on the Tormes. His
advance on the Agueda.
Regnier shewed himself before Badajoz,
on the 12th inst. when he was fired at from
the batteries.
A French officer came in this morning, who
states, that he deserted in consequence of
an affront offered to him by his commandant
166
:
upon whom he drew his sword.
He says
that Massena is at Salamanca, that the
French have been reinforced, and are now
80,000 strong betwixt that city and Ciudad
Rodrigo.
Marshal Beresford's head-quarters are at
Fornos, and several brigades of Portuguese
infantry have arrived in this neighbour-
hood.
The advance under General R. Crawford,
has fallen back upon Almeida, but 4 com-
panies of the 45th regiment, and some Por-
tuguese troops are in Fort Conception, and
the cavalry patrole to the banks of the
Agueda, close to which, and in sight oppo-
site are the enemy's piquets, who as well as
the British, try the fords daily. There is no
doubt entertained in this army, that Mas-
sena intends to commence active operations
as soon as the weather will permit, but the
rains still continue. His force is stated, by
all deserters, at not less than 70,000; this in-
cludes Junot's corps of 20,000 men, lately ar-
rived from the north.
Regnier is still in Estremadura, but is ex-
pected to combine with Massena, in the at-
tack on Portugal.
-167
}
The French gain no ground in the good will
of the Spaniards, and their influence does not
extend beyond the range of their cannon.
Buonaparte has lately issued a decree, direct-
ing the French generals, who command in
Spain to levy contributions on the inhabi-
tants, for the subsistence and payment of their
armies, as they must not expect any more
money for this purpose.
The ancient city of Guarda, at the distance
of 2 leagues from hence, is situated on the
northern extremity of the Estrella. After
passing through the village of Lagiosa and the
romantic scenery of the Val de Mondego,
the road winds up a steep hill, from whence
the city appears at the distance of a mile.
Here are few objects worthy of notice. The
cathedral, a rude gothic pile was built in the
11th century.
The castle of a later date,
is now in ruins, what time had spared, hav-
ing been demolished by the French. From
the walls a remarkable fine view is obtained
of the country to Ciudad Rodrigo, in front of
a range of hills ten leagues distant.
On the left appears Pinhel, and 3 leagues
further, the fortress of Almeida, on the
168
1
7
Spanish side of the Coa, over which there is
a stone bridge, 2 miles from the town.
The fine commanding plain of Guarda na-
turally points it out, as the station for a body
of troops, to observe and check the incursion
of a hostile force on this part of the fron-
tier, and when pressed by superior numbers,
it will be in the commander's option to fall
back upon his reinforcements, by the roads
on either side of the Estrella.
•
#
169
LETTER XXXIV.
Ciudad Rodrigo besieged and taken after a most gallant defence.-
The British out-posts withdrawn to Val de Lamula, &c.
Celerico, 24th July, 1810.
ON the 25th of June, the Commander
of the forces and the heads of military de-
partments, moved from Celerico to Almeida ;
and on the 30th to Alverca, 3 leagues or
midway betwixt this town and Almeida.
On the 17th the French having completed
their trenches before Ciudad Rodrigo, in-
vested the place with a force of 30,000
infantry and 5000 cavalry.
Deserters say
that the troops have only a quarter ration
of biscuit without meat, and no
for their horses.
and no forage
On the night of the 25th of June the
enemy opened his batteries against Ciudad
Rodrigo, and after a most gallant defence,
during which about 700 of the inhabitants
were killed by the bombardment, the Go-
vernor, seeing no hopes of relief, and his
provisions and ammunition being nearly
170
exhausted, surrendered by capitulation on
the evening of the 10th instant.
The Marquis of Romana came from
Badajos for the purpose it was said of re-
questing Lord Wellington would advance
to its relief, but departed perfectly satisfied
with the propriety of the British leader's
reasons for declining to make a forward
movement; which, by endangering the
safety of his army, might ultimately compro-
mise the general cause.
On the 28th ultimo the enemy having dri-
ven in the British out-posts to Alomeda, 1
league beyond Fort Conception hutted at
Gallegos with his advanced guard, and on
the 5th instant his force having increased on
this side of the Agueda, General Crawford
withdrew his piquets into Fort Conception,
which he abandoned on the 21st and the Bri-
tish out-posts retired to Val de Lamula.
On that day a skirmish took place, in which
Lieutenant-Colonel Talbot, of the 14th dra-
goons, was killed; the cavalry made 2 officers
and 50 men prisoners, who declare that the
French army is much straitened for provi-
sions.
A
171
General Cameron's brigade moved forward
to Minucal Baraçal and the adjacent
villages, a league in front of Celerico, on
the 20th; and Colonel Archibald Campbell's
fine brigade the 6th and 18th regiments of
Portuguese infantry, marched through this
town on their route to the Val de Mon-
dego.
On the following day Sir Brent Spencer,
second in command, left this with his staff
for Avelans de Riviera.
Regnier is reported to have arrived with
his division at Zarza Mayor.
Yesterday and this morning it has rained
violently, with thunder and lightning.
For the last 6 weeks the officers have
amused themselves with frequent horse-races
in this neighbourhood, and there was occa-
sionally some good sport.
172
LETTER XXXV.
General Crawford retires over the Coa, after a smart affair with a
greatly superior force of the Enemy.-General Hill's Division
crosses the Tagus.-Regnier arrives at Castel Branco.--Move-
ments of the British.-A party of Officers visit the Estrella.
Moimento de Sierra, 12th August, 1810.
ON the 25th of July, at 3 A. M. the
guards received orders to march; and soon
after 6 proceeded through the small town of
Baraçal to Marçal de Chao, 2 leagues,
where they arrived about 8 o'clock. The
cause of this sudden movement was owing
to the enemy having passed the Coa in
considerable force, after a severely con-
tested affair with General R. Crawford's
division.
During the whole of this day and the fol-
lowing, the wounded officers and men were
passing to the rear in cars.
On the afternoon of the 26th, the enemy's
advance appeared within a league of head-
quarters, where preparations were made to
173
receive them, the divisions of Generals
Picton and Crawford being turned out for
that purpose. The 14th and 16th dragoons
take the duty of the out-posts.
Lieutenant-General Hill's division of the
combined British and Portuguese army
broke up from the left bank of the Tagus
on the 17th ultimo, and crossing the river
at Villa Velha, the head of the column
reached Atalaya, 5 leagues on this side of
Castel Branco, on the 22d.
Before day-break, on the 28th of July,
the guards, left in front, with the brigade of
guns attached to the division, moved out of
the town of Marçal de Chao, and halted, to
allow General Cameron's brigade to take its
place in the column, which then retired
through Baraçal, Celerico, Cortiço, and
Villa Cortez, to Sampayo, where General
Cameron's brigade was left; the guards pro-
ceeded about a league beyond to Gouvea, a
handsome town, on the side of the Estrella.
This day's march was one of the longest
made by the British in Portugal, being up-
wards of 7 leagues. On the road passed
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174
the 4th dragoons, and Captain Bull's troop
of horse artillery, going to the advance.
Next day the column was again in motion.
About 8 A. M. the guards halted in Vinho;
General Cameron's brigade marched a league
further to Penhanços. At Vinho the arrival
of the troops threw the inhabitants into
the greatest consternation; and a convent of
nuns taking the alarm, the whole place
became a scene of confusion. In the course
of the day the friends of the poor Benedic-
tines arrived from different parts of the
country, and conveyed them away to a
place of refuge, with the furniture of the
nunnery. There was not a dry eye in the
village as the affecting cavalcade set out;
the poor had experienced the kindness of
the nuns in a thousand instances, and la-
mented the hard necessity of their departure
with unfeigned sorrow,
General Spencer remains at the out-posts,
Fraxedas 2 leagues, in front of Alverca,
with the light cavalry and horse artillery;
head-quarters and General Crawford's light
division are in Celerico, excepting only two
175
companies of the 95th, stationed on the
right bank of the Mondego.
General Picton's division is at Sampayo;
General Cole's at Linhares, Mello, &c.; and
the King's German legion at Gouvea.
Regnier has arrived at Castel Branco,
with the 2d corps of the army, and Lieu-
tenant-General Hill's division is watching
his movements. Lieutenant-Colonel Wynd-
ham of the royal dragoons was surprised and
taken prisoner on a reconnoitreing party.
On the 3d instant the 3d guards marched
to Moimento de Sierra, a beautiful village,
2 miles from Vinho, at the foot of the
Estrella.
A party was formed to visit the highest
point of the mountain, which is said to be
7000 feet above the level of the sea. The
object of the officers was also to visit the
lakes in that elevated situation.
The party set out from Moimento at an
early hour, and passing through the small
town of Cea, where the Bishop of Guarda
has a palace, arrived about 9 o'clock at
St. Romao, and procured a guide, who con-
ducted them by a good road to a chapel
r
176
}
1
$
close to the river Alva, 2 miles and a half
from the last town. The road wound beau-
tifully through a romantic country, under
the rugged front of the Estrella, whence
small streams were issuing in every direction,
on their way to join the clear waters of the
Alva. After this the road became a mere
sheep-track, and so difficult that the party
had to dismount and lead their mules.
With much exertion they at last reached
the furthest stage of the Estrella, where
some rye was growing, and a few peasants
thrashing. On enquiry they learned that the
lakes were at the distance of 2 leagues.
Every step the party advanced the scenery
became more interesting, and the views more
extensive; at
at one spot where a natural
amphitheatre was formed, encircled by rocks,
the sound was reverberated for a long period
of time: here a large flock of goats were
feeding. The road was now extremely in-
tricate; at length the party reached the
summit, and obtained a fine view of the
Tralos Montes to the northward, and over
an immense territory, bounded by the
Atlantic in the west. The officers were
177
several times enveloped in clouds, which at
length dispersing, they left their mules and
proceeded to the lakes; the greater forming
nearly a square of 6 by 700 yards, was
bounded on one side by a ridge of rocks,
on which were some patches of snow; the
lesser lake forms a kind of neck to the
other. Some parts are so deep as never to
have been fathomed; but this may be owing
to the want of curiosity in the Portuguese.
The party now returned, and at the end of
5 hours reached their mules.
There is some vegetation and a good deal
of rye growing in the various Sierras. On
the right, at the furthest extremity, is the
ridge on which Guarda is situated. The few
peasants whom the officers met with in this
remote region of the air, informed them
that wolves were numerous on different parts
of the mountain; and here is to be found
all the various genus of heath and plants:
among others the dead plant is seen growing
out of fissures in the rock, of a white colour,
and appearing as if scorched by lightning.
The inhabitants of the villages situated in
the Estrella have in their history the leading
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178
features of all mountain tribes; they pay
no taxes, but one-tenth of the produce of
their lands is assigned for the maintenance
of a modern noble, and this tribute is col-
lected half-yearly by his stewards.
{
The enemy, after establishing himself on
the left bank of the Coa, commenced his
preparations for the siege of Almeida, in
which he proceeds but slowly, owing to the
rocky soil, and the necessity of bringing
earth from some distance, to cover his ap-
proaches. Marshal Ney a few days ago
advanced with a considerable force for the
purpose of making a reconnoissance, which
having completed, he retired to his former
position.
:
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179
1
LETTER XXVI.
Almeida taken, and Retreat of the British.
Filhadoza, 31st of August, 1810,
Ar day-break on the 19th instant, the
guards were in motion, and advanced through
the villages of Vinho, Sampayo, and Villa
Cortez, to Linhares, a small town, with an
ancient castle on the side of the Estrella;
and the next day marched through Cortiço,
to Celerico, 2 leagues.-Reports are favour-
able. Letters have been intercepted from
some of the French generals, stating the
misery and discontent of their troops, from
sickness, want of pay, and the harassing
warfare carried on by the Spaniards in every
quarter.
On the 21st, head-quarters returned to
Alverca da Beira; and on the 23d the guards
again advanced to Marçal do Chao, and oc-
cupied their former cantonments.
Whether the exertions of the British will
eventually secure the independence of these
F
N 2
180
kingdoms or not, time alone can discover;
meanwhile the position they have maintained
for so many months, in the face of the most
formidable French army on this side of the
Pyrenees, has occasioned a diversion favour-
able to the Spaniards, by affording time to
re-assemble · and re-organize their troops,
when defeated and dispersed by the superior
military discipline and tactics of the enemy;
and it forms a fine trait in their national
character, that neither by threats or pro-
mises have any numbers been induced to
abandon the cause of their country, and enrol
themselves under the standard of the con-
temptible usurper.
The enemy having completed his works
before Almeida, opened his batteries on
the 26th instant, in the morning, and com-
menced a furious bombardment from 70
pieces of cannon, at the same moment. The
besieged returned a very brisk fire during the
whole of that day.
A telegraph was erected at head-quarters
to communicate with Almeida; and it was
said to be arranged, that the governor Colonel
Cox, was to give notice to the Commander
181
*
of the forces when he found a surrender
unavoidable, on which the whole of the
combined army in this quarter was to advance
against the enemy, and driving him beyond
the Coa, to bring off the garrison. The
weather being hazy on the 27th, no message
could be received by the telegraph, but it
was perceived from the out-posts that the
firing had ceased, and that the Governor
was in communication with the enemy. In
the absence of all information, various sur-
mises were formed, and reports circulated,
but the real cause of the disaster which com-
pelled Colonel Cox to enter into terms
with the enemy, remained for the present
unknown.
August the 28th, a sudden order was is-
sued at 10 A. M. when the guards marched
to Celerico. Soon after leaving Marçal de
Chao, a tremendous thunder-storm came
on, accompanied with heavy rain. A private
of the Coldstream was killed by a flash of
lightning-29th, to Gouvea, 4 leagues ;~
30th, to St. Romao, 2 leagues. The Cold-
stream halted in Cea.
182.
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:
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·
This morning the 3d regiment arrived
here, about half a mile from Saragoce, on
the high road to Coimbra. The Coldstream
in quarters at Torozello.-Distance from
St. Romao, 1 league.
!
183
כאן
:
LETTER XXXVII.
The combined Army takes up a position on the right Bank of the
Mondego. Battle of Busaco.
t.
St. Martinho do Bispo, 30th September, 1810. 1
►
On the morning of the 3d instant, the
1st division marched upon the road to
Coimbra, 5 leagues. General Cameron's
brigade and the 3d guards hutted; the
Coldstream was quartered in Moita, and
the King's German legion in an adjoining
village.
Next day, the 3d guards marched to the
village of Sanguinhada, and General Came-
ron's brigade on the 5th, was cantoned in
Cortiço.
Head-quarters were at Gouvea, and every
thing remained quiet in front. The 24th
Portuguese regiment, taken in Almeida and
said to have volunteered into the French
service, has every man escaped.
=
At day-break on the 18th instant, the
guards marched from Moita and Sanguin-
وانته مداد و به من
*
184
hada; at the same time, the rest of the
division was in motion, and the whole
crossed the Poute de Marcella and bivouaced
2 leagues beyond, near the village of Foy
d'Arouce, on the banks of the river Ceira.
Thunder and lightning with heavy rains,
which continued, without intermission, the
whole of the night and following morning.
Before day-break on the 19th, the division
was again on march, and entered Coimbra
soon after mid-day.
Head-quarters were yesterday in Costiço,
and this morning Lord Wellington with his
staff, accompanied by Marshal Beresford,
crossed the Mondego.
During the night, several Portuguese regi-
ments came into Coimbra.
At half past 9 A. M. on the 20th, the
division advanced on the Oporto road and
halted at Malheada, in which town, the 3d
guards were quartered. The Coldstream
halted in a wood on the right. Colonel
Packenham's brigade, the 7th and 79th were
in advance, Lord Blantyre (Cameron's) on
the left, and the King's German legion half
a mile in the rear.
185
September the 21st, before dawn, the
division was under arms. The 3d guards
moved out of Malheada to join the Cold-
stream, when Colonel Packenham's brigade
went into cantonments. Several brigades of
Portuguese infantry formed in the rear of the
division on the Coimbra road.
September the 22d the Coldstream went
into quarters at Valcaliza, the 3d regiment
in the villages of Travossa and Canedo.
The fall of Almeida after a bombardment
of only one day, but in reality, occasioned
by the explosion of the grand magazine; by
which unfortunate event, one half of the
town was destroyed, 500 of the garrison, and
a great number of the inhabitants killed,
removed the principal remaining obstacle to
the entrance of Massena's army into this
kingdom, but they proceeded with great
caution in their movements, owing to the
difficulty of bringing forward their supplies,
which was absolutely necessary, as the enemy
could not place any dependence on the
resources of a country so long occupied by
the British. The French appear to have
1
186
been completely foiled in their plans, by the
prudent defensive system adopted by Lord
Wellington, as there can be no doubt that
it was a principal object with Massena, in
undertaking the sieges of Ciudad Rodrigo
and Almeida, to draw the British from their
strong hilly positions to the plains on which
these towns are situated; where, if at all,
the superior number of his cavalry might be
expected to give him the advantage. On a
further advance from the frontier, that spe-
cies of force could no longer be rendered
useful in the same degree, but must prove
extremely burdensome and embarrassing to
his operations, from the very great scarcity
of forage, which even the British experienced
at times, although the harvest had been got
in, and the whole grain in the country was
in requisition for their supply.
About a fortnight ago, Marshal Massena
made a feint of coming down upon the left
bank of the Mondego, and actually pushed
his reconnoitreing parties to Cortiço and Lin-
hares in that direction, but, apprehensive of
meeting a check at the strong pass of the
1
187
Ponte de Marcella, he, on the 18th, 19th,
and 20th of September crossed the river
with his whole army at the bridge of Fornos,
below Celerico, advancing upon Coimbra
by the way of Vizeu. This movement of the
enemy was met by the Commander of the
forces with his usual foresight, and the in-
tentions of the French leader being now
clearly developed, the 2d division under
General Hill was directed to join the main
body by the route of Sobriera Formosa and
Pedro-gao, when the whole of the combined
army, with the exception of General Fane's
division of cavalry and some Portuguese in-
fantry, was placed upon the right bank of
the Mondego, with a celerity which set all
ordinary calculation at defiance.
September the 22d, skirmishing at the
out-posts.
*
On the 23d, the bridge over the Criz be-
yond Mortigao having been blown up by
Brigadier-General Pack, the French occu-
pied themselves in repairing it, and then
passed over a column of infantry and ca-
valry, who were opposed by the light division
and General Pack's Portuguese brigade.
188
On the 24th and 25th the enemy con-
tinued to advance, and it was evident the
whole of his force was concentrating. In a
smart skirmish, Captain Hoey was severely
and Mellish slightly wounded.
Whilst the French continued their ap-
proach upon Coimbra by the road leading
over the Sierra of Busaco, the main body of
the allied army remained in the adjoining
villages, where the troops had been cantoned,
that they might not suffer from the heavy
dews at this season of the year.
Before day-break on the 26th the several
divisions of British and Portuguese were in
motion. The brigade of guards arrived in
the village of Luz about 8 o'clock, and
soon after began to ascend the Sierra of
Busaco, on whose summit is situated, a
convent of the austere order of La Trappe,
Lord Wellington's head-quarters. The route
lay for nearly 2 miles through the gardens;
before leaving them, a cannonade com-
menced, the brigade was ordered to load
and then formed behind the brow of the
hill, from whence, the whole of the enemy's
force was distinctly discerned. They ap-
189
peared in considerable numbers, the infantry
supposed to be not less than 60,000, and a
very large force in cavalry.
About 5 P. M. the French piquets made
an attack upon the Portuguese light troops,
(casadores,) who returned their fire with the
utmost steadiness and resolution.
The formation of the combined army was
as follows:-~~~
Lieutenant-General Hill's division, which
had crossed the Mondego this morning, was
placed on the right of the whole line, having
the divisions of Generals Leith and Picton
on his left. In the centre, the 1st division,
of which the guards formed the right, un-
der the command of Sir Brent Spencer,
beyond was the light division in the most
advanced part of the position, opposite the
gardens of the monastery. Major-General
Cole's at the extremity on the left.
General Fane's division of cavalry re-
mained on the left bank of the Mondego, to
observe the movements of the enemy in that
direction: a few squadrons only were on the
heights, the ground being unfavourable for
that description of force; and the main
190
f
body under Sir Stapleton Cotton was formed
in the plains in front of Malheada, and on
the Oporto road.
The brigades of Portuguese infantry and
casadores were united with the British, and
the result proved this to have been the
best possible distribution of the troops of
our ally.
The line of the combined
combined army thus
posted, extended along the ridge of Busaco
for nearly 2 leagues, but the whole of the
intermediate space was not occupied, except
by a chain of light troops, and formed the
segment of a circle, whose extreme points
embraced every part of the enemy's position.
Not a movement could be made in the
French lines without its being immediately
observed from the Sierra, and this circum-
stance contributed most materially to the
success of the British.
At dusk, the 1st division moved to the
right, and bivouaced close to the brow of the
hill covered by the light infantry.
weather thick and foggy.
The
September the 27th at dawn of day the
enemy advanced 2 columns, and at the same
}
191
moment, threatened the right and centre of
the allied army. The column on the right
moved up the hill, under the fire of the light
troops, with great intrepidity, and had
gained the summit, when it was charged
whilst deploying into line, in the most gal-
lant manner by Colonel Mackinnon's bri-
gade, the 45th and 88th regiments, and the
9th Portuguese under Lieutenant-Colonel
Sutton, supported on the right by part of
General Leith's corps, and on the left by
Major-General Lightburne's brigade and the
guards, which had moved to the right for
that purpose, on the first indication of the
enemy's intention. The French could not
withstand the shock, but retreated down the
hill with immense loss. One regiment, the
1st Legere of Regnier's Corps d'Armee was
entirely cut to pieces. The enemy foiled in
this attack, made another more to the right,
where he was again repulsed at the point of
the bayonet. This second attack was sup
ported by some heavy artillery, and dis-
mounted 2 guns; but a shell having set fire
to the ammunition tumbril which blew up,
the French abandoned their battery.
192
!
The Commander of the forces was every
where in person, giving directions and super-
intending the different points of attack.
Early in the morning, two of his staff,
Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell and Lord
Fitzroy Somerset were wounded.
Finding these attacks on the right unsuc-
cessful, the enemy directed his principal
efforts against the left of the centre, and
in a charge made by the 43d and 52d regi-
ments, General Simon was wounded and
taken with his Aid-de-Camp. A short time
afterwards a young Spanish lady, in male
attire, whom the General had carried off
from Madrid, and his baggage, were sent to
the British head-quarters with a flag of
truce.
About 8 o'clock a fog came on, which,
for a time, partially obscured the positions
of the respective armies. When the day
cleared up, it was discovered that the enemy
had placed large bodies of light troops in
the woods and valley which skirted the bot-
tom of the Sierra. They were successfully
opposed by the light division, the casadores,
the light infantry of the 1st division, and
193
Colonel Pakenham's brigade the 7th, and
79th regiments. The enemy's fire slackened
about noon, but the light troops continued
engaged until the evening. During the
action, a number of deserters came over.
On the following morning the light infantry
were again partially engaged on the left of
the line. At mid-day the enemy's cavalry
and several columns of infantry were ob-
served in motion to the rear. All quiet in
camp. The French set fire to a small vil-
lage on leaving it.
At 10 P. M. the army quitted the position
of Busaco. After halting for 2 hours near
the monastery, the 1st division proceeded
on the road to Coimbra. At day-light on
the 29th, it was perceived that the enemy
had withdrawn the whole of his troops from
the ground he occupied during the engage-
ment.
An hour before sun-set the division halted
within a league of Coimbra, and this morning
the troops were again under arms before day-
break. About 8 o'clock the guards in the
rear of the column forded the Mondego,
and went into quarters in the village of St.
194
Martinho do Bispo. Strong picquets were
formed to protect the fords during the
night.
A detachment of the guards joined this
day from England, having come round by
sea from Lisbon to Figueiras.
|
195
7
}
LETTER XXXVIII.
The Combined Army retires to the entrenched Position, in the
vicinity of Lisbon, &c.
Portella de Casaes, 10th November, 1810.
THE manoeuvres of Marshal Massena, after
the battle of Busaco, left the Commander of
the forces, in no doubt of his intention to
throw his whole army on the high road, from
Oporto, and the position being turned on the
29th of September, by the enemy's move-
ment to the right, Lord Wellington, in pur-
suance of the defensive system, on which he
had hitherto acted, commenced his retreat to
the fortified lines in the neighbourhood of
the capital.
On the 1st of October, Sir Brent Spencer's
division moved out of their cantonments
before day-break, and passing through the
town of Periera and Souré bivouaced at dusk,
in a vineyard close to the latter. The roads
were crouded with people flying from their
houses to the mountains and sea coast, the
monasteries and nunneries were eserted;
0 2
1
1
"
196
}
numbers accompanied the march of the Bri-
tish troops, and the banks of the Mondego
were lined with distressed groupes, impa-
tiently waiting to embark.
The advance of the enemy on this morn-
ing entered Coimbra, their cavalry having
previously charged a troop of horse artillery,
which retired without loss over the Mon-
dego.
October the 2nd, After a fatiguing march
of 5 leagues, on a road parallel with the one
through Pombal, by which the main body of
the army was retiring, the 1st division halted
on the banks of the Rio Maganche, within
a league of Leyria, through which the troops
marched next morning, and bivouaced in a
wood, a league and a half beyond, near
Canvieza, until the 5th, when the columns
were again in motion, and halted at the close
of day, near the village of Condieras.
On the 6th, through Riomayor to Alcoen-
tre, 4 leagues, and on the 7th, to Aldea
Gallega, the same distance. The army each
day in bivouac.
Heavy rains set in on the following morn-
ing, and the roads were in a dreadful state.
197
}
The 1st division passed through Sobral,
about noon, and the battalions were can-
toned in the adjoining villages. The guards
at San Quintino, within a short distance of
the works.
The cavalry under Sir Stapleton Cotton,
covered the retreat of the army, during the
whole of the march from Busaco, and on
several occasions, particularly at Leyria, on
the 5th-instant proved its decided superiority
over that of the enemy.
October the 9th, heavy rains. The troops
remained in their quarters. The state of the
roads necessarily retarded the enemy's ad-
vance to the position.
October the 10th, the whole division in
Sobral. The commander of the forces, and
Marshal Beresford, arrived at San Quintino.
Next day the troops marched from Sobral,
at 2 in the afternoon, and remained until
dusk, on the brow of a hill, in front of the
grand batteries.
Afterwards the guards
moved into the village of Sobriera. Heavy
rains, with thunder and lightning, but the
enemy continued to advance, notwithstand-
ing the severity of the weather.
198
1
1
October the 12th, all quiet. The troops
were kept in readiness to turn out at a mo-
ment's notice.
On the 13th, a strong column of the enemy
was observed on the height, beyond Sobral,
apparently moving towards the left. The
gun boats, under the command of Lieute-
nant Berkeley, stationed in the Tagus,
abreast of Villa Franca, opened a heavy fire
this morning upon the town, in which there
was a French force of 1200 men, who were
driven out, with considerable loss. General
Lacroix was cut in two by a cannon shot.
Working parties were employed in com-
pleting the works on Sobriera Hill, and in
mending the road to Bucellas. The high
road to Mafra runs through this village.
All quiet during the night.
About noon on the 14th,
the 14th, the enemy
opened a battery of four-pounders, from
behind some casks, at the entrance of
Sobral, upon the advance of the 1st division,
consisting of the 71st regiment, under Colo-
nel Cadogan, and part of Major-General
Cameron's brigade. After a severe conflict
of an hour, the enemy's fire was discontinued,
199
and each party carried off their wounded.
In this affair the French lost 100 men, Bri-
tish, 40, in killed and wounded. A few pri-
soners were taken, but no advantage gained
on either side. The picquets remained
at dusk within a short distance of Sobral,
which was occupied by the enemy, whose
force being increased towards the evening,
by the arrival of the 8th corps, and part of
the 6th, Sir Brent Spencer, in the course of
the night, withdrew his advanced posts.
At day-break the next morning, a recon-
noitreing party of the enemy was observed
on the heights, where Major-General Came-
ron's brigade was posted the day before.
About 7 A. M. the light infantry of the
guards, moved out of Cabedos, in which a
company of the 60th was left. Several
working parties employed in mining the
roads for explosion. The report of Colonel
Trant, having taken 5000 of the enemy's
sick and wounded, in Coimbra, has reached
the French army, and creatse a considerable
sensation among the troops, whom the offi-
cers are endeavouring to persuade that the
news is unfounded.
200
Massena attended by a large staff, was dis→
tinctly seen reconnoitreing yesterday, for
a considerable time. His army is in 3 divi-
sions, and the right does not appear to be
advanced beyond Sobral, his left, extended to
the Tagus. The road to Torres Vedras, is
rendered nearly impassable, by the rains,
which still continue, although not so violent
as during the last week. It is generally be-
lieved that the French are in a very awk-
ward predicament, in consequence of their
rapid advance. Massena has met with an
opposition he certainly did not expect, and
his difficulties are hourly increasing, from the
want of provisions.
At 5 P. M. the guards moved out of So-
briera to Portella de Casaes, to make room
for Major-General Sir W. Erskine's bri-
gade.
The following is the disposition of the
combined army :-
2d division-
Hill's, the right resting at Alhandra,
on the Tagus, and flanked by gun-
1
201
boats. The brigades of Generals
Lumley and Hoghton, at Bucellas.
Light division, Crawford's,
5th ditto, Leith's
1st division-
under canvas.
Sir B. Spencer, centre and left.
The General's head-quarters in So-
briera.
Sd division-
Picton's, Torres Vedras.
4th division-
Cole's, Dias Portas.
6th division-
A. Campbell's, Ribaldiera.
Cavalry.-Head-quarters of Sir S. Cotton,
at Mafra.
The Portuguese brigades in the batteries,
and intermixed with the British Brigadeir-
General Pack commands in the fort, on the
most elevated point, and in the centre of
the intrenched line. From this spot, which
is immediately above the village of Portella
de Casaes, there is a most beautiful and exten-
202
!
[
sive view; comprehending on the right, the
rich valley of the Tagus, and across that
river into the province of Alentejo, and on
the left, to the Atlantic, including the whole
of the positions, the hill of Cintra, and the
Burlings-with the fortress of Peniche.
October 16th, all quiet-the sick sent
daily to Lisbon. Working parties employed
on the works, and in repairing some roads,
and blocking up others. Communications
to the Commander of the forces, sent by the
telegraphs on the hills, under the command
of naval officers, and signals for the several
brigades to march to their respective alarm
posts, directed to be made on the first ap-
pearance of a forward movement by the
enemy.
On the 19th, the Marquis of Romana,
crossed the Tagus below Villa Franca, with
the 1st division of the Spanish army, under
General O'Donnell.
The principal part of the French infantry
have hutted in a pine wood, about a league
in rear of Sobral, which they continue to
occupy. The enemy has no troops to the
right of that town, therefore it is supposed
203
that the attack when made with a view of
penetrating to Lisbon, will be either by the
high road, leading from Sobral, to that city,
or by the road on the bank of the Tagus,
which in addition to the troops and batteries
in that part of the line is flanked by the gun-
boats, under Lieutenant Berkeley, who has
already driven him out of Villa Franca. Mas-
sena seems at no time to have entertained the
idea of forcing his way to the capital, by the
road on the sea side, from Torres Vedras,
through Mafra and Cintra.
October the 28th, the heavy rains have
been succeeded for the last week, by fine dry
healthy weather, the mornings cold. De-
serters continue to arrive, who affirm that
the enemy's baggage is sent to the rear, and
that a considerable force, under Loison, has
already fallen back upon Thomar, doubtless
with a view of collecting provisions, of which
particularly bread, the troops are in great
want. The accounts of deserters, however,
are always to be received with extreme jea-
lousy and caution.
Brigadier-General Blunt has sent out par-
ties from Peniché, who are constantly ha-
204
rassing the enemys right; several skirmishes
have taken place near Obidos, where there
is a small Portuguese garrison commanded
by Captain Fenwick.
Major-General Fane, has crossed the Ta-
gus, with a division of cavalry and infantry-
to prevent the enemy foraging in the
Alentejo.
The enemy's force on his left seems to have
rather increased. Massena was observed
making a reconnoissance yesterday.
November the 7th, Marshal Beresford
was invested with the Insignia of the Bath
in the royal palace of Mafra, on which
occasion the Commander of the British
forces gave a splendid entertainment to the
officers of the army and to the Portuguese
nobility.
The enemy remains in statu quo, and no-
thing of importance has lately taken place.
?
205
LETTER XXXIX.
Retreat of the French.-The British in pursuit, arrive before
Santarem, where General R. Crawford is left to watch the
Enemy, &c.
Cartaxo, November 25, 1810.
Ar day-light, on the 15th instant, it was
perceived that the enemy's piquets were
withdrawn, and soon afterwards that he
had quitted Sobral, and was in full retreat
on the road to Santarem. At midnight the
troops received orders to march. At day-
break the brigade of guards moved off, pass-
ing through Sobral, and at 2 P. M. arrived
in Alemquer, where Massena's head-quarters
had been for some time.-The day remark-
ably foggy. The French had placed fire
beacons on every height.-Alemquer is beau-
tifully situated in a valley, watered by a small
river. Here is a very large paper manu-
factory, the only one in the kingdom.
The whole place exhibited the usual
marks of its having been possessed by the
enemy, every house being left in a most dirty
state. Nothing escaped the unpitying hand
206
of the French; the furniture in many houses
was destroyed, although it appeared that
they had gone off without much previous
notice. The churches were not spared by
the enemy;
on the contrary, every thing
appertaining to religion seemed marked for
particular destruction.
The deserted nun-
nery was completely ransacked.
November the 17th, the 1st division halted
in Alemquer, where head-quarters also re-
mained. Next morning the troops were
under arms before day-break, and passing
through Carregada, Villa Nova, and Azam-
bujo, arrived about 4 P. M. in the town of
Cartaxo, which the
which the enemy had pillaged.
Lieutenant-General Hill crossed the Tagus,
at Valada, on his route towards Abrantes.
Previous to the march it was said that the
enemy's rear guard had evacuated Santarem;
but this information proving incorrect, the
Commander of the forces reconnoitred the
position which the French had taken up,
and determined to attack them on the follow-
ing morning.
November the 19th, the division, left in
front, marched from Cartaxo at day-break,
}
207
and at 8 o'clock halted on a plain to allow
the rear of the column to close up; after
which the troops proceeded on the road to
Santarem, which they arrived in sight of
about 9 o'clock. General Anson's brigade
of cavalry was detached on the Riomayor
road; several corps of British and Portu-
guese infantry were also moving upon the
enemy's right.
The plan of attack had been already com-
municated to the general officers. The light
division was to advance along the marshy plain
which extends to the Tagus on the right;
Sir William Erskine's brigade was to engage
the enemy's attention on the left; whilst the
brigade of guards, preceded by the light
companies, and supported by Major-General
Cameron's Highland brigade, pushed across
the bridge and narrow causeway to storm the
lower range of heights, on which the French
were discovered in considerable force. This
part of the attack must inevitably have
been attended with loss; the bridge over
the Riomayor and causeway being com-
pletely commanded by the enemy's ar-
tillery, abbattis constructed, and other im-
-208
pediments thrown in the way of the British.
Every exertion had been made to render the
position tenable, and certainly the whole
presented a most formidable aspect. Besides
these apparent obstacles to an attack, it was
supposed that the causeway was mined for
explosion.-Admitting, however, that these
difficulties had been overcome by the valour
and perseverance of the troops, it is doubtful
whether the British could have maintained
their ground on the lower ridge, exposed to
a heavy cannonade from Santarem and the
adjoining range of heights, to which the
ascent was extremely difficult of approach,
the road leading over another causeway simi-
larly commanded as the first by the guns of
the enemy. During the whole of this day,
the Commander of the forces continued his
reconnoissance, and in the evening the troops
went into quarters, the guards in the village
of Vallé, leaving strong piquets to secure the
front; the advanced sentry was posted on
the bridge, about 150 yards from those of
the French, whose piquet was stationed on
the opposite bank.
209
1
Before day-break on the 20th, the brigades
assembled at their respective alarm-posts,
and remained under arms until dusk. At
11 A. M. the light division and a squadron
of the royal dragoons advanced along the
low marshy plain towards the enemy's left,
and commenced firing on his out-posts; but
the ground was so unfavourable that Briga-
dier-General Crawford soon retired, in which
movement he was not molested by the
enemy.—The rain of the preceding night had
completely inundated the plain, and swelled
the river, over which a bridge of trees was
thrown, about half a mile below the one
communicating with the causeway.
Head-quarters in Cartaxo, where General
Leith's division and the King's German legion
are also cantoned.
General Hill's division was observed this
morning on march, on the south bank of the
Tagus.
November the 22d, about 2 P. M. the
troops were ordered under arms, and the
baggage sent off to the rear of Cartaxo, in
consequence of the enemy making a move-
ment on the left. General Pack's brigade of
P
la
3
t
210
1
}
:
Portuguese infantry, which had advanced
towards his right, was obliged to retire after
some skirmishing, the whole of the 8th
corps, Junot's, being drawn out for the pur-
pose of making a reconnoissance, which having
completed, the French returned to Santarem.
The 2d corps d'armee is also said to be in
that town; and Marshal Ney with the 6th,
betwixt Thomar and the Zezere.
On the 23d Sir Brent Spencer withdrew
the guards and General Cameron's brigade
into Cartaxo, where head-quarters remain.
The light division continues advanced in front,
supported by a brigade of cavalry, observing
the enemy; General Picton's division is at
Torres Vedras; General A. Campbell's at
Alemquer; General-Cole's at Azambujo;
and General Leith's upon the left at Alco-
entre, &c. The 2d division Lieutenant-
General Hill's, and Major-General Fane's
division of cavalry remain on the left bank
of the Tagus. Sir William Erskine com-
mands the advance.
It was for a day or two supposed that
Massena intended to withdraw his army
from Portugal; but it would now appear this
211
+
was never in his contemplation, his sole
object being to place his troops in good
winter quarters, until the arrival of the ex-
pected reinforcements from France, which
"Son Altesse d'Essling" has been enabled
to accomplish, by the possession of Santarem,
the strongest place on either bank of the
Tagus.
Massena was easily enabled to mask his
movement to the rear, as his troops were
constantly in motion on the road betwixt
the position and Santarem. Having gradu-
ally withdrawn the main body, his piquets
were called in without any previous notice,
after dusk on the 14th; and as no deserters.
came over on that night, his retreat was not
discovered until day-light next morning.
The light division immediately advanced in
pursuit, but some delay took place in respect
to the cavalry, who were never enabled to
bring the enemy's rear guard to action; con-
sequently few prisoners were made.
P Q
212
}
1
LETTER XL.
The French after retiring from before the fortified position in the
vicinity of the Capital, are cantoned during the Winter Months
in Santarem, Thomar, &c.-Death of the Marquis of Romana.-
Sketch of his Character, &c.
Cartaxo, 20th February, 1811.
THE enemy continues to maintain himself
in the strong position of Santarem, and the
three corps of the army under the immediate
command of Massena, are cantoned in
Thomar, Torres Novas, and the other
towns and villages in the fertile district
betwixt Santarem and the Zezere, over
which river he has thrown a bridge, and
collected a number of boats with the inten-
tion, it is supposed, of transporting his
army across the Tagus, into the province of
Alentejo. He has also constructed a battery
on the rising ground, above the town of
Punhete, and his guns command the navi-
gation of both rivers. Notwithstanding these
advantages, however, the combined force
under Marshal Sir W. C. Beresford, judi-
7
213
ciously posted on the left bank of the Tagus,
is considered sufficiently formidable to op-
pose the passage of the enemy with every
probability of success.
The French troops have hitherto drawn
the whole of their supplies from this district,
and it is known that the resources of the
country are in consequence nearly ex-
hausted. The enemy's excursions in quest
of provisions and forage for his cavalry are
always made to the rear, and extremely con-
fined, owing to the vigilance of the orde-
nenza, who lose no opportunity of cutting off
stragglers, and continually carry on a most
harassing and destructive warfare.
General Gardanne's division which had
arrived within a short distance of the Zezere,
about the end of November, becanie alarmed
on the appearance of a small reconnoitreing
party from the garrison of Abrantes, which
made some prisoners, and retired in great
confusion towards the frontier, followed by
the ordenenza, who annoyed them consider-
ably during their retreat, and captured a
quantity of baggage. This division subse-
quently formed a junction with the 9th
{
}
214
་
corps, commanded by General Drouet, two
divisions of which taking the route of the
Ponte de Marcella, arrived at Leyria in
December, where this General has esta-
blished his head-quarters; having opened
his communication with the main body of
the invading army, by a chain of posts ex-
tending across the country to Pernis, where
the enemy has thrown up some field works.
General Claparede occupies Guarda, with
another division, having his advance in Bel-
monte; and the remaining battalions of the
9th corps form the garrisons of Almeida,
Ciudad Rodrigo, and Salamanca.
Colonel Downie, who arrived from Eng-
land with dispatches on the 9th of December,
proceeded afterwards to Badajos, having re-
ceived permission from the Spanish govern-
ment to raise a legion of 3000 men in the
province of Estremadura.
An Aid-de-Camp of Massena's has been
taken prisoner, disguised as a peasant. On
his person was found a letter addressed to
the first French General commanding a di-
vision with whom he could meet. Aware
that the circumstances under which he was
215
taken will affect his life, agreeably to the
usages of war, it is not improbable but that
thus situated, he may have given Lord Wel-
lington some information of importance,
which of course is not suffered to transpire.
Deserters are continually coming in, who
report that the enemy is destitute of bread,
and the troops have neither wine nor spirits.
These articles are absolutely requisite, and
essential to the health of the army, at such
a season of the year, and in a climate like
this. The statement of deserters however,
must always be received with some degree of
distrust; but the present accounts are cor-
roborated by the inhabitants of Thomar and
Torres Novas, who had generally remained
in their habitations on the arrival of the
French, and have now quitted them in a
starving condition.
The enemy moved a considerable force of
infantry and cavalry towards the left, and
drove the British piquets through the town
of Rio Mayor on the 19th ultimo. What-
ever was their object on this occasion, they
soon after retired. General Junot, who com-
216
→
manded the troops, was wounded in the face
by a ball from a rifle.
Don Julien Sanchez, whose activity is
unremitting, has had the address to capture
a large convoy of biscuit, which was des-
tined for the army of Portugal near Ciudad
Rodrigo.
The engineers have latterly been employed
in throwing up works betwixt Trafraria and
Almada, on the south bank of the Tagus;
and a canal has also been cut across the
neck of land to Setuval.-These operations
will completely insure the safety of the nu-
merous shipping in the river.
On the 23d of January the cause of the
peninsula sustained an irreparable loss in the
lamented death of the Marquis de la Romana.
He had been indisposed for some days pre-
viously with spasms in his chest, but finding
himself much better on that morning, he
dressed, with the intention of paying a visit
to Lord Wellington, when a sudden return
of his complaint rendered it necessary to send
for medical assistance, which proved unavail-
ing, the attack being of so violent a nature
•
217
as to terminate in the short space of half an
hour, his valuable existence.
The death of such a man at any time,
must have been considered as a national
calamity; at the present moment it is matter
of deep regret, that his country should have
been deprived of a character, from his talents
and patriotism, so truly estimable.
The Marquis was educated in France, and
spoke the language with the fluency of a
native; he had resided there at different
periods, and formed many friendships, but
all personal considerations gave place to the
sacred love of his country, which with him
was an innate principle that glowed in his
bosom, and formed a distinguished feature
in his noble character. It was this Amor
patria that taught him constantly to depre-
cate the ascendancy which France so long
maintained over the feeble councils of the
Spanish monarchy.
Buonaparte must be supposed to have pos-
sessed some knowledge of Romana's senti-
ments being inimical to his views, and con-
sequently dreading the influence of his
example upon the conduct and minds of his
1
+
"
y
218
countrymen, he practised that finesse, which,
for a time, removed the Marquis and his
brave associates far from their native land.
In this isolated situation, neither his patriot-
ism nor his firmness for a moment forsook
him; the resources of his mind became
gradually unfolded, as occasions called them
forth, and his unceasing efforts, aided by
Great Britain, at length restored him and his
companions to the service of their country.
From the period of his return, the Marquis
continually exerted himself in the cabinet
and in the field, to frustrate the designs of
the usurper. No motives of private ambition
governed his actions; the independence of
Spain was the sole object of his cares, and
most truly, most justly was his zealous con-
duct and unshaken loyalty appreciated by a
grateful and admiring people.
At all times affable and easy of access, the
Marquis of Romana possessed the mild con-
ciliating manners of a perfect gentleman.
With the courtesy peculiar to his disposition,
he listened to every one, and his excellent
judgment, unfettered by prejudice, enabled
him to estimate and decide with promptitude,
219
on those measures which were submitted to
his consideration. The mind of this illus-
trious patriot was, indeed, most clear and
comprehensive; and it is certain, that he
possessed more talents for business than the
management of an army, to which, his
genius was not so well suited; although, at
an early period of life, he had adopted the
military profession and attained considerable
rank.
The remains of the noble Marquis were
conveyed to Vallada on the morning of the
26th, with suitable honors.
The procession led by the grenadiers of
Major-General Nightingall's brigade, with
arms reversed, moved at a slow pace through
the town of Cartaxo; the band of the 79th
regiment playing the mournful, yet beautiful
and appropriate air "To the land of the
Leal."
Next followed a squadron of cavalry, and
a few paces in their rear came the body in a
car drawn by 6 horses. On the coffin, which
was covered with crimson velvet, were placed
the hat and sword of the late Marquis.
!
220
1
At a short distance from the car Lord
Wellington and Sir Brent Spencer with their
Aides-de-Camp, and a number of Officers
attended to pay the last tribute of respect to
the illustrious deceased.
On their arrival at Vallada, the body was
put into a barge commanded by a Lieutenant
of the navy and conveyed to Lisbon, where
a vault was prepared for its reception, until
an opportunity shall offer of removing it to
Majorca, in which island, the principal estates
of the Marquis are situated; and his family,
consisting of the Marchioness, a son, and
daughter, at present reside.
E
221
LETTER XLI.
Retreat of Massena from Santarem, and advance of the British.-
Operations during the Pursuit, which is continued until the
whole of the Army of Portugal cross the Agueda, leaving Al-
meida to its fate.-French barbarity.
Almadilla, Spain, 15th April, 1811.
INTELLIGENCE having reached the British
head-quarters in the beginning of March,
that the enemy had been for some days em-
ployed in sending his heavy artillery and
baggage, with the sick, to the rear, it became
evident that the French Commander in Chief
had some important movement in contem-
plation. On the 4th a large convent in San-
tarem was perceived on fire; at dusk on the
following days the enemy withdrew his pic-
quets, and the whole of the remaining force
evacuated the town about midnight.
On the morning of the 5th of March,
General Picton's division moved forward, the
enemy having withdrawn his troops from
the vicinity of Rio Mayor,
222
Soon after day-break on the 6th the light
division entered Santarem, and, in the course
of that day, the 1st, 4th, and 6th divisions
of infantry arrived in the town. The enemy
during his stay, had omitted no means of
improving his position, which, in conse-
quence, was found remarkably strong. It
appears that there were never more than 5 or
6 regiments in Santarem, and those very
sickly, which agrees with the accounts uni-
formly received from prisoners and deserters.
The light division arrived about noon at
Pernis, which the rear-guard of the French
quitted before day-light, having effectually
destroyed the 2 arches of the bridge. These,
however, were spedily repaired by the staff
corps for the passage of infantry.
On the 7th the troops were under arms at
an early hour, when the guards and King's
German legion marched to Pernis, the 4th
and 6th divisions to Golegao. Head-quar-
ters on this day, at Torres Novas.
Pernis, where Junot had been stationed
for some weeks, is situated in a fertile valley,
watered by the Aveila in its course to the
Tagus. About 200 yards above the bridge,
223
the river, tumbling over broken rocks, forms
a grand and romantic cascade, the banks
being extremely confined and fringed with
wood, through which the stream is seen
rushing, add to the beauty of the surround-
ing objects, A ruined mill, covered with
ivy, and some old houses overhanging the
river, contiguous to the fall, contribute fur-
ther to enrich the scenery, which is in the
highest degree picturesque. Under a pro-
jection of the cliff lay the mutilated remains
of a Frenchman, who, having straggled from
his party, had been put to death by the
peasantry.
There were few inhabitants in Pernis, and
those in great distress for want of subsistence,
the French having on their arrival, seized on
every article of provision for their own use,
regardless of the misery this occasioned to
the wretched Portuguese.
On the 8th the artillery of the 1st division
crossed the river at the ford a little below the
bridge, and were parked on the opposite
heights; the troops remained in their quar-
ters, ready to move at a moment's notice.
224
March the 9th, the main body of the
French under Massena have taken the Coim
bra road. General Regnier, with the 2d
corps, is marching towards Espinhel, and
Loison's division by Anciao.
About 10 o'clock the guards and King's
German legion marched from Pernis, and at
3 P. M. reached Torres Novas, for some
time Massena's head-quarters. At 5 the
brigade was again in motion, and in 4 hours
the 3d regiment halted in the village of
Sudes, where there were few inhabitants.
Roads very bad. The guns in consequence
took a circuitous route to the right through
Atalaya.
On the 10th the 3d regiment advanced to
Pyalvo, where the Coldstream had been can-
toned the preceding night. The brigade then
proceeded on march, and about noon came
up with the rear of the 4th division on the
road from Thomar to Leyria. General Cole
had been ordered across the Tagus to rein-
force Marshal Beresford, but was recalled,
on Massena's movement being distinctly
ascertained. In the afternoon heavy showers
of rain. About 4 P. M. halted near the
225
1
miserable village of Cachairas.
Grey's brigade of cavalry, the
Colonel De
King's Ger-
man legion, and 4th division on the same
ground. The whole of the troops in bivouac.
Before dusk Major-General Hoghton's corps
from the 2d division reached the canip.
At day-break on the 11th of March, the
troops were in motion, and proceeded left in
front on the road to Pombal; the 6th
division joined the column, the head of which,
after a long and fatiguing march, arrived
near the town at dusk. Pombal had been
set on fire by the enemy, who failed in his
attempt to hold the ancient castle, and was
driven out by the light division. About 9
P. M. the enemy's fires in front of the town
were observed going out; but a considerable
force remained in bivouac, at the distance of
a league.
The whole of the army was collected near
Pombal in the course of this evening.
Next morning, (the 12th) the British
columns advanced along the road to Con-
deixa, part of the troops fording the river,
while the rest moved over the bridge and
through the town, in pursuit of the enemy,
Q
926
}
whose rear guard, commanded this day by
Marshal Ney, was brought to action in front
of the village of Redinha, their right on the
Souré river screened by a wood; from
whence, after a gallant stand, they were dis-
lodged by Sir Brent Spencer, with the 3d,
4th, and light divisions, and the troops fol-
lowing the enemy briskly across the narrow
bridge over the Redinha river drove him
upon the main body at Condeixa. During
this operation, the remaining divisions were
in reserve. The army bivouaced for the night
close to Redinha. The 6th division under
General A. Campbell made a lateral move-
ment this morning upon the enemy's right
by way of Souré.
On the 13th the allied army was again in
motion at day-break. The main body with
the artillery marched upon the high road,
while General Picton advanced along the
heights on the right, with some mountain
guns. Soon after mid-day the columns
closed up and bivouaced within a league of
Condeixa, which was observed on fire. The
light division was, for a short time, partially
engaged with the enemy's rear.
227
}
:
March the 14th the troops moved off their
ground about 7 o'clock, and advanced
towards Condeixa. In several places the
enemy had constructed abattis to retard the
pursuit these obstacles, however, were
soon overcome, and the columns, with the
exception of Major-General Picton's division
which moved along the heights and manœu-
vred upon the enemy's left, passed through
the once beautiful, but now ruined town of
Condeixa. Meanwhile, the light division,
supported by the 6th, was warmly engaged
with the enemy, whose sharp-shooters, ad-
vantageously posted behind stone walls, took
a deliberate aim upon the advance of the
British. This irregular warfare continued
for some hours; after which, the enemy
retired to a hill, 1 league in front of Miranda
de Corvo, in consequence of the movements
made on his flanks by General Picton and
the light division under Sir William Erskine.
From a height on which the light division
bivouaced, the French were observed in con-
siderable force. Regnier, who had taken
the Espinhel road, followed by Major-Gene-
ral Nightingall, effected a junction this day
Q 2
228
with the main body under the Prince of
Esling, whose whole army was now assembled
in one solid mass.
In the course of the morning several
Officers were wounded. Major Stewart of
the 95th, Captain Napier of the 43d, and
Captain George T. Napier of the 52d.
Major Napier of the 50th who had been
severely wounded in the battle of Corunna,
was sent for to his brothers, when a most
affecting scene took place.
March the 15th.-The morning was ex-
tremely foggy, which proved favourable to
the enemy, whose movements were thereby
concealed. About 9 the day cleared up,
previous to which, the light division under
Sir William Erskine, 3d, (Picton's) and 6th,
(A. Campbell's) advanced in pursuit. Some
deserters came in, who said that the French
were destroying their artillery and burning a
quantity of ammunition. At 11, the 1st
division marched, and about S P. M. passed
through the smoking ruins of Miranda de
Corvo. The roads throughout were strewed
with animals, destroyed carriages and bag-
gage, and numbers of dead and wounded
229
Frenchmen. At 5, the light division and
Major-General Picton's, supported by the
1st and 6th divisions and 2 brigades of ca-
valry, brought the enemy's rear to action
near the village of Foy d'Arouce. The firing
continued until dusk, when the French
retreated in confusion and with considerable
loss across the Ceira river, in which many
were drowned.
On the 16th of March at 4 A. M. the
enemy blew up the bridge over the Ceira,
keeping a force on the opposite bank to
watch the fords. This day the army halted
for supplies, which there was found some
difficulty in bringing forward; the roads at
all times bad, having been much cut up by
the late heavy rains. General Cole and Co-
lonel de Grey have proceeded to join Marshal
Beresford in the Alentejo.
On the 17th of March the enemy's rear
guard moved off during the night, and at
day-break the advance of the British forded
the river near the bridge. Soon after the
1st division crossed at a ford, about a mile.
above, upon which the enemy had brought
two guns to bear on the preceding day.
230
On the 18th of March the army advanced
towards the Ponte de Marcella, over which
the whole of the enemy had now retired and
destroyed the bridge, leaving a strong corps
to observe the ford. About 2 P. M. the
1st division halted near the village of Pom-
beiro, where Lord Wellington fixed his head-
quarters. The enemy was posted in force,
on the right bank of the Alva. During the
whole of this retreat, the French made their
marches by night, putting their troops in
motion a few hours after dusk.
The 19th of March.-This morning thick
and foggy; in consequence, the troops re-
mained in their huts until noon, when the
fog dispersed. The 3d division marched to
Arganil; about 5, the guards at the head of
the 1st division arrived on the bank of the
Alva, which they forded mid-deep: night
coming on, the 5th division halted on the
left bank. There was some difficulty in
getting the artillery across.
A number of prisoners were made on this
day, having been sent out for the purpose of
collecting provisions in the neighbouring
villages; and from this circumstance, it is
231
believed to have been Massena's intention to
have halted on the right bank of the Alva
to refresh his army, had he not found him-
self so closely pursued. The troops bivouaced
in the position of Moita, where they remained
waiting for their supplies until noon on the
25th, when the column proceeded on the
road to Celerico. At dusk the 1st division
halted near the village of Galizes. The 5th
division, Major-General Dunlop's, in the
rear, within a short distance,
At day-break on the 26th, the British ad-
vanced 4 leagues, and about dusk the guards
went into quarters at St. Martinho and St.
Marinha; Major-General Howard's at St.
Romao; General Nightingall's at Cea, and
the King's German legion at Penhanços.
Artillery at the Quinta de Beca, which, with
the palace at Cea, had been burnt to the
ground. Head-quarters in Gouvea, 3d divi-
sion, General Picton's, at Linhares. The
advance at Celerico, in which the enemy
have destroyed a few houses.
On the 27th, halted.
On the 28th the division advanced towards
Celerico, the guards were cantoned this day
232
1
in Mello; General Howard's in Sampayo, the
King's German legion in Gouvea, General
Nightingall's in Villa Corteż and Cortiço.
Head-quarters in Celerico. Massena occu-
pied Guarda with a considerable force; indeed
the numbers of the retreating army are com-
puted at nearly 50,000.
On the 29th the division marched to Cele-
rico, and about sun-set the troops were
quartered in the town and the neighbouring
villages of Chesu, Lagiosa, Val de Sierras,
Frontilhera, &c. The artillery at Baraçal.
The principal arch of the bridge over the
Mondego, had been destroyed, but was now
repaired for the passage of the allied army.
Massena left Guarda this morning with one
corps of his army and part of another, on
the appearance of the British columns. Ge-
neral Picton with the 3d division, moved
across the Sierra d'Estrella, upon the enemy's
left, by the mountain track from Manteigas;
the light division advanced upon the right
from Fraxcdas, while General Alexander
Campbell marched upon the high road
through the valley of the Mondego, and as-
cended the hill of Guarda in front of the
1
j
1
233
city. This movement was so skilfully com-
bined, that the heads of the several columns
made their appearance on the heights of
Guarda nearly at the same moment, and the
celerity and precision of their manœuvres so
intimidated the enemy, that without firing a
gun, he immediately commenced his retreat
towards the Coa, in the direction of Sabugal,
pursued by the cavalry and light troops, who
skirmished with the rear-guard and made
about 300 prisoners.
As the French retired, the peasantry came
with their implements of husbandry from
their hiding places, and commenced their
labours; in many places the vines were al-
ready trimmed, and the industrious farmer,
busied in his fields, seemed anxious to repair
the loss of time, and the devastation com-
mitted by the enemy.
March the 30th the division halted: on
the following morning the guards marched
5 leagues to Fraxedas; the artillery and the
King's German legion halted in Alverça,
which during the sieges of Ciudad Rodrigo
and Almeida, had been Lord Wellington's
head-quarters; the route was through Cele-
rico and Baraçal.
234
April the 1st the troops remained in their
cantonments. At Fraxedas the
At Fraxedas the enemy, in
addition to their usual atrocities, violated
the repose of the dead, by opening the
graves in the church, which was in ruins,
in hopes of unding valuables buried in the
coffins.
April 2d. The army advanced towards
the Coa, and the brigades of the 1st division
were cantoned at night-fall, in villages about a
league from the river.
April 3d. Soon after day-break, the army
moved forward to attack the enemy in
Sabugal, where General Regnier remained
with the 2d corps d'armee. About mid-day
the action commenced by a brisk cannonade,
and the enemy being compelled to evacuate
the town, drew up on an adjoining height,
from whence they were dislodged by the light
division in a most gallant manner, before the
other troops could come into action. General
Picton advanced 2 miles in front of the
town, to the ground on which part of the
enemy had bivouaced. The attack being entirely
unexpected, their tents were left standing, and
were taken possession of with a considerable
+
235
quantity of baggage, the greater part of
which, fell into the hands of the light division,
whose conduct on this day, obtained the ap-
probation and thanks of Lord Wellington,
and the admiration of the whole army.
The light division was quartered this
evening in Sabugal, and the principal part of
the army got under cover in the adjoining
villages, although some of the troops were
necessarily obliged to bivouac.-Heavy rain
during the greater part of the day.-Head-
quarters at the Quinta of Gonsalvo Martinez,
in the Vale of Monrisco, from whence they
moved next day into Sabugal. The guards
were cantoned in the ruined village of St.
Antonio, where they remained until the
morning of the 5th, when the whole of the
troops were again in motion. The guards,
and Major-General Howard's brigade forded
the Coa, a mile and a half above Sabugal.
This little town, which is on the Spanish side
of the river, is of great antiquity, and sur-
rounded with a wall. The handsome Moorish
tower is still in great preservation.
At noon, the 7th division passed through
the column which then proceeded to Navé,
1
236
in which town, the guards and Major-
General Howard's brigade, halted for the
night.
April 6th. The troops were in motion
soon after day-light.-The guards, about 9
o'clock, passed through the ancient Moorish
town of Alfaytes, and 2 hours after-
wards, reached Aldea Velha, on the road to
Villa Mayor.
On the following day to Turcalhos, one
league. Nearly the whole of the British army
entered Spain.
April 8th. The guards halted, and on the
9th, advanced over the frontier through
Albegaria, to the little village of Almadilla,
2 leagues from Villa Formosa-head quarters.
The light division at the same time, moved
forward to Gallegos, and occupied their
former cantonments.
The French, when attacked on the 3d instant
at Sabugal, were on the point of firing a
feu de joie in honour of the birth of the King
of Rome, the account of which had just been
received from Paris.
After the action, Regnier made a forced
march of 18 hours, and on the 4th, reached
237
1
the Agueda, over which, the whole of the
army destined for the subjugation of Portugal,
had retired on the Ɛth instant.
The result of the operations, in which the
British army has been engaged for the last five
weeks, is highly satisfactory; not a Frenchman
at this moment, remaining in the kingdom,
with the exception of the garrison of Almeida,
and the communication betwixt this fortress
and Ciudad Rodrigo, is completely cut off;
the combined army now occupying a line, the
left of which rests upon the Douro.
Whilst the mode of warfare to which Lord
Wellington restricted himself in the late
pursuit of Massena, proved extremely embar-
rassing to the troops of the enemy, the British
army having sustained few privations, and
undergone no unnecessary fatigue, is in the
highest health and spirits, unbroken, and
ready to enter upon any further operations
to which they may be called.-Massena's army
on the contrary, is known to be disorganized
and dispirited, and some weeks must elapse
before it can be again in a condition to take
the field. The accounts constantly received,
of the distress which the French suffered în
1
238
the position at Santarem, from a scarcity of
provisions, and the consequent sickness of the
troops, proved to be no exaggeration, and
was fully confirmed by the inhabitants of these
places occupied by the enemy, who, from a
variety of causes, had remained in their homes.
The French leader, apprehensive of being
attacked on the arrival of the expected re-
inforcements from England, and fearing the
consequences in the exhausted state of his
army, at length determined upon a retreat,
which was in fact, become a matter of im-
perious necessity.
However formidable the position of San-
tarem, the invincible spirit and superior dis-
cipline of British troops, must have ensured
them complete success, whenever an attack
was determined upon. The French army,
for the purpose of foraging, occupied an
extended line of country; and the force in the
town was by no means adequate to maintain
it, had a division of troops passed the Tagus
in its rear, whilst the attention of the enemy
was directed to points more immediately
threatened, by which the principal part of
the attacking columns, owing to local cir-
239
proached.
cumstances, must of necessity have aps
These considerations, and the
distress of his ariny, had doubtless their weight
on the mind of the French leader, who found
himself in a situation of unexampled diffi-
culty, to him "the spoiled child of victory,"
altogether new, and to extricate himself from
which, required the exertion of all his talents,
and of all his firmness. The reverse which
the Prince of Essling has experienced in his
attempts to subjugate Portugal, must be the
more painful to his feelings, when he reflects,
that he has for ever tarnished his military
fame, by his vain, arrogant and premature
boast in the face of the whole world, to drive
the English into the sea, and plant the eagles
of Napoleon on the towers of Lisbon.-To the
last moment was the farce kept up, and his
deluded troops endeavoured to forget their
wants in hopes of the plunder of the me-
tropolis, the sole object of their thoughts,
for which they had made so many painful
marches, and undergone the most severe
privations. In the theatre at Santarem, which
the French officers had fitted up for their
amusement, the piece represented, on the
240
eve of this memorable retreat, and brought
out with every adventitious aid of scenery,
calculated to dazzle the senses, and inflame
the passions of the soldiery, was the "French-
man in Lisbon !"
The most barbarous excesses were com-
mitted by the enemy throughout his whole.
line of march, and the inhabitants, who from
age or sickness, were unable to quit their
houses, became victims to the horrid brutality
of the French soldiery. There is no atrocity
of which these unprincipled ruffians have not
been guilty: -every crime that stains the
black catalogue of human cruelty having been
committed on the persons and property of the
poor wretches who had the misfortune to fall
into their hands. The prospect before the
advanced guard, was always that of burning
villages, of plundered cottages, of murdered
peasants.-The roads were covered with the
dying and the dead-with cannon, baggage
and ammunition, which the enemy could
not carry off; with mutilated cattle, with
every thing, in short, that could create horror
and disgust, that could make the heart feel
sentiments of indignation against the bar-
•
241
t
*
barous enemy, and of pity for the suffering
and ravaged natives. Not unfrequently,
however, the latter were able to revenge upon
the invader, the cruelties he had committed.
In some of the villages, the peasants had
cut off detachments of the enemy, and put
them to instant death.
Nearly the whole of the once beautiful city
of Leyria is reduced to ashes. The mansion
of the rich and the cottage of the poor, were
alike the objects of the enemy's vengeance,
and involved in one common conflagration
by the merciless destroyer.
The magnificent convent of Alcobaça has
been burnt by Massena's order, and Batalha
would have shared the same fate, but for the
massive strength of its walls, which resisted.
the sacrilegious attempt.
A strong detachment of the corps d'armee,
which daily formed the rear guard of the
retreating enemy, was specially allotted to
carry the work of destruction into execution.
R
i
242
1
LETTER XLII.
Massena having collected the whole of the Troops in the North
of Spain, makes an Attempt to relieve Almeida.-Battle of
Fuentes de Honor.-Almeida abandoned by the Garrison.
Almadilla, 12th May, 1811.
LORD Wellington having learnt, that the
Prince of Essling had assembled a council of
war at Ciudad Rodrigo on the 1st instant,
which was attended by 26 generals, and the
enemy having for some days previously, made
frequent demonstrations on the left bank of
the Agueda, it was supposed that the French
chief meditated an attempt to relieve
Almeida, or failing in that to bring off the
garrison, which was known to be now in
much distress for provisions.
On the following day, the enemy crossed
the river in force, and drove the light division
out of Gallegos. The whole of the troops in
consequence, moved from their cantonments,
and on the 3d, this part of the army under
the immediate command of Lord Wellington,
was concentrated betwixt the Villages of
:
1
•
243
Fuentes de Honor in Spain, and Villa Fermosa
in Portugal, two leagues from Almeida, and
four from Ciudad Rodrigo.
In the course of the same day, the French
ariny, commanded by Massena, having under
him Marshals Marmont and Bessieres, and
General Loison, arrived on the plains on the
other side of Fuentes, the key of the British
position, and about 2 in the afternoon, pushed
forward several corps of sharpshooters to
attack the village, which was defended with
the greatest obstinacy by the light troops,
but the enemy, from his
from his superiority of
numbers, at length obtained possession of this
important post, from which, however, he
was soon after dislodged by the 71st regiment,
under Colonel Cadogan, at the point of the
bayonet. This was a little before dusk. Next
morning the enemy renewed his attacks upon
the village, but every effort proved unsuc-
cessful.
At day-break on the 5th, it was perceived
that the enemy had moved the whole of his
cavalry, and several heavy columns of infantry
towards the right. About 6 o'clock, his
manœuvres seemed to indicate an attack on
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1
that point, and soon after the cavalry, deriving
confidence from their numbers, advanced
upon the British, which was their weak arm,
and compelled them to give way, but in
retreating, the British cavalry repeatedly faced
about, and made some successful charges
upon the enemy. Meanwhile, the 7th division,
which had been considerably advanced upon
the plain, was directed to fall back and form
on the brigade of guards posted on the right
of the 1st division, and flanked by Captain
Lawson's brigade of 9 pounders, and some
squadrons of cavalry.
Their point d'Appui rested on some broken
and rocky ground, intersected with inclosures
of stone walls, and copse wood, having a small
river the Turon, in the rear.
Major General Houston was enabled to
execute this retrogade movement in the face
of an infinitely superior force, principally by
the steadiness and gallant conduct of the 2
foreign corps in his division, the Duke of
Brunswick Oel's infantry, and the Chasseurs
Brittanniques, under Lieutenant-Colonel
Eustace, who checked the advance of the
French cavalry, by several well directed
245
vollies. The enemy had previous to this,
opened a tremendous fire upon the first line
of infantry; every shot that went over doing
execution in the second line.
The light division, which at first formed
on the left of the 7th division, also retired
before the enemy's cavalry in echellon of
squares, and in the finest order.
About 11 A. M. the picquet of the guards,
consisting of 100 rank and file, under Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Hill, skirmishing in front of the
brigade, was charged by a squadron of cavalry,
which they repulsed; and were retiring upon
the 42nd regiment, commanded by Lord
Blantyre, formed in columns for the support
of the light troops upon some broken ground,
when the enemy returned to the attack in
such numbers, that after seeing most of his
officers and men cut down, Colonel Hill being
wounded, was compelled to surrender himself
prisoner.
Ensign Cookson was killed, Ensign Stothert
of the Coldstream, wounded slightly and taken
prisoner. Captains Home and Harvey
escaped, although for some minutes in the
1
1
246
1
enemy's hands, the latter slightly wounded.
At this moment, the 9 pounders having
opened upon the French cavalry, they retired
in great confusion. About the same time,
the enemy pushed forward his light infantry
upon the right, where they were met and
repulsed by Colonel Guise, with the light
companies of the guards and part of the
95th regiment, under Captain O'Hare.
The line was now formed with the 7th
division on the right of the 1st division,
having on its left General Crawford with
the light division in reserve.- Beyond, were
those of Major Generals Picton, A. Camp-
bell and Sir William Erskine. The left of the
whole was on Fort Conception, covering
Almeida
The principal part of the cavalry remained
on the right. Brigadier-General Pack was
stationed with the Queen's regiment, and a
brigade of Portuguese infantry watching
Almeida, from whence guns were fired at
intervals as signals.
The 7th division subsequently crossed the
Turon, and formed upon the hill in rear of the
1
247
}
present line, on which, should Lord Welling-
ton think proper to refuse his right, a new
position was intended to be taken up.
The firing slackened on both sides towards
the evening, but the engagement was not
finally over until the close of day, when the
enemy, who was repulsed at all points,
remained in the same position as at the com-
mencement of the action, being unable to
gain a single advantage or make the smallest
impression upon any part of the British
line.
The French army is stated to have been not
less than 40,000 infantry and 5000 cavalry
when they entered the field. Their loss is
estimated at from 1500 to 2000 killed; and
it is known that 3500 wounded have been
carried into Ciudad Rodrigo. Our loss has
also been severe, amounting to 1760 in killed,
wounded and missing; but this number falls
short of what might have been expected from
the length of time the troops were under
fire.
The principal contest was in Fuentes, the
possession of which was of the utmost import
248
ance to either army. Colonel Cameron was
mortally wounded at the head of the 79th
regiment in defending this village.
The hostile armies remained in front of each
other on the two following days; and in the
afternoon of the 7th, were employed. in
burying their dead. During this interval,
working parties were constantly occupied in
strengthening the position of the British, by
throwing up field works.
The enemy having received a reinforcement,
a renewal of the attack was generally expected
on the morning of the 8th, instead of which,
at day-break, his cavalry Videttes galloped
off to the rear, and soon after, several columns
of infantry appeared moving in the same
direction. The French continued their retreat
on the 9th, but a strong rear guard of about
2000 cavalry and several battalions of infantry
remained in sight. On the 10th, the British
broke up from their position, and while the
light division, supported by the cavalry,
advanced towards the Agueda; the rest of
the army returned to cantonments, and
the original investment of Almeida was
resumed.
}
249
*
Colonel Trant arrived on the 7th, with a
division of Portuguese, and the corps of Don
Julian Sanchez took a share in the action, and
checked the enemy's movements on the
right.
Early on the morning of the 11th, the
garrison of Almeida, made a sortie, and cut
their way to the Bridge of San Felices, through
the British piquets, with the exception of
470, who were either killed, or wounded and
taken. General Brenier, the Governor, had
previously blown up several bastions, and
the curtains next the Coa, and destroyed the
guns of the fortress, with an immense
quantity of stores in the arsenal, which was
burnt. The prisoners were mostly in a state
of intoxication, which was also the case with
the French cavalry on the 5th instant.
Soon after day-light, General Pack, with
his brigade of infantry, entered Almeida.
It appears that the French evacuated the town
about midnight on the 16th, and having
formed in column, waited near some ruined
houses, a short distance from the walls, until
the explosion took place. Their object was
to destroy the reveltement or outer rampart,
$
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250
and the branches of the grand mine were
conducted accordingly.
Anxious to ascertain the success of his
labours, the commanding engineer remained
behind, intending to follow the garrison on
the Malpartida road, but he is said to have
perished in one of the chambers, owing to
which circumstance, the whole of the mines
were not sprung. The bastions of the faces
nearest the Coa were demolished, and the
intervening curtain destroyed. The stone
work of the ramparts fell into the ditch and
part was carried completely over. No injury
on this occasion, was done to the town, which
had suffered most severely by the explosion
of the grand magazine in August last,
previous to its surrender to the French. In
consequence of that event, Almeida became
one vast heap of ruins, a great number of the
garrison, and of the inhabitants perished;
the south-west curtain sustained considerable
damage, and few houses escaped, without
receiving some material injury. Of the two
magazines which were placed in the castle,
the most elevated spot in Almeida, not one
stone remained upon another, nor can the
}
251
foundation of these buildings be now dis-
tinguished.
The enemy had been for some days previous
to the 10th, employed in spiking the guns,
and otherwise rendering them useless: the
whole of the military stores were then col-
lected in the arsenal and set on fire. It is
here proper to remark, that the French shewed
some degree of consideration for the re-
maining inhabitants of this devoted town,
and they do not complain of any ill-treat-
ment.
The campaign, by the fall of Almeida,
may now be considered at an end, as far
as regards Portugal; and the whole kingdom
has again been delivered from the yoke of
France, whose hitherto victorious legions,
under the command of their ablest chiefs,
have in every instance met with disgrace
and defeat, when opposed to the British
troops.
.
252
LETTER XLIII.
Operations of Marshal Sir William Beresford on the Guadiana.-
Battle of Albuera.-General Lumley's brilliant Affair with the
French Cavalry at Usagre.-The Siege of Badajos raised a
second time. The whole of the Allied Army in the Alentejo.-
Lord Wellington in the beginning of August re-crosses the
Tagus, and invests Ciudad Rodrigo, into which Marmont
throws Supplies on the 24th of September, and advances over
the Aqueda. -The Allied Army takes up a position in front
of the Coa.-Marmont retires.
Pinhel, 5th December, 1811.
PREVIOUS
to the
commencement of
་
Massena's retreat from Santarem, Marshals
Soult and Mortier advanced from the south
of Spain, in order to form a combined
operation with the army of Portugal. In
pursuance of this object the latter possessed
himself of Merida on the 9th of January,
and forthwith invested Badajos with his
infantry, placing his cavalry on the right
bank of the Guadiana.
General Mendizabel was dispatched to
the relief of Badajos on the 20th of January,
with the Spanish corps, which under the
253
command of the Marquis de la Romana,
had joined Lord Wellington in the lines, on
the 19th of October. After some trifling
manœuvres, the Spanish General threw
himself into the city, from whence he again
withdrew his army on the 9th of February,
and took up a position on the ridge of
St. Christoval, which commanded an ex-
tensive view in every direction. Notwith-
standing this advantage, which appears to
have been disregarded by General Mendi-
zabel, the French army crossed the Gevora
and Guadiana, surprised and totally defeated
the Spaniards. The French cavalry pursued
the fugitives (who as usual threw away
their arms,) across the plain to the walls of
Elvas, and captured the whole of the Spanish
artillery and baggage.
The enemy was thus enabled to sit down
quietly before Badajos; and M. Morțier lost
no time in breaking ground and commencing
the siege. A small breach having been made
on the 10th, (but by no means practicable
for assault, if properly defended,) the traitor
Imaz, who succeeded to the command, on
General Menacho being killed, Ithough
254
apprized that Marshal Beresford was march-
ing to his relief, surrendered the city and a
garrison equal in number to the enemy.
General Menacho had made every dispo-
sition for defending the place to the last
extremity; the streets were barricaded, and
the garrison was well supplied with ammu-
nition and provisions for a month.
The French had previously obtained pos-
session of Olivenza and its garrison, con-
sisting of 3000 Spaniards; but a Portuguese
force of only 250 men' bravely defended the
fortress of Campo Mayor from the 14th to
the 21st of March. On the 25th Marshal
Beresford having been reinforced by the
Honourable Major-General Cole's division
of infantry, advanced against Campo Mayor,
which the enemy abandoned on the appear-
ance of the British and Portuguese cavalry.
Two squadrons of the 13th dragoons, and
two squadrons of Portuguese charged the
French cavalry, who were broke and pursued
to Badajos, but the infantry effected their
retreat to the fortress in a solid body, al-
though with considerable loss, and recovered
the cannon which had been taken by the
255
allied cavalry. It was unfortunate that the
infantry were not combined in this operation,
as the capture or destruction of the enemy
would have been completely effected with
their assistance.
After this affair, Sir William Beresford
threw a bridge over the Guadiana at Ju-
rumenha, and in the course of the 4th and
5th of April he crossed with his army; then
leaving General Cole's division to attack
Olivenza, he advanced with the whole of his
remaining force, and drove the enemy (who
did not think it expedient to risk an action,)
into the Sierra Morena. Having accom-
plished this object, and Olivenza having sur-
rendered to the Honourable Major-General
Cole on the 15th of April, Marshal Beres-
ford returned to undertake the siege of
Badajos, which place was completely invested
on the 7th of May by the allied army, and
a Spanish corps commanded by Don Carlos
D'Espagne. On the following day the
batteries were
were opened against Fort St.
Christoval, and the garrison returned a very
brisk fire upon the besiegers. Sir William
Beresford having received information on
}
256
the 12th that Marshal Soult was advancing
from Seville, dispatched a courier to Lord
Wellington with that intelligence; and judg‐
ing it necessary to suspend his operations.
against Badajos, the heavy field train was
sent back to Elvas..
Lord Wellington lost no time in reinforcing
Marshal Sir William Beresford with the 3d
and 7th divisions of infantry, under Generals
Picton and Houston, and proceeded himself
to Elvas, which his Lordship reached on
the 19th instant.-Meantime, however, the
battle of Albuera was fought on the heights,
above the village of that name; and Marshal
Soult was completely repulsed by the allied
British and Portuguese army, under Sir
William Beresford, and a corps of 10,000
Spaniards, commanded by Generals Blake
and Castanos. The superior numbers of
the enemy's cavalry enabled him to make
good his retreat towards Seville, which he
commenced on the morning of the 18th,
two days after the action. The Honourable
General Lumley followed them with the
British and Portuguese cavalry to Usagre,
where the enemy having collected a consider-
K
257
1
able force, attacked the allied cavalry on
the 26th instant. Major-General Lumley
had previously retired through Usagre, and
having posted his troops on some favour-
able ground behind that village, waited the
enemy's attack. Three regiments dashed
through Usagre in a very resolute manner,
but had scarcely formed when they were
charged by General De Grey's brigade of
heavy cavalry, and completely overturned.
The French cavalry immediately broke and
fled, leaving a number of prisoners, and
killed and wounded on the field.-The
nature of the country did not permit General
Lumley to follow up the advantage he had
so happily gained, and with a very trifling
loss.
The siege of Badajos was now resumed,
and on the 2d of June batteries were re-
opened against Fort St. Christoval and the
body of the place. A breach having been
effected in Fort St. Christoval, an attempt
was made on the 6th of June to carry the
work, and subsequently, on the night of the
9th, both of which failed, and the besiegers
retired with loss.
$
258
ì
Before day-break, on the 6th of June,
the guards once more marched from Alma-
dilla, and passing through Aldea de Ponte,
arrived about 8 A. M. at the miserable
village of Robilosa, where they halted until
noon. The brigade then marched by Al-
fayates to Soita, and bivouaced about a mile
beyond.
At 4 in the morning of the 7th, the
guards at the head of the 1st division moved
off to Sabugal, and crossing the Coa at the
bridge, took up a position on the left bank
of the river, and threw out strong piquets
to protect the fords. In the course of the
day the light division and the 6th arrived
on this ground. This movement was occa-
sioned by the enemy having pushed forward
a considerable body of cavalry and some
infantry in front of Ciudad Rodrigo, on
which Sir Brent Spencer withdrew his out-
posts, expecting to be attacked on the 7th
or 8th by the whole of the enemy's force
in that quarter. These operations of the
French leader Marshal Marmont, (who had
succeeded to the command of the army on
Massena's recal to Paris,) appear to have
259
been made with a view of masking his real
inten ion; for early in the afternoon of the
8th it was ascertained that the enemy was
moving in force towards the pass of Banos.
The troops were then directed to proceed
to the Alentejo, and on the 14th and 15th
the column crossed the Tagus at the ro-
mantic pass of Villa Velha, over a flying
bridge.—Lieutenant Johnston of the royal
artillery, was unfortunately drowned while
trying this ford.
On the 16th the brigade entered Portalegre,
in which city the 6th and light division were
also quartered; and on the 19th the 1st
division marched to Assumar, and the light
division to Aronches. On the 23d the
guards advanced to St. Olaya, and hutted
near that town.
Previous to this period the Commander
of the forces had again raised the siege of
Badajos, the enemy having assembled the
whole of his disposable force in Estremadura,
and still retaining a considerable superiority
in cavalry over the British. On the 22d
the enemy advanced 40 squadrons of his
cavalry and some field-pieces, for the pur-
#
$ 2
260
!
pose of making a reconnoissance; but although
they carried off a picquet of the 11th dra-
goons, commanded by Captain Lutyens,
yet on the appearance of the British and
Portuguese cavalry, the French retired into
Badajos, without having seen the position
of the allied army, the right of which
rested upon Elvas, the line extending along
a ridge, intersected by the small river Caya,
towards the fortress of Campo Mayor, in
which the 7th division of the army was
quartered. The main body of the allied
army was in huts.
In the beginning of July Marshal Soult
leaving from 6 to 7000 men in Badajos,
placed his army in cantonments, having
his head-quarters at Asugal; Marmont at
Truxillo; and Regnier in Merida.
The British and Portuguese army con-
tinued in camp until the 24th of July, and
then moved into quarters. The Commander
of the forces and heads of departments in
Portalegre. The 28th of July being the
anniversary of the battle of Talavera, an
entertainment was given at head-quarters,
and a ball in the evening, which was attended
:
261
by General Castanos and his suite, the
officers in garrison, and some of the prin-
cipal inhabitants of this city.
Marmont having passed the Tagus and
established himself at Placentia; in the be-
ginning of August the main body of the
British army recrossed the river at Villa
Velha, and the Commander of the forces
fixed his head-quarters at Fuente Guinaldo,
about 2 leagues from Ciudad Rodrigo. Part
of the infantry was pushed forward on the
Salamanca road, and all communication cut
off betwixt the fortress and the enemy.
As it was known in the early part of Sep-
tember that a convoy was preparing at Sala-
manca, destined for the relief of Ciudad
Rodrigo, the combined forces were assembled
on the line of the Agueda on the 23d of that
month. About 2 P. M. on the following
day, the head of the convoy was observed
entering the fortress, and in the course of the
same night the whole arrived. For its pro-
tection, the enemy had assembled a large
army, consisting of 55,000 infantry and 6000
cavalry. Of this force, General Baraguay
D'Hillier's Count D'Orsenne brought 22,000
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262
from Salamanca, and the remainder were the
divisions under Marmont; which, since their
retiring from Estremadura, had been can-
toned at Placentia, Talavera de la Reyna,
and other towns on the Upper Tagus. Pre-
vious to the enemy's approach, the British
out-posts were withdrawn to the left bank of
the Agueda; over which, the enemy pushed
his advanced guard, 2 regiments of cavalry
and 3000 infantry, on the evening of the
24th.
Next day at noon the enemy moved a
force upon the 3d division, Major-General
Picton's, which remained in a strong position
on the right bank of the Azava, and the
French cavalry advancing in considerable
numbers, took 2 pieces of Portuguese artil-
lery after cutting down the men at their guns.
The 5th regiment then charged in the most
gallant stile, retook these 2 pieces and sub-
sequently retired with the 77th regiment in
one square, and the 19th Portuguese regi-
ment forming another before the French
cavalry, who repeatedly charged three faces
of the British square without effect. This
manœuvre was directed by the Honourable
1
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263
Major-General Colville; and the 11th light
dragoons, commanded by Colonel Cumming,
and German hussars succeeded in keeping
the immensely superior force of the enemy
in check.
About 3 o'clock the enemy appeared in
front of Carpio, and his movements having
manifested a design upon that village, a
place of no importance, Major-General
Alexander Campbell withdrew the 6th divi-
sion behind the Duas Casas to the woods in
front of Nave d'Aver.
On the 26th of September, all was quiet,
and the enemy in motion to the right. He
also shewed a force in front of Fuente Gui-
naldo, and deployed in view of the British
already drawn up in line under the imme-
diate orders of Lord Wellington; but after
some time he relinquished his intended at-
tack, and having re-formed his columns,
continued his movement to the right.
At 3 in the morning of the 27th of Sep-
tember, the 1st division marched through
Villa Mayor to Bismula, which they reached
before noon, and at 10 P. M. the troops
were again in motion and made a night march
1
264
1
to Rendo, which they passed about 4 in the
morning and halted in a wood half a mile
beyond. Heavy rains for some hours.
In this position, the left of the ground on
which the Commander of the forces had
determined to meet the threatened attack of
the enemy, the 1st division remained until
the following day, and then crossed the Coa
to take up cantonments in the valley of the
Mondego, agreeably to General Graham's
orders, dated Rendo, 28th of September,
1811.
The Lieutenant-General has received the
orders of his Excellency the Commander of
the forces, to march the troops into canton-
ments, as the enemy has abandoned the
attempt of attacking the army in this po-
sition. He is confident that the left could
not have been forced, defended by such
troops as he has the honour to command.
The position extended from Rendo to Soita
across the high road and covering Sabugal,
both flanks resting on the Coa, having
several fords and bridges in its rear for the
retreat of the troops, in the event of an un-
successful conflict.
265
In the middle of October, Don Julian
Sanchez, ever on the alert, carried off a large
proportion of the cattle belonging to the
garrison of Ciudad Rodrigo, and made pri-
soner the Governor General Reynaud, the
same officer who commanded the rear-guard
of Soult's army when driven from Oporto.
At 1 in the morning of the 2d of Novem-
ber, an order arrived for the 1st division to
move up to the frontier, and at the same
time, the whole army was put in motion.
At 9 o'clock, the order to march was can-
celled, the new Governor of Ciudad Rodrigo
having reached that town with some pro-
visions, under an escort of 4000 men.
Accounts were received at head-quarters
of Lieutenant-General Hill having com-
pletely surprised a division of the 5th corps
at Arroya Molinas, commanded by General
Girard, who was wounded and escaped with
difficulty. The whole of his baggage, artil-
lery, and upwards of 1000 prisoners, in-
cluding the Duke D'Aremberg and General
Brone were taken.
The army was again advanced to the
frontier in the latter end of November, in-
266
telligence having been received, that the
enemy intended to throw supplies into Ciudad
Rodrigo. This movement was also supposed
to have for its object, the protection of
Almeida from insult during the repair of the
fortifications.
The army remained for a few days in this
position, and then moved into winter quar-
ters. Lord Wellington returned to Freneda,
and the head-quarters of the 1st division were
fixed at Pinhel.
The
No place or territory had suffered more, in
consequence of the French invasion, than
the city and bishoprick of Pinhel,
furniture of the bishop's palace was entirely
destroyed, but this noble pile of building
remained entire. The Franciscan monastery,
and now deserted convent of Ursulines, had
been occupied successively, by French, Eng-
lish and Portuguese troops, and received
considerable injury. The town within the
walls, is evidently of great antiquity, and the
fine Moorish castle must have been impregnable
in former ages. In one of its towers is a small
circular building, supposed to contain a flight
of steps leading to some subterranean dun-
267
geons, but from the present state of the walls,
it is impossible to ascertain the exact use for
which it was originally intended. A beau-
tiful antique cross ornaments the market
place.
The venerable bishop, who resides at the
Quinta of St. Euphemia, 2 leagues distant,
made the following affecting report of the
devastation committed in his diocese, to the
regency.
The local position of the bishoprick of
Pinhel, on the confines of this kingdom, con-
taining in its bounds, the fortress of Almeida
and the military road to the province of Leon,
from the interior of Portugal, has placed it in
the melancholy necessity of serving as the
theatre of preparation for the defence of the
kingdom, from the beginning of the fatal
war of the French revolution; for the forma -
tion of a military road at the time of the
intrusion of French despotism, and for the
march of Sir John Moore, when his army
entered the province of Leon, and latterly,
since the beginning of the year 1810 to the
following July, it constantly served as a posi,
tion for the allied army as long as it remained
268
in the province of Beira. On the march of
that army into Estremadura, its toal ruin
began with the entry of the hostile army,
and from the latter being stationary in the
territory of Pinhel, from July to the 13th of
September, when it advanced into Estrema-
dura, and ultimately, in its precipitate and
furious retreat to Spain, being in the interim,
from July to April, occupied and trodden in
all parts, by different divisions of the enemy,
marching to avoid the main army, or acting
in flying parties through the bishoprick,
sometimes in one part, sometimes in another;
robbing and ravaging; inasmuch that,
according to the most exact information,
there is not a village which does not exhibit
the marks of French wickedness in a manner
more or less horrible.
It must likewise be observed, that the
territory of Pinhel had previously suffered by
the passage of the Gallician army to Leon,
and during the war, by the marches and
military evolutions of different divisions of
Portuguese militia, at the time they were
ordered to observe the enemy.
All these circumstances have concurred to
}
269
swell the volume of the public and private
misfortunes of Pinhel to such a degree, that
in this melancholy point of view, it infinitely
outdoes all the other bishopricks of this king-
dom, when the variety of armies and their
divisions which have been stationary, and
the still longer stay the enemy made in it are
considered. The riches of the district, and
the subsistence of its inhabitants, depend on
the cultivation of corn and breeding cattle,
and as these two articles, however much
wanted for the allied army, became still
greater objects of French rapine, it is now
without sheep, oxen and corn, (consisting of
rye and barley) and consequently without
subsistence.
Exclusive of these evils proceeding from
human causes, the bishoprick of Pinhel
labours under others; for besides the epi-
demic fevers, which have carried off a great
proportion of its inhabitants, those who
remain have little hope from their scanty
farms badly worked, and so devastated by
the enemy, that they produce nothing, and in
the memory of man never was there a more
unproductive season for the few lands that have
been cultivated.
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270
The population of Pinhel was computed
at from 30 to 40,000, it is now reduced to two
thirds; the remainder being carried off by
violent and natural deaths, and by emi-
gration; such is its present condition.
The preceding observations of this respected
prelate, may be applied with great truth, to
the other provinces of this kingdom, which
have been infested by the presence of the
enemy.
Pinhel had only been recently erected into
a bishop's see. There is at present, no
establishment of canons or a cathedral, for
which the ground is marked out, but the war
has put a stop to the work. General Graham's
quarters are in the bishop's palace, a magnifi-
cent quadrangular structure, having a large
court in the centre.
Pinhel in former times, when the Spaniards
possessed Almeida, and the whole country
on the right bank of the Coa, must have
been a place of great importance, nature
having evidently marked it out as the frontier
town of Portugal. The district betwixt the
Coa and the Pinhel river is very rocky, and
appears unsusceptible of cultivation.
271
1
LETTER XLV.
General remarks on the successful Campaign of 1811.-Obser-
vations respecting the Spanish Guerillas, &c.
Pinhel, 20th December, 1811.
THE recent successes of Lord Wellington,
cannot fail of producing a beneficial effect
upon the minds of the Spaniards, by encou-
raging a continuance of their efforts, to resist
the progress of the invader, but must also
be regarded with a corresponding interest,
by the other nations of Europe, who have
been hitherto led to consider the troops of
Napoleon invincible. If roused by the
moral feeling which these glorious events
seem most forcibly calculated to inspire, the
powers of the continent, should shake off
the apathy, with which they have too long
beheld the strides of the modern Alexander,
and laying aside those pretty contemptible
jealousies of each other, which Buonaparte
has but too successfully promoted as the
means of increasing his own power, then
there is yet a hope, that the tyrant may be
hurled from his throne, and the genius of
$
272
liberty once more erect his standard on the
Continent of Europe.
To the powerful influence which the dis-
grace of Massena must produce on the cause
of Spain, and in the eyes of its inhabitants,
is to be added the high character obtained
in the course of the late operations, by the
Portuguese. Two years
years have scarcely
elapsed, since these troops, which now shine
so conspicuously in the defence of their
country, were an un-armed, ill-cloathed,
un-accoutred, un-disciplined rabble, now
they possess in an eminent degree, the best
qualities of warriors, and have proved them-
selves" worthy of contending in the same
"ranks with British soldiers." This happy
object has been accomplished by the liberal
policy of taking 30,000 Portuguese into Bri-
tish pay, and placing them under British
officers of experience and talent. The mea-
sure has been crowned with such complete
success, that it appears most desirable to
extend this system over the whole Penin-
sula.
The population of Spain even in its present
state is fully adequate to maintain an army
A
273
5
of 200,000 men, independent of the Guerilla
force, and of that number 30 or 40,000 might
be taken into British pay, and trained by
British officers on the same footing as the
Portuguese. In the formation of these troops
a due regard would of course be had to the
character and feelings of this high-minded
people. A proportion of British superior
officers in no instance exceeding one half,
should be allotted to each regiment, and this
distribution might tend to prevent any jea-
lousies arising among men although of dif-
ferent nations, yet fighting under the same
standard, and united in one glorious cause.
Those officers who have served in the penin-
sula, and have acquired a knowledge of the
Spanish language and national character
should of course be preferred to assist in the
formation of these levies, the establishment
of which is in perfect unison with the wise
and extended policy hitherto pursued in the
conduct of the present war, and the necessity
of meeting the efforts of the enemy with in-
creased means, becomes every day more ap-
parent. But situated as Spain is at this mo-
ment, with nearly all her strong places in the
T
វ
!
A
1
274
enemy's possession, it would be found ex-
tremely difficult to organize and form regular
bodies of troops, which after such training
might be led with a prospect of success
against the veteran legions of France. To
promote habits of discipline, subordination
and the other qualities requisite in the com-
position of a soldier's character, a length of
time is necessary, and the quiet of a garrison
at a distance from the actual theatre of war.
In Gallicia, while it remains free from the
enemy's presence, depôts might be found for
the new levies; but, should the system above
alluded to be adopted, the frontiers of Por-
tugal seem peculiarly pointed out for the re-
ception and formation of Spanish battalions
in the pay of Britain.
At present, the only troops in Spain,
which carry on a successful warfare against
the French, are the Guerillas, or armed pea-
santry, and it may be fairly presumed, that
they are incited to attack the enemy's con-
voys, and straggling parties, as much by the
hope of plunder, as from motives of patrio-
tism. This cannot be supposed to influence
the minds of their gallant chiefs, but the
275
peasant, when compelled by the ravages of
war to abandon the scenes of peaceful indus-
try, when no longer able to pursue his usual
avocations, becomes of necessity a soldier,
and assumes the military character, as the
only means of supporting his existence.. It
is of these materials that the Guerilla force
is principally composed, a hardy peasantry,
despising danger and enduring the vicissi-
tudes of the seasons, and every species of
fatigue and privation with the fortitude of
ancient Romans; minutely acquainted with
the almost impenetrable recesses of their na-
tive land, its deep extensive forests and dis-
tant glens, the situation of its rivers and the
devious paths which lead to their mountain
holds, above all, receiving early intelligence
of every movement made by the foe; it is
not surprising therefore, that such a body.
sudden, and determined in attack, should
carry terror and dismay, even into the ranks
of the French soldiery, who have on nume-
rous occasions, suffered most severely in their
conflicts with these self-formed bands, some
of which constantly hover in the neighbour-
hood of the capital, and at times, appearing
?
276
before the gates of Madrid, alarm the usur-
per in the very moment of fancied security.
But it is perfectly evident that the deliver-
ance of Spain, can never be atchieved by the
efforts of a force so rudely constituted, how-
ever useful it may be, and successful as it
has often proved against small parties of the
enemy in their desultory, yet impetuous
attacks.
The armies which have overrun the conti
nent and have raised the character of France
as a military nation, beyond any former
period of its history, can only be successfully
opposed by troops of a similar description
inured to habits of regular warfare, and ac-
customed to undergo the greatest hardships
of which the human frame is capable. With
an army thus organized, commanded by of-
ficers of approved merit, and possessing the
confidence of their troops, Spain, aided by
the vast resources of Great Britain, may yet
anticipate a favourable result to the present
contest, and finally accomplish the expulsion
of the modern barbarians and their sangui-
nary leaders beyond the Pyrenees.
THE END.
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nadab, the Son of Sazan the Physician-History of Badour the
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the Iman Abzenderoud-History of the beautiful Al-Raoulf-of
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of the Sultana Alischank-History of Mugmu, Midwife of Astra-
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TALES OF THE GENII. Life of Horam the Son of Asmar-
History of the Merchant Abudah, or the Talisman of Oromanes
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-The second Adventure of the Merchant Abudah in the Groves
of Shadaski-The Merchant Abudah's third Adventure in the
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