On the 29th of November, 1808, the French headquarters were at the
village of Bocequilas. They found the pass of Somo Sierra in the chain
of mountains named _Carpetanos_, and through which the main road to
Castile runs, in the possession of the enemy. The Spaniards could not
have chosen a stronger position--the defile was narrow, and excessively
steep; and the road completely swept by sixteen pieces of artillery. At
day-break on the 1st of December, the French endeavored to turn the
flank of St. Juan. While the infantry were vainly attempting to ascend
the heights in every direction, under a double fire from the artillery
and the Spanish musketry, Napoleon came up, attended by his Polish
lancers. The Emperor stood in the entrance of the pass, and attentively
examined the enemy’s position. While thus occupied, the Spanish fire was
redoubled in intensity--numerous bullets falling around the emperor, or
passing over his head. Sensible of the disadvantages under which the
troops labored, he decided on taking a most bold and daring course: he
ordered his own squadron of Polish lancers to charge right up the pass,
in face of the battery. This brave troop, conducted by Kozietulski,
threw itself into columns of four, the roadway not admitting more at a
time. The Poles speared the gunners, and took possession of the cannon,
and the Spaniards continued their flight in such disorder, that they
were at last fain to quit the road to Madrid, and escape in different
directions, some to Segovia, others to Talaveyra.
[Illustration: THE COMBAT AT SOMO SIERRA.]