AT THE BATTLE OF CORUNNA.
And now, before I join the army at Corunna, I beg to make a few remarks
about the light company, 28th Regiment, during the retreat which ended
at El-Burgo. It must, I imagine, appear evident from the narrative that
this company fully participated in all the fatigues, hardships and
privations which occurred throughout the campaign in question; that
they, in common with the reserve, traversed eighty miles of ground in
two marches, passed several nights under arms among the snow-covered
mountains, covered the army as a piquet at Lugo, Betanzos, and Corunna,
at which the reserve were for two days in continual fire; that scarcely
a shot was fired during the campaign at which the company were not
present, nor a skirmish in which they did not bear a part. And it must
be clear, from the nature of light troops’ duty and movements, that
they took as much exercise and passed over as much ground, as the
most actively employed part of the army. From their being exclusively
charged twice by the enemy’s cavalry at Calcabellos, once furiously
charged at the bridge of Betanzos, and as the rearmost company of the
rearguard, on January 5th, engaged from morning until night along the
road from Nogales to Constantino, it is but reasonable to suppose that
they must have suffered at least as many casualties as any company
of the army; and finally, they marched, the last company of the whole
army, through the village of El-Burgo under a heavy cannonade and
a sharp fire of musketry. Yet it now fell in as strong, if not the
strongest company present, and as efficient, willing, and ready for
fight as any which the army could produce; and were I to give my
testimony in presence of the most solemn tribunal, I could not say, so
far as my memory serves, that a single individual of that company fell
out of the ranks, or was left behind, in consequence of intolerable
fatigue. The captain of the company (Bradby) was left behind, sick, at
Lisbon; and the senior lieutenant (English) was sent in the sick-carts
from Benevente to Corunna on December 27th, 1808, suffering from
dysentery; but no man fell out on the march.
[Sidenote: WORK OF THE 28th LIGHT COMPANY.]
This short statement is not given with a motive of extolling the
service of the company or of proclaiming their strict discipline,
though that would only be performing an act of justice towards the
distinguished corps of which the company formed a part. I mention
it rather as forming in my humble opinion a strong feature in the
character of the whole retreat.
In bringing the 28th Light Company so frequently into contact with the
enemy, on which occasions the regiment were always at hand, I will not
assert that some little predilection may not have been entertained by
General Paget. I use the term predilection rather than confidence lest
such term might be considered unpleasing to the other gallant corps
who formed the reserve; but whatever be the term used, the inclination
was most natural. General Paget had commanded the 28th Regiment, and
had left it but a few years previous to the campaign now under notice;
consequently he knew many of the men, and was acquainted with all
the old officers. He commanded the regiment too in a situation which
put nerve and discipline to the severest trial which has ever been
recorded. He it was who, when in command of the 28th Regiment in Egypt,
and attacked front and rear at the same moment, ordered the rear rank
to face about, and in this situation, novel in warfare, received
the double charge, which the men firmly resisted and victoriously
repulsed; thus he put to flight that chosen body who, previous to this
extraordinary circumstance were termed the “French Invincibles.”
It cannot then be wondered at (nor can any other regiment feel jealous)
that General Paget wished in the hour of trial to have his old corps
near his person--not for his protection, but because wherever the enemy
made their boldest attacks in the vain hope of reviving their claim to
invincibility, there was he to be found triumphantly disputing such
claim, confident of success when at the head of the same corps with
whom he had destroyed their original title--a title which after many a
gallant effort made in its support expired on March 21st, 1801, on the
bayonets of the “Old Slashers.”
On the evening of the 13th the reserve fell into position with the army
at Corunna; but still there was no appearance of the transports. On
this night the enemy by indefatigable labour put the bridge of El-Burgo
in a passable state; and early on the morning of the 14th they crossed
over two divisions of infantry and one of cavalry. As it was impossible
to prevent this movement, it was feebly opposed, with the object
of economising our strength for a more serious event. However some
gunshots were exchanged.
On this morning a large quantity of powder sent for the use of the
Spaniards was destroyed, to prevent its falling into the hands of the
enemy. The casks were piled up in a large and lesser magazine, built
together upon a hill about three miles from the town. The smaller one
blew up with a terrible noise, which startled us all; but scarcely had
we attempted to account for the occurrence, when, the train igniting
the larger one, the crash was dreadful. A panic seized all; the
earth was agitated for miles, and almost every window in Corunna was
shattered. This was the largest explosion of powder which had ever
taken place in Europe--four thousand barrels.
[Sidenote: ARRIVAL OF TRANSPORTS.]
On this evening the long-expected transports hove in sight, and
soon entered the harbour of Corunna. Preparations for embarkation
immediately commenced; and during the night the sick, the best horses
and upwards of fifty pieces of artillery were put on board ready for
a start--but eight or ten Spanish guns were kept on shore ready for a
fight.
On the 15th Laborde’s division arrived--a formidable reinforcement--and
immediately fell into position on the extreme right of the enemy’s line.
The despondency which seized the minds of many at the long delay of
the transports, and the accumulating strength of the enemy which
increased the danger of embarkation, induced several general officers
to recommend to the Commander of the forces that he should ask the
French marshal for terms under which he might retire to his transports
without molestation. Few men of sound reflection could imagine that,
even should the Commander of the forces crouch to this humiliating
proposition, it would be acceded to by the haughty French marshal.
Besides, there was no necessity for the degrading step: the enemy,
it is true, had upwards of twenty thousand men in a strong position,
and we had about fourteen thousand men in an inferior position--the
only one left us to occupy. But the inhabitants of Corunna were
determined to stand by us to the last, and in a great measure cover
our embarkation; and once embarked we were not in very great danger,
for all the batteries on the sea face had been dismantled. Another
great advantage was that every English soldier was furnished with a
new firelock and his pouch filled with fresh ammunition, ready to be
replenished from Corunna when required. These advantages compensated
for more than half the difference in our numerical strength. Above all
Sir John Moore was not a man who would recommend a British soldier
to petition on his knees to an enemy, or to lower his national high
bearing; the high-spirited Moore was the last general in His Majesty’s
service who would submissively lead a gallant British force, however
small, through the Caudine Forks. He rejected the ignoble proposition
with feelings such as it deserved.
The conduct of the inhabitants of Corunna was doubly honourable, as
they knew that in a very few days their town must fall into the hands
of the enemy, whom they were now so strenuously opposing.
On the evening of the 15th a smart skirmish took place between our
piquets on the left and a party sent forward on the French right, in
the neighbourhood of Palavia Abaxo. Laborde sent forward two guns to
strengthen his party. Lieutenant-Colonel M’Kenzie, of the 5th, with
some companies rushed forward, endeavouring to seize the battery; but
a strong line of infantry who lay concealed behind some walls started
up and poured in such a sharp fire that the piquets were driven back,
carrying their lieutenant-colonel mortally wounded.
During the night of the 15th Soult completed his arrangements. His
right rested close to the Mero; and prolonging his line over rocky and
woody ground, he placed his left close to a rocky eminence, upon which
he planted his principal battery, consisting of eleven guns, posting
several other guns as vantage-ground offered along his line. To the
left, and in advance of this big battery, their cavalry were drawn
up. Franceschi’s dragoons on their extreme left were nearly a mile in
rear of General Baird’s division, in a diagonal direction. The rocky
eminence which sustained the great French battery stood at the edge
of a valley which lay on Baird’s right, extending in a semicircular
direction by his rear and not far distant from the harbour of Corunna.
[Sidenote: POSITION OF THE ARMIES.]
On our side, General Hope’s division formed the left of the line,
resting their left flank on the slimy banks of the Mero, extending
his right so as to join Baird’s division towards the centre of our
line. From this, Baird prolonged his division to the right, in front
of the enemy’s left, and was outflanked by the great battery, which
in an oblique direction was situated in his front. Our left wing and
the right of the enemy were much further asunder than the contending
wings on the other flank. This materially weakened our position; but
it could not be avoided, owing to the conformation of the slopes upon
which alone we could be drawn up. These slopes gradually retired from
our right to our left, and consequently the great French battery raked
the whole of our line. General Fraser’s division were drawn up close to
Corunna, to watch the coast road, and to be in readiness to proceed to
any part where needed most.
On the morning of the 16th all the incumbrances of the army which
had not been embarked the previous night were put on board, and then
everything prepared for a battle or retreat. It was intended to
embark the army that night as soon as darkness should screen their
retirement. The reserve, whose post was not so open to the observation
of the enemy, were to go on board in the afternoon. We were told that
in consequence of general good conduct during the retreat, and having
covered the army at Corunna for two whole days, we should be the first
division to embark, and thus have time to make ourselves comfortable.
All our baggage and such sea-stock as we could procure was shipped, and
after the men had dined we marched towards the transports. Our minds
were now occupied by thoughts of home; but we had not proceeded above
a hundred yards when we heard the firing of guns. The division halted
to a man, as if by word of command; each looked with anxious enquiry.
But we were not kept long in suspense. An aide-de-camp came galloping
at full speed to arrest our progress, telling us that an extraordinary
movement was taking place throughout the enemy’s line; the three guns
fired were a signal to give notice. We instantly countermarched, and
passed through the village of Los Ayres, where but twenty minutes
before we had bidden adieu to Spain, and considered ourselves on the
way to England. But many there were who in a few hours were prevented
from ever beholding their native shore; they paid the last tribute to
their country, surrendering their lives in maintaining the sacred cause
of liberty and national independence.
Immediately on passing through this village we halted. The enemy’s dark
columns were seen advancing from three different points, and with rapid
pace literally coming down upon us, cheered by their guns, which sent
their shot over their heads but plunged into our line, which at the
same time was raked from right to left by their great battery.
During these primary operations we became the reserve in reality, but
continued so only until the Commander of the forces should ascertain to
a certainty where the enemy intended making their fiercest attack; and
as to the point where this was to take place, Sir John Moore was not
mistaken. He knew that he was opposed to the ablest marshal of France,
and he therefore prepared to resist the attack at that point where he
himself would have made it had the order of battle been reversed. Firm
in his opinion, he shortly after our arrival at Los Ayres ordered the
95th Regiment to be detached from the reserve. Their duty was to keep
the heavy dragoons of Lorge and Franceschi’s light cavalry in play.
Between the rifles and the right of Baird’s division the 52nd formed a
loose chain across the valley. He then rode off, leaving orders with
General Paget that at the opportune moment he was to move into the
valley, turn the French left, and capture their heavy battery, sending
at the same time orders to General Fraser to support the reserve.
[Sidenote: THE BATTLE KINDLES.]
In the meantime the battle kindled along the whole line. Laborde’s
division on their right pressed hard upon Hope, and took possession of
Palavia Abaxo. This was retaken and maintained by Colonel Nichols, who
gallantly charged the enemy through the village at the head of a part
of the 14th Regiment. On our right two heavy columns descended against
Baird’s division. One passed through Elvina, a village about midway
between the two lines; this place was held by our piquets, who were
driven back in confusion, but was subsequently retaken. This column
made direct for Baird’s right, obliging the 4th Regiment to retire
their right wing, and then advanced into the valley. The other column
attacked the whole front of Baird’s division.
On Sir John Moore’s seeing the advance of the column through the
valley, he cast a glance to the rear, and, perceiving that Paget had
commenced his movement, he felt confident that all would go well in
that quarter. He then rode up to the right of Baird’s line, and told
Colonel Wench, of the 4th Regiment, that his throwing back the right
of his regiment was just what he wished. He then moved off towards the
village of Elvina, where, after remaining for some time directing the
active operations, he fell mortally wounded; but this, when known,
served rather to increase than damp the ardour of the men, now more
than ever excited to vengeance.
Before this melancholy event the enemy’s column, who passed by Baird’s
right, flushed with the idea of having turned the right of the British
army (since the 4th Regiment had retired their right wing), moved
sternly forward, certain, as they thought, to come in rear of our
troops. But as they advanced, they met the reserve coming on, with
aspect stern and determined as their own; they now discovered the
true right of the British army. The advanced troops of Soult’s army
during the march now formed his left; we recognised each other, and
the warning at El-Burgo was recollected. A thousand passions boiled in
every breast. Our opponents, madly jealous at having their military
fame tarnished by the many defeats which they sustained during the
march, determined to regain those laurels to them for ever lost. We,
on the other hand, of the reserve had many causes to rouse our hatred
and revenge. We painfully recollected the wanton carnage committed on
the defenceless stragglers of all ages and sexes at Bembibre, and the
many bitter cold nights we passed in the mountains of Galicia, when
frost and snow alone formed the couches on which we tried to snatch
a few hours of repose. The haughty and taunting insults too of our
gasconading pursuers were fresh in our memory. One sentiment alone
was opposed to our anger; the time was come when it gave us pleasure
to think of our past misfortunes, for they who caused them resolutely
stood before us, foaming with impatience to wipe away the stain of
former defeats. They were no longer inclined to keep aloof.
[Sidenote: FALL OF SIR JOHN MOORE.]
Thus urged forward by mutual hate, wrought up to the highest pitch by
twelve days’ previous fighting, and knowing the approaching conflict to
be our last farewell, we joined in fight
“With all the fervour hate bestows
Upon the last embrace of foes.”
Our foes stood firm. But the time occupied in firing was but short;
we soon came to the charge, and shortly the opposing column was
dissipated. Their cavalry now thought it prudent to retire to and
behind their great battery; the 95th, freed from their presence, joined
us; and the 52nd, who had slowly retired as the enemy’s column first
advanced through the valley, also united with their division; and now
the reserve were again all united.
We now pushed on all together, and turned the French left, and were
preparing to charge and carry the great French battery. Had Fraser’s
fresh division, who had not fired a shot, come up now and joined the
reserve according to the Commander of the forces’ orders, the whole
British line could have made an advance echelon movement to the left,
and Soult’s army had been lost. Their cavalry had retreated behind
their great battery, when they became useless from the rocky nature of
the ground; the battery itself was all but in our possession, and only
required the short time necessary to march into it. Elvina, on our
right, the great point of contention throughout the day, was in our
possession, as was the village of Palavia Abaxo on our left. Our whole
line had considerably advanced, and the enemy falling back in confusion
fired more slackly, not so much owing to the casualties they sustained
as to the scarcity and damaged state of their ammunition. Their
muskets were bent and battered, while our fire was strong and rapid,
our ammunition fresh and abundant, our muskets new and the nerves
which spanned them tense. The only retreat the enemy had was over the
patched-up bridge of El-Burgo, and this, after the 14th Regiment had
taken Palavia Abaxo, was nearly, if not quite, as close to our left as
to the French right. The Mero in full tide ran deep broad and rapid
in their rear; and if Napoleon the Great himself had been there, his
escape would have been impossible. But the excited troops were drawn
away from decisive and continued victory.
As darkness approached, our piquets as usual lit large fires; and the
British army retired to Corunna, and embarked that night without the
slightest confusion, so completely had everything been previously
arranged.
On the morning of the 17th, the piquets being withdrawn, the wounded
were collected and with the exception of very few put on board, covered
by a brigade still left on shore for that purpose. About noon on this
day Soult managed to bring up some guns to the village of S. Lucia,
which played upon the shipping in the harbour, some of which were
struck. This causing some disorder amongst the transports, several
masters cut their cables, and four vessels ran ashore; but the soldiers
and crews being immediately rescued by the men-of-war’s boats, and
their vessels burned, the fleet got out of harbour. The Spaniards
nobly redeemed their pledge to keep the enemy at bay and cover the
embarkation to the very last. The few wounded who still remained
ashore, together with the rearguard, were put on board early on the
morning of the 18th without the loss of a single individual; and the
whole sailed for England.
[Sidenote: HAD MOORE LIVED.]
Without the remotest intention of depreciating the merits of his
gallant successor, Sir John Hope, whose valour and military talents
are renowned through the army, there is but little doubt that if Sir
John Moore had not fallen the battle, though glorious to his successor
and to the British army, would have terminated more decisively. Sir
John Moore felt the keenest in the whole army. He, like the lion long
baited and fretted by distant darts, had turned at last, and finding
his pursuers within his reach would have been content with nothing less
than their total destruction.
That the battle of Corunna, under the peculiar circumstances which
attended it, was one of the most glorious which has been fought in
modern times will not be denied; it was that which furnished the most
unequivocal proof of British firmness. The army could not have occupied
a worse position, as Sir John Moore declared; but it could not be
remedied. Our troops were not sufficiently numerous to occupy a more
advanced post, which was therefore left for the enemy. The British
soldiers had been harassed by a long and fatiguing retreat in the
severest season of the year and during peculiarly inclement weather.
Their route had been through mountains covered with snow; they had
been irregularly fed, and the clothing partly worn off their backs.
The enemy were far superior both in position and numbers; and the
English army fought without either cavalry or artillery. But however
glorious was the result of the battle to England, yet it was cause of
national rejoicing to the enemy, although conquered; for Sir John Moore
no longer guided a British force to rouse the jealousy and mar the
plans of two hundred and fifty thousand French veterans accustomed to
victory. He lay down on the land for whose freedom he bled, and slept
on Iberia’s breast for ever.
[Sidenote: JOY OF SIR JOHN MOORE.]
Sir John Moore’s first appearance produced sentiments in the beholder
not remote from reverence. His tall, manly and perfect form attracted
general admiration, while his brilliant and penetrating eye denoted
profound observation, and proclaimed the determined soldier and able
general. His words, voice and bearing realised all you had ever
imagined of a perfect and highly polished gentleman endowed with every
talent necessary to form the statesman or warrior. His features were
formed to command the attention of man and make the deepest impression
on the female heart. His memory, as I have been told by old officers
who knew him well, was extraordinary, yet amiably defective; and what
was once said of a great warrior might be justly applied to him--that
he recollected everything save the injuries done to himself. Few have
ever been gifted with more personal or mental charms than Sir John
Moore; yet the perfection with which he was sent forth was far outshone
by the glory that attended his progress and recall.
Having but slightly touched on the circumstances attending the fall
of this great man, I will repeat that after entirely approving the
movement of the 4th Regiment in retiring their right wing, and feeling
satisfied as to what would take place in the valley, Sir John Moore
made straight for the village of Elvina, where the fight continued to
be most bloody and most obstinately maintained. It had been repeatedly
taken and retaken at the point of the bayonet. Just as the Commander of
the forces arrived, the 50th Regiment, who were formed on the left of
the village, commanded by Major Napier, and seconded by Major Stanhope,
made a most desperate charge through the village; but Napier’s
impetuosity carrying him forward through some stone walls beyond the
village, he was desperately wounded, and fell into the hands of the
enemy; and Major Stanhope was killed. The general cheered the regiment
during this charge, crying out, “Bravo, 50th, and my two brave majors!”
Then perceiving the enemy coming forward to renew the struggle, he
ordered up a battalion of the guards, directing at the same time
that the two regiments already engaged should be supplied anew with
ammunition. The 50th continued firm; but the 42nd, mistaking this as
an order to go to the rear for ammunition, began to retire. Seeing
this, the general rode up to the regiment, exclaiming: “My brave 42nd,
if you have gallantly fired away all your ammunition, you have still
your bayonets--more efficient. Recollect Egypt! Think on Scotland! Come
on, my gallant countrymen!” Thus directing the willing 42nd to meet
the renewed attack on Elvina, he had the satisfaction to hear that the
guards were coming up; and, pleased with the progress of the 42nd, he
proudly sat erect on his war-steed, calmly casting a satisfied glance
at the raging war around. It was at this moment that he was struck to
the ground by a cannon-ball, which laid open the breast of as upright
and gallant a soldier as ever freely surrendered life in maintaining
the honour and glory of his king and country. He soon arose to a
sitting position, his eyes kindling with their usual brilliancy when
informed that the enemy were victoriously repulsed at all points.
At this period the battle raged in its utmost fury; and an active
general movement was taking place from right to left of both lines, the
enemy retiring, the British pressing forward; and now Sir David Baird
also was knocked down, receiving the wound for which he subsequently
suffered the amputation of his arm.
On placing Sir John Moore in the blanket in which he was borne to the
rear, the hilt of his sword got into the wound; and as they tried to
take it away, he declined having it moved, saying, “It may as well
remain where it is, for, like the Spartan with his shield, the Briton
should be taken out of the field with his sword.” The wound was of the
most dreadful nature; the shoulder was shattered, the arm scarcely
attached to the body, the ribs over his heart smashed and laid bare.
Thus was Sir John Moore carried to the rear. As he proceeded,
perceiving from the direction of the firing that our troops were
advancing, he exclaimed, “I hope the people of England will be
satisfied.” On being taken to his house in Corunna, he again enquired
about the battle, and being assured that the enemy were beaten at all
points, exclaimed: “It is great satisfaction to me to know that the
French are beaten. I hope my country will do me justice.” Whether
this well-founded hope was realised or not let the just and generous
determine. He now enquired about the safety of several officers, those
of his staff in particular; and he recommended several for promotion
whom he considered deserving. This exertion caused a failing in his
strength; but on regaining it in a slight degree, addressing his old
friend Colonel Anderson, he asked if Paget was in the room. Upon being
answered in the negative, he desired to be remembered to him, saying,
“He is a fine fellow; ’tis General Paget, I mean.” This was a noble
testimonial to that gallant officer’s high character, rendered sacred
by the peculiar circumstances in which it was called forth; and it
strongly marked the martial spirit and high mind of the dying hero,
who, with his body writhing in torture, the veil of eternity fast
clouding his vision and his lips quivering in the convulsive spasms of
death, sighed forth his last words in admiration of the brave.
[Sidenote: DEATH OF SIR JOHN MOORE.]
The battle of Corunna terminated at the same moment that the British
commander expired. He was buried in the citadel. As the enemy’s last
guns were firing his remains were lowered into the grave by his staff,
simply wrapped in his military cloak. No external mark of mourning was
displayed; the grief could not be withdrawn from the heart.
Thus, like a staunch general of the empire, Sir John Moore terminated
his splendid career in maintaining its honour and crushing its foes.
Yet his last act was peculiarly devoted to his own Scotland: it was
cheering on the Royal Highlanders to a victorious charge. How Scotland
has shown her recognition of the gallant and patriotic deed, or her
admiration of the splendid career of the brightest ornament whom she
ever sent forth on the glorious theatre of war, I have never been told.