_Journal—16th March-25th May 1811_
French dislodged from Freixeda and their baking operations
stopped—Death of Lieutenant James Stewart (Brigade-Major)—Dreadful
murder of a Spanish woman by the French—Action of Sabugal—Desperate
fighting—Lieutenant Arbuthnot killed—Advance resumed—The Spanish
frontier crossed—The Light Division takes up the old line of outposts
on the Agueda—Reconnaissances of Almeida, held by the French—Defence
of the bridge of Marialba—The French driven off—Lord Wellington
rejoins the army—The Royal Dragoons and 14th Light Dragoons hold the
advanced posts—The French occupy Gallegos—The Light Division falls
back—Marshal Massena concentrates a strong force in front of Fuentes
de Oñoro—The British army forms up behind the town—Combats at Fuentes
de Oñoro—Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro—The Chasseurs Britanniques repulse
a charge of French cavalry—Successful charge by British cavalry under
General Stewart—The French occupy the village, but on debouching are
charged by the 74th and 88th Regiments and driven back—Bivouac on
the battlefield—French and English outposts in touch—General Brenier
evacuates Almeida, blowing up his magazines and destroying his
guns—Marshal Beresford invests Badajoz—News of the battle of Albuera
(the _only_ general action in the Peninsular War in which some of the
Rifles were not present).
Letter No. XII
_To his Parents from Espeja, dated 18th May 1811_
Graphic account of the action near Sabugal—A running fight for two
miles—The 43rd Light Infantry and Portuguese Caçadores support
the Rifles—The skirmishers suddenly come upon the French posted
in strength, and have to fall back—Colonel Beckwith's coolness in
action—Picton's Division arrives—Gallantry of the French officers—The
French retire—Skirmishing about Almeida—The fighting prior to the
battle of Fuentes de Oñoro—The inhabitants of the town ordered to
clear out—Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro—Losses of the Rifles—Exceptional
amount of fighting which fell to them—Anxiety as to the welfare of his
family—Scarcity of food and clothing—A _brown_ "Green jacket"—Wants a
good "spy-glass."
_Journal—26th March-25th May 1811_
[Sidenote: 1811 March 26th]
Marched to Celorico. The enemy evacuated it yesterday, and had an
officer and thirty men taken by our cavalry.
[Sidenote: 27th]
The Division remained in bivouac.
[Sidenote: 28th]
The Light Division (with the exception of the right wing 95th) crossed
the Mondego and occupied the villages of Baraca and Minhoeal. That
wing made a forced march to Alverca da Beira, where the cavalry had
their outposts. A party of Rifles (100), under the command of Captain
Beckwith, was sent to dislodge a body of the enemy from a mill in the
front of Freixeda, at which mill, _Johnny_ was busily employed grinding
flour, and another body of the enemy was baking it in the town. The
enemy were driven from the mill, and twenty prisoners captured, but we
had to regret the loss of a gallant fellow in Brigade-Major Stewart,
who was killed on incautiously entering the town, some French soldiers
firing at him quite close, from a window. I was requested to examine
his wound by Colonel Beckwith, and report how he came by his death, as
his head was deeply cut in the forehead and it was feared by some that
when wounded he had been deliberately murdered. I gave my opinion that
from a musket ball having entered his left breast, and passed through
his heart as he rode forward, he had instantly fallen upon his head.
The place he was riding over being granite rocks, and he being a heavy
man, the fall had scarred his head as it then appeared. My supposition
satisfied every one.
[Sidenote: 29th]
Before day we deposited poor Stewart in his last worldly tenement,
wrapped in his cloak, near the village, and then moved forward towards
Guarda after the enemy, the 3rd and 6th Divisions co-operating. We
expected to have had warm work, but on perceiving us move to attack in
the direction of Sabugal, _Johnny_ moved off in the greatest possible
hurry, followed up by cavalry and Horse Artillery, who took near 200
prisoners.
The 3rd Division occupied Guarda, and saved the church, as well as many
houses, from being burnt. The doors of the church were on fire.
In a village in the front of Guarda, named Carapeta, I saw a woman laid
in the street near her own door, murdered. The ruffians had placed
upon her bosom a huge piece of granite taken from the market cross, so
heavy that it took me and six men to remove it. The blood was running
from her ears and mouth. Her dress upwards was most respectable, but
her lower habiliments had been dragged off her. A peasant informed me
that she was the wife of the _juiz de fore_ of the village (that is the
Mayor). The Division occupied all the villages at the foot of the high
hill that Guarda stands upon. I was quartered in Carapeta. I visited
Guarda, which stands very high and upon a ridge named the Sierra de
Carapeta, connected with the Estrella mountains, and is the most
elevated town in Portugal, and also very ancient, with a castle, and
encircled by a dilapidated Moorish wall. The cathedral is very ancient
and the church superbly finished. The organ must, from its large size,
have produced a great musical effect. The church had been converted
into a stable and the organ sadly cut and hacked about in the most
wanton manner (by _Catholics_).
[Sidenote: 1811 April 1st]
Marched to Pega, where we halted an hour. Very rainy. Moved forward
to Quintas de San Bartolomé, near the Coa and opposite Sabugal, where
the enemy was in great force. A most dreadful night and very close. On
piquet, with orders never to quit the post, in case the enemy attacked
me during the night, and to be very vigilant indeed.
[Sidenote: 2nd]
Went into quarters at a village.
Action of Sabugal
[Sidenote: 3rd]
Colonel Beckwith's Brigade crossed the river Coa; the sides steep;
the 95th led. It was deep and came up to my arm-pits. The officer
commanding the French piquet ordered his men to fire a few shots and
retire. On getting footing, we moved up in skirmishing order and
followed in the track of the piquet. We were met by a regiment, and
kept skirmishing until the rest of the Brigade came up, when we pushed
the enemy through some fine groves of large chestnut-trees upon the
main body (Regnier's Corps or 2nd). Two guns opened on us and fired
several discharges of round and grape. The guns were repeatedly
charged, but the enemy were so strong that we were obliged to retire
a little. Three columns of the enemy moved forward with drums beating
and the officers dancing like madmen with their hats frequently hoisted
upon their swords. Our men kept up a terrible fire. They went back a
little, and we followed. This was done several times, when we were
reinforced by the other Brigades, and the guns were taken. But from the
enemy's numbers being very much superior, the combat was kept up very
warmly until General Picton's (3rd) Division came up and pushed out
its Light companies on their flank, the 5th Regiment forming a line in
support. The 5th Division, under General Dunlop, soon crossed at this
bridge and passed through Sabugal. The enemy gave way and went off in
confusion; the rain now fell in torrents and materially assisted their
retreat. Our cavalry was unluckily too distant to take advantage of
the loose manner in which they moved off. The Light Division was put
into the town for the night, as a compliment for its conduct on this
day, and the remainder of the army in bivouac. Lieutenant Arbuthnot was
killed, Lieutenant Haggup wounded, Colonel Beckwith wounded and his
horse shot. Lieutenant Kincaid and I, with our baggage, were provided
with a dilapidated habitation. We had very little to eat, but were
sheltered from the pelting rain. In one corner of the place several
miserable human beings were huddled together, nearly starved to death.
I gave a poor little child some of my bread, but then all the wretched
creatures began to beg from me. I could not assist them, not having
enough to satisfy the cravings of a hungry stomach, and being aware
of another rapid march awaiting me, and more exertions and dangers
to encounter before we could put the French over the frontiers of
Portugal; and as Sancho says, "It is the belly that keeps up the heart,
not the heart the belly."
[Sidenote: 4th]
The Light Division marched to Quadrazaes and Val d'Espinho, formed a
junction with the 3rd Division, and passed through Alfayates, where the
latter halted. We moved forward to the frontier village of Forcalhos.
[Sidenote: 5th]
Marched to Albergueria. Once more upon Spanish ground, and now able to
get something more comfortable to eat and a good mattress to sleep upon.
[Sidenote: 6th]
The enemy retired across the Agueda, leaving a garrison of 1000 men in
Almeida under General Brenier.
[Sidenote: 7th]
The 2nd Battalion 52nd joined from England on the march from Ponte de
Murcella, and were put into Colonel Drummond's Brigade. Remained in
quarters.
[Sidenote: 8th]
Marched into Fuentes de Oñoro.
[Sidenote: 9th]
The Light Division took up the old line of outpost upon the Agueda,
occupying the villages of Gallegos, Espeja, and Fuentes de Oñoro, and
forming the line of advanced posts to the Duas Casas, the fortress of
Almeida being now blockaded by the British and Portuguese.
[Sidenote: 10th]
Captain Cameron, Lieutenants Cox, Coxen, and myself went with 150 Rifle
Men to San Pedro, near Almeida.
[Sidenote: 11th]
Before day, marched close to the town with a company of the 2nd
Battalion 52nd, under Captain Snodgrass, who supported us. Several
cannon shot were fired from the town at us. We succeeded in making the
garrison take within its walls several bullocks and sheep that were
feeding under the range of their guns. When it became dusk we returned
to San Pedro.
[Sidenote: 12th]
Marched to near Almeida and attacked the party that were guarding the
cattle. The cattle were taken into the town. The enemy fired some heavy
guns repeatedly at us. Sergeant M'Donald was killed. Continued watching
near the town amongst the rocks, but the cattle were kept within the
gates. Returned at dusk for the night to San Pedro.
[Sidenote: 13th]
Returned to Almeida, fired at the cattle, made the enemy take them
within the walls. This was a very unpleasant service, attended with
more risk than profit. If we had been able to obtain a sirloin of beef
occasionally it would have been well enough.
[Sidenote: 14th]
Went as usual to Almeida.
[Sidenote: 15th]
Returned to Fuentes de Oñoro and joined my company, as the detachment
belonged to several companies. Two complete companies marched to
Malpartida to perform this daily service.
[Sidenote: 16th]
Marched to Molino dos Flores and found the Light Division upon the
heights, expecting to move forward to intercept a convoy on the road
from Salamanca to Ciudad Rodrigo, but did not effect our purpose and
returned to quarters. Some of our cavalry got between 300 French
infantry and the town; the enemy took shelter in an old ruin; the
party was asked to surrender, but refused. The officer should have
immediately sent for some infantry, but he waited too long before he
decided upon it, and a body of French came from Ciudad Rodrigo to
release them. Heavy firing of cannon and small arms at Almeida. Lord
Wellington left us to visit the Corps in Alentejo.
[Sidenote: 22nd]
Two battalions of French infantry and a squadron of cavalry came by
Carpio to the heights above Marialba, on the Azava, where they halted,
and sent a party forward to attack the 52nd piquet, stationed at the
bridge. The pass was disputed with spirit, and soon after another
company, with some of the 95th Rifles, came to their assistance,
and the enemy were compelled to retire. The enemy moved away in the
direction of Ciudad Rodrigo.
Some piquets that the enemy had outside Almeida were driven in, which
caused the firing mentioned.
[Sidenote: 24th]
The 6th Division is stationed before Almeida under General Campbell; it
is now most rigorously blockaded. Sir Stapleton Cotton has arrived from
England, and is appointed to command the whole line of outposts. Sir B.
Spencer commands the army in the absence of Lord Wellington.
[Sidenote: 26th]
Colonel Beckwith's Brigade occupied the villages of Sexmiro, Barquilla,
and Villar del Puerco, which are near each other and to the left of
Gallegos.
[Sidenote: 27th]
Marched early in the morning to Almeida, and then went to the rear of
Gallegos, where our Brigade was assembled.
Colonel Drummond's Brigade was now assembled in front of this place.
The piquets exchanged a few shots with the enemy. We were informed by
deserters that Marshal Massena had arrived at Ciudad Rodrigo, and that
the French army was concentrating its force in the neighbourhood for
the purpose of relieving Almeida.
[Sidenote: 28th]
Lord Wellington returned to the army. The Royal Dragoons and 14th came
to the advanced posts and entered Sexmiro, Barquilla, and Villar del
Puerco. A sortie was made by the garrison of Almeida, but effected
nothing of consequence; a sergeant and three soldiers were made
prisoners.
[Sidenote: 30th]
Marched to Sexmiro, as a strong piquet of French infantry was placed at
the ford over the Agueda not far from it.
Six squadrons of cavalry and a column of French infantry made their
appearance about noon on the heights of Carpio and Marialba, and
withdrew after remaining some hours.
The 3rd Battalion 1st Foot marched to Almeida to support the Light
Division. The outpost at Sexmiro was confided to the cavalry.
[Sidenote: 1811 May 1st]
Marched to Almeida. Marched to Espeja and joined the Brigade. The enemy
in force; cavalry, infantry, and guns moved forward a little after
daybreak upon Gallegos and Espeja. Colonel Drummond's Brigade joined
ours. The Light Division retired before the enemy about three miles
and formed column of regiments in a very extensive wood. The British
cavalry were drawn up in a plain to our front. It was occupied by them
for the night. Bivouacked.
[Sidenote: 2nd]
Yesterday the French army had concentrated in our vicinity ready
to advance, and having a large force of cavalry (far more numerous
than ours), we retired, without firing a shot, through the village
of Fuentes de Oñoro, and found the British and Portuguese troops in
position, with the Duas Casas River in our front, the right of the
army resting upon a Portuguese village—Nava de Avel. Don Julian with
his guerrillas, horse and foot, and some light guns, were also there
for the purpose of acting upon the enemy's flank. Our centre was
behind Fuentes de Oñoro, and parallel with it (our position being much
higher), our left being upon Fort Concepçion and Aldea de Obispo, which
was four miles in front of Almeida. We overlooked the villages and
adjacent country, where we observed the enemy moving into position and
advancing towards us along the same tracks we had a few hours before
been passing over. It was obvious that Marshal Massena had concentrated
this large army either to attempt to carry off the garrison of
Almeida, or to throw succour into it. Lord Wellington was determined
to prevent him, and placed his army as I have described. About mid-day
the enemy's light troops, supported by columns of infantry, entered
the village, and were met by Light companies of the 3rd Division, and
those of Generals Nightingale's and Howard's Brigades and the King's
German Legion, supported by the 83rd Regiment (2nd Battalion). The
village being built of granite, and the walls intersecting it in every
direction of the same material, the contest became amusing and lively,
and was supported on both sides with great bravery. A very heavy column
now entered and was carrying all before it, when the 24th, 71st, and
79th Regiments were thrown into the village, and checked its advance.
At daybreak the firing ceased on both sides. The Light companies and
the 83rd were withdrawn, leaving the 71st and 79th supported by the
24th.
[Sidenote: 3rd]
The Light Division was kept in reserve the greater part of the day
directly behind Fuentes de Oñoro, and a line of the 3rd Division was
formed ready to enter into the spirit of any attack made in this
quarter, which, being the key to our position, in all probability would
be assailed with the most vigour. The Light Division towards evening
moved to the left, as the enemy appeared in great force in that part of
our line. A brisk cannonade was kept up by the French during the whole
of the day, although they had gained no advantage, but lost a great
number of men in Fuentes de Oñoro.
[Sidenote: 4th]
The enemy's General made a reconnaissance of our position. Smart
fighting in Fuentes de Oñoro.
Major-General Craufurd assumed the command of the Light Division,
having joined from England. Towards evening the Light Division moved in
the rear of the centre to support it in case of an attack, being the
key to our position.
Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro
[Sidenote: 5th]
This morning we observed the enemy had concentrated a large force of
all arms in the vicinity of Fuentes de Oñoro. The Light Division was
moved to the right and also some distance to its front, and entered a
large wood, throwing out skirmishers to our front, as it was expected
from the enemy's manœuvres that a large force was concentrating there
under cover, for the purpose of making a sudden attack upon the right
of our line. Their skirmishers kept up a fire, but did not attempt
to drive us out until a large body of their cavalry had debouched
some distance to our right and when clear of the wood, wheeled to
their right, so as to intercept our retrograde movement. The enemy's
skirmishers then followed us up, keeping up a smart fire until we left
the wood and formed column at quarter-distance ready to form square
at any moment if charged by cavalry, and in this way we marched to
that part of the position where the Guards were formed in line. A body
of cavalry hovered about us, but from our formidable appearance and
the steady manner with which the movement was conducted, the enemy
did not charge us. A company of Guards wheeled back, their battalion
being in line; we passed through and then halted in column and became
a support to that part of our line. The 7th Division was on the right
of our line. A heavy column of French cavalry moved upon Nava de Avel
as well as infantry, and Don Julian, with his guerrillas, horse and
foot, retired before them. The French columns were passing from the
wood towards the right in large bodies, which made it obvious what were
the intentions of the enemy. Our illustrious Chief, having the eye of
an eagle, in an instant penetrated through the designs of Massena and
ordered the 7th Division to refuse its right, which was effected so
well that the enemy gained no advantage. The Chasseurs Britanniques, a
regiment in our service in the 7th Division, principally composed of
renegade Frenchmen, was charged by a body of the enemy's cavalry in
line, and repulsed them in good style. "When Greek meets Greek then
comes the tug of war." We were highly amused at this rencontre. Some
squadrons of ours, headed by General Stewart, attacked a large body of
French cavalry and hacked their way through it, bringing off a colonel
of Dragoons and several men, besides leaving a number _hors de combat_.
The enemy passed the Duas Casas at Paya Velha ford, and occupied the
place where part of the 7th Division had retired from, in consequence
of the right of the army being thrown back. Five companies of Rifle
Men occupied some rugged ground through which the Turon pursued its
course, on the right of the 1st Division, and between it and the 7th.
The enemy attempted to penetrate this valley, but were kept in check
by our men and some Light companies of the 1st Division. The left of
the 7th Division rested upon the Turon, and its right towards the Coa,
covering the road to Almeida. The 5th Division was stationed at Fort
Concepçion and Aldea de Obispo. General Park's Portuguese Brigade and
2nd Regiment blockaded Almeida. A company of the Guards, who did not
get out of the wood at the time we retired (from mistake, I suppose),
were sharply attacked, and Colonel Hill, who commanded, was taken
prisoner as well as several men, and some killed. The enemy's guns kept
up a very heavy cannonade upon our line. Our heavy artillery was drawn
up in front of the 1st Division, and kept up a well-directed fire upon
the enemy's guns and silenced several. As our men were lying down in
column just behind the line of the 1st Division, ready to be slipped
at anything that might be thought necessary, a body of French cavalry
menaced a charge upon our guns and came up in the boldest manner,
receiving repeated discharges of grape-shot, that literally made lanes
through them. Finding it of no use, the cavalry moved off. The enemy,
not being able to make any impression upon our right, attacked the
village of Fuentes de Oñoro with great vigour, continually bringing
up more men to the assistance of those engaged. The 24th, 71st, and
79th defended the upper parts of the village with great resolution,
and repeatedly repulsed the different attacks. The enemy ultimately
arrived at the head of the village by the principal road, and were
beginning to make a formation upon the plain opposite our line, when
the head of their column was repulsed in grand style by the 74th and
88th Regiments. They were led by Colonel Pakenham, D.A.G., a most able
soldier.[20] The place was covered with dead, and a number of officers
who had led the head of this imposing column were killed. No further
operations of importance occurred during the day. The Light troops on
both sides kept up a continual tiralade from behind the village walls,
and many gallant little affairs took place by individuals that were
known only to those who were principals on that occasion. Night put a
stop to further havoc, and the British soldiers rested upon the field
of battle, with that proud feeling which a man only can have under such
circumstances—of having fulfilled his duty to his country by repulsing
a much larger force of cavalry and infantry at all points, and that
under one of the enemy's most able generals, Marshal Massena, Prince of
Essling, the "spoiled child of Fortune" (for so Massena was designated
by the French Emperor). The Light Division relieved the piquets. I was
on piquet in the lower part of the village, near a little stream of
water which passed through part of the town. The enemy had a captain's
piquet on the opposite side of the little rill, and a heavy column of
infantry was formed behind a small church, either waiting for orders or
fearing an attack. We gave some badly-wounded Frenchmen to the piquet,
and the officer allowed some of ours to be given up. A French officer
said to me, "This place is appropriately named the Fountain of Honour;
God knows how many of our friends on both sides have drunk deep of its
waters, and with to-morrow's dawn most likely many more will do so." My
only reply to this was, "The fortune of war will decide that, and we
are ready to try its chances when our illustrious chief gives the order
to advance." The remainder of the night was occupied in knocking down
many an honest man's garden wall and making a strong breast-work to
fire over as soon as the day dawned. Only a few random shots were fired
during the night. Before day every man stood to his arms and carefully
watched its dawning.
[Sidenote: 6th]
The enemy we found, when visible, to be not inclined to fight us; they
had been busily occupied in getting their wounded and heavy guns away
to the rear, as well as all incumbrances, in order to be able, if
pressed, to make a clean start and be off. Relieved from piquet.
[Sidenote: 7th]
Remained as yesterday. Went on piquet in the village in the evening.
[Sidenote: 8th]
Relieved as before by the 2nd Brigade, Light Division. The weather very
warm, and great numbers of dead, all stripped naked, were spread in
every direction and swollen in a disgusting manner from putrefaction,
and exhaling most offensive smells. Such is the general result of a
hard-fought battle when the dead are not buried.
[Sidenote: 9th]
On piquet.
[Sidenote: 10th]
At daybreak found the enemy had moved off and only left a small cavalry
piquet here and there along the line of posts they had before so
strongly occupied as a rear-guard. Our columns were soon moving forward
and the French withdrawing to join a very strong body of cavalry, which
kept ours in check and prevented us from taking many prisoners. The
Light Division went into quarters again at Gallegos and Espeja. This
night the garrison of Almeida under General Brenier, after mining the
works and fixing the loaded cannon muzzle to muzzle and having the
trains laid to fire them, left the town and passed over the very bodies
of the blockaders in a close column. The pickets followed and fired
upon them, the French now and then firing a few shots, but making the
best of their way to Barba del Puerco, where they arrived at daylight,
and were attacked by some of the 4th and 36th Regiments in winding
through the intricate passes over the Agueda. In the eagerness of
pursuit the 36th Light company passed the bridge and went too far, and
a body of French from San Felices moved to assist their comrades and
beat back the Light company with loss. Colonel Cochrane, who commanded
the regiment on that occasion, was very much annoyed at some remarks
afterwards made. Brenier's mines exploded most effectually, and the
guns also were split in pieces; in fact, altogether it was a most
masterly movement. Colonel Bevan was too late at Barba del Puerco with
his regiment, owing to Sir W. Erskine, by accident, not sending him
an order in time. Poor Bevan was censured by Lord Wellington, which
circumstance preyed so much upon his mind, knowing that he had done
his duty, that he blew his brains out. The order alluded to was sent
from the headquarters by Lord Wellington's direction, and Sir William
Erskine forgot to forward it, and literally after the business was over
found the document in his pocket. What trifles some men's fate hangs
upon!
[Sidenote: 12th]
A Brigade of French Dragoons moved forward to the heights of Carpio
this morning. Our cavalry piquets retired towards Espeja, followed by a
squadron. The 1st Brigade, Light Division, moved in front of the town,
and skirmishers (Rifle Men) fired upon the French. They retreated, and
our cavalry reoccupied their post at Carpio, beyond the Azava.
[Sidenote: 16th]
Lord Wellington left the headquarters at Valermosa and went to visit
Marshal Beresford, who had commenced the siege of Badajoz.
Accounts of a sanguinary battle having been fought there on May 16th
arrived. Marshal Beresford had marched from before Badajoz to Albuera,
where he encountered, with the British, Portuguese, and two Divisions
of Spaniards, under Blake and Castaños, the French army, commanded by
Marshal Soult, and eventually, after sustaining repeated attacks, drove
it back. On the night of the 17th the French moved off, and Badajoz
was again invested on the 19th. My brother Maud, Lieutenant, 34th
Regiment, commanded a company, his captain being killed early in the
action.
Letter No. XII
Espeja, Spain, _18th May 1811_.
My dear Parents—This very wet morning, being disengaged, I feel great
pleasure through the medium of this sheet to impart my adventures since
I last wrote from Celorico on 26th March, which I am well aware will
be gladly received by my dear mother when she finds her son has always
had the good-fortune to be engaged in every affair with his regiment
against the enemy. After halting one day at Celorico, we marched
towards the Coa, first driving the French from the strong position at
Guarda. In a skirmish at Freixeda we lost a valuable officer, shot from
a window. Our men were so enraged at the circumstance as to be with
difficulty prevented killing some rascals we took. The Light Division
moved near Sabugal on the 2nd of April—a very bad day. I was with half
our company on piquet, our sentries within pistol shot of the enemy,
and being a very rainy and stormy night, it was necessary to be much
upon the alert for fear of surprise. By the bye, the enemy have been
so severely handled in five or six attempts to surprise piquets of the
Light Division in the night as to make them very cautious how they
attempt such manœuvres. I smoked my pipe to keep me warm, and had an
immense wood fire, round which our lads sat joking and passing the
night with the greatest cheerfulness.
Early the next morning the piquets were called in, and
Lieutenant-Colonel Beckwith's Brigade ordered to cross the river and
attack the enemy. The river was rapid and at the ford took me to the
waist. I fully expected the enemy would have greeted our approach with
grape-shot and shells, but they suffered us to pass unmolested. As soon
as the Rifle Men crossed, they extended and moved up the steep hills,
covered with mountain heath and brushwood. On approaching the summit of
the first chain of heights, the enemy commenced skirmishing. By this
time the 43rd Light Infantry and Caçadores had joined us. The enemy
were driven from one chain of hills to another for two miles, when
suddenly, on gaining the top of a third chain of hills, our whole line
in skirmishing order came in contact with seven columns of French.
The company I was leading on pounced upon a column, and, owing to
the situation of the ground, came literally within twenty yards of
it before we could see it. Guess my astonishment! The most hideous
yelling assailed my ears (the same in every direction of our line),
the French drumming, shaking their bayonets, and calling out "Long
life to the Emperor Napoleon." Luckily the ground was thinly patched
with stout trees, which afforded our men good shelter in retiring.
Nothing could intimidate our brave fellows, retiring and keeping up a
hot and destructive fire upon the enemy's close column so as to annoy
them very materially. I now began to think we were always to have
ill-luck on the banks of this infernal river, but fortune, under many
circumstances, favours the brave. Colonel Beckwith rode along the line
in the most cool and gallant style, cautioning the men to be steady,
knowing well that if we maintained our ground for one hour or so we
should have two or three Divisions of our army to our support, and
that if we did not keep our ground the whole Brigade would be drowned
or bayoneted. As our Division had so recently driven about 500 French
into a river and drowned them, the same way of retorting to the joke
would have been delightful to the enemy. We retired very steadily
about fifty yards into a deep valley, the French firing from a great
number of cannon, throwing grape and shells, which splintered the trees
and naturally killed several men. Finding the enemy did not advance
farther, the Colonel formed part of the 43rd Regiment, our little
line of skirmishers moving up at the same time and making a desperate
attack upon a gun that was keeping up a very destructive fire. Every
one near the gun was bayoneted or shot. We were driven back, attacked
again, but were again obliged to retire, when luckily the other part
of our Division moved up, and the gun was ours. Colonel Beckwith on
the second attack, had his horse's side pierced by a grape-shot; a
bullet hit him slightly on the eyebrow; as he wiped the blood away
he called out, "My brave lads, I am no worse; follow me." General
Picton's Division advancing now upon our left, the enemy moved off in
the greatest confusion. This battle was the most trying and glorious I
ever beheld. They must (from their numbers alone) have annihilated us,
but fearing some trap was laid, _Johnny_ durst not move on. Our loss
this day was severe. The carnage on the enemy's side was dreadful; the
most handsome men I ever saw were biting the dust. The enemy on every
occasion oppose us with their picked and best troops; their officers
are certainly prodigal of life, often exposing themselves ridiculously.
One French officer came capering on, to show off to his regiment what
a fine fellow he was, and actually made a cut from his horse at one of
our men, who shot him. Occurrences of this nature frequently happen.
One lieutenant of ours had his head dashed to pieces by a cannon shot—a
very brave young soldier.
The enemy now retired by one forced march over the Agueda, leaving
a garrison in Almeida, which was directly invested, our Division
establishing their piquets on the same ground they occupied last year.
A party of men was sent (I was one of the number) to attempt the
destruction of the enemy's bullocks that were sent out to graze under
the walls of Almeida. The enemy threw a number of shot and shells at
us. The bullocks were so near the garrison as to render it impossible
to kill the animals without losing a number of them, and the object
gained not being worth the risk, the party were ordered to join the
regiment. Our piquets and the enemy's were frequently skirmishing, the
result always terminating in our favour.
On the 2nd of May the enemy again advanced. We had previously been
informed by the peasantry that Massena had been collecting all the
force he could muster, and meant to relieve Almeida and fight a general
action.
Massena moved over the Agueda with 35,000 infantry, 5500 cavalry, and
also a very respectable train of field artillery. We retired leisurely
and halted in a wood. Some part of the enemy occupied our quarters in
Espeja.
On the 3rd the enemy's whole force advanced. Our Division retired
without any loss to our position just above Fuentes de Oñoro, and to
my agreeable surprise our army, amounting, in this quarter, to 31,000
British and Portuguese, were ready formed, and making every necessary
preparation to receive the enemy. As this unfortunate village was
situated about the centre of our line and in a hollow, it would be one
place of attack. Under those circumstances, the inhabitants were told
that if they attempted to stop they would be killed by the shots and
shells thrown into it unavoidably by both parties. The poor unfortunate
people were obliged to run off directly. In this place I had lived for
some months at different times, the people very kind. I looked with
sorrow at the poor inhabitants, heaving a sigh, expressing at the same
time delight and confidence that the happy shores of Britain would
never be cursed with these detestable monsters while her gallant sons
are ready to lay down their lives with eagerness in defence of the most
happy land in the universe. May England ever fight her battles in a
foreign land! O happy, happy country! you are ignorant of the miseries
and wretchedness that one-half of Europe is continually exposed to, and
may you ever enjoy the same happiness! My poor old _patron_ (landlord),
happening to single me out as he passed through our martial band, came
and caught hold of me, the tears running down his aged cheeks. "Oh,
sir, I hope God will guard and protect you. If you beat these monsters,
I do not care though my house and everything I have left is destroyed."
He then observed with what delight every eye seemed to sparkle at
the advance of the enemy, and with agitation, observed their numbers,
expressing at the same time wonder at the light way in which every one
viewed them. The enemy drew up their whole force opposite ours in a
line about a mile and a half distant from us, and as the ground was
high on both sides, with a little rivulet between us, they saw us and
we saw them. It was the grandest sight I ever beheld. The enemy sent
men behind the stone walls, and were making their approaches towards
the valley. About four o'clock in the evening a very heavy cannonade
commenced on both sides, and severe fighting continued till dark.
4th. Early this morning we expected an attack, but nothing of
consequence was done. At daylight on the 5th of May the enemy were
moving on in all directions. Our Division moved to the right of our
line and into a wood in front; skirmished; ordered to retire. The
enemy making a rapid movement round the right of the wood, some Light
companies of different regiments and a company of ours were sadly
mauled by the cavalry. The French have a very great superiority of
cavalry. Our Dragoons amounting to only 1500, they could not possibly
check so vast a superiority of cavalry in every place. Every one
exulted with soon bringing the enemy to a general action. Massena made
a slight attack on our right, a vigorous one at the village in front of
our centre, and a slight one on our left, in all which they suffered
most severely. The enemy threw numbers of shot and shells, which were
returned in grand style by our artillery. Suddenly, when every man's
hopes were raised to the highest pitch, the Prince of Essling, seeing
the centre could not be attacked, and also being beaten back on the
left, ordered his army to retire. For want of cavalry we were not able
to follow after them. I never regretted anything so much. The result
of the business was about 5000 officers and men of the enemy killed,
wounded, and prisoners; and about 600 of ours (including Portuguese)
killed, wounded, and prisoners. This day, Massena made a very fine
speech to his men, saying he would drive us beyond the Coa and relieve
Almeida.
By some means or other our Division was sent to different parts of the
line, where it was expected we should be most wanted, and by a mere
accident, for the first time we were not hotly engaged. One of our
officers was killed and another badly wounded, and a few men wounded.
If the enemy could have been brought to a general action we should have
lived peaceably this summer, instead of which we shall be in perpetual
hot water. I am astonished to see the ridiculous nonsense put in the
English papers by the friends of young men who are as ignorant as
themselves. I beg you will not by any means publish my letters to any
one, as it would only be attended with unpleasant consequences.
Since our advance from Santarem on 6th March, seven of our officers
have laid down their lives, and a great number have been wounded. I
soon expect to have my lieutenancy. If I live, I shall get a company
sooner in this regiment than any other. My dear brother wrote me
wishing to get into our regiment; he is very comfortable in his present
one, and not half so liable to be exposed to hardships. I have advised
him to continue in his regiment. In six months we see as much service
as half the army can boast of in ten years. It is just the life for
me while I have health. I am happy to inform you my thigh begins to
fill out and gets stronger daily, so much so, that I begin to take one
hour's exercise at football very frequently. I am very anxious to know
if you hear anything of John, whose fate often costs me many an uneasy
hour. Make every inquiry after him, and if possible send him money.
Joseph by this time ought to be very clever. I expect to see him write
as well as I do. I hope you are very strict in making him attend to his
education, as it is fortune, along with good conduct. I hope Charles
is at a good grammar school. He is old enough to commence Latin. It
is from the purest motives I take such interest in my family. If I
see them advance and flourish in the world I shall be the happiest of
mortals; if otherwise I shall be the most miserable.
My dear father, recollect these words, and should casual circumstances
estrange me from you, and my pen cease to dictate the love I bear
my family, your children will live to reward your kindness. My
sister Ann's letter gave me great pleasure. I hope she continues to
amuse herself in endeavouring to acquire knowledge. I am proud of
her, and hope she will be an ornament to her family. My dear little
Betty! I shall send her some little things, but the uncertainty and
inconvenience of sending articles prevents me. If I find the last
article safe, it will induce me to do the same again. I often amuse
myself with the thoughts of your comfortable fireside, when exposed,
wet and hungry, to the inclemency of the weather, though the pride
and pleasure in doing my duty for my country overcomes every other
consideration. I hope my dear mother is well, and I hope to see her
another day in company with Maud, who is now a lieutenant. My best
respects to my uncle and Aunt Maud. I feel myself in duty bound to
thank her for her kindness to my mother. I bought a shawl, and am sorry
I have not had an opportunity of sending it to my aunt.
Lord Wellington is adored by his army; wherever he is, confidence of
success is the result. The French own it that, next to Buonaparte, he
is the first Captain in Europe. I wish his lordship had Buonaparte to
contend with instead of Massena; we should sooner settle the business.
I have received no letters since I last wrote from Celorico. I wrote a
long letter to Colonel Sibthorp the other day.
My brother is a bloody-minded young rogue, and is thirsting to be
engaged with the French. By this time I daresay the army under Marshal
Beresford has been engaged. My brother's regiment is in Alentejo. I
am proud to say I am confident he will do his duty most gallantly. We
expect to organise the Spaniards, and if the system is successful, to
attack the French in Spain. The Spaniards are handsome-looking fellows,
but proud and haughty. The Portuguese have on all occasions behaved
bravely. The Spaniards have behaved remarkably well to the prisoners
taken by the French, and at the risk of their lives bring them back
to us, which is a very good trait in their character. Every article
of food is enormously dear: bread 1s. a pound, butter 4s. a pound,
wine bad and dearer than in England. Clothes are expensive and bad. My
jacket is brown instead of green. Never was seen such a motley group
of fellows. I luckily got some French shirts and other articles, or I
should be nearly naked. If you ever meet with a good spy-glass, buy it,
as I should be glad to give any price for a good one. I suppose you
have the dog "Rifle"; if a good one, still preserve him. My respects to
my friend Whitaker. I hope his son volunteered. If he has done so into
this or my brother's regiment, we shall be very happy to serve him. I
hope to see a great number of volunteers come out soon, cavalry and
infantry, as we shall soon want a fresh supply. I hope many will fancy
a green jacket, as our ranks are very thin, having lost a number of
brave soldiers. I remain, with best wishes, your affectionate son,
Geo. Simmons,
Lieut., 95th or Rifle Regiment.