_Journal—1st-31st August 1812_
The Light Division march on Madrid—Bivouac in the park of the
Escorial—A wild-boar hunt—Visit to the mausoleum in the Escorial and
the public buildings in Madrid—King Joseph's quarters—Joy of the
inhabitants at the arrival of Lord Wellington's army—The French in the
Buen Retiro surrender—Bull-fight in honour of the British army.
Letter No. XVI
_To his Parents, from Madrid, dated 8th September 1812_
Narrates the loss of his horse and mule, and discomfort and hardships
resulting therefrom—Unable to remit any more money in consequence,
until after Christmas—Joseph to join the Rifles—Intends to make him
study—Sends his picture to sister Ann and remittance of £22 to his
parents.
_Journal—1st September-31st December 1812_
In cantonments near Madrid—News of brother Joseph being ill—Visit
to Alcala—News of the failure of the assault on Burgos—The British
army forced to retire from Madrid—Halt at Salamanca—Fatal accident to
Lieutenant Firman of the Rifles—Retreat from Salamanca—Joseph very
ill—Light Division on rear-guard—Bad weather and great privations—The
soldiers starving—Subsist on acorns—Two soldiers shot by order of Lord
Wellington for shooting pigs—Combat of the Huebra (San Munoz)—The
rear-guard sharply pressed—Cross the Huebra under heavy fire—Finds
his brother has been left behind—Recrosses the river and saves
him—The French relinquish the pursuit and fall back on Salamanca—In
cantonments at Villar del Puerco—Amusing incident with three Dragoon
officers—Stratagem to induce them to march after their men—A friendly
parting—In winter quarters at Almeida—A regimental mess formed.
Letter No. XVII
_To his Parents, from Alameda, Spain, dated 12th December 1812_
Describes the retreat from Madrid—The three brothers meet—Hardships of
the retreat—Joseph made to do five hours' study daily—Is very proud of
his green clothes.
Letter No. XVIII
_To his Father, from Alameda, Spain, dated 29th December 1812_
Lecture to his father—No faith in M.P.'s—News of the Moscow campaign
and successes of the Russians—Joseph's health, appetite, and
studies—Does not like being shot at—Warns his father not to show his
letters abroad.
_Journal—1st-31st August 1812_
[Sidenote: 1812 Aug. 1st]
Marched to Tudela de Duero.
[Sidenote: 2nd]
Visited Valladolid, a gloomy, sombre-looking town. Returned to camp and
marched to Aldea Mayor. Recrossed the Duero.
[Sidenote: 6th]
Marched early and bivouacked in a wood near Mata de Cuellar.
[Sidenote: 7th]
Marched and bivouacked on the right bank of the Piron.
[Sidenote: 8th]
At daylight marched, and passed through Carbonnero. The women in this
part of Spain had tremendous pigtails, which produced much joking
amongst the soldiers as they went along. Bivouacked in a wood near the
Rio Eresma.
[Sidenote: 9th]
Marched through Madrona and bivouacked in a wood near Palacio del Rio
Frio.
[Sidenote: 10th]
Marched and bivouacked near Otero and Madrona.
Segovia is about 1¼ leagues from the latter place, which I could not
visit, being on duty.
[Sidenote: 11th]
Passed through the Puerto de Guerto de Guadarama—these mountains
separate New from Old Castile—and bivouacked in the park of the
Escorial. The men of the Division had only just got off their knapsacks
when two large wild boars were started from a thicket. They were so
alarmed at the sight of so many men that they literally ran directly
amongst them, and tumbled over numbers of them, but after receiving
a cut or a stab from a hundred bayonets or swords, they fell covered
with wounds, and in five minutes their carcases were divided and
distributed.
[Sidenote: 12th]
Halted.
[Sidenote: 13th]
Marched to Las Rozas. Two days back, some Portuguese cavalry and two
guns were in advance from here when the French Dragoons made a dash
at the Portuguese, who did not show fight, but set off. The guns in
consequence fell into the enemy's possession before any British could
be brought up.
[Sidenote: 14th]
The enemy had moved away. Marched to Villaverde, three miles from
Madrid. In the afternoon I went into the city. The public buildings are
really splendid, and in general the streets spacious and houses well
built. No abominable dunghills in every direction, like Lisbon, which
is a great comfort.
[Sidenote: 20th]
Marched to Getafe, eight miles from Madrid. Nothing could exceed the
frantic joy expressed by the people of all classes on Lord Wellington's
entering Madrid. Ladies threw down their most valuable veils and shawls
for his horse to pass over; they got hold of his legs as he sat on
horseback and kissed them. The French had left a garrison in a place
which had formerly been a palace and also a china factory, called the
Buen Retiro. The place was enclosed with a deep ditch and stockade. It
had plenty of cannon for the use of the fort. It was closely invested,
and the men on the third day had orders to storm it. They were formed
upon the glacis ready to be slipped at the place, when the Governor
begged to be allowed to remove his movables and baggage, as well as the
men and officers, which terms were granted and they became prisoners of
war. The mob wanted to be allowed to stab them as they passed out of
it, but we got the prisoners as fast as possible with some difficulty
out of the town.
Lord Wellington left the Light Division in and about Madrid, as well
as the 2nd Division, and proceeded with the remainder of his army to
Burgos, which place he invested.
[Sidenote: 31st]
A bull-fight was given in honour of Lord Wellington's entering Madrid.
I was present at it. The bulls were most tremendous animals. The men
that attacked them displayed the greatest intrepidity and courage. The
poor horses suffered the most.
Letter No. XVI
Madrid, _8th September 1812_.
My dear Parents—I received the letter with the bill enclosed. I am
very sorry you have had so much trouble. I assure you it annoyed me
exceedingly. I wrote to the merchant who sent me the bill. He was very
much surprised at the circumstance—at least he told me so. I expect
daily another bill for the same amount. I then will directly transmit
it. I have experienced within these three months back some unpleasant
losses. One day my horse took it into his head to fight. He was kicked
upon the thigh, and being upon the march, he died. By him I lost one
hundred dollars. A fine mule broke his leg two days before the battle
of Arapiles,[21] at the time we were retiring. Away went baggage and
mule. I luckily had the company's money and the best part of my baggage
in or near Salamanca upon another animal. By that means the better part
was preserved. At times like these a soldier can ill spare his little
comforts, marching the whole day, probably exposed to a burning sun,
and very often halting just to get a little of anything and then away
again. I lost also a skin containing 100 pints of wine, which I could
ill afford. All these misfortunes coming at once, played the devil with
me. However, I took up my pipe and thought to myself that things might
have been worse. This is the way I generally reason myself into a good
humour, and the life of a soldier is well calculated to make a man bear
up against misfortunes and smile at difficulties that other men would
never get the better of.
I fully meant to have remitted you some money, but my losses
disarranged my intentions. I shall be obliged to defer it until
Christmas, when I shall have at the least twenty pounds for you, and,
believe me, my heart never feels lighter than when it is in my power to
render a service to my dear parents.
I often think when I look back upon the hairbreadth escapes that I
have had so many times over and over again, how kind the Almighty has
been towards me. I hope still to live to see you all enjoy happiness.
However, should fortune not be so propitious to my wishes, depend upon
it, my exit will be that of a soldier.
Joseph obtained a commission in the 23rd Fusiliers. I directly lost
no time in applying to my Colonel to have him transferred into my
regiment, which Lord Wellington sanctioned. It was instantly done. I
had satisfied myself Joe would have got his appointment in the 34th
Regiment, and from motives of delicacy I did not interfere with him, or
he might have been with me two months before. However, we cannot help
it. The difference will be a loss of £12 for fees of commission in both
regiments, which is not of much consequence.
The task of instructing Joe will be a pleasure to me as far as my
humble abilities go. I know Maud has not paid that attention to him
I could have wished. I wrote him several plans how to proceed, but
instead of studying, they were playing, I suppose. However, that will
not be the case with me. I shall make him keep my accounts, and set him
systematically to work for some hours daily when we are not otherwise
employed.
The duty of a soldier is (in this country) hard or extremely light.
Under these circumstances if a person has no resource within himself,
he will spend one-half his life in idleness. It is my greatest pleasure
to spend one-half the day in study.
I hope Joseph will soon imbibe my principles. I have got everything
necessary to equip him on his arrival. We have lost so many officers
lately that clothes new from England are cheap enough.
I send Ann my picture. I assure her that it was not from vanity I
sat for it, but to gratify her request. I might have had it done on
a smaller scale for a locket, but it is a thing so ugly, I could not
collect sufficient impudence to see myself displayed in a shining gold
case. I have had some good jokes with some of my brother-officers
about the picture. Some are very inquisitive to know who is to have
it, as I now and then receive some nonsensical letters from Kent by
officers from England. I have some fair friends there that write to me
occasionally.
This little medal is a cross of the Second Order of the Legion of
Honour. I got it at Redinha. Ann must keep it for me until I return.
I prize it much, as the taking of it was attended with a story that
modesty will not allow me to lay down in writing, as a soldier should
be delicate in displaying or boasting of great deeds. This moment have
received the bill from Lisbon amounting to £22 : 6 : 7, which I shall
immediately send by the post this day; so should this paper come to
hand first, you may expect the letter daily. I send this by an officer
coming to England, but I do not like to send the bill by him, as the
gentleman might by accident be delayed upon the road.—Yours truly,
G. Simmons,
Lt., 95th Regiment.
_Journal—1st September-31st December 1812_
[Sidenote: 1812 Sept. and Oct.]
I visited Madrid occasionally, but was much in want of money, the army
receiving pay irregularly, seldom more than a few dollars in advance
when six months' pay was due to each individual. However, specie was
very difficult to be obtained, so that was quite unavoidable.
I went one day to have some amusement in the town with a few friends,
when I found a letter from my brother Joseph, who was ill at Salamanca,
and, of course, in want of money. I put all I had, a gold piece,
under a large seal, and sent him a letter, which he received quite
opportunely. I slid away from my friends and went back to my quarters
at Getafe. My friends wondered what had become of me, until I made them
acquainted with my reasons for suddenly disappearing.
[Sidenote: 1812 Oct. 21st]
Marched to Ribas on 21st, and on 22nd to Vicalbaro.
[Sidenote: 25th]
Marched to the celebrated city of Alcala, and billeted in the
College. The headmaster, a priest, appeared a miserable fellow, but
by flattering his nation, and paying him and the College some high
compliments, he gave me a little bread and some very good wine. I never
was so poor as at this moment, little to eat and no money, or I would
have seen the priest far enough before I would have flattered him, but
being hungry and dry was my only excuse for such conduct.
[Sidenote: 27th]
Marched to Arganda. Assembled in the dark and marched back to Alcala,
which place we reached after daylight.
[Sidenote: 28th]
Rested in the streets and under the piazzas. In the afternoon marched
to Barajas.
[Sidenote: 30th]
Marched to near El Pardo, a short distance from Madrid.
[Sidenote: 31st]
Moved close to the city, and halted near to the Segovia Gate. Very much
distressed at the wretchedness and deplorable state of mind displayed
by great multitudes of people, being aware that we were going to leave
them to their fates. The 2nd Division joined the army here. My brother
Maud came to me, being very hungry. I luckily had just got a bag of
biscuits from a store. He loaded himself and went back to his corps.
Our army now commenced its retreat in earnest and marched to Las Rozas
and bivouacked near the river Guadiana.
[Sidenote: 1812 Nov. 1st]
I was truly glad to get away from this unfortunate place, as we
could not do the people any good, and pity is at best (under the
circumstances) a sorry way of showing good wishes. It would have
delighted me, as well as thousands more, if our noble Commander could
have risked a battle; that was impossible. He was in full retreat from
Burgos, having failed in an assault of it, owing to the guns used on
this occasion being too light to make a sufficient breach in its walls,
also a very powerful French army was ready to attack him under Marshal
Soult, and a large force was moving upon Madrid to attack us.
[Sidenote: 2nd]
Marched to the camp of the Escorial.
[Sidenote: 3rd]
Crossed the Sierra de Guadarama and bivouacked near Villacastin.
General Hill took the command. My brother Joseph joined. He was in a
very bad state of health. The 34th were encamped near us. I brought
Maud to dine.
[Sidenote: 4th]
Marched to near La Vega and bivouacked.
[Sidenote: 5th]
Marched to near Fuente de Baños and bivouacked.
[Sidenote: 6th]
Moved to the heights between Flores de Avila and Peñaranda.
[Sidenote: 7th]
Marched and bivouacked a league from Alba de Tormes. Crossed the
river at the bridge of Alba de Tormes and bivouacked in a wood near
Calvarrasa de Arriba. The Division on retreat from Burgos joined us
here and Lord Wellington took the command.
[Sidenote: 10th]
Marched into Salamanca. In quarters. The troops placed in different
large buildings. The Light Division put into the Irish College.
[Sidenote: 13th]
In the evening, being orderly officer, I went at eight o'clock to see
the lights out and that the men were present. I met Lieutenant Firman,
who was upon the same duty for our 3rd Battalion. Finding the stairs
very slippery and the place very dark, I observed, "If you will wait, I
will go in search of a candle," as I knew there were open spaces in the
balusters a person in the dark might walk through. I left him, got a
candle from a neighbouring house, and returned. I went up three or four
stairs, when I heard a slip and in a moment, poor Firman fell through.
In his progress downwards his feet repeatedly struck one side and his
head the other. He came with tremendous force to the bottom, which was
a flagged pavement in the cellar. I directly retraced my steps and
found him almost dashed to pieces, his skull frightfully fractured and
several ribs broken. I had him removed to his billet. He remained for
two days in a state of insensibility and died. It was odd enough that
a soldier of the 43rd and his Portuguese wife were sleeping together
close to the place where he fell and never were awakened by the noise
until I came to the place.
[Sidenote: 14th]
The army crossed the Tormes and took post upon the heights of the
Arapiles.
[Sidenote: 15th]
In the evening the army began to retreat from Salamanca upon Ciudad
Rodrigo. Weather very bad and the roads excessively deep. My brother
exceedingly unwell, which caused me a deal of uneasiness and trouble
besides having to attend to my duty. The enemy moving upon our right
flank in large bodies.
[Sidenote: 16th]
Marched and bivouacked in a wood near Cillero. Very ill off for
provisions. My brother so ill that I was obliged to give him my cloak
to keep him warm. I had given my mule up to him to ride, so that at
every step I was up to the knees in mud, and frequently small rills,
which it was necessary during the day's march to cross, became
rivulets from the continued rain.
The Light Division, being the rear-guard upon this retreat, were the
first under arms in the morning, and the last in bivouac at night,
which was generally some time after dark. Our poor fellows lit fires,
and then, being nearly starved, went about in search of something to
eat. Some lean and half-starved bullocks were here and there lying
dead in the mud in the deep parts of the road, yoked to carts laden
with baggage. From these, the hungry soldiers sliced off a delightful
repast, which was grilled, half-smoked, and half-roasted, and as tough
as a shoe sole, but severe hardship and hunger made this an agreeable
substitute for better food. Other soldiers would be groping about upon
their hands and knees under a bastard description of oak and cork
trees for acorns. These trees yield them in abundance, and at this
time of year they are to be found in plenty. Although hard and bitter,
still such food was found better than none. The country people send
their pigs, marked, into the woods to fatten. They are half wild. Some
soldiers could not resist shooting them, which caused Lord Wellington
to punish with death two men to deter others from such a breach of
military discipline.
Combat of the Huebra (San Munoz)
[Sidenote: 17th]
Fell in before day. The enemy began to press us. My battalion
immediately took possession of the commanding ground on both sides
of the road, and although the men were half-starved, cold, and wet,
they one and all showed the greatest alacrity in obeying the command
and were anxious to fight. The enemy were very superior in force,
consequently the Division retired leisurely before their cavalry. Some
French cavalry dashed across the road our baggage was upon, took some,
and had momentary possession of Lieutenant Cameron, who commanded the
baggage guard, when the head of the column made its appearance. The
officer was let go. Rifle Men were sent into the wood near the road
and fired a few shots, which made the Dragoons scamper off. These same
fellows met with Sir Edward Paget and took him prisoner.
Numbers of men were left behind, and several died. The road was covered
with carcases of all descriptions, and at every deep slough we found
horses, mules, donkeys, and bullocks mingled together, some dead,
others dying, all laden with baggage. It is a most disagreeable sight
to a soldier to see everything going to rack and ruin without being
able to prevent it. About mid-day the army descended from some very
commanding ground and passed the river Huebra at San Munoz, which
retarded the rear-guard for some time. Our company extended, and were
the last to retire down the inclined plane towards the river Huebra,
followed a short distance by the enemy's skirmishers. The high ground
was covered with masses of infantry and cavalry, also many guns, which
played upon us handsomely, which was fun for them, but death to us. The
enemy got up guns and infantry, and as the Light Division descended to
pass the ford, which was rapid and breast-high, their guns cannonaded
us and killed several men and some officers. On getting through this
ford we faced about and formed column of battalions. A little way from
the ford I found my brother was absent. Almost distracted, I observed
him seated some distance off on the wrong side of the river, and the
mule close beside him. I returned through the water with all speed
possible and seized hold of him and placed him upon the mule, and
uttering a few hearty d—ns, brought him safely through, under the music
of shot and shell. I then made a bugler lead the animal close by me, so
that I could not lose sight of him. The enemy now made a demonstration
and menaced an attack. A Brigade of Swiss wanted to reconnoitre
the river, opposite where the 52nd were posted, but were put back
handsomely. Captain Dawson, a friend of mine, was killed.
[Sidenote: 18th]
My brother passed a very bad night. I really did not know what to do
with him. The mule was so much exhausted, it would not be able to go
another day's journey, and in that case he must be left to the mercy of
the captors. An hour before the day, having fallen in, I was reflecting
upon the gloomy position before me. I was surprised in my reverie by
the sun beginning to shine upon us, which it had not done before during
this unlucky retreat, and soon afterwards to learn that the French army
had given up the pursuit and was now in full retreat on Salamanca. This
was very good news. The day was very fine, but the road extremely bad;
we were obliged to wade for miles in slush and water, which made the
feet extremely tender. Also, not being able to see where to place them,
made one hit the stumps of small trees, which gave great pain. I do not
know when I suffered so much from a day's march; it was a very long
one. Bivouacked upon the side of a mountain near Santiespiritus.
[Sidenote: 19th]
Marched to near Ciudad Rodrigo and got fresh provisions in abundance.
Bivouacked by the river-side. The night frosty and clear.
[Sidenote: 20th]
At daylight jumped into the Agueda with some of our officers, and found
myself very comfortable after it, not having had my clothes off or a
clean shirt on for some time.
The mule that brought my brother through the retreat died this morning;
about 130 dollars lost for ever.
[Sidenote: 25th]
Villar del Puerco. Supplied ourselves from Rodrigo with every comfort
required and had our baggage and our company's mess as comfortable
as ever. Lieutenants Pemberton, Haggup, my brother, and myself lived
together and I resumed the office of caterer. On our arrival at the
empty house given over for our occupation, we found three Dragoon
officers had remained behind their men, and fully intended staying all
night. Now in that case our animals would be badly put up and ourselves
sorely inconvenienced by their laziness, as they ought to have marched
with their men. I took upon myself to adopt a modest way to dislodge
them, which was sanctioned by my companions. I ordered some men to cut
a quantity of green timber and bring it into the room, as it was a cold
winter's day. This I had placed upon the floor, and made a blazing
fire; the smoke of course filled the room, and passed in volumes from
every window. I then had a large cooking pot put upon the fire and some
beef and vegetables put into it. I now asked the Dragoons if they would
partake of our fare, saying in the most polite and pressing manner
that we should be glad to share it with them. I ordered more wood to
be heaped on the fire, and lay down with my head upon a knapsack and
smoked my pipe. Although I could bear a smoky fire as well as most
folks, this was rather too powerful; still by lying down, the smoke did
not affect my eyes half as much as the Dragoons'. One moved into the
yard, and the two others could stand it no longer and followed. They
held a council of war, at which, I was informed by a mess-mate who had
purposely placed himself to overhear their conversation and to report
to me upon my success, the following remarks were made. "Did you, pray,
ever hear a fellow so gallows polite as that black-looking ruffian
is? He bears fire like a salamander. And how the fellow's dressed
too." "I join his mess," says another, "I'll see him d——d first." "I
should expect to be poisoned if I did," the third observed. "Besides,"
says the first, who commenced the oration upon my qualities, "we are
nearly smoked and burnt in that d——d room already, and I now hear him
roaring out for more firewood; he will certainly burn the house down
before morning. How the officers that are obliged to live with such a
madman are to be pitied! My eyes are quite inflamed. I am determined
this instant to follow the troop." The others acquiesced, and their
horses were ordered out and their baggage animals loaded. I directed
our servants to assist them, and expressed in the most polite manner my
regret at not being honoured with their company at dinner, as it was
now nearly ready—at least the soup was quite done. They individually
as politely refused my solicitations. We parted in the most friendly
manner. The fire was soon made more agreeable to our feelings, and we
all enjoyed the joke very much.
[Sidenote: 26th]
Marched to Alameda. The people were glad to see us return. We had begun
to look upon the villages near the Agueda as our homes.
Formed a regimental mess; we got wine from Lamego upon the Duero, and
passed the winter very comfortably and happily, I not being the last
to give my hairbreadth escapes in the manner in which soldiers that
are real ones tell their stories. I am sorry to say these are often
imagined impossibilities by other folks because they cannot comprehend
that certain men may, from circumstances and habit, be made to do
anything if their country requires their exertions.
Letter No. XVII
Alameda, Spain,
_12th December 1812_.
Dear Parents—I sent you in September another bill directed from the
neighbourhood of Madrid, which I hope you have received, and also
got the money. I am anxious to know when this letter came to hand. I
beg you will directly inform me, as I begin to think and long for an
answer. I have the second and third Bill of Exchange, which I hope will
not be required. However, in case of accidents I shall take care of
them. I fully expected to have had it in my power to have transmitted
you some money immediately, but not having been paid up to the period
I expected, I must reluctantly defer the pleasure for the present and
put you off a little while longer. We flattered ourselves with the
hopes of passing a pleasant winter in Madrid, but in consequence of the
failure at Burgos, and the enemy receiving great reinforcements from
France, besides concentrating the whole of their force in the country,
we were obliged to retire before them.
Our noble Marquis of Wellington did everything that was possible to
bring them to action when circumstances offered favourably, but the
enemy, confident of success through the vast superiority of numbers and
ten thousand effective cavalry, continually adopted the plan of moving
on our flanks, which obliged us also to retire before them, not being
able to oppose their course.
I will give you a specimen of our occasional hardships, though for
my own part I am no croaker. Privations sometimes make you enjoy a
comfortable quarter much more than if you had never felt them. About
the 27th of October, we moved forward from our cantonments in and
near Madrid in consequence of the enemy approaching and menacing this
capital. Every one was rejoiced to move out to fight, thinking how
comfortably the winter would be passed if wounded, having Madrid at our
back.
On the 27th marched to Arganda, six leagues. The same night at eight
o'clock moved back towards Alcala. Halted under the piazzas in the
town, as the weather was very cold and rainy. Marching the whole night.
Moved towards Madrid on the 30th; the day very rainy; roads swimming
with mud and water. Halted at nine o'clock at night in rear of
Madrid upon the side of a hill. Extremely cold and windy; raining at
intervals. Had some difficulty to find wood for a fire. Benumbed with
cold and obliged to smoke my pipe and walk about, praying for a fine
day to dry my clothes.
Moved at daylight on the 31st to the walls of Madrid. Halted and cooked
upon the road. The people in the English interest very gloomy; others
flying from the town. The people in the French interest dressed up and
delighted beyond measure. Maud visited me, and told me how wet and
uncomfortable he was, not having been dry for four days. I asked him,
"What of that? Many thousands are in the same way." He then said, "I
have had no bread or anything to eat these two days." I luckily had
plenty, and gave him some. I was with him for ten minutes. I had not
seen him since the storming of Badajoz. The Light Division now formed,
as usual, the rear-guard. The other Divisions of the army walked
generally near us, so daily I had the pleasure of seeing Maud. Towards
night marched some distance; passed the night in the fields. Joe joined
me this evening, and Maud visited me. I had plenty of wine and a good
dinner in my tent. Joe was wet through and very delicate, having left
Salamanca before he had recovered. I had an opportunity of letting him
have blankets. We moved on daily in this way, always in the fields
until we arrived near Salamanca. Weather generally bad. Moved from the
right to the left of this place daily.
On 14th November we were upon the old position in order of battle. The
enemy made a flank movement in the night, and we were obliged to retire.
On the 15th we halted in a wood, having been marching the whole day;
continued rain. The country between Ciudad Rodrigo and Salamanca
is a plain covered with woods, and in rainy weather the roads are
intersected with rivulets, which makes them almost impassable.
Joe was so ill on the 16th I was obliged to walk the whole way, or he
must have fallen into the enemy's hands. Bad weather and roads.
On the 17th the enemy attacked us in force, but we beat them off.
Some of the enemy's cannon kept up a brisk fire upon a ford which we
passed in good order, and luckily only a few of our men bit the ground.
The enemy were checked here for the night. Occasionally some sharp
skirmishing. Joe very unwell, though pleased with the fight. Under arms
nearly all night. Very rainy and cold.
On the 18th the enemy, for want of provisions, could not push us; we
expected to have had a tough day's work, but _Johnny_ did not press
us much. In want of bread. Several men died this day from cold and
wet. Horses and mules were lying dead in every direction, which shows
plainly a man can bear hunger and being exposed to the inclemency of
the weather for a much longer period than an animal. In this country
I have seen the same thing often. Being upon the rear-guard exposes
a person to a much longer period under arms, as he must endeavour to
drive all before him, and very often to form up to repel an attack of
the enemy. This day's march it is impossible to describe, wading up to
the middle very often, and all day up to the knee in mud and water;
raining repeatedly. This night picked up a quantity of acorns and
roasted them, which we were all very thankful for. Night excessively
cold.
The enemy followed us on the 19th; most of us walking barefooted, my
shoes also having no bottoms, as well as my friends'; my legs and feet
much frost-bitten; could hardly crawl. Halted near Ciudad Rodrigo.
Three days' bread served to us upon the spot. I sent into the town for
a pound of English butter, only six shillings per pound, and some wine.
This day tolerably fine. After eating and drinking most tremendously,
in a moment you would see all faces jovial and everything forgotten.
We halted in the fields near this town for a few days. I washed myself
in the river every day and bathed my feet with cold water often. Thank
God, I am as well as ever. Joe, though he rode, still got worse.
However, he has had every attention paid him and is now quite well.
He eats and drinks like a farmer. I keep him five hours a day at his
studies, and I have no doubt he will soon astonish you. I must say he
implicitly obeys my injunctions. He is now clear of the world, with
everything comfortable. I have nothing more to do with him but give my
advice. I have since found it was my interest got him into the 23rd
Regiment, and not the Colonel of Maud's regiment. I beg you will have
Charles well educated. I will then take him off your hands at fifteen
years old. Do not despair, though you now are unfortunate. If I live
and have any luck in my profession I shall be able to support you. I
wish for no greater pleasure. Ann I am proud of. I shall always adore
her. She must bear up against the misfortunes which at present cannot
be resisted, in hopes that a few years will put a period to them. We
cannot always be doomed to misery and misfortune.
I thank my dear mother for her kind remembrance of me. Joe often tells
me little anecdotes of your fireside. This winter we are settled in
our old quarters near the Agueda, and two or three leagues from Ciudad
Rodrigo. I hope we shall get out several regiments before spring, and
commence again handsomely in the New Year. Joe joins me in best wishes
for your welfare. Believe me, yours affectionately,
G. Simmons.
I sent a parcel for Ann with my picture. Let me know if the thing
arrived.
I send this letter by a friend, free of expense to England. You will
find under the seal a small gold coin, value a dollar; it will pay the
postage.
Pay particular attention to the education of Charles and Betsy. Let
me know how Charles's leg is. By no means use quackery with him.
Sea-bathing, plenty of exercise, and clean linen will be most essential
at all times.
It is a great task imposed upon me—Joe's education. However, he is
exceedingly willing, which pleases me, and he possesses no one vice.
He regularly attends drill, and begins to move with the appearance of
a soldier. He is very proud of his green clothes, and is a very smart
fellow.
He is already wonderfully improved; he is two inches taller than I.
Maud is about my size. When in England he was rather delicate in
features; you would hardly know him, his complexion has changed so
much. Exposure to all sorts of weather—in summer roasted, in winter
nearly frozen—soon changes the appearance. Occasionally we get a
detachment from England. They look as delicate as women when they
first join us compared to those hard-faced veterans of the regiment.
When Joe left his brother to join me we were marching upon Madrid. He
travelled nearly 500 miles before he joined. He has some wonderful
tales to tell about his different adventures. He was six months in
joining me from the time of starting, in consequence of illness brought
on by hardships from starvation.
In England you little know the hardships a soldier endures in this
country.
Letter No. XVIII
Alameda, Spain,
_29th December 1812_.
My dear Father—I received your letter dated the 4th December. It
astonished me how you could have any trouble in getting the bill cashed
if properly presented, as the merchant informed me he never before
had any difficulty, and he has been in the habit of giving numbers to
individuals.
I examined carefully that part of your letter where you state the
likelihood of procuring me a company. My ideas upon the point in
question are by no means sanguine. I am too well hackneyed in the ways
of the world to for a moment imagine that a Member of Parliament would
give me anything, or, in other words, ask for a company for a perfect
stranger who had not given him the least assistance. You may say, that
does not follow, he may wish to offer himself at some distant period,
and may wish to make friends or make himself popular, but I should
think there are numbers of people more deserving than myself. In this
world, men generally (and particularly M.P.'s) have some great object
in view before they will exert themselves very materially on behalf of
others. Things of this kind daily stare one in the face. I remember Mr.
Arden very well, but I believe he has got sons; consequently his first
attempts will be to favour them, and there are very few in existence
who may not be in want of Parliamentary aid at one time or other,
therefore you will agree with me that it is not likely he would ask
favours for a person he knows little about. This is my opinion. I wish
I may be deceived most heartily. I think it was a wrong step letting
him have my letter. The curious are very anxious to know particulars
relating to the army in the Peninsula. If my letters are shown, and
given into the hands of strangers, the contents may find their way into
the public papers, which would be very unpleasant, and might prove very
serious, as according to the old adage, "The truth is not to be spoken
at all times." I must observe again you ought to be very cautious as to
whom you give my letters. Mr. Arden may hand my letter about among his
friends, who will comment upon it according as it strikes them, which
is not pleasant. I hope it may not be the case, and I have a better
opinion of him; at the same time, it is just as well not to put it in
any one's power.
You make me laugh with the idea of an aide-de-camp being the high road
to a Brigade-major's situation. Aides-de-camp are generally chosen by
general officers through relationship or family connections or friends.
My ideas of the world since I became a soldier are quite changed.
Campaigning has inured me to hardship, and it is quite immaterial to
me whether I roll myself in my blanket and sleep upon the ground or
anywhere else. There was a time when wet clothes would have frightened
me. Here I have been wet through for weeks and slept in the fields in
winter, sometimes without a cloak, enjoyed health, and been happy and
proud of my situation.
If there was any chance of success in procuring me a company through
the M.P., you should have asked for only one thing at a time. Any
country is the same to me, hot or cold; I could always exchange, after
a little time, by giving a difference of one or two hundred pounds,
which then would not be an object. However, building castles in the air
is not exactly the thing, and really I do not expect any promotion but
through the common routine of service, which, if I live, will be the
case four years hence. I certainly applaud you for giving your vote
to Mr. Wharton. I hope he will befriend you. I am afraid you have hit
upon a wrong situation for yourself. A barrack master has a great deal
to do, and he ought to be well acquainted with the mode of writing
returns in a military way. It is a situation generally filled by an old
officer. I think you would be much more likely to succeed by requesting
Mr. Wharton to obtain for you anything more easily filled that may
strike you. I am not well acquainted with what is easy to obtain or
what is not so, but in my opinion, a barrack master has much trouble
and responsibility, and particularly if he is not a military man, he
will find soldiers odd fellows to deal with. There are situations that
would not be attended with great responsibility on your part, as at
your time of life you must not think of learning a profession, but
endeavour to procure something easy, attended with little trouble; this
is the kind of occupation I should point out to you. I am very well
aware it would be productive of the most essential comfort.
We are in good cantonments, and have forgotten the hardships
experienced upon the retreat. I hope the next campaign will be a
brilliant one. The winter hangs heavy on my hands already, but I must
wait patiently. I think next summer will terminate the career of the
French in the Peninsula and allow us to move the theatre of war into
some other quarter.
The successes of the Russians are great and glorious, and will be a
means of rousing the Continental Powers from their lethargic state.
It will show the world that a true spirit of patriotism will always
overpower tyranny and oppression. Bravo, Russians! they are worthy
of the country they inhabit, and their labours will be crowned with
success. The man that would not be profuse of his life in defence of
the place that gave him birth, deserves not the name.
I wrote by a friend. You would receive it from some place in England.
I shall be able to send you some more money when I get hold of it, but
have not been regularly paid, I cannot say since when. I had a letter
from Maud, who tells me he is well and gives me a long history of
the three or four days after leaving me, which I joked him upon. Joe
feeds uncommonly. I allow him two bottles of good wine each day. He has
entirely driven the ague from its position through the able support of
bark wine, and I keep him daily employed at his book or drill. He feels
some consequence in having been in a fight since he joined. I asked him
at the time how he liked the shot and shells. He replied they were ugly
fellows, he did not like them much. But there are many things we do not
like that we must put up with.
Endeavour to get the letter back from Mr. A., as I do not like people
to comment upon my sentiments; it is too tender a point. If I had
thought the letter might be read by any other person but yourself,
I should have been more cautious in speaking of myself; some people
might fancy I was a swaggering fellow. There are many things a man may
unbosom himself about to his family that he would not think of doing
to the public. I am afraid, father, you are very young in the ways
of the world. My love to my dear mother, Ann, Charlie, and Betsy. Be
attentive to Charlie's education. I have written to Mrs. Wild about her
son.—Yours,
G. Simmons,
Lt., 1st Batt., 95th Regt.
Do not write me upon that part of the letter you fold down, as any
person may read it, and do not talk about me to people, as it will do
you no good and me harm. My respects to my good friend Whitaker. If I
might be allowed to judge with respect to his son, if he likes the
life of a soldier, by all means let him go to the East Indies.
Do not talk to me about Spanish donkeys. It is really too ridiculous.
You had better request me to send you a load of diamonds!
[Illustration: =SKETCH-MAP=
_ILLUSTRATING MOVEMENTS OF_
=LIGHT DIVISION=
_DURING THE CAMPAIGNS OF 1809-12._]
CAMPAIGN OF 1813
Napoleon's failure in Russia considerably altered the aspect of
affairs in the Peninsula, since he once again drafted thousands of
his best soldiers and officers to stiffen the new levies with which
he strove to oppose his enemies in Germany. Notwithstanding this, he
had still 230,000 men in the Peninsula, of which 120,000 were barring
the northern route from Spain to France, with reserves at Bayonne. It
was at this juncture, in May 1813, that Wellington ordered Graham to
advance from Portugal through Tras os Montes to the Esla River with
an army of 40,000 men, so as to turn the line of the Douro, whilst he
himself, with 30,000, moved direct on the Tormes, with the object of
forcing a passage at Salamanca, crossing the Douro, and joining hands
with Graham. The Galicians under Castaños were now to meet him, and
the three forces, amounting to 90,000 men, were then to advance on a
broad front and force the French back on the Pyrenees. "A grand design
and grandly executed" are the words of Napier.
King Joseph made desperate efforts to assemble his scattered forces,
and after various changes of plans, fell back to the Ebro and took
up a position behind the Zadorra River, covering Vitoria, where an
immense amount of war material and treasure was collected.
Wellington, pushing forward without intermission, attacked the French
on 21st June at Vitoria, and inflicted a most crushing defeat on
them, capturing all their guns, stores, and treasure. The French
army retreated to the shelter of the walls of Pamplona, King Joseph
fleeing to France. The victorious advance of the allies had placed
Foy and Clausel, on either flank, in danger of being cut off. The
former, although roughly handled by Graham, made good his retreat to
the Bidasoa; the latter, pursued by Wellington himself, retreated to
Zaragoza, and after destroying his guns and baggage, escaped with his
force into France.
San Sebastian was now besieged by the allies, and on 24th July, an
attempt was made to storm it, but was repulsed with heavy loss, and
the siege perforce turned into a blockade. Soult had meanwhile been
appointed to command the "Army of Spain," as it was now styled, King
Joseph having been wise enough to voluntarily resign.
Now commenced the fighting which, under the name of "Pyrenees," is
so well known. Combat succeeded combat with unceasing rapidity,
commencing with that of Roncesvalles on 25th July. In nine days, in
August, ten serious actions were fought, the allies losing some 7300
men, and the French about double that number.
The siege of San Sebastian was now resumed, and on 31st August it was
stormed, but at the expense of appalling losses to those of the allies
engaged. Meanwhile, Soult fought a battle on the Bidasoa with the
covering force at San Marcial, and another at Vera.
After the fall of San Sebastian, there was a lull in the fighting for
some weeks, and it was not till 6th October that the allies effected
the passage of the Bidasoa, and on the following day fought the second
combat of Vera, in which the Rifles took a leading part and lost over
200 officers and men, killed and wounded.
Soult now entrenched himself strongly on the line of the Nivelle,
but on 10th November, the battle of the Nivelle was fought and Soult
retreated behind the Nive. Wellington having been compelled to divide
his wings by this river, Soult projected an attack on one of them with
his whole force, the entrenched camp of Bayonne on the Nive assisting
him in this enterprise. The battles and combats which ensued are
commonly known as the battles in front of Bayonne, that of the 10th
December being distinguished as the battle of the Nive, although they
all took place in the same theatre of operations.
In the five days' fighting before Bayonne (9th to 13th December) the
French lost 6000 men and the allies about 5000.
After some minor operations, hostilities ceased for a brief period on
the 18th December, only to be renewed with redoubled energy within
less than two months.