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diff --git a/old/50744-0.txt b/old/50744-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 214d264..0000000 --- a/old/50744-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,12996 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook, A British Rifle Man, by George Simmons, -Edited by Willoughby Verner - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - - -Title: A British Rifle Man - The Journals and Correspondence of Major George Simmons, Rifle Brigade, During the Peninsular War and the Campaign of Waterloo - - -Author: George Simmons - -Editor: Willoughby Verner - -Release Date: December 22, 2015 [eBook #50744] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A BRITISH RIFLE MAN*** - - -E-text prepared by MWS and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team -(http://www.pgdp.net) from page images generously made available by -Internet Archive/American Libraries (https://archive.org/details/americana) - - - -Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this - file which includes the original maps. - See 50744-h.htm or 50744-h.zip: - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/50744/50744-h/50744-h.htm) - or - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/50744/50744-h.zip) - - - Images of the original pages are available through - Internet Archive/American Libraries. See - https://archive.org/details/britishriflemanj00simm - - - - - -A BRITISH RIFLE MAN - -The Journals and Correspondence of Major George Simmons, -Rifle Brigade, During the Peninsular War and the Campaign of -Waterloo - -Edited, with Introduction, by -Lieut.-Colonel Willoughby Verner -Late Rifle Brigade -Author of 'Sketches in the Soudan,' etc. - -With Three Maps - - - - - - - -London -A. & C. Black, Soho Square -1899 - -All rights reserved - - - - - To - - GENERAL HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS - - THE DUKE OF CONNAUGHT AND STRATHEARN, - - COLONEL-IN-CHIEF OF THE RIFLE BRIGADE, - FORMERLY (1803-1816) STYLED THE 95TH RIFLES AND - (1800-1802) THE RIFLE CORPS, - - THIS VOLUME - IN WHICH A BRITISH RIFLE MAN RECOUNTS HIS PERSONAL - KNOWLEDGE OF MANY OF THE DEEDS THAT HAVE - MADE THE NAME OF THE REGIMENT - SO FAMOUS - IS (BY PERMISSION) DEDICATED - BY HIS MOST HUMBLE AND OBEDIENT SERVANT - - WILLOUGHBY VERNER, - - LIEUTENANT-COLONEL, LATE OF THE RIFLE BRIGADE. - - - - -SKETCH MAPS - - -Illustrating the operations on the Coa and Agueda _Facing page_ 198 - -Illustrating movements during the Campaigns of 1809-12 " " 272 - -Illustrating movements during the Campaigns of 1813-14 " " 350 - - - - -CONTENTS - - -Introduction Page xi - - -Commencement of the Peninsular War. Campaign of 1808 1 - - -Campaign of 1809 2 - - -CHAPTER I - -Letter No. I., To his Parents, from Hythe and Dover, dated 21st May -1809—Journal, May-July 1809—Letter No. II., To his Parents, from -Castello Branco, dated 18th July 1809 4 - - -CHAPTER II - -Journal, July-December 1809—Letter No. III., To his Parents, from Campo -Mayor, dated September 1809—Letter No. IV., To his Parents, from Campo -Mayor, dated 29th October 1809—Journal, December 1809 19 - - -Campaign of 1810 43 - - -CHAPTER III - -Journal, 1st January-27th February 1810—Letter No. V., To his Parents, -from Villar Torpin, dated 28th February 1810—Journal, 4th March-30th -April 1810—Letter No. VI., To his Father, from Villar de Ciérvos, dated -30th April 1810 44 - - -CHAPTER IV - -Journal, 7th May-8th August 1810—Letter No. VII., To his Parents, from -Lisbon, dated 10th August 1810 66 - - -CHAPTER V - -Journal, August-September 1810—Letter No. VIII., To his Parents, from -Pedroso, Lisbon, dated 30th September 1810—Journal, October-December -1810—Letter No. IX., To his Parents, from Lisbon, dated 16th December -1810 98 - - -Campaign of 1811 127 - - -CHAPTER VI - -Letter No. X., To his Parents, from Lisbon, dated 11th January -1811—Journal, January-25th March 1811—Letter No. XI., To his Parents, -from Mello, dated 26th March 1811 129 - - -CHAPTER VII - -Journal, 26th March-26th May 1811—Letter No. XII., To his Parents, from -Espeja, dated 18th May 1811 158 - - -CHAPTER VIII - -Journal, 26th May-21st August 1811—Letter No. XIII., To his Parents, -from Martiago, dated 26th August 1811—Journal, 29th August-30th -September 1811—Letter No. XIV., To Lieutenant Maud Simmons, 34th -Regiment, 2nd Division, Portugal, from Aldea Velha, Portugal, dated 1st -October 1811—Journal, 1st October-20th December 1811—Letter No. XV., To -his Parents, from Atalaya, Spain, dated 8th December 1811 185 - - -Campaign of 1812 213 - - -CHAPTER IX - -Journal, 4th January-30th July 1812 216 - - -CHAPTER X - -Journal, 1st-31st August 1812—Letter No. XVI., To his Parents, from -Madrid, dated 8th September 1812—Journal, 1st September-31st December -1812—Letter No. XVII., To his Parents, from Alameda, Spain, dated 12th -December 1812—Letter No. XVIII., To his Father, from Alameda, Spain, -dated 29th December 1812 245 - - -Campaign of 1813 273 - - -CHAPTER XI - -Letter No. XIX., To his Father, from Alameda, dated 30th April -1813—Letter No. XX., From Lieutenant Joseph Simmons to his -Parents, from Alameda, dated 5th May 1813 (Postscript by George -Simmons)—Journal, 1st May-30th August 1813 275 - - -CHAPTER XII - -Letter No. XXI., To his Parents, from Vera, Pyrenees, dated 30th August -1813—Postscript, dated 4th September 1813—Journal, 31st August-31st -December 1813—Letter No. XXII., To his Parents, from St. Jean-de-Luz, -France, dated 7th December 1813, and Postscript 302 - - -Campaign of 1814 331 - - -CHAPTER XIII - -Journal, 12th January-21st March 1814—Battle of Orthez—The Action of -Tarbes—Letter No. XXIII., To his Parents, from Tarbes, France, dated -27th March 1814 (finished by Maud Simmons)—Journal, 13th April-23rd -July 1814 333 - - -Campaign of 1815 354 - - -CHAPTER XIV - -Journal, 25th April-June 1815—Letter No. XXIV., To his Parents, from -Brussels, dated 19th May 1815—Journal, 15th-18th June 1815—Letter No. -XXV., To his Parents, from Brussels, undated, but bearing a postmark of -1st July 1815—Letter No. XXVI., To his Parents, from Brussels, dated -21st July 1815—Letter No. XXVII., To his Parents, from Brussels, dated -18th September 1815 355 - - -Conclusion 378 - - -Appendix I., Letter from General Sir Harry Smith, 1846, after -Aliwal 381 - -Appendix II., Medical Certificates 384 - - - - -INTRODUCTION - - -George Simmons, the writer of the following letters and journals, was -born on 2nd May 1785. His parents resided at Beverley, in Yorkshire. -The family consisted of nine sons and three daughters. - -Since some of their names constantly recur in Simmons's letters, a -brief account of them will be useful. Maud, the second son, obtained a -commission in the 34th Foot in 1809. The third, Joseph, after beginning -life as an attorney's clerk, joined his eldest brother's corps, the -95th Rifles, as a Volunteer in 1812, and shortly afterwards was granted -a commission in it. All three brothers served in the Peninsular War. -The fourth brother, John, appears to have been a source of some trouble -to his parents, and eventually ran away from home and entered the -Mercantile Marine. His career at sea was a brief one. His ship was very -soon attacked and captured by a French privateer, and he was killed -in the engagement. The daughters, especially the second, Ann, "My -dear Ann" of many a letter, were the object of constant solicitude to -George, and of much good advice and many anxious forebodings. These -details of the family are rendered necessary by the fact that for some -cause or other the eldest brother appears to have constituted himself -as the adviser and protector, and to some extent the supporter, of -his parents. His father seems to have been in extremely straitened -circumstances, and to have lacked the capability of looking after his -family. George was evidently a very steady young fellow, and, realising -that his father was unable to fight the battle of life, he set to work -and studied medicine with a view to being able to support his parents. -In 1805, when Napoleon's threatened invasion had caused all the -manhood of England to enrol themselves for the defence of the country, -George was given a commission as Assistant-Surgeon in the Royal South -Lincolnshire Militia, commanded by Colonel Waldo-Sibthorp, M.P. In this -corps he served for nearly four years, and during that time gained the -friendship of his Colonel, who subsequently assisted him in various -ways. - -The Lincoln Militia were quartered in Hythe Barracks in the spring of -1809, as were both Battalions of the 95th Rifles. The latter were in -a very shattered condition, having only recently returned from the -disastrous campaign of Coruña. In order to fill up their depleted -ranks, volunteers were called for from the Militia, and every Militia -officer who could induce a hundred men to join the service was granted -a commission. No difficulty, however, was experienced in obtaining -recruits for "The Rifles," as they were styled. Although a very -"young" regiment, having been raised only nine years previously, the -peculiar nature of their arm—the rifle—and their exceptionally active -employment, coupled with the fact that they had already made their -name at Copenhagen under Lord Nelson, at Monte Video, and only recently -at Roliça, Vimeiro, and Coruña, caused many more to volunteer for -service in their ranks than could be taken. - -In the words of Sir William Cope, the historian of the Rifle Brigade:— - - The regiment had already became so famous and popular, that not only - were the deficiencies filled up in a very short time, but more than a - thousand volunteers presented themselves beyond the numbers required. - It was therefore resolved by the Authorities to add a 3rd Battalion to - the regiment. - -George Simmons, partly for reasons already given, but no doubt also -owing to strong military instincts and a true British desire to "fight -the French," easily induced a number of his Militiamen to volunteer -for the Rifles, and thereby became entitled to a second-lieutenant's -commission himself—there were no "ensigns" in the Rifles in those days. - -It was at this juncture that his friend and benefactor, Colonel -Sibthorp, unwilling to lose his Assistant-Surgeon, and doubting the -wisdom of his going out to Portugal amid the circumstances, made use of -influence at the Horse Guards to cause the issue of the commission to -be delayed, trusting that, with time for reflection, George might be -induced to abandon his project. - -Our history opens with a letter from George in May 1809 to his parents -at Beverley, announcing that he is about to embark at Dover for -Portugal with the 1st Battalion 95th Rifles, and recounting Colonel -Sibthorp's well-meant but inopportune efforts to retain his services -in the Militia. - -It will be seen that one of his chief reasons for quitting the Militia -and joining the Army was "the interests of his family," to whom he -hoped to be of use; he wished "to assist the boys to go to school." - -There is something very touching, albeit at the same time painfully -incongruous, in worthy George Simmons's unceasing efforts thus to -assist his family with small remittances from his hardly-won pay as -a subaltern. To us soldiers of the end of the century the idea of a -young man seeking a commission with a view to supporting his parents -and assisting in the education of his brothers and sisters is so -supremely absurd that at first one is inclined to look upon George as a -well-meaning visionary. Facts, however, disprove the suspicion. Readers -of these letters will learn how throughout the six campaigns in the -Peninsula between 1809 and 1814, and also during and after the Waterloo -campaign, Lieutenant Simmons, although thrice very severely wounded and -put to much expense, managed constantly to remit a portion of his pay, -and no inconsiderable portion of good advice as well, to his parents, -who were sadly in need of both. - -The letters in this volume are truthful accounts, written from many a -bivouac and battlefield in Portugal, Spain, France, and Belgium, of -the daily experiences of a young British officer taking his part in -the great wars which were the main cause of Napoleon's downfall. Only -now and then, where George Simmons has alluded to family matters of an -entirely private nature, has it been considered desirable to excise -the latter. But his views, correct or the reverse, of the military -situation of the moment, his opinions of his chiefs and contemporaries, -his anxieties about the welfare of his parents, brothers, and sisters, -and his unceasing efforts to aid them, all forming as they do an -integral part of his daily work, thoughts, and aspirations, have been -left absolutely untouched. - -To readers unacquainted with military matters it may be explained that -these letters and journals claim to possess additional interest, since -they are written by an officer who happened to belong to a regiment -which saw more fighting in the Peninsula than any other in the British -Army. - -The Rifles formed part of the famous Light Division which was -perpetually in the forefront of the battle, and they were the only -regiment of British soldiers armed with the then newly introduced -weapon—the rifle—in contradistinction to Brown Bess, the smooth-bore -musket carried by the remainder of the Infantry. It is true that -certain corps, notably the 5th Battalion of the 60th Royal American -Regiment[1] and the Duke of Brunswick Oels' Corps, also were armed with -rifles; but, as these were composed of Germans and other foreigners, -and their companies at times distributed among various Brigades, the -same interest did not attach to them, nor were they able to take such -a leading part in the fighting as the three Battalions of the 95th -Rifles, who were present in whole or in part at every great battle in -the long and bloody struggle in the Peninsula, save Albuera only. - -But although the regiment was composed of three battalions, it never -mustered more than seventeen companies in the Peninsula, and at -Waterloo only fourteen were present. It took its share not only in -the general actions, sieges, and stormings in common with the other -regiments, but also was constantly engaged in innumerable "affairs," -as they are styled, which caused an unceasing drain on its strength—a -drain from which regiments belonging to other Divisions were usually -exempt. The reason for this was that the Light Brigade, or, as it was -subsequently styled, the Light Division, was used during the campaigns -in the Peninsula as a permanent covering or outpost force. Thus in 1810 -it acted as a Corps of Observation on the Coa, far in advance of the -rest of the army, and took part in the affairs of Barba del Puerco, -Gallegos, etc., as well as in the severe fighting at the Combat of the -Coa, at which no other troops were engaged. Again, in 1811, Craufurd's -Brigade formed the advanced guard in the pursuit of Massena, and hence -was constantly in collision with the enemy. - -These events are well described by Simmons, and it will be seen that a -similar condition of affairs prevailed in the subsequent campaigns of -1812-14. The normal strength of an infantry battalion in the Peninsula -was ten companies, and whilst noting that the 95th Rifles had the great -advantage of having three battalions in the field, which naturally gave -them a greater chance than others of seeing fighting, it is only fair -to remember that there were usually only from fifteen to seventeen -companies, and _not_ thirty, as is commonly supposed. - -Several regiments had two battalions serving in the Peninsula, and -hence were as strong numerically as the Rifles. - -The "Baker" rifle, with which the regiment was armed, was in every -sense an arm of precision up to 300 yards, and at ranges of 400 and -500 yards it was possible to hit a mark with it. This alone gave -the Riflemen an immense advantage over their comrades armed with -smooth-bore muskets, and, as proved by the experiments at Woolwich, -it was greatly superior to the rifles of Continental and American -manufacture in use at the time. - -This rifle was invented by Ezekiel Baker, a London gunmaker, towards -the close of the last century, and was the first rifle regularly -adopted into the British service. It was tried at Woolwich in February -1800 by order of the Board of Ordnance, and was selected as the arm -of the Rifle Corps, then in process of being raised. On this occasion -eleven shots out of twelve were placed in a six-foot circular target at -300 yards' distance. The following is a description of the Baker rifle: -Weight 9½ lbs., barrel seven-grooved and 30 inches in length, rifling -one quarter turn in barrel, bullet spherical, 20 to the pound, charge -of powder 84 grains, flint-lock. The ball was placed in the centre -of a greased leather patch and rammed home, considerable force being -necessary to effect this. At first, wooden mallets were issued to the -Riflemen to facilitate the process of ramming home, but these were very -shortly discontinued (_circa_ 1803). A supply of greased patches was -carried in a small box with spring brass lid in the side of the butt of -the rifle. - -As regards rapidity of fire, the maximum rate at which perfectly steady -shots could be taken was reckoned to be one per minute. - -This weapon was the one used by the Rifle Corps in their maiden -action at Ferrol in 1800, and at the battle of Copenhagen in 1801, -where the Riflemen fought under Lord Nelson and were distributed as -sharp-shooters among various British ships of the line. It was further -used in South America in 1807-8 and throughout the Peninsula campaigns -of 1808-14, and also at Waterloo. In 1838 it was supplanted by the -percussion-lock Brunswick rifle, having thus been in use in the service -for a longer period than has any rifled firearm. - -The smooth-bore musket, commonly known as "Brown Bess," was a much -heavier and longer weapon, throwing a spherical ball of 14 to the -pound, and the uncertainty of its fire is well evidenced by the -expression "as random as a common musket," which is to be met with -in treatises on rifle-shooting at the beginning of the century. This -weapon was in use up to the year 1853. It would not carry straight for -100 yards, and its effective range was barely double that distance. -Such was "the musket, that queen of weapons," as it has been styled, -with which the British infantry won all its great victories from the -time of Marlborough until the conquest of the Punjaub in 1849. - -That even greater results were not obtained from the rifle during the -Peninsular War is due to the fact that the 95th Riflemen were naturally -often compelled to conform to the general movements of large bodies -of troops armed with smooth-bores. Their utility was in consequence -frequently unduly circumscribed by the exigencies of the moment. - -It was, however, in the affairs of outposts and advanced guards, and on -occasions when individual action was both permissible and practicable, -that the value of the rifle became most apparent. Thus at the action of -Tarbes on March 14, 1814, the three Battalions of the 95th attacked and -ousted from an exceptionally strong position a French Division. George -Simmons was severely wounded in this fight. An eye-witness belonging -to another corps thus describes the attack, and in words which convey -a good idea of the methods of Riflemen under such circumstances: "Our -Rifles were immediately sent to dislodge the French from the hills on -our left, and our Battalion was ordered to support them. Nothing could -exceed the manner in which the 95th set about this business. Certainly -I never saw such skirmishers as the 95th, now the Rifle Brigade. They -could do the work much better and with infinitely _less loss_ than any -other of our best Light troops. They possessed an individual boldness, -a mutual understanding, and a quickness of eye in taking advantage of -the ground, which, taken altogether, I never saw equalled. They were, -in fact, as much superior to the French Voltigeurs as the latter were -to our skirmishers in general. As our regiment was often employed -in supporting them, I think I am fairly qualified to speak of their -merits."[2] - -Unquestionably the most pressing military problem of the present day -is how to conduct an attack on troops armed (as all infantry are now) -with magazine rifles, which, owing to their flat trajectory and -extraordinary rapidity and precision of fire, are overwhelming in their -effects against favourable targets up to 2000 yards. - -The object-lesson most recently before us is that of the fight at -Khartoum, where the absolute impossibility of masses of men advancing -under modern artillery and rifle fire, although known to students -of war, was practically demonstrated again to the whole world. The -unusually heavy losses experienced by our troops in the fighting on the -Indian Frontier in 1897 were mostly due to the able manner in which the -Afridis and other tribesmen took advantage of the ground and worked in -unison (as did the Riflemen at Tarbes and on many another battlefield) -to assist and support one another, and thus develop their fire so as -to obtain the maximum value from it with the minimum exposure and loss -to themselves. The accounts by officers who served in that campaign -bear a striking resemblance to some of the instances narrated by -George Simmons of the methods of fighting of the Riflemen during the -Peninsular War. Thus the French captain's description in Chapter V. of -the attack of the British Riflemen at Vimeiro, and the heavy losses he -sustained, especially in officers, is almost an exact repetition of -some of the accounts of the fights in the Tirah Campaign of 1897. - -Sir John Kincaid, who served throughout the Peninsular War, and was -adjutant of the 1st Battalion 95th Rifles at Waterloo, says truly -that his corps, as "the Light regiment of the Light Division, fired -the first and last shot in almost every battle, siege, or skirmish, -in which the army was engaged during the war." But he hastens to add -that he considered the 43rd and 52nd Light Infantry _as a part of the -Rifles_, "for they bore a share in everything, and although the nature -of our arm generally gave us more employment in the way of skirmishing, -yet, whenever it came to a pinch, independent of a suitable mixture -of them among us, we had only to look behind to see a line in which -we might place _a degree of confidence almost equal to our hopes in -heaven_; nor were we ever disappointed. There never was a corps of -Riflemen in the hands of such supporters." - -It is notoriously dangerous to prophesy, but I am presumptuous enough -to believe that the difficult problem of the conduct of attacks in -the future will in all probability be solved by adopting some system -based on the methods originated and carried out so successfully by the -first regiment of Riflemen in the British service during the Peninsular -War, of which the account of their attack on the French position at -Tarbes, given by the author of _Twelve Years' Military Adventure_, is -a good example. It is, of course, an integral part of the system that -the firing line should be intelligently and effectively supported, so -as to give those committed to the forefront of the battle that superb -_confidence_, both in themselves and in their comrades behind, so -admirably described by Kincaid. - -Such confidence can only come from careful training and fellowship in -peace time, followed by experience on active service under fire, and -this is precisely what the celebrated Light Division was fortunate -enough to obtain. For it was largely due to the marvellous training of -the Light Brigade, consisting of these _same three regiments_, under -Sir John Moore at Shorncliffe during the years 1803 to 1805 that the -gallant Craufurd was able to achieve the splendid results he did, first -with the "Light Brigade," and later with his famous "Light Division." - -But there was another element which should on no account be ignored, -and which unquestionably had much to do with the successful training -under Moore. On the Rifle Corps being first raised in 1800, the -Colonel, Coote Manningham, set to work to train the officers and men -thoroughly in the duties of Riflemen in the field. In that year he -issued a small book entitled _Regulations for the Rifle Corps_. The -most noticeable point in this is the great importance he attached to -what is known as the "Company system." Starting with the axiom that "In -a regiment of Riflemen, each company must be formed upon the principle -of being separate from, and totally independent of, another," the whole -of the book is permeated with the same ideas. Thus it is laid down that -transfers of officers or men from one company to another are not to be -made unless absolutely necessary, since "Riflemen, being liable to act -very independently of each other, and in numerous small detachments -in the field, will feel the comfort and utility of their own officer, -non-commissioned officers, and comrades with them, and the service will -be benefited by the tie of friendship." - -Captains were held responsible for the whole training of their men, -and were directed "to offer premiums" for those who became good rifle -shots. These were to be styled "marksmen" and to wear "a green cockade!" - -The _Regulations_ are of especial interest nowadays, since they show -that as early as the first year of this century there were soldiers, -such as Coote Manningham and his second-in-command, Lieutenant-Colonel -the Hon. William Stewart (to whom no small share of their compilation -is most justly ascribed), who realised the importance of educating the -soldier of that day and also in treating him with consideration. - -Thus a regimental school was founded and a library provided, periodical -examinations were held of the scholars, and lectures on military -subjects were given to officers and men. An excellent series of -lectures given by Coote Manningham to the 95th Rifles at Shorncliffe in -1803 is still extant.[3] - -From the foregoing it will be gathered that the men of the 95th had a -thoroughly sound training, based on the soundest of principles—that -of the COMPANY in peace and war. This company system was introduced -into the 43rd Light Infantry and into the 52nd Light Infantry about -1803. Added to this came the excellent Brigade training under Moore at -Shorncliffe. It is amusing to think that the system of "Company" and -"Brigade" training has only of recent years been adopted at our chief -military school—Aldershot. - -It was the outcome of Moore's untiring efforts, on which was engrafted -the fiery spirit of Craufurd's remarkable personality, that caused -the troops of the Light Division, after the death of their leader at -the storming of Ciudad Rodrigo, to maintain their high character as -skilful and intrepid warriors. So long as the English language is -spoken will Napier's heart-stirring description of the storming of -Badajoz by the Light Division endure: "How deadly the strife was at -this point may be gathered from this; the 43rd and 52nd Regiments of -the Light Division lost more men than the seven regiments of the Third -Division engaged at the castle!... Who shall do justice to the bravery -of the British soldiers? to the noble emulation of the officers? Who -shall measure out the glory of ... O'Hare of the Rifles, who perished -on the breach at the head of the stormers, and with him nearly all -the volunteers for that desperate service? Who shall describe ... the -martial fury of that desperate Rifleman who, in his resolution to win, -thrust himself beneath the chained sword-blades, and there suffered the -enemy to dash his head to pieces with the ends of their muskets? Who -can sufficiently honour ... the resolution of Ferguson of the 43rd, -who, having at Rodrigo received two deep wounds, was here, with his -hurts still open, leading the stormers of his regiment, the third time -a volunteer, and the third time wounded?" - -It is a significant fact, and not very complimentary to the -intelligence of the military authorities of the period, that the 95th -were not granted several so-called "Honours" (or names of battles) -to wear on their appointments, albeit they were present and took an -active share in them. Notable among these is "Pyrenees," in which -region the Rifles lost 15 officers and 264 non-commissioned officers -and men, killed and wounded. A full account of the heavy fighting at -this time will be found in George Simmons's letters. In 1849, when the -long-deferred medal for the great war was at last issued, no fewer than -294 men of the Rifle Brigade were granted the clasp for "Pyrenees," -although to this day the regiment does not carry the "Honour" on its -appointments. - -The vast difference between a corps, for technical reasons (such, -for example, as the Colonel having been granted the gold medal for -having commanded his regiment in a fight), being given an "Honour," -and its having been present and performed gallant service at the same -engagement, is best illustrated by the remarkable fact that in 1849 -no fewer than _three thousand four hundred and sixty-nine clasps_ for -Peninsula battles and sieges were issued to survivors of the 95th—a -far greater number than were granted to any other regiment, and over -_twenty-four times as many_ as were issued to some which to this day -carry more Peninsula Honours. - -As regards the compilation of this volume, the original journals are -contained in three small pocket-books, in paper covers, measuring only -a few inches square and weighing ¾ oz., 1 oz., and 2 oz. respectively. -These were carried by George Simmons in his head-dress throughout the -wars, and hence he was always able to make notes from day to day of -events as they occurred. These small books form the framework, so to -speak, of the more voluminous journals, which were evidently written -subsequently, when more time was available for such a purpose. - -The journal which is now published is chiefly taken from the latter, -but all dates, etc., have been verified from the smaller books. -Concurrently with the journal, a series of letters to his parents -from the seat of war, covering the whole period between May 1809 and -September 1815, are here reproduced without alteration, save and except -in the orthography of proper names and of Spanish and French towns, etc. - -When possible, the signature of officers concerned, as given in the -"Pay Lists and Muster Rolls" at the Record Office, has been adopted in -rendering their names. Certain Spanish names, the spelling of which, -although notoriously wrong, has been consecrated by usage, have been -retained in the form most familiar to Englishmen. - -No little difficulty was experienced in locating many of the places -mentioned by Simmons, whose rendering of Spanish names was at times -very erratic. This, however, is excusable when it is remembered that -the whole British army, from the Duke downwards, habitually ignored -the most elementary rules of orthography in the Spanish language. -Sir William Napier himself was one of the greatest offenders in this -way. To this day about half a dozen of the names of great battles in -Spain and Portugal worn as "Honours" by regiments on their Colours are -incorrectly spelt! - -No two atlases agree as to Spanish spelling, but I was fortunate in -obtaining a very fair Spanish map, entitled "Mapa Civil y Militar de -España y Portugal," by Dauty and Malo, published in 1857, which I have -taken as the basis of the rough sketch maps which illustrate these -pages. - -Even this, however, is at places difficult to follow nowadays, owing -to changes in names of places. Thus the town at the junction of the -rivers Tagus and Zezere known as "Punhete" in 1809, and shown as such -in 1857, is marked as "Constançia" in more modern atlases. - -A very clear map of the Peninsula, published in 1810 in London (which -no doubt was largely used during the subsequent campaigns), is so -utterly at variance with this Spanish map, not only in the spelling of -names, but also in the position of towns and the course of rivers, that -it is practically useless. - -A word of explanation as to the title. When the Corps was first raised, -Riflemen—being at the time a novelty—were styled Rifle Men. In one of -the earliest "Clothing Warrants" of the regiment they are described as -"the Regiment of Rifle Men." - -George Simmons in his journals and letters adopted this form of -spelling, and hence it has been retained as characteristic of the -fashion of that period. - - Willoughby Verner, - Lieut.-Colonel. - - Royal Military College, - Sandhurst, _March 1899_. - - - - -A British Rifle Man - - - - -COMMENCEMENT OF THE PENINSULAR WAR - - -CAMPAIGN OF 1808 - - The Peninsular War commenced in the year 1808, on 1st August of which - year Major-General Sir Arthur Wellesley disembarked at Mondego Bay - and marched on Lisbon, at that time occupied by a French army under - Marshal Junot. The latter sent General Laborde with a Division to - oppose Wellesley's advance, and on 15th August the first skirmish - took place at Obidos. On this occasion the 95th Rifles had an officer - killed (Lieut. Bunbury), the first British officer who fell in the - Peninsular War. On 17th August, Wellesley defeated Laborde at the - battle of Roliça, and four days later he met and defeated Junot at the - battle of Vimeiro. Then followed the Convention of Cintra, under the - terms of which Junot was permitted to embark his army of 25,000 men at - Lisbon and the French evacuated Portugal. - - The British Government now sent out strong reinforcements to the - Peninsula, and appointed Sir John Moore to the chief command. Moore's - forces concentrated in the vicinity of Salamanca, and then advanced to - engage Soult, who was holding the line of the Carrion river. Meanwhile - the Spanish armies had been defeated at all points, and the French - army, commanded by Napoleon in person and numbering over 100,000 - men, was set at liberty to attack Moore, whose forces only amounted - to 25,000 men. In spite of these appalling odds, Moore conducted an - admirable retreat, and at Rueda, Sahagun, Benavente, and Mayorga his - cavalry obtained brilliant successes over the French. - - On 1st January 1809 Napoleon entered Astorga, only to find that he - was too late to destroy the English army, which had evaded his blow - and was in retreat on Vigo and Coruña. Leaving Soult to continue the - pursuit, the Emperor now returned to France. - - Moore carried out his retirement in a masterly manner; at Caçabelos, - Constantin, and Lugo he checked his pursuers and inflicted heavy - losses on their advancing columns. The retreat terminated with the - battle of Coruña, fought on 16th January 1809, when the gallant Moore - was killed, but not before he had heavily defeated the French and thus - secured the embarkation of his forces. - - - CAMPAIGN OF 1809 - - The French army in Spain was ordered by Napoleon to reoccupy Portugal, - and Marshal Soult was directed to march, _via_ Oporto, on Lisbon, - Marshal Ney to hold Galicia, and Marshal Victor to invade Portugal - south of the Tagus. - - The British Government sent out Sir Arthur Wellesley to Portugal with - strong reinforcements. Wellesley marched on Oporto and seized the - passage of the Douro on 12th May, and drove Soult back into Galicia. - Victor meanwhile had reached Talavera de la Reyna on the Tagus, and - was supported by King Joseph and Marshal Jourdan. - - Wellesley now advanced and joined the Spanish General Cuesta near - Talavera. Victor thereupon fell back, and, Cuesta following him up - alone, was severely handled by King Joseph and driven back behind the - Alberche river. - - The French army, under King Joseph with Jourdan and Victor, now - advanced and crossed the Alberche, and, after several sharp combats, - the battle of Talavera was fought on 28th July. After a desperate - struggle, the French were finally driven back at all points, and early - on the following morning retired across the Alberche. - - On the same day, the Light Division under General Craufurd, consisting - of the 43rd and 52nd Light Infantry and the 1st Battalion 95th - Rifles, reached the field and immediately took up the outposts. This - Division, after a march of 20 miles, was in bivouac at Malpartida, - when Craufurd received a report that the British were hard pressed at - Talavera. He at once started "with a resolution not to halt until he - reached the field of battle.... The troops pressed on with impetuous - speed, and, leaving only seventeen stragglers behind, in twenty-six - hours crossed the field of battle, a strong compact body, having - during that time marched 62 English miles in the hottest season of the - year, each man carrying from fifty to sixty pounds weight."[4] - - Soult being joined by Ney, Mortier, and Kellermann, now moved against - Wellesley's line of communications, and the latter, leaving Cuesta - to watch King Joseph on the Alberche, marched to oppose him. Cuesta, - however, abandoned his post and fell back on Wellesley, closely - pursued by Victor. At the same time the English General learned that - Soult, having received reinforcements, had now a force of over 53,000 - as against his 17,000 British troops; and he was in consequence forced - to recross the Tagus at Puente del Arzobispo and retire on Portugal. - - Thus ended the campaign of 1809, during which the British losses - amounted to over 3500; and, owing to the hopeless conduct of both the - Spanish Government and the Spanish generals, all the advantages which - should have accrued to the British, from the successful operations on - the Douro in May and the victory of Talavera in July, were rendered - nugatory, and the French, in the words of Napier, were left with "all - the credit of the campaign." - - - - -CHAPTER I - -Letter No. I - -_To his Parents, from Hythe and Dover, dated 21st May 1809_ - - Announces the embarkation of the 1st Battalion 95th Rifles—Colonel - Sibthorp endeavours to dissuade him from going out, but fails. - -_Journal—25th May-17th July 1809_ - - Embarkation at Dover, the voyage out, landing at Lisbon—The Rifles - are posted to Major-General Craufurd's Brigade, and march to join Sir - Arthur Wellesley, who is moving against Marshal Victor on the line of - the Tagus—Halt at Castello Branco. - -Letter No. II - -_To his Parents, from Castello Branco, dated 18th July 1809_ - - Describes landing at Lisbon—His opinion of Portuguese manners - and morals—Account of the advance and nature of the country - traversed—Conduct of the French to the Portuguese. - - -Letter No. I - - Hythe, _21st May 1809_. - -My dear Parents—The long-wished-for day has come at last. I am this -morning marching, with as fine a body of men as ever left England, for -Dover, where we embark. I believe a very great army will accompany us. -Our destination is a profound secret, and as I am not inquisitive, -it gives me little concern; I daresay I shall soon enough see some -diversion. The rumour goes, Austria or Portugal. Our men are in very -high spirits, and we have a most excellent band of music and thirty -bugle-horns, which through every country village strikes up the old -tune, "Over the hills and far away." This, my dear parents, is the -happiest moment of my life; and I hope, if I come where there is an -opportunity of showing courage, your son will not disgrace the name of -a British soldier. - -Col. Sibthorp arrived here the other day, and directly sent to speak to -me. I waited upon him, and told him it was impossible for me to recall -what I had stated to the men who had done me the honour of preferring -to be with me and the regiment I was pleased to sanction, to any -others. When he found me inflexible, he then felt extremely hurt at -frustrating my views; and, to make up for putting a stop to me being -gazetted, he immediately wrote to the Commander-in-Chief and begged -to recommend me as a very deserving young man, and stated exactly the -reasons which induced him to endeavour to stop me entering the Line; -he also hoped he would take into consideration the manner I had acted -in procuring, entirely through my own exertions, the number of men -for His Majesty's service, and have my commission antedated. He said -I deserved great credit for my resolution in not being dissuaded from -my project, as I had determined to follow the profession of a soldier; -and my conduct in his regiment hurt him exceedingly to lose me, but he -hoped I should meet with friends wherever I went, and his friendship -he should always be proud of showing me at all times. He sent for -me to breakfast with him, and before I came away presented me with -twenty-five guineas, which just came at a time when I should have been -obliged to borrow to equip myself for service. The Colonel recommended -me very strongly to the notice of Colonel Beckwith, whom I now have -the honour to serve under, and from whom I have received every mark of -esteem, with a promise to do me every kindness in his power. I felt -some anxiety at leaving my brother officers, who vied with each other -in showing their friendship and kindness on all occasions. My Captain -gave me an elegant sabre, and another gave me a large cloak—Rifle Men -being generally obliged to sleep in the fields (on service), and their -cloaks are their beds upon all occasions. I never shall experience more -friendship from any set of men. Some will say, pray why do you leave -them when you can be so happy (this was my late Colonel's observation), -but my reasons I cannot explain to every one. I am confident there -would have been little chance of promoting the interests of my family -as I was situated; and as a soldier, with perseverance, I must in time -have promotion, which will soon enable me to be of use to my family; -and at all times it will be my greatest pleasure and pride to take care -that the boys go regularly to a good school, and I have no doubt of -seeing them one day men of some experience through my interposition. - -I have left two large boxes in the stores of the 1st Battalion 95th -Regiment at Hythe Barracks. One, which I brought out of Yorkshire -with me, is filled with clothes and linen; the other with my bed and -bedstead. If I should not return to England again, I think it would be -worth your while to have them home, as they would pay the carriage and -they could come by sea. - -You would see by the newspapers, if you did not hear from me, you may -always know where the Regiment was stationed. I deem it necessary to -give this notice for fear of mistakes, as, if I happened to be popped -off, in my last moments it would be a comfort to me to think I had left -you all I was in possession of. Should you not procure my boxes by -that means, write to Captain Platt of the Royal South Lincoln Regiment -of Militia, there stationed, and you will at all times be enabled to -find out; he will soon forward them to you. Do not laugh at my giving -such strict injunctions, as I like to do everything concerning myself -methodically, and then I have nothing to fear. - -Maud,[5] I daresay, will be in this Expedition; if not it may be some -time before we meet. As most likely you will have his address, write -and tell him I am gone. As soon as I arrive at our destination I shall -take the earliest opportunity of letting you have the particular -occurrences which may befall me. Until then, farewell. - -I have in the Navy a friend who, I expect, will soon be made Captain; -and have, if that takes place, a chance to procure a berth for my -brothers. Make them good scholars, I have not the least doubt of soon -taking them off your hands. I hope you will obey this command, and read -this part to Joseph and John, which, if they wish one day to shine in -the world, they will now strive to pay every attention. - -I have left in my box some letters from Colonel Sibthorp, which I -shall feel pleasure another day to read to you, as it is impossible -to express the fatherly and friendly manner he has at all times -condescended to address me with. Being in such a hurry to embark, it -is with some difficulty I have time to address you at all, and I had -almost forgotten to mention my dear Ann, who, I hope, will forgive me, -and not attribute it to my neglect. My blessing to the children; and, -if it pleases God to spare my life, I hope on my return to see you all. -My best wishes to uncle, aunt, and friends.—I am affectionately yours, - - George Simmons. - -[Sidenote: Dover, May 25th] - -Do not mention my letters, I beg of you. It was a most beautiful sight -to see us embark, and the lovely creatures cheering the men as they -passed. - - -_Journal—25th May-15th July 1809_ - -[Sidenote: 1809 May 25th] - -The 1st Battalion 95th Regiment had been under orders to embark at -a moment's notice for some days. The order arrived last night, and -at two o'clock this morning the Battalion was formed in the Barrack -Square, consisting of 1000 as fine young fellows as were ever collected -to fight their country's battles. For my part, my heart was as light as -a feather when we marched off; and, if I may judge from appearances, -every person had the same feelings. We entered Dover about six o'clock -and marched through it. The windows were crowded with inhabitants; some -greeted us, but in general the women seemed sorry to see us depart, -knowing well that numbers must never return to their native land again. - -The Battalion embarked in three transports, _Fortune_, _Malabar_, -and _Laurel_, and sailed immediately for the Downs, where we came -to anchor. The 1st Battalion 43rd and 52nd Light Infantry joined us -here, which with ourselves formed a Light Brigade, under the command -of Major-General Robert Craufurd, who took post on board the _Nymph_ -frigate, 44 guns, commanded by the Honourable Captain Percy, and also -the _Kangaroo_ sloop of war under his command. Foul winds and sometimes -very stormy until 3rd June. - -The Commodore hoisted the signal for sailing at daylight. The fleet got -under weigh towards evening and stood down the Channel. - -[Sidenote: 1809 June 4th] - -Saw the Isle of Wight at daylight; we neared it and anchored at St. -Helens. - -[Sidenote: 5th] - -The weather very squally. The fleet weighed and moved close to Cowes, -where we were detained by contrary winds for six days. - -[Sidenote: 11th] - -The wind seeming to become favourable, the fleet was put once more into -motion, but proving a false alarm, we brought up opposite Yarmouth, -and were again detained with foul winds until the 18th. - -[Sidenote: 18th] - -Yesterday a boat upset coming to our ship, the _Fortune_, from the -Commodore's, and a young midshipman and one sailor met with a watery -grave. The midshipman was coming to invite Captain Pakenham to dinner. -Our fleet sailed now in good earnest with a fair wind, passed the -Needles, and bid adieu to the shores of Old England. - -[Sidenote: 24th] - -Saw land ahead at daybreak, which was found to be Cabo Prior, near -Coruña in Spain; weathered Cape Finisterre. At noon the Commodore -chased a strange sail; it proved to be a Spanish brig, and being a -friend she was allowed to proceed. - -[Sidenote: 25th] - -Sailed along the coast of Portugal, passed the mouth of the Douro at 4 -P.M. - -[Sidenote: 26th] - -The _Kangaroo_ took her departure for England. - -[Sidenote: 27th] - -Passed through the inner passage of the Berlengas, having previously -taken on board a Portuguese pilot. The Berlengas are a cluster of small -rocky islands; on the largest of them the Portuguese have established a -battery. - -[Sidenote: 28th] - -Saw the Rock of Lisbon at daybreak. It is a bold mountain, whose sombre -front overhangs the sea. About noon we entered the Tagus, and our fleet -came to anchor close to Lisbon, which from the sea appeared a most -magnificent place indeed. On landing the charm ceased, as the streets -are exceedingly filthy. The quays are built of stone, and very good -along the river. - -The Citadel is on a commanding eminence in the town, from whence in -every direction you may observe churches, monasteries, convents, etc. -The most magnificent church is that of S. Roche. The French, under -Junot, robbed this church of many valuables, but the priests were -fortunate enough to save some things by hiding them from the grasp of -these rapacious plunderers. We remained on board for four days waiting -for orders. - -A number of Portuguese and transport boats came alongside each ship for -the purpose of conveying us up the Tagus. The tide began to flow about -midnight; we entered the boats and proceeded up the river. The boats -were crowded with men and we rowed on slowly up the river, anxious for -the approach of day, which at last arrived. The men were tugging at the -oars all day, and occasionally the boats ran upon banks of sand. - -[Sidenote: 1809 July 3rd] - -At dusk we arrived at the village of Vallada, where we halted, and for -the first time in my life I was treated with a bivouac. Hungry, wet, -and cold, and without any covering, we lay down by the side of the -river. I put one hand in my pocket and the other in my bosom, and lay -shivering and thinking of the glorious life of a soldier until I fell -fast asleep. - -[Sidenote: 4th] - -We fell in at daylight. I found the dew had wet me through, but the sun -soon made his appearance and dried me. - -Marched into the town of Santarem, and halted two days until the whole -of the Brigade and the baggage animals purchased in Lisbon arrived. -The town is surrounded with hills that are covered with innumerable -olive-trees, a great source of wealth to the inhabitants. The place -has a most respectable appearance, the ground very fertile, and plenty -of wine, grapes, oranges, and vegetables of every description in the -greatest abundance. I made my way immediately with many hungry fellows -to a _bodéga_. Breakfast was instantly produced, but the quantity of -each article did not at all agree with our ideas of a breakfast, so -that we were continually calling out for more of this thing and the -other in broken Portuguese, which bothered the landlord so much that -he took to his heels and we saw no more of him. I got a billet upon -a blacksmith, and found his family very kind. They brought me fruit, -wine, and cakes, but, as I do not understand one word of the language -properly, everything was done by signs. - -[Sidenote: 5th] - -I went on guard as supernumerary with Lieutenant Macleod at a convent. -At night I had lain down on a marble slab near the men, when a monk -requested me to rise and follow him. He led me upstairs and into a -large apartment, where a number of his brotherhood were assembled, and -soon had the table filled with rich food, plenty of fruits, and good -wines in abundance. I passed a few hours very agreeably with these -hospitable monks, who all appeared, from their roundity of body, to pay -more attention to feeding than praying. - -[Sidenote: 7th] - -This morning at daylight I left the hospitable blacksmith, who filled -my calabash with wine and my haversack with food. I slung these across -my shoulder and marched to Golegão, which is a small town on the banks -of the Tagus. - -[Sidenote: 8th] - -Marched to Punhete and Tancos. The former town stands on the junction -of the Zezere and Tagus, and the latter on the Tagus. In the river is -an island with an old castle in ruins named Almorel; I paid it a visit. - - -A bridge of boats enabled us to pass the Zezere near Punhete. - -[Sidenote: 9th] - -A short sultry march brought us to Abrantes, which being an hospital -station, there was no room for us in the town. We crossed the river -over a bridge of boats, and took up our bivouac. - -Abrantes is a town of some importance, with a citadel and -fortifications round it. Marshal Junot took his title as Duke of -Abrantes from it. - -[Sidenote: 11th] - -Marched to Gavião; weather exceedingly hot. - -[Sidenote: 12th] - -Marched over an uninteresting and hilly country to Niza, which has a -wall all round it in ruins, and the remains of an old Moorish castle in -tolerable preservation. One observes on entering the town that several -storks have built their nests near the gateway, which the inhabitants -seem to be very careful of preserving, as they say that good luck -attends those who are fortunate enough to be honoured by these birds -building their nests in their grounds or upon their houses. - -[Sidenote: 13th] - -Marched to Villa Velha, and crossed the Tagus over a bridge of boats, -and bivouacked upon the opposite bank. The scenery at this place is -very bold and romantic indeed, particularly by the pass. The country -round has a barren appearance, except that portion covered with the gum -cistus. The village is poor and miserable enough. - -[Sidenote: 14th] - -Marched to Sarnadas, a miserable place. - -[Sidenote: 15th] - -Marched to Castello Branco; halted two days in this town, which has -many good houses in it. The Bishop's house and gardens are superior to -any other. The small river Ocreza runs close to the town. - - -Letter No. II - - Castello Branco, _18th July 1809_. - -My dear Parents—After experiencing a very favourable voyage, we came in -sight of Lisbon on the 27th of June, and cast anchor before the town on -the 28th. We received orders not to disembark the troops immediately. I -therefore went on shore with a party of our officers. I must confess I -felt much disappointed with the place, as a stranger seeing the town at -a distance would conceive it a beautiful city; but on a nearer view you -find out all its imperfections. Elegantly-built houses, without windows -or curtains for them, and as dirty as possible; some few exceptions to -this, I allow. The people in general are dirty in the extreme, their -houses never whitewashed, and, stink worse than an English pig-sty. -All the nastiness is thrown out of windows in the evening, and, having -no scavengers to sweep the streets, you may judge the state of them -in some measure; and in hot weather it is very offensive to the nose -of an Englishman. I went to see several churches, which afforded me -some amusement and excited my pity, to see a people, through ignorance -and gross superstition, duped by a set of worthless priests under the -plea of religion. I dined at an English hotel, and afterwards went to -the opera. The dancing was too indelicate to give pleasure; at least I -felt it so, and blessed my stars I was an Englishman. The Portuguese -ladies seemed to enjoy the performance with great rapture, which must -make a Briton turn from them with disgust, and awake in the soul those -refined sentiments for delicacy and virtue which characterise our -British dames; and at all public entertainments a man possessing any -degree of feeling for the honour of the sex, must be disgusted with -such immodest performances. - -As I have very few moments to spare, I must endeavour to dedicate all -my leisure time to recruiting myself for the next day's march. On -the 30th of June our Regiment, the 43rd and 52nd, disembarked into -flat-bottomed boats about nine o'clock in the evening and sailed up -the Tagus. As the wind was not very favourable, we were obliged to be -continually rowing; I frequently took a spell with them. We landed -at Vallada, about 90 miles from Lisbon, on the evening of the 1st -of July, and directly formed in divisions. Marched about 10 miles -up the country; halted upon a common; each man took his greatcoat -and contentedly lay down; and for the first time in my life I slept -very comfortably upon the ground. After sleeping three hours, the -bugles sounded. We again commenced our march to Santarem, a large -town situated in the interior of Portugal. I was tired, but curiosity -led me all over the town, and, wandering from one place to another, -I found myself in a nunnery. The girls said I was a Portuguese, as -I was very much tanned by the sun (the officers joke me frequently -upon the same subject). After amusing myself at the gratings with the -nuns, and receiving some little presents, I left them and went to -a convent of friars. I supped with the grand priest; several monks -were also present. I then went to the play, came home to my lodgings -about half-past eleven o'clock, lay down till half-past one, and was -upon the road marching at two. We continue marching every day in this -manner, halting occasionally for half an hour, so that we manage to get -to our destined place about eleven o'clock in the forenoon, which is -generally upon a piece of ground shaded with trees. There we rest till -one or two the next morning and start as before. I never enjoyed better -health, and no difficulty appears a hardship; my feet never blister, -and I am always ready to commence the march with the first, and sleep -as well upon the ground with a stone for my pillow as upon a bed of -down. The weather is intolerably hot, and some men have died from the -heat of the sun when marching. Our men, generally speaking, are healthy. - -This country in some parts which we have passed through abounds with -grapes, peaches, oranges, lemons, and fruits of every kind. The country -we are at present in yields very little, being a continued series of -immense mountains, which are difficult in ascending. We are often -troubled to procure water; I always make a practice of carrying a -supply for myself, also provisions in my haversack for two or three -days' support, so am very seldom at a loss. Wine is very cheap, but bad. - -The French have carried away or eaten up all before them, and we often -pass through villages entirely deserted by the poor unfortunate people. -Sights of this kind will become habitual as we enter Spain; from the -rapid progress we make, in a few days we shall pass the frontiers of -Portugal. - -The French in some towns in Spain have murdered numbers of the -inhabitants, and plundered the rest of every movable that was worth -their taking—in short, their conduct has been barbarous in the extreme. -Sir Arthur Wellesley, we hear, is rapidly advancing towards Madrid, -and we are endeavouring to join him as soon as possible. It will be a -little time before we have a general engagement unless the French make -an advance and meet us. At present their army occupies a very strong -position about forty miles from Madrid and in our line of march. It is -supposed we shall give them battle as soon as we come up with them. The -army has great confidence in Sir Arthur Wellesley, and are exceedingly -anxious for the day of battle. I am a young soldier, but hope I shall -do my duty when put to the trial. My Colonel has ever treated me -with every mark of respect, and has put me into a company under the -patronage of an old warrior, whose bravery has often been shown to -the regiment. I have not had an opportunity of writing to Maud. I -expect he will soon be here. I hope he has managed to surmount all the -difficulties he had to encounter. A few years will put us, I hope, -above a repetition of the same, as, if I live, we will be together. -Endeavour to give the boys at home a liberal education, and I can soon -provide for them as gentlemen. - -My love to my dear mother. I hope she will not make herself unhappy on -my account. If I am fortunate in the service I have embarked in, my -greatest earthly pleasure will be to let my family reap the benefits. -I only pray my father will strain every nerve to educate them, and the -rest, leave to me. My love to my dear sisters Ann and Betsy. I hope Ann -is now a comfort to her mother. I do not forget her. Should I return, -I will endeavour to come and spend a few months with you. My respects -to Uncle and Aunt and friends.—I remain, with every good wish, your -dutiful son, - - Geo. Simmons. - -As I am continually on the move I cannot inform you where to direct for -me, but if you have nothing of moment to impart you need not write; or -should you write, direct as follows: Lt. Simmons, 1st Batt. 95th or -Rifle Regiment, Spain or elsewhere. I particularly charge my father not -to expose my letters to any one. - - - - -CHAPTER II - -_Journal—18th July-10th December 1809_ - - Advance of the Light Division—The forced march on Talavera—Arrival - on the field of Talavera—Marshal Cuesta abandons his position at - Talavera, and at same time Marshal Soult threatens the British line - of retreat—Sir Arthur Wellesley is forced to retire—The retreat to - Portugal—Simmons loses General Craufurd's private canteen cart—Wrath - of General Craufurd—Cantoned at Campo Mayor—Simmons gets typhus - fever—Great sickness amongst British troops. - -Letter No. III - -_To his Parents, from Campo Mayor, dated September 1809_ - - The forced march on Talavera—Scene on the battlefield—French dead and - French prisoners—Kindness of French to English prisoners—Return to - Portugal—Meeting with brother Maud—Forecasts as to his future military - career—Messages to his family. - -Letter No. IV - -_To his Parents, from Campo Mayor, dated 29th October 1809_ - - Life in cantonments—Movements of the French—Vanity and incapacity of - the Spanish officers—Opinion of the army of Lord Wellington—A letter - from brother Maud—Advice to his parents and messages to his sister. - -_Journal—11th-31st December 1809_ - - The Light Division ordered to form a Corps of Observation on the - Coa—March from Campo Mayor to Coimbra _en route_ for the Coa. - - -_Journal—18th July-10th December 1809_ - -[Sidenote: 1809 July 18th] - -Marched to Ladocir. - -[Sidenote: 19th] - -Marched to Zibreira, a tolerable village close to the Spanish frontier. -Country hilly. - -[Sidenote: 20th] - -Entered Spain by crossing the river Herjas, which takes its name from -the Castle of Herjas; it runs close to the walls, and is the boundary -between Spain and Portugal for some considerable distance. Halted at -Zarza la Mayor. - -[Sidenote: 21st] - -Moraleja. - -[Sidenote: 22nd] - -Marched to Coria, which is a nice little city surrounded by a wall, and -stands upon a plain. The river Alagon runs close to it. The cathedral -is a fine building. I went into it and heard some sacred music played -upon the organ by a blind man. The people since we entered Spain are -much cleaner in their persons and houses than the Portuguese, but the -Portuguese are more hospitable and attentive to our wants. - -[Sidenote: 24th] - -Marched to Galisteo, a town strongly situated and walled all round, -upon the Alagon. - -[Sidenote: 25th] - -Marched to Malpartida and saw at a distance the Gata mountains with -their summits covered with snow. - -[Sidenote: 26th] - -Marched to the river Tietar and crossed by a bridge of boats; the day -exceedingly hot and the column much fatigued. Arrived at Venta de -Bazagona. - -[Sidenote: 27th] - -Marched to Navalmoral. Heat very oppressive. - -[Sidenote: 28th] - -[Sidenote: 29th] - -Marched very early to the town of Calzada, where an express arrived -from Sir Arthur Wellesley directing the Brigade to make the least -possible delay in joining the army. The Brigade, after a short rest, -marched to Oropesa, where it halted four hours to cook, having marched -under a scorching sun. We again commenced the march all night in very -deep and sandy roads, and arrived early upon the field of battle at -Talavera de la Reyna this morning, completing thirty miles during the -night, having marched sixty-two English miles in twenty-six hours.[6] -The Brigade was aware that the British army was engaged with the -enemy. Every one amongst us was anxious to participate if possible -in the glorious cause, but we only arrived in time enough to see the -dead and the wounded, which was a novel sight to me, and affected -me exceedingly. I almost wished myself well out of the scrape I had -voluntarily entered into, but we had little time to reflect, as the -Brigade was ordered to take up the chain of advance posts on the -Alberche, which runs into the Tagus above Talavera. On the 27th the -British and Spanish armies in position were attacked partially, but -the French were obliged to retire back to their position. The Duke de -Belluno, Marshal Victor, made a general attack with all his forces this -morning (28th) upon the British, but Sir Arthur Wellesley repulsed the -enemy at all points. King Joseph was with the French. The Spaniards -under General Cuesta occupied the right of the position and the -enclosures, but _Johnny_ knew very well if he could dislodge John Bull, -the Spaniards would soon leave him in possession of the field. During -this sanguinary action numbers of the soldiers fell wounded amongst the -long grass and fields of standing corn, which was set on fire from the -bursting of shells. Many of these men were frightfully burnt, not being -able to move away, and others literally burnt to death. - -[Sidenote: 30th] - -We were employed all this day in collecting the dead bodies and putting -them into large heaps mixed with faggots and burning them. The stench -from so many dead bodies was volatile and offensive beyond conception, -as the heat of the weather was very great. Some little firing took -place between the outposts. - -[Sidenote: 31st] - -Continued burning the dead as before. Talavera is a good-sized town -upon the right bank of the Tagus, over which there is a well-built -stone bridge. It is about fourteen leagues from Madrid. - -In consequence of the Light Brigade having arrived, the enemy have not -shown a disposition to repeat their attack. - -[Sidenote: 1809 August 1st] - -At daybreak the enemy's piquets were gone, leaving a number of fires to -deceive us. Patrols crossed the Alberche. - -[Sidenote: 3rd] - -The British army fell back to Oropesa, as the Spanish general, Cuesta, -had undertaken to keep the French in check at Talavera whilst Sir -Arthur Wellesley made this movement to bring Marshal Soult to action, -who had passed the Sierra de Gata, and had arrived at Plasencia with an -army under his command. - -[Sidenote: 4th] - -The Spanish general was menaced with an attack by Marshal Victor; the -Spaniard, _butt_ uppermost—that is, his musket carried in the opposite -way from other folk's—making the best of his way in the most irregular -and unsoldier-like manner out of the reach of the French army. Our -astonishment and vexation were beyond conception, knowing that the -sick and wounded Englishmen had fallen (through the cowardice of the -Spaniards) into the hands of the enemy, and also that our army was now -placed in a most critical situation between the two French armies. The -only retreat open was by the bridge at Puente del Arzobispo; we passed -it; the advanced guard of Soult's army, consisting of cavalry, was -close to it. - -The bridge was secured by a body of infantry, and we had now the river -between us. The British army at the battle of Talavera numbered about -20,000, and lost 6000 killed, wounded, and prisoners. The French, who -were 45,000 strong, had 10,000 killed, wounded, and prisoners, and lost -twenty pieces of cannon. The Spanish army of about 30,000 lost nothing -of consequence sufficient to comment upon. - -The French army was supplied by the villagers with a number of -articles, while our army was nearly starving, although there was no -want of money in our camp, but our Spanish friends infested every -road for miles and robbed the peasantry who were bringing bread and -vegetables to us for sale, so that they were completely prevented -from rendering us any assistance. I rode several miles from our camp -in search of bread, and luckily bought some from a peasant who had -plenty hidden in his house, and would have gladly brought to our camp -but durst not, from the dread of being robbed by the Spanish soldiers. -Colonel Donkin's Brigade, consisting of the 45th, 87th, 88th, and five -companies of the 60th (5th Battalion) and our Brigade, formed the 3rd -Division under Brig.-General Craufurd. - -[Sidenote: 5th] - -Marched in the middle of the night, and continued marching for fourteen -hours, the weather very hot and no water to be obtained, as the -rivulets in our course were all dried up. The soldiers were very much -fatigued. Bivouacked on a barren hill near no human habitation. - -[Sidenote: 6th] - -A very tiresome march over a wild country to the village of Casas del -Puerto and Romangordo. Colonel Donkin's Brigade in bivouac at the -former, and ours at or near the latter village, posting piquets on the -bank of the Tagus and at the broken bridge of Almaraz. Marshal Soult's -advanced posts were on the opposite bank of the river. Our Brigade -moved every evening after sunset near the river, and there remained all -night with our arms ready in case the enemy should attempt to ford the -river. - -This was a nasty damp place, and the exhalations from the vegetable -matter which was corrupting from the heat of the sun, and the -half-dried swamps that were swarming with vermin, laid the foundation -of disease amongst our men. We called the place we occupied by day -_Dough boy Hill_; a more appropriate name for it would have been -_Starvation Hill_, as a small quantity of goat's flesh and a little -coarse pea-flour was all we obtained here daily. The flour was made up -into little cakes by each individual and put upon a thin stone over a -fire until sufficiently done. - -[Sidenote: 20th] - -We marched from this abominable place of starvation and misery at -midnight, passed through Deleitosa, and, some distance farther, -bivouacked in a large forest of cork trees and on the banks of the Rio -del Monte. The men in making fires, set fire to the long grass, which -grows luxuriantly, and, from the dryness of the season, is a thing -almost impossible to prevent. We fell in, in a great hurry. Some part -of the forest trees took fire also, but the ground was cleared of the -grass near us, and the danger ceased. - -[Sidenote: 21st] - -At sunset we moved a short distance and bivouacked. - -[Sidenote: 22nd] - -Marched over a plain country to near La Matilla. Bivouacked on the -banks of the river Almonte. At a short distance passed Truxillo, -celebrated as the birthplace of Pizarro. - -[Sidenote: 23rd] - -Marched to Caceres. Halted in an olive grove until the evening, -and then moved a short distance for the night. This place has the -appearance of being wealthy. The inhabitants were more kind to the -soldiers as we passed than I had witnessed since my arrival in Spain, -the women offering bread and milk to them. We observed several large -convents. One in particular attracted our notice, being perched on the -top of a high rock. - -[Sidenote: 24th] - -Marched to Arroyo del Puerco, the day being very hot indeed and the men -exceedingly fatigued. Rested in the shade under the trees during the -meridian heat; moved two leagues in the evening and bivouacked. - -[Sidenote: 25th] - -Marched to Salorino, a very hot and harassing day's toil. - -[Sidenote: 26th] - -Marched to Valencia de Alcantara, which is a frontier town (fortified -as far as the citadel goes) and walled round. - -[Sidenote: 27th] - -Halted. - -[Sidenote: 28th] - -The Division moved to the banks of a river named Sever, and bivouacked. - -[Sidenote: 29th] - -Passed the frontier between Spain and Portugal. General Craufurd -put the provost-marshal under arrest and ordered him to be marched -a prisoner with the provost guard. It was my duty on this occasion -to be put in charge of this guard. I had several delinquents also in -charge. I was ordered to pick up all stragglers and to take care that -no baggage was left by me upon the road. The only baggage I found was -the General's light cart filled with wine and eatables. I tried every -means to make the mules draw this load, but without effect. A soldier -of my party volunteered to mount the first mule, and with the slings of -the rifles we laid on handsomely on both sides of the stubborn animals. -We at last started them, but they set off with the greatest fury, away -went my rifleman, and luckily he was not hurt. The road happened to be -very steep, so that the animals could not avoid increasing their pace -every moment. The cart was dashed to pieces, and the mules were also -sadly injured. We passed a curious town situated on a very high rocky -hill, called Marvão. It is the Portuguese barrier, and lies opposite -Valencia de Alcantara. On entering Castello de Vide I proceeded first -to lodge the prisoners in a secure place, and then to inform the -General how well I had endeavoured to perform his orders. He had a -party at dinner, and was expecting his light cart every moment with its -contents in the best possible order. When I related the sad catastrophe -he became nearly furious, and directed me to march up the prisoners to -their respective regiments, to obtain drummers, and in the front of -each regiment to flog the culprits—in fact, to become a provost-marshal -for the occasion. I was highly indignant at such usage for having -exerted myself zealously to serve him. I went with my party to Colonel -Beckwith, and made him acquainted with the instructions I had received -from the General. He admonished the stragglers for having left the -line of march, and told them to go and join their regiments and not -transgress again. He took the responsibility off my shoulders, and I -went to my corps. I heard no more of this business, but this General -Officer never forgave me. - -We were bivouacked among large chestnut trees for three days, the -weather extremely sultry; we then were indulged with quarters in the -town for five days. - -[Sidenote: 1809 Sept. 7th] - -The Division marched to Portalegre, in Alentejo. The town is large and -populous. It has several convents in it. I visited them, but did not -find the nuns either beautiful or great devotees; they seemed to like -a good joke and nonsense as well as most folks. The regiments under -General Lightburn passed us to join the army, viz. 2nd Battalion 5th -Foot, 1st Battalion 11th, 2nd Battalion 34th, 39th, 42nd and 57th. My -brother visited me here. I gave him my watch. He slept at my quarters. - -[Sidenote: 10th] - -Marched to Arronches, a walled town near the rivers Alegrete and Caya. - -[Sidenote: 11th] - -Marched into Campo Mayor, and remained there three months. Our General -treated us occasionally with a field day. Numbers of the finest men in -the Division were carried off by disease, typhus fever being alarmingly -prevalent through the greater part of the British army. Headquarters at -Badajoz. The cavalry in advance at Merida and Albuquerque. Estremoz and -adjacent towns and villages were filled with our troops. - -[Sidenote: Sept.-Dec. 10th] - -The river Guadiana passes for a great way through a flat country, whose -banks in the rainy season are overflowed; consequently when the river -diminishes from dryness and the heat of the weather, its banks become -impregnated with myriads of vermin and also with vegetable matter in a -state of putrefaction. In every stagnant pool these exhalations poison -the surrounding atmosphere with pestilential vapours. The people of -the country leave it for some months at this season, and a common -observation among them is that strangers who come here at this season -seldom leave it again, _i.e._ they die. The town of Campo Mayor is -fortified, and has also a citadel. It stands on a plain abounding with -corn. At about the distance of a league a small river named the Caya -flows. This river forms the boundary line between the two countries. -Campo Mayor was besieged by the Spaniards in 1801, and fell in nineteen -days. I got a bad typhus fever here, and the priest wanted to confess -me and save me from everlasting perdition! I recovered very slowly -until the order for leaving this part of the country arrived. In a few -days, even on the line of march, I became well. My brother, in the 34th -Regiment, also suffered from the effects of this contagion. - -Badajoz is the frontier Spanish fortification, and is of much more -importance, being very strong and upon the left bank of the Guadiana, -over which is a fine strong Roman bridge in good preservation, 700 -paces long and 14 wide. This place is the capital of Estremadura, -and a Bishop's See. Fort San Christoval is an outwork upon the right -bank of the river, and commands the town. Elvas is a fortified town -of Portugal, of considerable importance, and about four leagues from -Badajoz. It is placed upon a rising piece of ground about a league -from the Guadiana, and has two outworks to support the town. Fort de -Lippe is placed upon a high hill and justly called a masterpiece in -fortification. The other fort, Santa Lucia, stands upon a smaller -hill, and communicates with the town by a covered way. Elvas is -supplied with water by an aqueduct. The water is brought a considerable -distance. If the place was invested regularly the aqueduct might easily -be destroyed, which would be a most serious inconvenience to the -inhabitants. The general hospital was at this place. Above 4000 British -soldiers were buried here during our stay in cantonments. - -Albuquerque is a walled town of Spain, about three leagues from Campo -Mayor. It has a fort situated upon a hill close to the town. This -place gives the title to a Duke, who possesses many privileges and -an extensive range of forests, in which are plenty of wild boars and -wolves, hunted frequently by those who are fond of such amusement. - - -Letter No. III - - Campo Mayor, Portugal, - _September 1809_. - -Dear Parents—My last letter was written at Castello Branco, which I -hope you received. I must now enter into a long detail of proceedings, -the result of which has not proved of any service to England or Spain -as yet, and I am afraid there is no likelihood our services in this -quarter ever will, unless we have a sufficient disposable force to -cope with the French, who are much more numerous than we expected. I -will now bid adieu to the land of plenty, a land well according with -the Scripture phrase—flowing with milk and honey. - -We very soon passed the frontiers of Portugal and entered Spain by -forced marches, generally of twenty English miles by day and sometimes -much more, the weather extremely hot and sultry and the roads very -bad. Sometimes we met with stupendous mountains, whose summits were -enveloped in the clouds; the villages in general were deserted by the -unfortunate inhabitants, and houses, churches, and everything they -possessed were one entire scene of ruin; some towns were completely -burnt to the ground, even the corn-fields (of this year's produce) -were generally laid waste by fire wherever the French had been. We -daily experienced great hardships from want of a proper supply of -bread and food of every kind. Sometimes with difficulty we got a -little, when every man endeavoured to get as much as possible for -himself, and I generally was not backward in contriving to satisfy -the cravings of a hungry stomach, as well as the oldest soldier among -them. From such fatiguing marches, and often bad food and water, by -day exposed to burning sun, and by night to the heavy dews, sleeping -generally upon the ground, you will not wonder at the men becoming -unhealthy, which daily obliged men to fall out on the march. Even the -strongest in outward appearance would lie down, or rather fall down, -and say positively they could not go any farther. The officers of our -regiment—most of them rode on horses or mules—did not experience the -fatigues so materially. As I had no money to spare, I was obliged to -walk, and, God knows, if illness had intervened or I had not been able -to march, my case would have been dismal; but, thank the Almighty, He -has blessed me with an excellent constitution, and all the hardships -I have met with have not made the least impression upon me. A little -John Bull-like, when hunger stared me in the face I put on a sorrowful -countenance, but by some means or other a sheep or pig came in my way -and I soon turned butcher. No sooner dead than roasted or grilled. I -assure you I have dined thus many times and felt much more real content -and pleasure than at a sumptuous feast. We now and then met with fields -of corn, and if the men were allowed to halt, they soon filled their -haversacks with ears, and boiled it when they arrived at the end of the -march. - -An express arrived from Sir Arthur Wellesley desiring the Brigade -would lose no time in making a speedy junction with the Grand Army, -and the last twenty-four hours' march is almost unparalleled by any -soldiers after the fatigues we had already experienced. I had only -six ounces of mouldy bread and some bad water, which I got by the -road occasionally in passing, to support me for twenty-four hours, -in which time we marched fifty-two miles, resting three hours on the -ground. We certainly should have found a much greater difficulty in -accomplishing it had we not met several wounded British officers -riding from the field of action, who told us what was passing when -they left. Every man seemed anxious to push on, and all were in high -spirits, hoping soon to be on the field of battle and to assist their -brave countrymen. The cannons distinctly sounding on our ears as we -came near. I forgot to say that the dastardly Spaniards were running -in all directions, the field being covered with the panic-struck. They -received many a hearty curse as they passed us. After all our efforts, -we arrived on the field of battle just soon enough to be too late. The -horrid sights were beyond anything I could have imagined. Thousands -dead and dying in every direction, horses, men, French and English, in -whole lines who had cut each other down, and, I am sorry to say, the -Spaniards butchering the wounded Frenchmen at every opportunity, and -stripping them naked, which gave admission to the attacks of myriads -of pernicious flies and the heat of a burning sun. You may be sure -everything was done on our part and the commanding officer's to put a -stop to such horrid brutality and give assistance, but the ground being -covered for at least five miles with dead and dying, and we expecting -another attack, the army was drawn up in a line ready to receive the -enemy. Our regiment was posted in front of the army, but the French -thought proper to have no more of it at the present, and retreated -about three miles and beyond a river, which secured their front. - -The French are very fine tall men, well dressed and accoutred. I saw a -colonel surrounded by his Grenadiers who had fallen by coming to the -charge with an English regiment, whose desperate courage and strength -of arm no troops in the world can cope with in that sort of warfare. -I have not time or room to dwell longer upon this subject; some other -time it possibly may be in my power to give a clearer account. The -papers, I have no doubt, will explain the business, and also inform -you how, from superior force, we were obliged to waive all advantage -gained by the gallant action at Talavera. The French followed us, the -wounded were all taken prisoners, and, I am happy to say, used very -well. The French are a brave and generous enemy, and their humanity to -the English prisoners is generous to the extreme. - -We have once more arrived in Portugal, after a tedious march and under -the continual expectation of having a battle with the French army, -sometimes being only two miles distant from them, and frequently on -piquet within gunshot of each other, though as yet I have never had the -honour of being fired at. - -I must not boast, we shall have enough of it before long, I daresay, as -it is believed the French are concentrating their forces, and will come -to see us shortly in a friendly way. The Spanish officers in general -are traitors or cowards, and of course the men will not fight when -their leaders set off. The Portuguese fight better. - -I saw my brother some days back; he has not been out of Portugal. -Of course the hardships experienced have been trivial. He is plump -and hearty. I walked over a mountainous country above twenty miles -to shake hands with him once again. Stayed two days. He marched one -way. I returned, and had on my arrival to commence instantly another -march. We again met at Portalegre on 17th September, and I gave him a -good dinner, wine, grapes, etc. (having once more got into the land -of plenty). He slept with me, and marched at three o'clock in the -morning. He would change sashes with me. He is a fine spirited boy, -enjoys good health and bears fatigue well. I gave him all the advice -in my power, and it will give me pleasure if it is of service. He is -now very economical. I believe his regiment will go to the East Indies -from here. If I escape from Portugal with a whole skin I think of going -to the West Indies for promotion. As I have commenced to soldier, I -must fight for promotion as a soldier, and everything I have yet seen -are trifles compared to what I have often experienced in England. Oh! -father, when the mind is at ease, a fig for the body! Danger is merely -ideal to a man of spirit. - -I am sincerely the friend and well-wisher of your family. As this may -not arrive, I have not written the regiment. Do not let this letter be -seen or talked about as any of mine. Right or wrong, I have no time to -read this epistle, and as it is the scrawl of a few moments, you must -excuse the diction; we cannot write when we please. My love to my dear -Ann. It is a lucky thing I did not fold the letter up in my hurry. My -blessing for her. - -Take care of the boys—I mean their learning. I had nearly bought my -mother a snuff-box, but the difference of six shillings in the bargain -occurs. I shall be able to bring or send one possibly, should things -stand square with me, in a little time. God bless her. I never lie down -on the ground to take my night's repose without praying for the welfare -of my dear parents and family. Something strikes me in my reveries that -I am yet to comfort and cherish them when age shall put it out of their -power. - - -Letter No. IV - - Campo Mayor, _29th October 1809_. - -My dear Parents—I hope by this time you will have received my letters. -If so, the present state of affairs is not altogether foreign to you. -The Brigade has been stationed here about six weeks, which has made my -lank and sunburnt countenance return nearly to its pristine appearance. -In my last letters I observed that from the commencement of campaigning -I had not felt ill except from starvation. My good landlady and I being -upon excellent terms, she indulges me to excess in dainty dishes and a -good bed. I had forgotten that there was a great difference in being -always exposed to the weather (I mean the sun) and now seldom. One day, -being intolerably hot, I exposed myself as usual, and have had a very -severe attack of ague, which has returned three times, and obliged me -to put my medical skill to the test after the above severe battles. -I drove my enemy from his intrenched position, and he has never -since dared to resume the attack, so have proved the best general. -I regularly rise with the sun, and go to exercise every morning. I -pay that attention to my present profession which another day (if -not suddenly stopped in my course) may be attended with success. I -thought I merited it in the profession which necessity and great -disappointments obliged me to relinquish. Col. Sibthorp's last words -were, "Simmons, you give me much uneasiness at leaving my regiment, and -I feel for your future welfare, and you may have greater hardships -than it is possible to conceive." I instantly said, as I had pledged my -honour to his men, I hope he could not for a moment entertain so mean -an opinion of me or think me a weathercock. He then could say no more, -but parted with me with as much affection as a near relation—I mean a -parent. I hope you will not for a moment conceive I mean to feel regret -at relinquishing the medical profession; far otherwise. I am as happy -as my present situation will admit of, and, thank the Almighty, have no -reason as yet to be to the contrary. A soldier thinks of nothing that -has passed by; it is only the present time that concerns him; he is a -careless and thoughtless being. I wish I could say he was a little more -prepared for a speedy exit into a future state. - -I will now endeavour to give you a slight sketch of the present state -of affairs. Our men are exceedingly unhealthy, and the hospitals are -crowded. Several officers of other regiments have died suddenly, and -numbers of men also have died from the effects of fatigue in our march -from Talavera. - -The French, from the best reports I can learn, have 30,000 men at and -near Almaraz and Puente del Arzobispo. Another French force of 100,000 -men are concentrating and collecting near Madrid. The whole of our army -is not more than 25,000 men, so some day shortly we shall have hard -fighting and hard running. We laugh heartily at the bombast which you -are gagged with, and seem to swallow, relating to the brave Spaniards. -John Bull will soon be in another way of thinking. The Spaniards are as -much afraid of the French as a child is of the rod. If you refer back -to a paper giving an account of our unforeseen retreat over (using the -words expressed in a French bulletin) an impassable mountain, you will -see in how dastardly a manner the grand and illustrious Spaniards set -off and left us no other resource than the above retreat. Otherwise -we were in the highest spirits in expectation of breakfasting in a -day or two with Marshal Soult at Plasencia. You can well conceive -the consternation at the sight of General Cuesta's army. Our gallant -commander, Lord Wellington, I am sorry to perceive, has already enemies -at home; they are illiberal rascals that can think only of puffing -forth such falsities. The old adage, "Great men have many enemies." -I may confidently say that every soldier entertains the highest -opinion of his Lordship, and if we face the French, where there is any -possibility for a general to lead on his army with credit to himself, -he certainly is the man to perform it. - -I am sorry to find our army in Flushing has not succeeded in the grand -attack intended upon Antwerp and carrying off the fleet. I some days -back wrote to Maud; the Brigade he is attached to is stationed about -five leagues from this place, Torre Mayor in Spain. He sings out -bitterly at the scarcity of provisions. He is in good spirits, I am -happy to say, much respected by his brother officers, and I am under no -apprehension of him ever forfeiting their good opinion. I have put him -upon an economical plan of paying for every article as he procures it, -or go without it. He informs me he owes the tailor of the regiment he -left £10. I have not the least doubt as soon as I return to England to -be able to settle that business. The young rogue took a fancy to my -watch (I forfeited to Joseph in town). I hope to purchase him a better -some other day. He must forgive me. He gave me my knapsack for shirts -and stockings. (I lost my own. I took it from the back of a Frenchman -at Talavera who had paid the debt of nature by the bayonet, and it -has proved very serviceable.) While writing this, I have this moment -received a letter from him. He writes in high spirits and enjoys good -health; he informs me of a shocking accident which happened to a poor -boy. Being on guard, the boy attracted his notice, and was playing and -amusing himself with his antic tricks when a man passed through the -guard-room leading a mule (a restive one). He was carrying a loaded -musket also, which, coming in contact with the horse's side, discharged -its contents. Maud had the luck to escape, but the poor boy was shot, -and expired instantly. - -His words struck me rather forcibly on the occasion, which were to -this effect: "The Spaniards came in numbers to the spot, and from the -howling of the men and women, whose _concord_ and _discord_, will give -me the blue devils before the morning." I have written to-day and -begged in his next he will explain the latter sentence. I expect him -here soon to spend a day or two. I remain, with every good wish to -my dear friends—with me my brother also joins in duty and love—yours -sincerely, - - G. & M. Simmons. - -I beg you will answer this as soon as possible, as my brother is, as -well as myself, anxious to hear from you. _Do not show my letters._ - -My brother informs me Joseph is with an attorney at Hull. I hope, if he -likes his situation, in a few years I shall be enabled to assist him. -Pay great attention to all your children's learning; make them good -scholars, and they will have little to apprehend. I hope Joseph is a -good boy. My dear mother, I am sometimes afraid, thinks too much of her -graceless boy. I know I am not deserving any better name. I hope yet -at some future day to be a comfort to her. I assure you the welfare of -my family is always uppermost in my mind. I hope my sister is well and -happy. I beg she will ever be upon her guard in forming new friends -or acquaintances, as we see every day the misfortunes young women are -subject to by such connections. I have too high an opinion of my dear -sister to think she will do so. I am convinced her prudence and good -sense, with the advice of the best of mothers, will be her guard from -forming connections with imprudent people. Give her this advice. I -bought a shawl here for five dollars, rather a whimsical thing, which I -hope to send you, at least when I return to England; we have some idea -of coming back, you see. - -Write soon. I am particularly anxious to hear from you, as is also my -brother. Direct to me, Lieut. Simmons, 1st Battalion, 95th or Rifle -Regiment, Grand Army, Portugal (or elsewhere). - - -_Journal—11th December-31st December 1809_ - -[Sidenote: 1809 Dec. 11th] - -This day we have been stationed at Campo Mayor three months, and are -now ordered to prepare for a march. I am recovering from fever. The -convalescent and sick are ordered to be sent to Elvas, but I am allowed -to proceed, by my own wish, with my regiment. - -[Sidenote: 12th] - -Marched to Arronches and halted. - -[Sidenote: 16th] - -Marched to Portalegre, where the Brigade assembled, consisting of 1st -Battalions 43rd and 52nd, and ours, the 95th or Rifle Men. I was in -the same company I commenced my military career with, and being the -junior officer, I consequently got the last choice of quarters, which -too frequently was a dirty floor with my blanket only. Captain O'Hare -did not show me much kindness, but the change of air improved my health -daily. - -[Sidenote: 18th] - -Marched to Crato, the officers of the company, viz. five, billeted -upon the house of a priest, who gave us all beds and sold us one of -the finest turkeys I ever saw, and also some excellent wine, which he -partook of. I enjoyed myself so much this day and slept so well that in -the morning I felt myself as well as ever, and from that moment shook -off the villainous effects of disease. The weather cool and refreshing. - -[Sidenote: 19th] - -Marched to Ponto do Souro, a village situated in a pleasant valley, -through which the river Souro runs its course. The neighbouring country -is well covered with wood. - -[Sidenote: 20th] - -Marched to the town of Abrantes. - -[Sidenote: 22nd] - -Marched to Punhete. - -[Sidenote: 23rd] - -Marched to Thomar, a large town which is observed at a considerable -distance, being built upon a most prominent hill, at the bottom of -which flows the river Nabão. - -[Sidenote: 24th] - -Marched and crossed a ridge of mountains to Ourem. Aldea da Cruz and -adjacent villages being very small and only calculated to lodge a few -companies in each of them. - -[Sidenote: 25th] - -Marched to Leyria, where the company's officers were billeted together -again; we got excellent white wine and good mattrasses. My Captain, -having enjoyed the wine very much, pulled off his boots, placed them -near the fire and a soldier took them away. Captain Mitchell of ours -was in the street just as the man left the house; something struck him -at the moment that the soldier was about no good, so he ordered him -to come into the room where we were. On opening his greatcoat, Peter -O'Hare's boots fell to the ground. This man was tried and flogged. My -Captain had the command of the detachment when the sentence of the -court-martial was put into execution. He gave the man every lash, and -recommended the buglers to lay it on lustily and save the fellow from -the gallows. This was the first punishment I had witnessed. - -[Sidenote: 27th] - -Marched to Pombal, on the Soure. - -[Sidenote: 28th] - -Marched to Condeixa, upon the same stream as yesterday. - -[Sidenote: 29th] - -To Coimbra, a large commercial city upon the north bank of the Mondego. -This city we entered by passing over a long bridge of many arches. The -gardens are supplied with the most delicious oranges in every stage of -growth upon the same tree, and plenty of grapes and other fruits, which -we were allowed to eat at pleasure. I visited several of the convents, -and met with great kindness from the nuns, who gave any British officer -who visited their convents sweetmeats and fruits in abundance, and to -particular favourites little purses to keep as tokens of regard. - - - - -CAMPAIGN OF 1810 - - - Viscount Wellington arranged for the defence of Portugal by massing - the Anglo-Portuguese army at two points—the first, under his own - command, on the Mondego, and the second, under General Hill, on the - Tagus. He also issued orders for the construction of the Lines of - Torres Vedras. The Light Division under General Craufurd was pushed - forward to the Agueda as a Corps of Observation. - - Massena, with a mobile force of 65,000 men, now threatened Portugal, - having captured the fortress of Ciudad Rodrigo, defended by the - Spaniards. - - The first fight of the campaign was on 10th March, when General Férey - endeavoured to surprise the Light Division by a night attack on the - bridge of Barba del Puerco; this was held by the 95th Rifles, who - drove back the French with heavy loss. - - Craufurd maintained his position on the Agueda for four months after - this, but in July, Ney with 30,000 troops advanced on Almeida, and - Craufurd elected to stand and fight him with the Coa River behind him, - and being vigorously attacked by overwhelming forces, withdrew with - great difficulty and with heavy loss. The fortress of Almeida shortly - afterwards fell into the hands of the French, and Massena advanced on - the line of the Mondego with the object of driving the British army - out of the country. Wellington, however, barred his advance at Busaco, - and a sanguinary battle was fought, in which the French were worsted. - Massena, finding he could not force the position at Busaco, manœuvred - to his right and threatened Wellington's line of retreat, and the - latter fell back to his prepared defences of Torres Vedras. - - - - -CHAPTER III - -Campaign of 1810 - -_Journal—1st January-27th February 1810_ - - March from Coimbra to the Coa—The Light Division placed in cantonments - in advance of the Coa—A company of Rifle Men, sent out to reconnoitre, - find the French advanced posts in possession of Barba del Puerco. - -Letter No. V - -_To his Parents, from Villar Torpin, dated 28th February 1810_ - - Suffers from fever and ague—Description of Coimbra, its museum, - monasteries, and nunneries—Reflections on the superstition and - bigotry of the Portuguese—Miserable condition and poverty of the - inhabitants—Description of cantonments occupied—Conduct of the - French—Rumours as to the impending campaign and confidence in Lord - Wellington—Severe lecture to his father and good advice to the family - all round. - -_Journal—4th March-30th April_ - - Advance from Reygada to the Agueda—The Rifles on outpost duty on - the Agueda, with one company on piquet at the Bridge of Barba - del Puerco—The French, who occupy the opposite bank, make a night - attack in force and endeavour to seize the bridge—Desperate - fight, in which the French are repulsed—Complimentary order - issued by Brigadier-General Craufurd to the Rifles by order of - Lord Wellington in consequence of their gallant behaviour on this - occasion—Dispositions of the Light Brigade on the river Azava—Captain - Ross's troop of Horse Artillery attached—The Rifles on piquet and - 1st King's German Hussars on vedette duty on the Azava—Formation of - the celebrated "Light Division"—The 1st and 3rd Portuguese Caçadores - attached to it. - -Letter No. VI - -_To his Father, from Villar de Ciérvos, dated 30th April 1810_ - - Describes the events of the preceding two months—The mountainous - country and defile of the Agueda—Position held at Barba del - Puerco—Disposition of the Rifle Men on piquet at the bridge on - 19th March—The French attack—Death of Lieutenant Mercer—Captain - O'Hare brings up the support—Sharp hand-to-hand fighting at the - bridge—Colonel Beckwith arrives with three companies of the - Reserve—The Rifle Men fix swords and charge—Retreat of the French—The - losses on both sides—Strength of the French column of attack—Captain - O'Hare's commendation of Simmons' behaviour. - - -Campaign of 1810 - - -_Journal—1st January-27th February 1810_ - -[Sidenote: 1810 Jan. 1st] - -Began the year rather roughly by a long day's march over bad and -mountainous roads to the wretched village of Ponte de Murcella. The -Alva runs near it, and falls into the Mondego some distance from the -village. - -[Sidenote: 2nd] - -Marched to Galizes and adjacent villages; the country mountainous and -poor. - -[Sidenote: 3rd] - -Marched to Pinhancos and San Marinha, near the foot of the extensive -ridge of mountains named the Mountains of the Stars (Sierra da -Estrella). This chain is the highest in Portugal, and continues to the -southern part of Estremadura. - -[Sidenote: 4th] - -Marched to Celorico. - -[Sidenote: 5th] - -Pinhel. On our arrival here were informed that the French had a body of -men in San Felices, and that their piquets were upon the river Agueda, -and that strong parties of Frenchmen occasionally passed the river and -entered Portugal to plunder or levy contributions. The headquarters of -the Brigade remained here. - -[Sidenote: 7th] - -The Rifle Men were ordered to proceed across the Coa to the villages -of Cinco Villas, Villar Torpin, and Reygada, two leagues in advance of -Pinhel. Cinco Villas is half a league nearer Pinhel, and stands close -to the Coa, with a strong stone bridge over it. - -[Sidenote: 17th] - -Marched and occupied the villages of Figueira, Mata de Lobas, and -Escallion, close to the river Douro. The rest of the Brigade marched -from Pinhel, taking up a line on our right. The banks of the Douro are -extremely rocky, wild, and romantic—in short, the country all round, -with few exceptions, is wild and stony. We have had a heavy fall of -snow, in which I observed innumerable prints of wolves. I endeavoured -to track them, but without success. - -[Sidenote: 1810 Feb. 14th] - -Retired to Valverde Pereiro, in consequence of some information our -Brigade received about the enemy. - -[Sidenote: 15th] - -[Sidenote: 27th] - -Returned to our cantonments and continued very quiet until this day, -when a company of Rifle Men were ordered to the Spanish village of -Bouza. A party was sent forward to feel the enemy. It crossed the river -Duas Casas, and proceeded to Barba del Puerco, which was found in -the enemy's possession. The party fell back upon Bouza and the enemy -followed and fired a few long shots, but did not cross the river. Two -companies of Rifle Men now occupied Bouza, and two companies as a -support at Escarigo, on the Turon. The Duas Casas rises near Castello -Bom, on the Portuguese frontier; it passes between Bouza and Barba del -Puerco, after which it falls into the Agueda. - - -Letter No. V - - Villar Torpin, _28th February 1810_. - -Dear Parents—Your epistle came to hand a few days back, which gave me -infinite pleasure and gratification. - -I have for some time been in expectation of receiving a letter from -Maud. I suppose he is not well informed where I am stationed. He had a -severe illness in the neighbourhood of Badajoz, and wrote for advice, -which he since informs me was of service, and before he marched he -had quite recovered. At the same time I was expected hourly to bid a -final adieu to this world. Judge what a situation to give advice to a -bed-ridden brother. However, I hinted nothing relative to myself, and -endeavoured to write in good spirits, which at that period had good -effect. - -From fatigues my ague again revisited me, and continued daily for some -time, and at last terminated in a fever very prevalent through the army -at that period, and which confined me entirely to bed for three weeks. -But from the kind attention of my good landlady, who was continually -watching over me, I surprised numbers and deceived the grim King of -Terrors. As soon as I was able to move I went to a very healthy spot in -Spain, and improving daily (in a wonderful manner) speedily recovered. -Since that time I have traversed nearly the whole of Portugal, and seen -most of the best towns through the country, marching four, five, and -six leagues per diem, sometimes sleeping and living in the grandest -houses in the country, and at others in the most wretched hovels not -as good as an English pig-sty. Our present situation is about 300 -miles march from Campo Mayor, and half of our way was over stupendous -mountains—in short, it was beyond anything I could have conceived, and -has highly compensated me for my labour. I spared no pains in visiting -all the churches and monasteries and castles in my way, which were -curious and frequently very interesting. At Coimbra, an exceeding good -town, and possessed of several rich convents, with a beautiful church -and museum of curiosities, two stuffed crocodiles attracted my notice -much, being 30 feet long, also tigers and a variety of different beasts -of prey in a high state of preservation. At the convent of Santa Clara -the nuns presented several of the British officers with sweetmeats, -which were very nice. - -The friars and nuns at all the convents I have visited behaved with -the greatest politeness. It often excited my pity for so many poor -unfortunate women, who might have lived in the world and proved -an ornament to Society, but, alas! doomed by their parents from -superstitious bigotry to be secluded from the world and live entombed -in a vile prison, like common felons or miscreants, not fit to be -at large. The monks and priests of different orders live and prey -upon the vitals (if I may use the expression) of the people; they -endeavour to keep up that superstitious bigotry, which enables them to -exercise their extortions to the greatest degree upon the deluded and -infatuated multitude. The most miserable hovels in the country must -have six or eight painted images, dressed out in the most whimsical -and fantastic manner, imitating Jesus Christ, etc., a variety of -saints more calculated to excite laughter than convey any idea of the -Deity. It is through these wooden dolls they worship the Almighty, but -it is my opinion one half of them worship the images or saints they -stick up. At a certain hour in the day, sometimes twice or thrice, a -bell rings, the people off with their hats and chatter over a little -prayer, which, if their conscience pricks them, or they have committed -a slight irregularity, they repeat ten or a dozen times and feel -perfectly satisfied. Our present quarters are truly miserable; on all -sides stupendous mountains; the people wretched in the extreme, clothes -hardly sufficient to cover themselves, and positively not a degree -above savages—I mean as to their method of living. Of a morning they -will turn out of their wretched cabins and are to be seen sitting in -rows upon the ground in the sun picking lice off themselves and out of -each other's heads; they do not mind, or endeavour to hide themselves -from your view. At first it disgusted me, but from habit I stand by and -joke them about the number they have killed, which they take in great -good-humour, and tell you, so many that they could not keep account! - -Their houses are built of rough stone, generally 7 or 8 feet high (some -exceptions to this rule), with no outlet for smoke; the fire is made -by the wall side, and consists generally of mountain heather or broom, -which produces a most intolerable smoke, and gives a person who is not -well seasoned, a copious flow of tears. The family sit on the ground -round it; the house is entirely enveloped in smoke, and every side -of the wall is like a chimney, which they never take pains to sweep -clean. The people never wash themselves, and seldom comb their heads. -The women have an immense quantity of long black hair, and never wear -bonnets, and seldom shoes and stockings. Garlic, oil, and dark brown -bread of Indian corn and rye is principally their food; they certainly -stared to see us eat beef, pork, etc., in such quantities, and drink -wine so freely. - -These are the people we have the honour of living with at present in -the mountains on the north frontier of Portugal. Our regiment occupies -this position to preserve the left flank of the army from a sudden -attack. The other day the French menaced us, but retired. They are at -present in great force in the vicinity of San Felices, three leagues -from us; they make sad havoc among the cattle in the vicinity, killing -and wasting all they cannot carry away, and breaking everything in the -houses of the unfortunate inhabitants, and what is worse than all, they -knock down all idols in the churches; this shocked the people more -than all the rest put together. Things are daily drawing to a crisis. -Spain is lost, I firmly believe. Whenever the French show themselves -the Spaniards are panic-struck. The French are, it is supposed, forming -two grand armies to attack us, and we daily expect to retire in order -to concentrate our little army. It is rumoured that the Portuguese have -refused to march to attack the French near Badajoz, who are besieging -that town. If this is the case we shall soon retire upon Lisbon, but -let it be as it may, I have great confidence in Lord Wellington, who is -able to extricate us if difficulties have to be surmounted, and highly -competent to command Britons in the field and lead them off with glory. -In a few weeks you will have great news on this head, depend upon it. - -The only thing I at present want is a supply of clothes. The lying out -at night in the fields for months together soon puts your raiment in -disorder. I am nearly in rags. - -We have been in the habit of procuring excellent wine latterly at 6d. -per quart. We live well now and then. John Bull likes good feeding, and -none better than myself. - -I think that if we should soon leave Portugal and not have a battle, in -all probability we may go up the Mediterranean, as the regiment is not -at present very strong. - -The newspapers will direct you as to everything. I think the move -must certainly take place. If so, you will hear from me possibly -next in England. My love to my aunt, uncle, etc.—I remain your ever -affectionate son, - - G. Simmons. - - -_Journal—4th March-30th April 1810_ - -[Sidenote: 1810 March 4th] - -Marched from Reygada to Escarigo. Halted. The enemy finding us so near, -did not like to continue at Barba del Puerco, and withdrew across the -river. We occupied it immediately. The rain fell violently, and as the -Duas Casas had no bridge and was in our rear, and was frequently so -swollen as to be rendered impassable, our Brigadier ordered the post to -be evacuated. - - -Affair of Barba del Puerco - -[Sidenote: 11th] - -On the 11th, with four companies of Rifle Men, we again occupied this -post, having our company posted on piquet near the most formidable -passes I ever beheld. The French were also posted opposite us. The -river Agueda, which rises in the great Spanish mountains named Sierra -de Gata, and runs furiously in the bottom of this deep chasm over -rugged rocks, causing a continued noise, separated us. At the bottom -of the zig-zag pass is the bridge over the river, 100 yards long and 5 -yards wide. San Felices, in which the advance of the French army were -lodged under the command of General Baron de Férey, is about half a -league from the pass. We remained quietly here until the night of the -19th inst., being upon outlying piquet with Captain O'Hare's Company. -Early in the evening I crossed the bridge to find a paper left there -(in the piquet house) for me to fetch from the French side, and had -just returned from visiting the advanced double sentry and made my -report to Lieutenant Mercer, when a tremendous firing commenced. Mercer -immediately ordered the men to fall in and move forward to our alarm -post, which was on the edge of the rocky chasm. The night being dark -and stormy, with rain occasionally, caused the river to make more -noise in its passage over the rocky bed than usual, and completely -prevented our advanced sentinels hearing the approach of the enemy. -Also from the obscurity of the night, it was not possible to see any -object, so that the enemy passed the bridge so rapidly that only one -sentinel fired before they were both knocked down. Two men, Maher and -M'Can, were taken at the bridge. However, this gave the alarm, and a -small party stationed amongst the rocks kept up a fire. The sergeant -being shot through the mouth and the enemy being so numerous, they -could not impede their progress. In a moment, after the arrival of the -main body of the piquet, the French were literally scrambling up the -rocky ground within ten yards of us. We commenced firing at each other -very spiritedly. Their drums beat a charge, and the French attempted -to dislodge us without effect. My friend, Lieutenant Mercer, who was -putting on his spectacles, received a musket ball through his head, -and fell dead close to my feet. Several were now falling, and the -moon for a few minutes shone brightly, then disappeared, and again at -intervals let us see each other. We profited by this circumstance, as -their belts were white and over their greatcoats, so that where they -crossed upon the breast, combined with the glare of the breast-plate, -gave a grand mark for our rifles. Our men being in dark dresses, and, -from their small number, obliged to keep close together, the ground -also being exceedingly rugged, were all favourable circumstances. We -fought in this way for at least half an hour against fearful odds, when -Lieutenant-Colonel Beckwith brought up the three reserve companies from -the village, who soon decided the affair. The enemy was driven in the -greatest confusion back over frightful precipices, leaving two officers -killed and a number of men wounded. - -About 9 o'clock in the evening, Captain O'Hare had been taken unwell, -and as there was no idea of an attack, he went home to bed. Lieutenant -Cowan was sent for him when the firing commenced. They arrived after -poor Mercer was killed, so the command of the piquet devolved upon me -for a quarter of an hour. Thus I had the honour to command for some -time after poor Mercer was killed and until O'Hare returned. I merely -mention this circumstance as it was the first time I had been in a -fight, but the gallantry displayed by the _varmint_ fellows that were -with me left no doubt on my mind that we should have resisted all these -attempts to dislodge us until the reserves came up. A young Frenchman -that was taken, fired into Colonel Beckwith's face. A Rifle Man was -just going to blow his brains out, when the Colonel stopped him, -saying, "Let him alone; I daresay the boy has a mother. Knock the thing -out of his hand, that he may do no more mischief with it, and give -him a kick on the bottom and send him to the rear." The next morning -the boy was given a hearty breakfast at the Colonel's house. On being -questioned about firing so wantonly, he said he was in such agitation -that he was not aware his finger was upon the trigger of his gun. The -ball went through the Colonel's cap peak, which, being turned up, made -it take a slanting direction; it passed through and grazed the top of -his head. Six hundred volunteers were chosen by the French general -to attempt the annihilation of our party, and fifteen hundred more -were formed to support the attack in case of success. A number of men -kept up a fire from the enemy's side of the river during the time the -soldiers were passing the ravine. - -A body of Spaniards under a captain was stationed on our right. We -had a corporal and file with them, merely to give us intelligence -if necessary. When the firing commenced the Spaniards became very -uneasy; the officer wished our corporal to leave his post; he said he -was determined to wait until the enemy overpowered him, so the noble -Castilian and his forces started off. Two French officers, a Light -Infantry captain and a subaltern, and seventeen men lay stretched -upon the rough ground. We afterwards heard from a deserter that the -colonel who led the attack was shot through the mouth and his jaw -broken. He was making a great noise before, but this circumstance made -him so quiet that a child might have played with him. Several other -officers were wounded and a number of men who were carried off during -the affray, Lieutenant Mercer killed, seventeen of our men killed and -wounded. Fairfoot was of the party taken; Betts, the sergeant, wounded -in the jaw; O'Gallagher wounded and died; William David, his skull -blown off and his _dura mater_ exposed. A French sergeant was wounded -through the knee, and afterwards I assisted Surgeon Burke to remove -his leg. This being the first affair of the outposts, and it having -resulted in the total discomfiture of the enemy in his midnight attack, -the following Complimentary Order was issued on the occasion:— - - Division Orders - - Brigadier-General Craufurd has it in command from the - Commander-in-Chief to assure Lieutenant-Colonel Beckwith and the - officers of the 95th Regiment who were engaged at Barba del Puerco - that their conduct in this affair has augmented the confidence - he has in the troops when opposed to the enemy in any situation. - Brigadier-General Craufurd feels peculiar pleasure in noticing the - first affair in which any part of the Light Brigade were engaged - during the present campaign. That British troops should defeat a - superior number of the enemy is nothing new, but the action reflects - honour on Lieutenant-Colonel Beckwith and the Regiment, inasmuch that - it was of a sort that Rifle Men of other Armies would shun. In other - Armies the Rifle is considered ill calculated for close action with an - enemy armed with Musket and Bayonet, but the 95th Regiment has proved - that the Rifle in the hands of a British soldier is a fully efficient - weapon to enable him to defeat the French in the closest fight in - whatever manner they may be armed. - - (Signed) T. Graham, D.A.G. - -This night gave me a good opinion of myself. I fought alone for some -time with fearful odds, my friend dead at my feet. I had been often -joked and told, "Would you not like to be at home again?" After this -night I was considered a soldier fit to face the devil in any shape. - -[Sidenote: 21st] - -Another attack being expected from the enemy, two more companies of -Rifle Men marched in, also two of the 52nd and one of the 43rd Light -Infantry. - -[Sidenote: 23rd] - -This post being frequently cut off in rainy weather by a river which -ran in our rear becoming so swollen that it was impossible to ford it -for days together, our General withdrew us, and sent a piquet of the -1st German Hussars as a look-out post; we moved into Villar de Ciérvos. -A few days before we left the post of Barba del Puerco a deserter -wanted to come to us, but the river ran so furiously that he durst not -cross it. Some Spaniards who were hiding from the French observed him, -and did not know his wishes, but seeing this Frenchman without arms and -unsupported, deliberately stoned him to death, several of us looking on -without the power of doing the unfortunate man any service. - -[Sidenote: 1810 April 6th] - -A battalion of French Infantry and a squadron of Dragoons marched from -San Felices and proceeded to the ford of Valdespina. The infantry -formed up whilst the cavalry foraged and plundered the small villages, -after which the whole returned to San Felices, followed by a party of -1st German Hussars. - -[Sidenote: 8th] - -Our battalion marched from Villar de Ciérvos to Val de la Mula, Val -de la Cuellar, and Malpartida. The former villages stand on the Turon -below the hill of Fort Concepçion; San Pedro and Valermosa were -occupied by the 43rd Regiment. - -[Sidenote: 11th] - -This day two of our companies were divided and the Battalion formed -into eight companies instead of ten. The staff of the two companies -were ordered to proceed to the depôt in England. Captain Ross's troop -of Horse Artillery was also attached to the Light Brigade. - -[Sidenote: 21st] - -General Craufurd reviewed the Brigade on the heights of Fort -Concepçion, after which the following change of quarters took place: -43rd relieved the 52nd at the outposts, 95th occupied the villages -vacated by the 43rd, 52nd marched into the cantonments vacated by the -95th. The enemy are making their appearance in the vicinity of Ciudad -Rodrigo in considerable force; it is a strongly fortified Spanish town -upon the Agueda. - -[Sidenote: 29th] - -The enemy have invested the town in very large force. Four companies of -Rifle Men marched to Espeja and four into Gallegos; these villages are -about a league apart and three from Ciudad Rodrigo. The enemy sent a -reconnoitring party, which, after making its observations, returned by -the ford below. - -[Sidenote: 30th] - -Two companies of Rifle Men were now posted as piquets above, about two -miles in front, upon the river Azava, at the bridge of Marialba and -the forts. A vedette of the German Hussars was posted on the other -side of the river in our front upon a commanding height in the village -of Carpio; from his station he could overlook all between him and -Ciudad Rodrigo. Two companies of Rifle Men left Gallegos for Espeja, -to admit the 1st and 3rd Caçadores, who are to be attached to us, into -the village. The Division is now to be called _Light_ in future. These -Portuguese soldiers are dressed in brown and are Light Infantry. - - -Letter No. VI - - Villar de Ciérvos, Spain, - _30th April 1810_. - -Dear Father—You will wonder, I suppose, at my sending one letter -after another in this way, as I wrote you so recently from Reygada in -Portugal. - -I had the other day a long letter from my friend Maud. I answered it -the following day. He is in high health. I gave him all my news, ending -the letter, as usual, with advice. He has been stationed for some time -at Portalegre in Portugal, an exceeding good town, while I have been -traversing the country for months, not staying more than a day or two -in a place, and sleeping in tents or churches. For the last two months -back we have been stationed so near the enemy we durst not take off our -shoes. The weather has all along been very bad, continually raining -or snowing. I am in hopes it will soon clear up. The other day I was -posted on a bleak rock from four o'clock in the morning till one after -noon before I was relieved, and got famously ducked; but I derived this -advantage—it gave me a keen appetite for my breakfast, which my servant -has provided for me in style—four eggs, roast fowl, and plenty of tea. -We have no certainty as to meals, sometimes we dine at two o'clock, and -other times at ten at night. In our company we have three mules and an -ass to carry our provisions and wine, which, when we move about, we -carry in deer skins. - -This day I marched four leagues under a continuous torrent of rain. I -am now under tolerable shelter, sitting drying my trousers over a fire -of wood upon the ground, and am in a very ill-humour, having burnt the -leather which encircles the bottoms. I have my jacket off and a blanket -round me until my jacket and shirt are dried. I am so much accustomed -to get wet I think little about it. For some time the French had been -stationed about eight leagues from us, but lately they made a move and -menaced Ciudad Rodrigo, but not having sufficient cannon, they were -obliged to retire for the present. I saw a fine puff in the English -papers treating upon the bravery of the garrison (how John Bull is -gagged!) Depend upon it the French have much greater influence with the -Spaniards than the English. All the Spanish soldiers I have seen look -more like banditti than soldiers. - -We always know when the French are near—they, the Spaniards, run away -in every direction. Our soldiery hate to see them. - -The Portuguese are much superior in appearance. We shall soon try their -composition in the first battle. The enemy marched to San Felices, -which caused us to advance upon Bouza (our regiment only). The other -part of the Light Brigade continued in the rear, occupying villages, -waiting ready to advance in case we required their assistance. - -The French the next day had the impudence to pass the bridge and come -to Barba del Puerco, about four English miles from us. A peasant -came in the same evening and gave information, stating they demanded -rations for 1000 men; 300 men were in the town. The next morning three -companies of us moved to attack them at daylight, but they thought it -prudent to retire and not wait till the bread was baked, so we had hot -bread for breakfast. Between Barba del Puerco and San Felices is an -immense chain of mountains, which divides in the middle and forms a -deep chasm, the bottom of which is the bed of the river Agueda, which, -in the rainy season, runs with incredible violence. It receives a great -quantity of water from the rocky and rugged sides of the mountains, -which are for above half a mile nearly perpendicular; here is also a -bridge about ninety yards across. - -The way to this bridge is very bad, being a zig-zag pathway called the -pass of San Felices. The water dashing against the rugged sides of -this river and the great depth of the chasm make the appearance to a -stranger wonderfully terrific. These were the mountains we had to guard -and place our sentries in the different intricate pathways, and to post -them in the dark in order to deceive our enemy and take them off before -daylight. One night at twelve o'clock I went to visit the sentries, -when, missing my way, owing to the excessive darkness of the night, I -travelled until daylight. The French had a piquet of seventy men on -the opposite side of the mountain on a level with ours. On this side -we for some time were in the habit of looking at each other with only -about half a mile in a direct line between us. They now and then tried -to pick some of our men off, but their shots never took effect. On the -19th of March the company I belonged to had the post of honour for the -night, and about eight o'clock in the evening I went with my captain -(Captain O'Hare) to post the sentries. After placing a sergeant and -twelve men about fifty yards from the bridge, we posted a double sentry -behind a rock about fifteen yards from it, which, in case the French -passed it, were to fire and retire back to the twelve men and endeavour -to maintain their ground until the company came to their assistance. I -crawled over the bridge to the French side to see if I could see their -sentries or observe if any of them were coming near the bridge, but -saw nothing and returned up the mountain to the tent pitched for the -convenience of the officers for lying in between the hours of going -their rounds. - -The remainder of the company were in a little church lying round a -wood fire until their turn for duty at half-past eleven o'clock. The -other lieutenant returned and pronounced all quiet. At twelve o'clock -we heard several shots fired. We directly fell in the remainder of the -company and marched towards the bridge. We soon met a man coming with -information that the French were passing the bridge in great force. We -marched forward and found them forming in line, with drums beating and -yelling furiously. They fired to the amount of five hundred rounds, the -balls whistling over our heads. Our gallant Commander ordered us not -to let the men fire until we came within fifteen yards of them. The -French fired another volley. We still moved on as silent as possible, -fired, and gave them an English huzza. The men opposed to us were a -little staggered. We again loaded and came breast to breast. Lieutenant -Mercer called, "Simmons," and rushed on towards a stone several had got -behind, while he drove others in front. Our men were shooting them in -every direction, when an unlucky ball passed through poor Mercer's head -just as he was saying, "Our brave fellows fight like Britons." - -At this moment three or four fell wounded near him. A French officer -I had the satisfaction to see fall also. A fine young fellow put his -rifle to the officer's throat and shot him dead, crying out, "Revenge -the death of Mr. Mercer." He instantly received seven shots in his -body. At this time the enemy were surrounding us in every direction. -Captain O'Hare called out, "We will never retire. Here we will stand. -They shall not pass but over my body." The shots flew round us as -thick as hailstones, and they were advancing upon us, but we kept up -a terrible fire. The moon showed sufficiently to let us see their -numbers. I saw French officers beating their men with their swords -to make them try to drive us from the rocks we occupied, and several -letting their muskets fall and clapping their hands upon their sides -or arms when they had received a wound and scampering. Just at this -serious crisis, I saw the three companies coming to our assistance—the -pleasantest sight I ever beheld. We set up a most furious shout. The -French soon knew the reason. Our companies fixed swords and came on -like lions, the Colonel at their head, the French scampering off in -the greatest dismay, throwing down their arms and running down the -precipices and carrying off their killed and wounded, as they generally -endeavour to do, in order that the number they lose should not be well -ascertained by their enemies. Our gallant Colonel received a musket -ball through his cap. The French, luckily for us, fired very high, or, -from their great superiority, they must have destroyed every man of our -company before the other three came to our assistance. We had only 43 -men opposed to over 500 for half an hour. When we disembarked in this -country first we had 100 rank and file. In the morning we found our -loss to be one officer and five men killed, seven men badly wounded. -The other three companies lost two killed and eight wounded. We found -twelve Frenchmen and two officers killed. Some of them had six or seven -wounds. We also picked up five poor fellows most desperately wounded -and caught three prisoners. - -The next day we learnt from a spy that the French colonel, who headed -the storming party, received a shot through his jaw, and that they -dragged away nearly 100 killed and wounded. The French that attacked us -were Grenadiers and Light Infantry, to the amount of 600, picked from -3000 men who had volunteered for the occasion. They also had among the -rocks on their side, 1500 men, who kept up a fire merely to deceive us, -and ready to pass the bridge as soon as the storming party had gained -their point. So confident was their General (Baron de Férey) of success -that he ordered them as soon as they got to the town to bring up all -the English wounded and take care of them, and not use the prisoners -ill. This man had all along been fighting with Spaniards, and thought -we should fight like them. It is not likely, I think, from the present -appearance of things in general, that we shall stay much longer. We -expect the French will soon bring ten to one against us, and of course -we must retire, after some hard fighting, for 250 miles before we get -to Lisbon and embark to come home. I consider myself very lucky in -not receiving a scratch, being exposed so long to the enemy's fire. I -now know what it is to meet the enemy in the field, and am confident -I shall always do my duty when opposed to the foes of my country. -My captain was pleased to say my conduct had given him the greatest -satisfaction. He is a very brave man, and has fought in twenty actions -in different parts of the world.[7] I hope shortly to give you an -account of something more decisive, should they come on by daylight. I -hope you will stick by the regiment I ordered for Charles. I send this -account of the battle only for your information, knowing it will please -you, but do not wish it to be made known; the man who passes himself -off to the world only shows his weakness. My love to the best of -mothers. I hope yet to meet and tell her personally of the hairbreadth -escapes and dangers I have passed. My love to my dear Ann and all the -family. My respects to my uncle and aunt. I wrote a long letter to -Colonel Sibthorp the other day. I remain your ever affectionate son, - - Geo. Simmons. - -You must pay the postage to Falmouth, I believe, or inquire at the post -office, or it is ten to one I ever receive your letters. - -Direct when you write, Lieutenant Simmons, 1st Battalion, 95th or Rifle -Regiment, Lord Wellington's Army, Portugal. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -_Journal—7th May-8th August 1810_ - - The Light Division are posted as a Corps of Observation on the - Portuguese frontier with General Picton's Division (3rd) in - support—The French invest Ciudad Rodrigo and open fire on the - fortress—The Light Division constantly on the alert owing to rumoured - movements of French—Don Julian Sanchez, the Spanish guerrilla - chieftain—French cavalry reconnaissances on the Azava—The Light - Division occupy the high ground at Gallegos—Advance of the French - in force—Combat between a 14th Light Dragoon and a _Grénadier à - Cheval_—The _Grénadiers à Cheval_ act as "mounted infantry" and - occupy Alameda—"A body of men of this description at the end of a - day's march would be unpleasant neighbours"—Two companies of Rifles - occupy Fort Concepçion—The French capture Ciudad Rodrigo after a forty - days' siege—The Rifles march to Barquilla—Skirmish near Barquilla—A - squadron of the 14th Light Dragoons charges the French cavalry and - takes many prisoners—Colonel Talbot charges the French infantry, - but is slain and his Dragoons driven off—The French make good their - retreat—The Light Division retire on Almeida—Massena advances against - it—Results of the fall of Ciudad Rodrigo—Boastful utterances of - the French, who announce their intention of driving the "Leopard" - into the sea at Lisbon—Blowing up of Fort Concepçion—The Light - Division retire from Almeida, leaving it garrisoned—The Combat of - the Coa—Position occupied by the Light Division—The French advance - to the attack—Conduct of their officers in leading on their men—The - Rifles fall back on the bridge—Charged by French Hussars—The 43rd - Light Infantry check the advance of the latter—General Craufurd - orders the Rifles to retire from a hill covering the passage—The - retreat of the 52nd is thereby imperilled—Colonel Beckwith, with the - Rifles, recaptures the hill "in style," but with heavy loss—Simmons - severely wounded—Napier assists him until wounded himself—Simmons - is carried off by the Rifle Men—Stratagem of the French to effect a - crossing—The Rifle Men tricked—The French attempt to storm the bridge, - but are defeated—A flag of truce—Compliments by French officers on - the stand made by the Light Division—Losses of the Division—Simmons - conveyed in a bullock cart to Pinhel—Severe nature of his wound—Moved - to Celorico with Lieutenants Reilly, Pratt, and Harry Smith—Death - of Lieutenant Reilly—Shocking condition of wounded owing to sun and - flies—The Portuguese bullock-drivers desert—Adventures on the road to - the Mondego—Embark in boats on the Mondego—Sad death of Lieutenant - Pratt—Arrival at Coimbra—Sails for Lisbon—Arrival at Lisbon—Simmons is - billeted comfortably and nursed by his servant, Rifleman Short. - -Letter No. VII - -_To his Parents, from Lisbon, dated 10th August 1810_ - - Describes advance of Massena in July and many incidents of the - Combat of the Coa and of his journey to Lisbon—His arrangements in - case of death—General good advice to his parents, brothers, and - sisters—Expectation of speedy recovery—Unabated confidence in Lord - Wellington. - - -_Journal—7th May-8th August 1810_ - -[Sidenote: 1810 May 7th] - -The Light Division assembled for the inspection of General Craufurd. - -The Division occupied the following villages, Gallegos, Espeja, Nava de -Avel (a Portuguese village), and Fuentes de Oñoro on the Duas Casas; -Headquarters of the British army, Celorico. The 3rd Division, under the -command of General Picton, being in support to the Light at Pinhel, -and the rest of the army at Vizeu, Trancoso, and adjacent towns and -villages considerably in the rear of us. - -The enemy has remained very quiet in consequence of the weather being -rainy. Several Germans, Swiss, and Italians have deserted from the -French, and occasionally Frenchmen, who all speak with horror of -prolonging the war in Spain, as they dare not individually leave their -camp. The Spanish guerrillas lay in wait to destroy them, and have -become so impudent of late, that they have even attacked convoys of -considerable force. - -[Sidenote: 1810 June 1st] - -The French have begun throwing up works before Ciudad Rodrigo, and have -completely invested it. - -[Sidenote: 6th] - -The French made an attack on the suburbs, but the Spaniards drove the -assailants back. Heavy cannonading from the town. - -[Sidenote: 15th] - -The French opened a battery upon the town, and kept up a heavy fire -during the day. - -[Sidenote: 16th] - -The enemy's cavalry made a reconnaissance and skirmished with some -German Hussars stationed at Carpio, and retired. - -[Sidenote: 17th] - -A heavy fire kept up against the enemy's battery from the town. - -[Sidenote: 19th] - -The Light Division assembled at Gallegos, being the nearest point -toward Rodrigo, and as the enemy's fire is increasing daily before -the besieged town, our General has concentrated his Division so that -we may be ready to fight or retire according to circumstances. From -the frequent alarms we receive, as one body or other of Frenchmen are -continually falling in and moving, we are becoming very active, and -can move off with all our baggage in a quarter of an hour at any time. -The Spaniards are astonished at us remaining idle, as they term it, -and allowing the French to invest their town, consequently they have -no high opinion of our valour. The young women, with whom we joke and -talk, make no scruple in calling us cowards, and say if we fought as -well as we eat and drink wine, we should be fine fellows indeed. These -observations are very galling, and people who are not conversant with -military movements might easily imagine we do not attack the enemy -from fear. We know that it would be impossible to give the least -assistance to the besieged, only being in advance of our army as a -Corps of Observation. I often feel distressed that we cannot do the -place any service. From our piquets we can see the enemy's cannon -playing upon the town and the garrison returning it. Although the place -is so closely invested, a guerrilla chief named Julian Sanchez and his -orderly man, a South American, frequently dash through their outposts -and go to the Governor with communications from our General, and return -in the same way to us. They possess determined bravery and know every -pathway about the place. Don Julian Sanchez has put to death many -Frenchmen in personal conflicts on different occasions, and from his -appearance, I have no doubt his bottle-holder could also play his part -handsomely if put to such an extremity. - -[Sidenote: 24th] - -The French cavalry came on this morning in force, waited a while, -retired, then returned and drove in our cavalry piquets from Carpio -and Marialba over the Azava. Our Division formed close column in front -of Gallegos. This appeared to be merely a reconnaissance, as the -enemy retired and our cavalry reoccupied their posts as before. Some -alteration had taken place, by bringing up a few companies from the -rear, which probably induced the French to suppose that our army was -moving to the front to raise the siege of Rodrigo. - -For three or four days the firing on both sides has been very slack. -The French have been working hard and approach the town much closer. - -[Sidenote: 25th] - -At daybreak the French unmasked a battery and commenced a heavy fire -upon the town, which was returned with much spirit. About 10 A.M. a -tremendous explosion took place in the enemy's lines, caused by a shell -falling into a field magazine. Some time after this the enemy moved a -strong force of cavalry and some infantry towards us. We were compelled -to retire our cavalry piquet from Carpio; our advanced posts are now -at the ford over the Azava (called the Carpio ford) and at the bridge -of Marialba, and the ford of Molino dos Flores over the Agueda, which -is at the junction with the Azava. Two squadrons of the 16th Dragoons -joined us. - -[Sidenote: 26th] - -The enemy threw a great number of shells into the town. During this day -an oil magazine was consumed by fire. Our Commander-in-Chief visited -the outposts. - -[Sidenote: 27th] - -The enemy have two pontoon bridges over the Agueda, one above and -the other below Rodrigo, and have now a large force of cavalry and -infantry on its left bank in order to, if possible, cut off all -communication between us and the garrison. The Governor contrived to -send a letter by an old man to Lord Wellington. The firing of cannon on -both sides very briskly kept up, and there was occasionally during the -night some musketry; we found that the French had attempted, under the -cover of night, to take the town by storm, but were repulsed. - -[Sidenote: 28th] - -The cannonade continued during this day in the most lively way, much to -our annoyance that we could not drive the rascals from before the town. - -[Sidenote: 29th] - -The cannonade continued last night and this day. - -[Sidenote: 30th] - -The Division marched into camp into a wood near Alameda. In the evening -before dark we formed sections, and opening out very considerably so -as to make it appear at a distance that a very large body of men were -upon the march, we returned to Gallegos. A barricade of carts had -been placed upon the bridge of Marialba to prevent the enemy crossing -suddenly. We brought up a gun and fired at them to clear the way. - -[Sidenote: 1810 July 3rd] - -Our Brigadier drew up the Division in rank entire upon the high ground -in the rear of Gallegos to watch the enemy and make him fancy we were -much stronger in force. The 14th Dragoons joined us. - -[Sidenote: 4th] - -At daylight the enemy, in considerable force, advanced; our piquets -retired. The Division formed line between Gallegos and Alameda upon the -high ground. Our Horse Artillery fired shrapnel and round shot at the -enemy's columns of cavalry as they approached us, and the 3rd Caçadores -fired a volley as soon as they perceived the French, without doing any -mischief. This sort of thing was excusable, being young soldiers. We -are in hope that time may accustom them to judge their distance better. - -I saw a Light Dragoon attack a French Horse Grenadier and trounce him -handsomely. The man's helmet was nearly all brass, with large bars -across in various ways; he had literally cut through this and also the -man's head most severely and brought him in a prisoner. Our General -sent the cap home as a present to some of his friends to show with what -strength the Englishman had dealt his blows upon the Frenchman's head. - -The French infantry and artillery were now advancing in great force, so -it was deemed prudent to retire, which we did in good order over the -Duas Casas by the bridge in rear of Alameda. The prisoners informed -us that Marshal Junot's corps was all employed to make us fight or -retreat. I was much amused by the dexterity displayed by a body of -French Dragoons (Grénadiers à Cheval) who passed through Alameda and -dismounted, leaving their horses in line under the charge of some of -their men. They then trotted off in their big jack boots and large -hairy caps as Light Infantry to skirmish with us. As we had got the -high ground across the river, and they could neither check nor impede -our progress, they returned to their horses and became Dragoons again. -A body of men of this description at the end of a hard day's march -would be unpleasant neighbours. The enemy did not attempt to cross the -Duas Casas; the Division moved into Val de la Mula. Two companies of -Rifle Men were put into Fort Concepçion for the purpose of assisting -the Engineers in guarding the different communications with mines, as -the angles were to be destroyed when the French advanced. The company -which I was in, was on this duty, and curiosity led me to explore some -places underground. I found in a corner of a large place that had on -some occasion been made a depôt for provisions a cask of brandy and -three casks of fine biscuit. This was quite a God-send to us all. The -cavalry remained at Castillejo and Aldea del Obispo on the Duas Casas. - -[Sidenote: 10th] - -Ciudad Rodrigo fell into the hands of the French at seven o'clock P.M. -Its Governor made a noble defence indeed; the enemy's trenches were -open before the place for forty days. - -[Sidenote: 11th] - -Seven companies of Rifle Men marched at midnight, with two companies -of the 52nd, to near Barquilla and lay down. The enemy had a piquet of -cavalry and infantry in advance of Villar de Ciérvos, but withdrew them -after dark and reoccupied the post at daylight. The Dragoons came on -very cautiously, placed a vedette, and formed up upon a steep hill; the -infantry, amounting to sixty or seventy men, were in the flat below. -Major Butler, with a squadron of the 14th Dragoons, attacked the French -cavalry and brought in one captain, one subaltern, and thirty-four -privates prisoners, many of whom were a good deal hacked and cut about -the head. The French infantry were attacked by Colonel Talbot, though -it was pretty evident that they would have had to surrender without -firing a shot had he waited. He charged with a squadron of the 14th -and fell dead amongst them, as also his Quartermaster; thirty men -were killed and wounded and twenty horses. During this sad affair we -were not allowed to show ourselves, although a few infantry would have -compelled them to lay down their arms. Our _wise_ General had the 14th, -16th, and German Hussars all to assist, also Horse Artillery and seven -companies of infantry, but let this small party of Frenchmen slip -through our fingers so shamefully. The French officer who commanded -the party deserved great credit for the bravery he displayed, and most -extraordinary good luck attended him. - -[Sidenote: 12th] - -The enemy entered Fuentes de Oñoro. - -[Sidenote: 15th] - -The Division assembled at its alarm post in consequence of the -enemy being in motion near Villar de Ciérvos. I forgot to observe -that yesterday we fell back upon the village of Junça, a little way -from Almeida, and placed in a very rugged and rocky ground near the -banks of the Coa. Almeida is the frontier fortification of Portugal, -and is commanded by Colonel Cox, a British officer. The garrison -consists of 3000 men, well appointed, and possessing every requisite -to sustain a siege. In consequence of Ciudad Rodrigo having fallen, -the enemy began to concentrate an immense force of every arm for -the invasion of Portugal under the command of one of Napoleon's -favourite Generals, Marshal Massena, Prince of Essling and Duke of -Rivoli. Almeida now was the only impediment which could for a moment -prevent the French army from bringing their whole force against the -British, the latter consisting of not more than 25,000 men altogether. -As these Gasconaders, under their different Generals, had carried -their victorious arms through the greater part of the Continent, too -frequently through intrigue and treachery, such vaunting soldiers had -great contempt for us for presuming to enter the lists with them. Their -Generals published bills, telling the Portuguese that they would not -stop until they had driven the frightened _Leopards_ at the point of -the bayonet into the sea at Lisbon. This "nation of shopkeepers and -general disturbers of all nations" should be made a most awful example -of to deter others from opposing them! - -[Sidenote: 20th] - -Our infantry piquets were upon the high road to Val de la Mula, upon a -plain, the cavalry piquets upon the Duas Casas, and a few men with the -Engineer officer left in Fort Concepçion, ready to blow it up at any -moment when required. - -[Sidenote: 21st] - -At daylight Fort Concepçion exploded and made a tremendous noise. I was -lying under a tree in a sound sleep. I sprang up, thinking the French -army had got into the camp, and seized my sword, which hung upon a -bough of the tree, and proceeded to our alarm post. I found the same -effect produced by the noise upon the whole of us, and the only feeling -we had was to sell our lives at as dear a rate as possible. When the -cause was known, and that the enemy had not driven in our outposts, we -fell out and took our breakfast. - -[Sidenote: 22nd] - -I was on outlying piquet. I fully expected to be attacked this -morning, as several peasantry told us that large bodies of men were -concentrating close to us, and all the villages were filled with what -was now called the Army of Portugal, amounting at least to 100,000 men, -many of whom had been in a number of Napoleon's great battles. - -[Sidenote: 23rd] - -Lieutenant Uniacke and Lieutenant M'Cullock relieved us this morning. -Spent a jovial evening with Lieutenants Pratt and Beckwith in Almeida. -About eight o'clock an officer told us that he had orders to clear the -town of every person that was not to be employed in the siege, and -regretted that we could not be allowed to remain longer within its -walls. We drank success to their defence of the fortress, and that many -Frenchmen might bite the dust before the place, shook him by the hand, -and departed. We had scarcely left the town when the rain began to -fall in torrents; the thunder and lightning of that night was the most -tremendously grand I ever beheld either before or since. The Division, -officers and men, had no shelter from this inclement night; as to -lying down, it was nearly impossible, for the water ran in gutters -amongst the rocks. I sat upon a stone like a drowned rat, looking -at the heavens and amusing myself with their brilliancy and longing -for the morning, which came at last, and the rain ceased. Our next -consideration was to set the men to work to clean their arms and look -after their ammunition. Our cavalry outposts since the fall of Fort -Concepçion had been on the Turon. - - -Combat of the Coa - -[Sidenote: 24th] - -A little after daybreak the enemy advanced against our piquets and -drove them in. The Division was put into position, the left upon -Almeida and the right in rugged ground upon the Coa, which river was -running furiously in its course; several companies of Rifle Men and -the 43rd Light Infantry were placed behind stone walls. The enemy now -advanced in vast bodies. The whole plain in our front was covered -with horse and foot advancing towards us. The enemy's infantry formed -line and, with an innumerable multitude of skirmishers, attacked us -fiercely; we repulsed them; they came on again, yelling, with drums -beating, frequently the drummers leading, often in front of the line, -French officers like mountebanks running forward and placing their -hats upon their swords, and capering about like madmen, saying, as -they turned to their men, "Come on, children of our country. The first -that advances, Napoleon will recompense him." Numbers returned to the -attack. We kept up a very brisk fire. Several guns began to play upon -us, and as the force kept increasing every moment in our front, and -columns of infantry were also moving upon our right flank, we were -ordered to retire half the company. Captain O'Hare's retired, and the -remainder, under Lieutenant Johnston, still remained fighting for a -few moments longer. I was with this party. We moved from the field -into the road, our men falling all round us, when a body of Hussars in -bearskin caps and light-coloured pelisses got amongst the few remaining -Rifle Men and began to sabre them. Several attempted to cut me down, -but I avoided their kind intentions by stepping on one side. I had a -large cloak rolled up and strapped across my body; my haversack was -filled with little necessary articles for immediate use; thus I got -clear off. A volley was now fired by a party of the 43rd under Captain -Wells, which brought several of the Hussars to the ground. In the -scuffle I took to my heels and ran to the 43rd, Wells calling out, -"Mind the Rifle Man! Do not hit him, for heaven's sake." As I was -compelled to run into their fire to escape, he seized me by the hand -and was delighted beyond measure at my escape. The road to a small -bridge across the Coa, which the Division would have to retire over, -was very bad and rocky. Our gallant fellows disputed manfully every -inch of ground and retired towards the river. Every place we left was -covered with the enemy's Light Infantry in ten times our number. As -we got near the river the enemy made several attempts to cut us off. -General Craufurd ordered a number of Rifle Men who had occupied a place -that prevented the French from stopping our retreat over the bridge -to evacuate it before half the 52nd, who were on the right, had filed -over. The enemy directly brought up their infantry to this hill, which -commanded the bridge, and kept up a terrible fire. Colonel Beckwith, a -most gallant and clever soldier, saw this frightful mistake and ordered -us to retake the wall and hill instantly, which we did in good style, -but suffered severely in men and officers. Lieutenant Harry Smith, -Lieutenant Thomas Smith, and Lieutenant Pratt were wounded, and I was -shot through the thigh close to the wall, which caused me to fall -with great force. Being wounded in this way was quite a new thing to -me. For a few moments I could not collect my ideas, and was feeling -about my arms and body for a wound, until my eye caught the stream of -blood rushing through the hole in my trousers, and my leg and thigh -appeared so heavy that I could not move it. Captain Napier took off his -neckerchief and gave it to a sergeant, who put it round my thigh and -twisted it tight with a ramrod, to stop the bleeding. The firing was -so severe that the sergeant, on finishing the job for me, fell with a -shot through the head. Captain Napier[8] was also about the same time -wounded in the side. The Division had now nearly got over the bridge; -some men put me into a blanket and carried me off. Our General had -placed himself some distance from the fight to observe the enemy's -movements. I passed him in the blanket. The General had still in his -remembrance the loss of his light cart. He told the men this was no -time to be taking away wounded officers, and ordered them back. They -observed, "This is an officer of ours, and we must see him in safety -before we leave him." The last party of our men retired over the -bridge and occupied it. The ground was very rugged and rocky close to -the bridge, so that Rifle Men were placed behind every stone, and two -companies of the 43rd hid themselves and were ready to support our men. -Several Frenchmen held up calabashes as much as to say, "Let us get -some water to drink." Our men allowed some of the enemy to get water, -and did not fire upon them, but the cunning rogues made lodgments -between the stones, and when their party was ready to storm the bridge, -they commenced firing upon our men. - -A number of French officers and some drummers headed the storming -party. Our fellows allowed them to come close to the bridge. Some -officers got over before they fell, but few went back to tell the tale, -either men or officers. They attempted to force the bridge several -times before the evening, and finding it impossible to effect their -purpose, they made a signal to cease firing. An officer came forward -waving a white handkerchief and requested to be allowed to remove their -wounded, as the bridge and its vicinity were covered with their killed -and wounded. This request was granted. The officer said he had heard -of the English fighting well, but he could not have supposed men would -have fought against such fearful odds. He complimented our men much -upon their gallantry, and observed what a pity it was we were enemies. -During this day it rained occasionally, and towards evening more so, -which made the arms frequently miss fire. After dark the Light Division -marched to Carvalha. - -A party of the 1st Hussars, under Colonel Arentschildt,[9] was upon -the road. He paid me the most kind attention and ordered an Hussar -to dismount. I was placed upon the horse, and was taken on it to the -church of Alverca, where I found a number of poor fellows as bad, and -some worse wounded, laid in every direction upon the stone floors. -A poor fellow, who died some time after I entered, begged of me to -lie upon a paillasse beside him, as I was upon the bare stones; he -divided it with me.[10] In the evening I was put upon a car drawn -by bullocks—the most clumsy machine possible. Here now commenced my -misfortunes. The car proceeded, with me upon it, to Pinhel, suffering -the most severe torture from the jolting motion to my poor limb, -sustained at almost every movement. I was lodged in the Bishop's house, -and Colonel Pakenham behaved very kindly to me. I now became anxious -to know the nature of my wounds. My trousers and drawers were cut up -the side; the latter article of dress was literally glued to my thigh; -in fact, I had bled so profusely that it had steeped my shirt, which -stuck to my skin most unpleasantly. I found the ball had passed through -the sartorius muscle and close to the main artery, directly through my -thigh, partially injuring the bone. The surgeon who visited me shook -his head and looked serious, recommending a tourniquet to be put round -my thigh, and in case of a sudden effusion of blood to stop it by -tightening the ligature until assistance was procured. A spent ball had -also hit the calf of my leg, but the skin was not broken. - -[Sidenote: 25th] - -Put into an English spring waggon with Lieutenants Reilly, Pratt, and -Smith. The springs of this machine were very strong, and the rough -ground we passed over made them dance us up and down in an awful -manner. Bad as the movement of the bullock car was, this was ten times -worse, if possible. I felt happy when I was put under cover for the -night upon the ground floor of a dilapidated house at Baraca with a -little straw and my blanket.[11] My thigh and leg were frightfully -swollen, and also the lower part of my body. My ration bread I -directed my faithful servant, Henry Short, to make into a large -poultice, which was soon done. I then dressed the wound of Lieutenant -Coane, who was shot in the side; he was in the same company as myself. - -[Sidenote: 26th] - -Poor Reilly this morning told me it was useless tormenting himself by -taking another day's journey, as he felt he could not live many hours -(the ball had gone directly through the lower part of his body); he -shook me by the hand and regretted our parting. As the wounded were -obliged to proceed daily to the rear or fall into the hands of the -enemy, I was obliged to leave him in this unfortunate manner. - -At daylight we proceeded to Celorico, which place we reached, after -suffering indescribable torture, in the evening. Here I learned our -loss more particularly, a sergeant having come to take charge of us. -Captain Creagh, shot through the lower part of his body, died the night -of the action; Lieutenant M'Leod shot through the heart, eight officers -wounded, and Lieutenant M'Cullock taken prisoner.[12] - -[Sidenote: 27th] - -This morning we found the Portuguese muleteers had disappeared and left -the spring waggon without the mules, so we were all put upon bullock -cars once again. These were easier to ride upon, so I was pleased -with the change. I had the intelligence that Reilly breathed his last -towards evening yesterday. Several of our poor fellows died from the -rough usage they suffered, and several soldiers who had neglected to -cover their wounds now became one frightful mass of maggots all over -the surface, which really made me tremble to see them dressed. The -flies and mosquitoes followed us in myriads. We had no means of keeping -off the swarms of insects, and the slow pace that the bullocks went, -made us feel the vertical rays of the sun with redoubled force. We -had some salt meat as rations, which, in the feverish state of our -existence, we turned from with disgust; we very seldom got bread, -generally biscuit, and that full of worms or mouldy; we were hurried -away daily to the rear as fast as possible in order that our army, if -pressed by the enemy, should not have us on the line of its march to -impede its progress to the rear. Halted for the night at Villa Cortez. - -[Sidenote: 28th] - -Villa Cortez to Pinhancos. - -[Sidenote: 29th] - -On this day's journey to Galizes I had very nearly finished my military -career. As the bullocks were dragging me along through a pass between -two steep hills, a Portuguese who had three loaded mules behind each -other and tied together, was also travelling along a sort of sheep -path several yards above me. The last mule, when just over my car, -stumbled and down he came, dragging the rest with him; he fell very -heavily upon the car close to me; how he did not injure me I cannot -account for, but so it was. It alarmed me, and consequently increased -my circulation, which gave me more pain than usual in my wounded thigh -for the rest of the way. - -[Sidenote: 30th] - -Arrived at San Payo, where the bullock-driver took my food and my -servant's, and departed with his bullocks also. - -I sent to the _juiz de fore_ to request him to procure me two bullocks. -He told me the people would not obey him now, but directed me to send -my servant armed and to take the first two bullocks he could find. -Short soon brought two and yoked them. I could not get a driver, so my -servant marched in front of them with a _rivo_ (that is, a long pole -with a sharp piece of iron at the end), for the purpose of goading -the bullocks (to make them move on), over his shoulder. I had by -accident got a paillasse under me filled with straw, which made me -more comfortable. My servant, not knowing how to manage these animals -properly, and the flies teasing them exceedingly, they became quite -unmanageable. He attempted to stop the car, but was knocked over, and -the car passed over him. The animals became furious. In this perilous -situation I was carried along most violently, when the animals started -on one side of the road, which gave the car a considerable jerk and -landed me and the paillasse upon the only soft piece of ground for a -distance round. All the rest was rough and rugged ground mixed with -granite rock. I was in great alarm, but thankful to the Almighty for -having preserved me so miraculously. The bullocks soon stopped among -the thick underwood, from the resistance it made to their further -progress. I now had another danger to encounter. Two men with guns -had been observed occasionally by myself and servant skulking among -the trees and keeping at some distance. It struck me that these -fellows were following us with the intention of attempting to take the -bullocks, and, waiting a favourable opportunity, I made my servant -load his rifle, and though I could not stir, I had my sword drawn by -my side, but being bundled out of the car had bothered all my previous -arrangements for defence, and these men went directly towards the -bullocks. Short soon made his appearance, and was glad to see I had -not suffered much. He picked up his rifle upon the road, which, with -every other article, had been thrown out of the car. At this moment -two British Artillerymen who had lost their way came up. I told my -situation in a few words to them, and now desired them to assist my -servant in taking prisoner one of the Portuguese, in order that I might -proceed under the management of a proper driver. This was soon done, -but the fellow had not calculated upon being embargoed into my service -in so rough a manner, and became very sulky. The bullocks were again -put to rights and I was replaced upon the car. The driver did not pay -attention to the road, so that I was jolted over large stones, which -made me suffer extremely. My man Short observed his carelessness and -gave him a good drubbing, which had a very good effect, and we jogged -on afterwards quietly. My thigh was very painful from the shock I -received when thrown out, when I arrived in the evening. - -[Sidenote: 31st] - -My thigh felt very painful, and I commenced my journey with great -reluctance. My friend Pratt came and endeavoured to cheer up my -spirits, telling me our miseries would end with this day's march, as -we should then embark and go much easier in boats, and when we got to -Lisbon we should be able to make up for all our miseries. The road -on our approach to the Mondego was very narrow and down a very steep -mountain; the least deviation on the part of the bullocks would have -precipitated me some hundred feet. I was convinced that the driver had -no good-will towards me; I was perfectly helpless, but not quite at -his mercy. My servant drew his sword and told him that if any accident -happened to me he would bury it up to the hilt in his bosom, and from -what I know of his character he would have fulfilled his promise. I -must say I breathed much more freely when we arrived on the banks of -the Mondego near Lofrece. Tents were supplied, and we encamped for the -night. Here now my miseries and suffering from travelling ceased. - -Several of the poor soldiers died upon the road. Each individual could -not be supplied with a car, consequently the poor fellows suffered -more. On two occasions I took one of them on the same car with me, and -I found sad inconvenience long before the day's journey was finished. -Soldiers in general are like children, and must be directed as such; -although they were frequently told if they exposed their wounds, the -flies would deposit their eggs upon them, still they took no notice, -and there was no officer present to enforce this command, so their -wounds became completely alive with myriads of large maggots, the -sight of which made me really shudder again. Oil was found the best -thing to take them away, as when applied it killed them, obstructing -their breathing. We now got everything to eat we could have wished -for: fruits, vegetables, bread, milk, and eggs. We had been generally -living upon salt rations and bad biscuit. The people were afraid of the -advance of the French army on our line of march, and most of them had -retired to fastnesses in the mountains, taking away every article they -could collect for their future support. - -[Sidenote: 1810 Aug. 1st] - -My poor friend Pratt was brought into the boat a corpse! We had -embarked in boats upon the Mondego River and were proceeding to -Coimbra. Pratt went ashore to get some milk for our breakfast, as we -rested, to give the rowers breathing time. I suppose the exertion he -used, the day being very hot, had assisted to remove the slough in -the wound in his throat, the carotid artery being injured; he died -instantly from one gush of blood. The ball had entered his jaw, taken -a transverse direction, and gone out near the base of the neck. When -he drank a quantity of anything, the fluid ran down his bosom, so that -the gullet was also partially divided. It was a sad sight to see him -brought back to us in this way. He was wrapped up in a blanket and laid -in the boat beside us. Thus finished the life of as a noble a fellow -and as worthy a man as I ever met with. In the afternoon we arrived at -Coimbra. Crowds of people came to the wharf from curiosity. One young -gentleman entered the boat and began to remove the blankets to show -my wound to some ladies that were close to the wharf. It vexed me so -that I doubled my fist, and as he leaned over me I gave him a blow -which sent him on his back; he made the best possible use of his legs -to get out. An order from the Commandant came to direct us to proceed -immediately to Figueira. We begged and entreated to go on shore, as we -were literally naked. We did not wait for any reply, but requested some -soldiers to take us into houses. Four men of the company I belonged to, -who had gone to the rear sick, took me upon a door to a silversmith. -He received me very reluctantly into his house, but we soon became -good friends. Afterwards I sent out and purchased some shirts, tea and -sugar, got plenty of bread to poultice my thigh, and in comparison was -in paradise. Pratt was decently interred. - -[Sidenote: 2nd] - -Embarked in a boat and rowed down the river to Figueira. I was laid -down upon the shore, for some time sadly annoyed by the Portuguese -wanting to uncover my wound. They came close, then began to pity me, -and at the same time tried cautiously to get the blanket off little -by little. I was heartily glad when a boat came for me to remove me -from these tormentors, who, I have no doubt, thought their noisy way -of showing me how they appreciated my misfortunes was the greatest -display of kindness, and that such patriotism was due to their allies, -the English. I was carefully handled by the sailors, and taken into the -ship much more easily than I expected—the _Nestor_ transport. She lay -outside the bar. I found Capt. Mitchell, Lieuts. Smith and Thos. Smith, -also Lieuts. Cowan and M'Diarmid of the 43rd Regiment, and all the -wounded men on board. - -[Sidenote: 7th] - -The wind and weather proved favourable. We arrived safe in the Tagus. -I was put upon a board and taken to the Golden Lion. We had beds upon -the floor. Those who were wounded so as not to be able to sit up, -remained in them. I ordered a good dinner, but the landlord began to -remonstrate with us upon the danger of taking much food in our present -condition. All my friends were of the same opinion as myself, namely, -that we had been starved long enough and ought now to enjoy ourselves. -I do not think I ever was more happy. An occasional twitch in my leg -and thigh merely came at intervals to remind me that I must not expect -happiness without some alloy in this world. - -In the General Orders of the 6th the Light Division is to be formed -into two Brigades: 1st Brigade under Colonel Beckwith, 43rd Regiment, -right wing of 95th (Rifle Men), and 3rd Portuguese Caçadores; 2nd -Brigade to consist of the 52nd, left wing of 95th, and 1st Caçadores, -under Lieut.-Col. Barclay. - -[Sidenote: 8th] - -I found this morning that my bill was a very large one, which induced -me immediately to take measures to live at a cheaper rate, so I got a -billet at No. 26 Rua de Buenos Ayres. My servant, and a most faithful -one he was, took great care of me and enabled me to live very well -under my income, which made me as easy and comfortable as a forlorn -bed-ridden person could be in a strange land, without a friend (except -my servant) to beguile my lonely hours; particularly after leading so -active a life made it much more irksome. - -With the fall of Almeida, the enemy were in possession of the two -frontier fortifications, in which their stores could be deposited -in safety. Marshal Massena's whole attention was now turned to the -subjugation of Portugal, which could only be effected by first -expelling the English from the country. - -The enemy, having concentrated his whole force and supplied his -magazines with every requisite for his advance, endeavoured to bring -Lord Wellington to action as speedily as possible, and pushed forward -more rapidly than the Commander-in-Chief would allow. The Battle of -Busaco[13] was fought on 27th September, and terminated gloriously for -the British and Portuguese arms. - - -Letter No. VII - - Lisbon, _10th August 1810_. - -My dear Parents—When this letter comes to hand, which I hope no -unforeseen accident may prevent, it will be a means of quieting your -troubles on my account. I am out of danger. I know my dear mother's -affection for her graceless son. An earlier opportunity did not present -itself, which you will be convinced of in the sequel. - -For some time, as usual, the Light Brigade had been continually in -sight of the army under the command of General Massena, numbering about -80,000, frequently partially engaged in skirmishing, which we took -little notice of, being so much in the habit of it. - -About the 14th of July the enemy advanced, feeling their way toward -Almeida. We retired, fighting, to the right of Almeida, and took up a -position, having the town on our left flank, or rather in front, and -here we waited the further advance of the enemy. - -On the evening of the 23rd of July, on coming off piquet, and having -a mind to go once more into Almeida, a friend of mine accompanied -me. After taking coffee we returned to our encampment. It began to -rain most violently, attended with the most vivid lightning I ever -beheld, thundering also most terribly. This would have been of little -consequence, but having to sleep among the rocks without any covering -from the weather, we of course were soon wet through. - -On the appearance of day (about 4 o'clock A.M.) the enemy began to -advance and fight with our piquets. Our Brigade immediately took up -their position in the grape gardens behind walls and rocks, ready to -receive them. After smoking two pipes I damned them to my Captain for -not coming on faster, who laughingly said, "Stop, my boy, do not let us -be in a hurry; there is time enough before night to get a broken head." -Soon after this observation the French appeared in great numbers, some -singing, others screaming and howling like wild beasts, their drums -also beating in every direction. Our company was ordered to advance -with three companies of the 43rd Light Infantry. We soon came very -near the enemy, who kept up a most desperate fire. We returned a steady -fire. They now advanced very near, then retired a little, and came on -again several times, until our ranks became much thinned, and in our -turn we retired, moving more to the left, our company being ordered -to protect the left of our line, as the enemy were now moving round -and menacing our flank in that quarter. Our Rifle Boys brought them -down like wild ducks. At this moment a shot passed through the side -of a brother officer in the same company with me. He exclaimed, "Oh! -Simmons, I am wounded." A horse being near, we luckily got him away; -he is likely to recover. In passing a road the fire was excessively -hot from their cannons, their shells bursting continually above our -heads in every direction. I was coming over with the rear section of -the company when suddenly 300 or more French Dragoons dashed in among -us, knocked down my sergeant, and cut down three or four men. A fellow -brandished his sword in the air, and was going to bring it down upon my -head. I dropped mine, seeing it was useless to make resistance. He saw -I was an officer, and did not cut me. I looked round me to see if I had -the least chance of escaping, and pulled my boat cloak off, which was -buckled round me, when fortune favoured me: some of the 43rd and our -own men gave them a volley. I took advantage of their confusion, rushed -through them, and got through the breach in a wall our men were firing -from, pleased enough at my good fortune. We were soon engaged in every -direction, retiring very slowly, until about five o'clock most of the -Brigade had passed the bridge. The French now endeavoured to cut off -the remainder; every place was lined with them. They now got possession -of a hill near the bridge in great numbers. We were ordered to advance -up the hill and drive them from the place. A party of the 43rd, with -Major M'Leod at their head and several of their officers, as well as -our men and officers, ran up the hill, exposed to a desperate fire, as -the enemy had a strong wall to fire over. They did us much mischief -before we got at them. It was a grand sight. Our brave boys would face -anything. They shouted. The French became panic-struck. At this moment -I had nearly come to the wall. A musket ball hit me in the middle of -my left thigh, and passed through a little upwards; being so near the -man that favoured me with the shot, it luckily went directly through, -and took a small piece of my cloth trousers with it, at the same time -I was also slightly hit in the leg. I staggered on a little, but fell; -the blood spouted out on both sides. I put my hand into my pocket for -my tourniquet, but fainted. Captain Napier of the 43rd, being near, -twitched his handkerchief round my thigh. A sergeant of the 43rd, with -three of their men, carried me off. By the time I got to the bridge I -came to myself; there was a desperate fire at it. A sergeant and three -of my company, came to my assistance and relieved the other men. They -dragged me up the hill, which was nearly a mile, up a very rocky and -steep place. The blood kept pouring from my wounds. I fainted several -times. The Colonel of the German Hussars gave me some wine and put me -on a horse, an Hussar also with me. I sent my men back. In this way I -was conveyed about a league, and put into a church, where I met with -numbers of men and officers in the same plight. I was anxious to see -my wound, and on examining it I thought directly I should soon want -a billet in another world, but fortune has since favoured me. The -large artery in my thigh is not injured. After being dressed I was put -upon a car drawn by bullocks, and got into Pinhel about 10 o'clock at -night, having had nothing to eat all day except some wine; it rained -frequently, which made me uncomfortable. - -In this way we travelled over rugged rocks and mountains until the -31st of July, about 100 English miles at the least; we encamped on -the river-side near a small village. The next morning we sailed down -the river Mondego about seven leagues to Coimbra. Moved to Figueira -next day, a seaport, and embarked on board the _Nestor_ transport for -Lisbon, at which place I arrived on the 7th of August. I have, after -some trouble, got into an empty house; there is a mattress and sheets, -things I have seldom of late been used to. My Colonel sent my servant -after me. He is a trusty and good fellow. I have him here. As I have -the house to myself, I have no one to disturb me. The people are not -worthy of notice. I met with great barbarity all the way. They would -let you die in the streets before they would assist you. Lisbon seems -like every other place. If any of them come near to pity, it is only to -rob you, if possible. I have several times on the road been robbed of -the bread I was going to make a poultice of, and not had an opportunity -of buying more. My thigh is much better; this day I have got a crutch -made. I think of exhibiting in my room in a day or two, and then I -must hop out. I cannot bear to be penned up in this way. I hope, if I -go on as well as I am doing now, in six weeks I shall be able to join -my regiment and have another fight with the rascals. We must have a -general engagement soon. I hope my dear Maud will not be so unlucky -as I; he is at present in very good health. The day after I was hit I -sent him an inventory of my little property should anything happen to -me. I expect a letter daily from him. As I always take care to provide -against accidents, I have money sufficient for my needs. When I found -there was little chance of recovering, I bought a silver snuff-box. I -leave you to guess who I meant it for. I also was going to purchase a -necklace for Ann, but I did not at that time meet with one to please -me. I directed Maud to do it out of my money, but as things have taken -such a wonderful change for the better, I hope I shall another day -present my little affairs personally. I look forward with pleasure to -that time. I must think of Betsy too. Yes, my dear parents, I think of -you all, and muse my fancy about you daily. John I hope is at school, -Charles, also Betsy. Do not disappoint me, for God's sake. Maud I have -made something of. He writes better language. He is afraid of doing -otherwise. If he writes wrong, I lecture him severely. I make every -inquiry after him. I am proud to say he is highly esteemed by his -brother officers. I have no doubt he will be a dashing, brave fellow -when tried. I beg you will not talk to people of my being wounded -or anything else about me; it is truly ridiculous to satisfy every -idle person's curiosity. I will give you an old proverb; put it into -practice: "Shun the talkative and curious man, for what he hears he -will relate again." God bless you all. Yours ever, - - G. S. - - -Our Brigade had 18,000 French opposed to them; our strength 3,000; -they fought until 5 o'clock in the evening. The French sent a flag -of truce. Both agreed to bury the dead. Our Brigade is near our army -now. Lord Wellington is drawing the enemy on. We had two officers -killed; two have since died of their wounds; six more are wounded. The -papers will most likely enter more into particulars than I can. The -French in the afternoon stormed the bridge five times; their loss was -very considerable. A French colonel came on in front of his men. Our -Boys let him come upon the bridge and then shot him; few of his men -returned. The French certainly behaved very bravely. They are fine -fellows. The officer that came upon the bridge to beg a truce observed -to our officer that he was, as well as were all the French officers, -much astonished at the determined bravery of the British soldiers; it -surpassed everything. - -My brother will soon have a lieutenancy. He is a lucky fellow indeed. I -regret much I did not receive my wound in a general action. I now live -in hopes of a speedy recovery and to be well in time enough for one. I -am confident of victory whenever Lord Wellington can bring them to a -general engagement. Our troops are in good health and seasoned soldiers. - -I had an account of our loss. In our company, I am sorry to say, -thirty-nine were killed and wounded and missing, also another officer -and myself severely wounded. We sustained a greater loss than any other -company. - -I hope my dear mother will not distress herself about me. At best this -life is very short, and should I fall, I shall die nobly in the cause -of my country, and if I may use the words of a great man, "The most -precious tears are those with which Heaven bedews the unburied head of -a soldier." - -In all probability by the time your answer will arrive I shall have -recovered sufficiently from my wounds to enable me to join my regiment. -Should it be otherwise, I have left orders at the post office to stop -my letters till countermanded. - -Direct Lieut. S., 95th or Rifle Regiment, Brig.-General Craufurd's -Light Division, Lord Wellington's Army, Portugal. - - - - -CHAPTER V - -_Journal—15th August-30th September 1810_ - - Removes to Pedroso for sea-bathing, accompanied by Lieutenant Harry - Smith—The English merchant's wife's account of the French officers - billeted on her in 1808—French opinions of the British before Vimeiro - and after—A wounded French officer's description of British Rifle Men - in action. - -Letter No. VIII - -_To his Parents, from Pedroso, Lisbon, dated 30th September 1810_ - - Complains of inactive life due to wound, and reproves his father for - styling the 95th Rifles "_a dangerous regiment_"—Description of the - French plot in Lisbon—Much about brother Maud—Results of Colonel - Sibthorp's well-meant endeavours to stop him joining the 95th—Dislike - of the French to the "_green fellows_"—Severe comments on brothers - John and Joseph. - -_Journal—1st October-31st December_ - - Determines to leave Pedroso and rejoin his regiment—Joins a draft - of convalescents marching from Lisbon to the front—The Rifle Men - under Simmons ordered to do rear-guard to prevent desertion—Retreat - of the British army on Torres Vedras—Rejoins the Rifles at - Arruda—Construction of the Lines—Rifles engaged at Sobral—On piquet - with Lieutenant Hopwood—Captures two French soldiers—Lieutenants - Strode and Simmons bury an old woman in the vault of a Portuguese - grandee—Hatred of the Portuguese for the French—Description of - the Lines of Torres Vedras—Arrival of English bell-tents—Retreat - of the French under Marshal Massena—Advance of the Light Division - in pursuit—General Craufurd is about to attack a supposed French - rear-guard, but is stopped by Lord Wellington, who knows that the - whole of Marshal Junot's Corps is in front of him—The Rifles engaged - on the Rio Mayor—General Craufurd, with three Rifle Men, reconnoitre - the French outposts, but disturbs a hornet's nest. Simmons's wound - begins to trouble him, owing to wet and exposure—He removes the - _abatis_ on the bridge across the Rio Mayor, assisted by three Rifle - Men—Invalided back to Lisbon with fever and dysentery—Difficulties in - obtaining a billet—Gets into quarters at last. - -Letter No. IX - -_To his Parents, from Lisbon, dated 16th December 1810_ - - Describes life in the Lines of Torres Vedras—Visits his brother Maud - at Bucellas—The advance from the Lines in November—Wanton havoc - wrought by the French and miserable condition of Portuguese—Murders - committed by French soldiers—Some candid opinions of the French - nation—Pursuit of the French—Account of troubles due to his wound - and during his return to Lisbon—Regrets as to his brother John's - career, etc.—The French at "their wits' end" at having the worst of it - whenever they meet Lord Wellington. - - -_Journal—15th August-30th September_ - -[Sidenote: 1810 Aug. 15th] - -An Englishwoman married to a Portuguese shopkeeper informed my servant -that the British sick and wounded were to be put to death on that -night, and that the people were to attempt to take the different -forts and declare in favour of the French. He lost no time in making -me acquainted with this news, which I laughed at as a nonsensical -story. Later on, two officers who were billeted opposite me entered -my apartment and told me that the soldiers were under arms, that the -British ships of war were shifting their moorings with their broadsides -towards the town, and that a number of Marines had been put on shore to -co-operate with the soldiery. A number of Frenchmen had clandestinely -entered Lisbon, and had succeeded in hatching a plot, which was luckily -found out before it came to maturity. Several of the principal families -were connected with them in it. By this incident I became acquainted -with two officers, who visited me frequently, and made my days pass -away more agreeably than before. The ringleaders in the plot were taken -up, and terror and confusion were produced amongst the rest of them. So -this business blew over and was soon forgotten. - -[Sidenote: 1810 Sept. 17th] - -I removed to Pedroso for the convenience of sea-bathing, my thigh -being much better, which enabled me, with crutches, to move about. -(The house belonged to a Frenchman named Chapellon.) Lieutenant Harry -Smith[14] was also with me. I found great benefit from the sea-bathing. -I became acquainted with a merchant's wife, who frequently sent me -milk and butter. She was an Englishwoman, her husband being also of -the same country. They were in Lisbon when the French under Marshal -Junot entered it, and having the whole of their property there, they -determined to stay and abide the consequences. She told me that she -expected every moment to see her husband dragged away to prison. A -colonel and a captain came to their house with a billet. They were glad -to lodge them and their servants and feed the whole of them, which was -done in such good style, that the two officers interested themselves -on behalf of the English family and prevented any harm falling upon -them. In a little time they became very good friends, and the French -captain would call the lady to the window and say, "Look at my fine -company of soldiers; have you got anything like them in England?" Her -pride being hurt, she answered, "Yes, indeed we have plenty." "Well, -madam, I hope one day or other to meet them in the field. I have fought -in many battles, but never against the English, and really I have no -good opinion of them as a military nation." "You may learn, sir, to -think differently ere long," she observed to him. Time passed away and -the French had completely reduced the Portuguese to obedience, when -one day, suddenly, during High Mass, the French were informed that the -English had landed on the coast. All the authorities were assembled at -the church and the people were keeping holiday, so that the inhabitants -were highly pleased to see the confusion produced amongst the French -when the English were named. The troops were assembled and ordered -to march to attack the invaders. The captain informed the lady, "I -am going to fight against the English, and I will give you, my dear -madam, a good account of them when I return." She very good-humouredly -said, "Take care you do not burn your fingers." The captain's regiment -marched and joined the French army previous to the battle of Vimeiro, -where his company was annihilated and himself badly wounded. The lady -was one day seated at her window and perceived a crowd of persons -coming towards her; curiosity made her anxious to know the cause. They -soon approached near enough to show her that they were the wounded men -upon bullock cars in great numbers. They passed along to the hospital, -with the exception of one car, which stopped at her door. On it she -perceived the poor French captain; he was directly put into the chamber -that he had occupied before, and every possible attention shown him. -"My dear lady," he observed as soon as he saw her, "your countrymen -have made me pay handsomely for my boasting. The fine fellows that -daily paraded before your windows for so many weeks are now lifeless -and inanimate clay, and will trouble you no more. Would to God it -had been my fate also!" He was now frightfully distressed with past -recollections; she left him to give him time to moderate his anguish. -When he became calmer she returned, and he followed up his story. "I -met the English. Oh, that morning was one of the most happy of my -life! My men to a man had the same feeling. I was sent out to skirmish -against some of those in green—grasshoppers I call them; you call -them Rifle Men. They were behind every bush and stone, and soon made -sad havoc amongst my men, killing all the officers of my company, and -wounding myself without being able to do them any injury. This drove -me nearly to distraction. In a little time the British line advanced. -I was knocked down, bayoneted, and should have been put to death upon -the spot if an English officer had not saved me. I find by my own -feelings that I am not long for this world. Our army has been defeated -by your countrymen in a succession of battles, and you will have them -with you soon in Lisbon." - -This officer sank in a few days, although every possible care and -attention were paid him by the English family, who owed their -preservation on a former occasion to the good offices of this officer -and the French colonel. - - -Letter No. VIII - - Pedroso, near Lisbon, - _30th September 1810_. - -My dear Parents—-A friend made me a present of this sheet of English -paper, which I dedicate to you. I have long been in expectation of -a letter from you, and luckily received yours, dated the 30th of -August, the other day. I am happy I had it in my power to remove your -anxiety, though I am sorry to say my leg does not feel so strong as -I could wish. I have left Lisbon and removed into this small village -by the seaside for the purpose of bathing. I have already found some -benefit, and hope soon to be able to rejoin my regiment. I assure you -my feelings are much hurt at being so long idle, and at a time when we -daily expect a great battle is to be on the eve of taking place. - -You make me blush at the idea or observation in the letter, "_a -dangerous regiment_." My dear father, "the more danger the more -honour." Never let such weak thoughts enter your head. When I turned -soldier it was not for the purpose of admiring myself like a peacock -in gaudy plumage; no, it was to meet the enemies of my country and go -wherever my duty called me, and merit the name of a soldier, which I -now say is the greatest pleasure I ever enjoyed. Thank God, I have -succeeded far above my expectations in everything; I mean I have -established my name as a man worthy to rank with the veterans of my -regiment, and am esteemed and respected by every brother officer. This, -my dear parents, is a pleasure which makes me proud of myself, and -increases when I think my friends must also allow I have done my duty -and not mistaken my profession. - -A most dastardly and nefarious plot was found out on the 13th of the -month. The 15th was the day appointed for the conspirators to have -assembled in the evening, or rather at midnight, to have rushed out and -surprised the guards at their different posts, murdered them of course, -and also assassinated all the wounded and sick English officers; a fine -reward for fighting for such a villainous set of cowardly rascals! - -One-half of Lisbon was implicated; two hundred of the first people in -the town have been arrested and put into a fort. On the evening of the -15th inst. strong patrols of Dragoons were moving through the streets -all night. - -The Marines were ready to land at a moment's notice, but the affair -was checked in time. Marshal Beresford took a leading character in the -conspiracy, and gave timely notice, so every one was on his guard. - -I could scarcely be convinced that any set of men would think of acting -so infamously and illiberally. Assassination is not now so common as -it used to be in this country, but still the diabolical practice is not -yet done away with. - -One morning on looking out of my window in Lisbon, and asking what a -man was laid in the street for, I was told that he had been stabbed in -the night and must lie there until a sufficient quantity of money was -collected to bury him. - -I am quite delighted with my rural country situation. I have bought -a nice little horse, and I now ride about the country, and live well -and cheaper than in Lisbon. When I first landed I was carried on a -mattress to an hotel. I soon found my pocket could not long stand out -against such exorbitant charges. I spent a guinea a day. I had not half -the comforts I should have had in an English house. I therefore was -compelled to suffer myself to be lugged on a board along the streets -for two English miles with a mob, who, finding out I was a wounded -officer, followed from motives of curiosity. - -I had a letter the other day from my Captain, who informs me there is -every possibility of a battle soon taking place; he also informed me -he fell down by accident and injured his leg so materially as to be -obliged to leave and go to the rear. He was very anxious to be with -me, and yesterday I was going to take a passage for Figueira, but was -prevented by an order issued to prevent any officer not able to join -his regiment from going to Coimbra, as, in event of a battle, room -would be wanted for the wounded, so I daily expect the arrival of -Captain O'Hare in Lisbon. - -I had a letter from my brother, who mentioned they had been marching -very rapidly to concentrate with the other Divisions of the army, and -expected soon to give an account of the enemy. He is in very high -spirits. I have no doubt but he will behave himself bravely and merit -the appellation of a _British soldier_. I often receive an amusing -epistle from Maud, and as I generally send mine with advice, he took -the liberty to give me a few hints in that way as follows:—"I hope you -will not think of returning so soon as you state, as you must be well -aware should you subject yourself to harassing marches you would soon -be again laid up." (I must beg leave to differ with him, knowing well -my constitution is as strong as ever.) He then says, "Go to England, -and if you find yourself better in two months, return here." I am well -aware of his affection for me. I will just give you an instance of his -generosity. His Colonel a few days back sent for him and informed him -it was his intention directly to recommend him for a lieutenancy (my -brother being, through good luck, at the top of the list of ensigns). -It will be an additional increase of pay nine dollars monthly as well -as the rank. The young rogue, thinking he might as well endeavour to -kill two birds with one stone, told the Colonel I had a particular -wish to be with him; he said he would recommend me also and enumerate -my services to the Commander-in-Chief. I was rather vexed at Maud -asking favours for me without consulting me first. However, I know -the reason that actuated him was from the most generous and brotherly -feeling, which feeling I hope will always continue through life. He is -a noble and generous youth in his sentiments. I am proud to have such -a brother; how you must feel to have such a son. My dear parents, you -have met with great misfortunes in life, but you have children who love -you, and in a great measure counteract the ill-effects of adversity. If -I live you shall always command my last shilling. I live for my family, -and hope to see them all happy; it will ever be my greatest pleasure -to assist them. I believe I informed you that Colonel Sibthorp was so -highly averse to my leaving his regiment that he used every scheme in -his power to dissuade me, and being so confident of success, stopped my -recommendation into the Line. The consequence was, instead of having -twenty second-lieutenants under me, they were gazetted above me. If I -had stayed in England Colonel Sibthorp would have tried to have had -it redressed. Under this unfortunate interference I am now receiving -ensign's pay with the name of lieutenant only. I hope in a few months -to have my lieutenancy through the regular routine of promotion. - -I must say I should part from my regiment with great regret. I live -very comfortably, and if I escape, in time, through the regular course -of things, I must get promotion very fast, much quicker than in any -other regiment. We have numbers of young men who have got companies in -five years. If I had thought my lameness had been likely to continue -so long in the first instance, I should have left the country for a -short time, but now that there is a great probability of soon being -able to move with my regiment and once more enter the lists of fame, -my duty commands me to remain. I must not think for a moment of coming -to England. I shall ride on horseback when I am tired. I am not yet -afraid of meeting the French, I assure you. I hope to see numbers more -bite the ground. Some deserters that came from the enemy stated that -the French did not like those _green fellows_ at all; we made sad havoc -amongst them, particularly their officers. Numbers of our men are most -capital shots. It would astonish you to see how coolly they go on and -take the same aim as at a bird. I feel great pleasure to be with such -fighting fellows and hardy soldiers. The men are so seasoned, that rain -or any other kind of weather makes no impression. The intense heat now -and then makes the men cross into shady places. We have been in want -of tents for months together, sleeping on the ground without any other -covering than the canopy of heaven. I never slept better than in such -places. _This is the regiment to make the soldiers._ I wish my dear -brother had had the same opportunity. The French are very cautious when -we are near them, and go where they will, we always keep up with them. - -The officer that was taken on the 24th of July was wounded; he was very -ill-used by the French, nearly stripped and put in a common prison. He -contrived to make his escape, and is again with the regiment. I was -lucky in getting away from the field of battle as I did. - -My love to my dear Ann. Tell her not to dream about my being again -hit, for fear of her conjectures being realised. I hardly know how I -could comply with her wish to have my picture, I am so ugly a fellow, -and particularly now my face is nearly black from heat and exposure to -every kind of weather. - -I am much stouter even now than when in England, and never enjoyed -better health; if my wound did not ache now and then I should be quite -saucy. - -If Joseph behaves well and makes himself worthy of my assistance, I can -in twelve months promise him an ensigncy, but I must have proofs of his -improvement, as I should subject myself to great censure to recommend -an ignorant boy; let him know these are my sentiments. If he likes -anything better I should be sorry to persuade him to enter the army. - -I am glad you have procured a bull-dog for me. Take care of him, and I -shall be happy to have him out here on the very first opportunity.—I -remain, sincerely yours, - - Geo. Simmons, Lt., 95th Regmt. - -Send Charles and Betsy to school. God bless them. I desire any subject -I may write to you upon may be kept secret, as it would be very -unpleasant to have any of my affairs made public. As in all probability -by the time you receive another letter I shall be with my regiment, -direct Lieut. G. S., 95th or Rifle Regiment, Brig.-Gen. R. Craufurd's -Division, Army, Portugal. - - -_Journal—1st October-31st December 1810_ - -Remained here (Pedroso) very comfortably, and bathed every day in the -sea, which did me much good. Captain Mitchell, who was wounded through -the elbow, came to live near us, and Lieutenant C. Eeles, who had -landed with two companies of the 3rd Battalion, being unwell, remained -with us. Being very tired of this inactive life, although my wound was -not healed, I was determined to return to my regiment. Lieutenant -Smith, who had a ball in his leg, and was also lame, was just as -anxious as myself. Dr. Hossack, with some entreaty, allowed us to go, -but the Commandant (Colonel Tucker, 29th Regiment) ordered us to take -over money to subsist a number of men, and march with a detachment, -which was a sad annoyance, having sufficient to do to take care of -ourselves. - -[Sidenote: 1810 Oct. 7th] - -The detachment was formed at Belem under the command of Major Murphy -of the 88th Regiment; he had men belonging to every regiment in the -country, amongst whom several who had much rather remained at Belem -than have paraded their bodies in a field to be shot at. We marched off -about seven o'clock in the morning. The men of the Light Division who -had been wounded with us and were well again, formed the rear-guard, -and I travelled with it; but in spite of all my precautions several -men skulked away unobserved, slipping into houses and other places. -When we halted and called the rolls, 100 out of 800 that had marched -off were missing, which sadly annoyed Major Murphy. He asked me how -many of mine were gone. "Not one," was my answer, "and depend upon it -none will leave now." "Well, then, sir, take the rear-guard to-morrow -and make any straggler a prisoner, and I will bring him to a Drumhead -Court-Martial"; which order he made known to the detachment. The rain -had fallen heavily all day. We got under shelter into miserable houses -that had been left by their inhabitants at Lumiar. - -[Sidenote: 8th] - -Marched under continued rain to Cabeza de Monchique, meeting numbers of -poor people, making their way to Lisbon in the most wretched plight, -telling us the British army were in full retreat before the French. -At the end of this day's march, another one hundred _heroes_ had -disappeared, which made our Commandant raving mad. Smith called upon -me to assist him in a medical capacity. I had a bucket of spring water -thrown upon him, which did him good; he had several fits, but this put -an end to them, and he was better after he had rested a night. - -[Sidenote: 9th] - -Still raining tremendously. Arrived at Sobral. The 1st Division entered -the town, retiring before the French. I soon found that the Light -Division was marching to Arruda, so I moved off with my detachment, -and arrived in that place about eight o'clock, wet through. The -Quartermasters of regiments came in soon after, and then the town -was divided; the troops followed. I took possession of a good house -for Captain O'Hare's officers, and had a good fire against their -arrival. They were glad to see me again, and we passed some hours -in a description of the march of the enemy and the different fights -and skirmishes they had had since I left the army, which was highly -interesting to me. - -[Sidenote: 10th] - -This place, distant from Lisbon six leagues, is studded with rich -merchants' country houses; many of them well built and adorned with the -most splendid furniture. The people had left there from the dread of -falling into the hands of the French. The British army having retired -before Massena to the identical spot where our gallant Commander meant -to oppose the enemy's further advance, our days were now spent in -making the position as strong as possible with _abatis_, scarping the -ground and throwing up field-fortifications. Long before we retired, -our General foresaw that in all probability, whenever the vast forces -that the French could bring against him were put in motion, we must -have to do so. These very lines that we now occupy had been planned out -long before, and numbers of Portuguese and British Engineers had been -employed for a considerable time building forts from the Tagus to the -sea. So much for the wisdom of our gallant Commander, Wellington. - -[Sidenote: 12th] - -A body of the enemy's infantry moved against the 1st Division near -Sobral, but were repulsed in good style, leaving a number of dead. -Lieutenant C. Eeles, who had quitted the detachment and joined his -company when I passed through, was shot through the body and put upon -the road to Lisbon; also Captain Percival, who commanded the company, -shot through the wrist. The 3rd Battalion company behaved _like Rifle -Men_ and were complimented. - -Our gun-boats went up the Tagus and fired upon the working parties of -the enemy at Villa Franca, which annoyed them considerably. Sir B. -Spencer's Division was placed in Zibreira, a little to the rear. Lord -Wellington's headquarters were at Pero Negro, and Marshal Massena's at -Alenquer. - -[Sidenote: 13th] - -The company detached with the 3rd Caçadores under the command of -Colonel Elder to the heights above Arruda, for the purpose of assisting -in throwing up field-works, retired to a _quinta_ at night, and were -hospitably treated by the Colonel. - -[Sidenote: 21st] - -The whole British and Portuguese troops had been daily employed in -strengthening the position from the Tagus to our extreme left at Torres -Vedras, cutting down trees and forming _abatis_ wherever the ground -was not bold and precipitous. The enemy had also been employed in -throwing up some field-works. - -[Sidenote: 22nd] - -This day joined Captain Mitchell's company above Villa Mata, the -country in our front being covered with farmhouses and gentlemen's -cottages, which were generally well stored with provisions and wine. A -number of French soldiers were observed entering them and collecting -the different articles, which they carried to their encampment and -distributed amongst their comrades. We found the enemy were suffering -very much from want of food. - -[Sidenote: 23rd] - -On piquet. Two French soldiers entered a house in our front. Hopwood -and myself with three men crawled from our post into an avenue of -trees, which covered us from the immediate view of the French vedette -posted on a little eminence to apprise his friends of any danger. We -succeeded in entering the house unobserved, and surprised the two -Frenchmen, who were filling some canteens with wine, but sprang to -their arms. One of them snapped his firelock, but it did not go off. -They were instantly taken from them. A moment after, one soldier -offered me some brandy he had in a calabash slung across his shoulders. -I gave both a large goblet of wine, sent a soldier to get all the -canteens he could muster from the piquet and return, we keeping a -good look-out. We filled sixty, then destroyed the hogshead, took our -prisoners to the piquet, and sent an escort with them to the General. - -[Sidenote: 25th] - -Assisted, in conjunction with Lieutenant Strode, in depositing the -remains of a poor old woman in a most splendid vault in the church at -Arruda. I found her dead near the altar, where she had gone to offer -up her prayers as a last effort, not being strong enough to fly with -the inhabitants from the French, and had finished her mortal career. -I looked round and saw a beautiful marble slab covered with armorial -blazonry; it caught my eye, and I said to my friend, "The old woman -little thought what good offices an English soldier would perform when -she entered the church." "What are they?" says he. "Why, she shall be -put under that stone, and you must assist." We found a large crow-bar, -and soon finished the business to my satisfaction.[15] - -[Sidenote: 31st] - -Deserters now very frequently came in and informed us that the enemy -were losing a number of men from disease, and that there was a great -scarcity of provisions; that Colonel Trant had assembled the Portuguese -Militia in large force and had entered Coimbra, and had taken a number -of sick and wounded officers and men and stopped the communications -with Spain, cutting off the supply of provisions. - -Massena begins to feel that entering a country with an army disposed -to commit every description of brutal atrocity upon the unarmed -inhabitants, and driving them like wild beasts to their fastnesses -(which, from the nature of this country, abounds with such ground), has -already kindled the spirit of revenge in their hearts. This has obliged -the French to keep together, and they literally only have in possession -the ground that their army for the moment occupies, and has also caused -severe losses, for any straggler or sick man, unless he has an escort, -is sure to be stabbed with the stiletto. - -[Sidenote: 1810 Nov. 2nd] - -English bell-tents arrived for the Light Division, to replace the poor -and small Portuguese ones, which proved a great luxury. - -[Sidenote: 13th] - -The Duke of Brunswick Oel's corps joined the Light Division. The enemy -detached General Loison for the purpose of obtaining possession of -the bridge of boats over the Tagus at Villa Velha, but the bridge was -destroyed on their approach. - -[Sidenote: 15th] - -As soon as the fog cleared away we found the enemy's piquets were gone -and the position had been vacated. About three o'clock in the afternoon -the Light Division advanced upon the road to Alenquer and bivouacked -near it for the night. I examined several encampments that the enemy -had occupied and found them in a most filthy state, and in several -huts I found dead men who had fallen victims to the inclement weather. -The enemy's fires appeared five miles off. Colonel Winch took command -of the 2nd Light Brigade, formerly commanded by Colonel Barclay, 52nd -Regiment. - -[Sidenote: 16th] - -The Light Division advanced at daylight and followed the enemy to Villa -Nova. They had attempted to destroy the bridge here, but we advanced -too rapidly for them. Moved forward to Izambuja, a town on the right -bank of the Tagus, and remained for the night. We took a number of -stragglers this day who had been suffering sadly from starvation and -disease. The road was found strewn with rags and pieces of Frenchmen's -appointments and caps, and occasionally a dead horse, mule, or jackass -to enliven the scene. - -[Sidenote: 17th] - -The Light Division marched two leagues to Cataxa; cavalry in front. -The enemy showed three battalions of infantry and six squadrons of -cavalry as a decoy, the remaining part of Junot's corps being concealed -from our view. General Craufurd fancied that he saw the whole of the -rear-guard and had made his dispositions to attack them, when Lord -Wellington arrived on the ground and stopped the attack, observing, -"Are you aware, General, that the whole of Junot's corps is close to -the advanced body you now see, amounting to, at least, 23,000 men, -a large portion of which is cavalry?" The attack was, of course, -abandoned. General Slade's Brigade of cavalry advanced and took up the -line of piquets. The Light Division entered Cataxa for the night. I was -on inlying piquet. The cavalry sent in 105 prisoners. - -[Sidenote: 18th] - -At daybreak we moved on, accompanied by Captain Ross's[16] Horse -Artillery, which now is to remain attached to the Light Division. We -advanced across a plain in considerable force, the enemy retiring -before us and crossing a causeway and bridge over the Rio Mayor, -the whole country in the neighbourhood of the river being a boggy -impassable swamp. Our cavalry had a piquet close to the bridge, -the advanced vedettes from which were dismounted, and occasionally -exchanging long-shots across the causeway with the enemy. These men -were highly pleased to see me arrive with some Rifle Men and take the -post of honour from them, as the company I belonged to was sent on -piquet, with orders to remain at the bridge. The French sent a few men -forward to commence a fire upon us. I crawled on the bridge with three -men, and lay down by a dead mule, where we had a good rest and took -deliberate aim. The Frenchmen soon became wary of showing themselves, -which convinced me we had hit some of them. The company, having had a -hard day's work, were relieved at night by a company of the 52nd, but -we were ordered to remain near at hand during the night as a reserve to -it. - -The weather was very rainy, but, fortunately for us, this part of the -country was covered with olive-trees. This wood is very hard and so -greasy that it is as inflammable as coal, so that, in spite of rain, -we managed to have good fires. General Craufurd, over his wine, took -it into his head that the enemy was moving off and he was anxious to -be the first to find it out. He came to the piquet and took three -soldiers and walked cautiously along the causeway until the French -sentry challenged and fired. The General ordered his men to fire and -retire. This circumstance created so much alarm in the enemy's camp, -who imagined that the British army was passing the bridge and falling -upon them, that they became panic-struck and commenced a tremendous -fire in every direction for some time. The balls came rattling among -the trees, and General Craufurd was sadly annoyed at being deceived in -his conjectures and having caused such an uproar, with a great chance -of foolishly throwing away his life. - -[Sidenote: 19th] - -As soon as the day cleared sufficiently to see what the enemy were -about, we found that during the night they had been very busy cutting -down olive-trees and forming _abatis_ on the position. This they had -every appearance of occupying for some time; it was a most commanding -one, the left upon the Tagus, the swampy Rio Mayor all along its front, -with a _tête de pont_ at the end of the bridge over the river. The -country was very bold and hilly, with the large town of Santarem about -a league in the rear of their position, which Marshal Massena had made -his headquarters. - -General Hill's Corps, about 12,000 British and Portuguese, crossed the -Tagus at Vallada. - -General Spencer's Division came to Valle this morning, and, with our -Division, remained under arms all day. Lord Wellington reconnoitred the -enemy's position, but no attack took place. Bivouacked in a wood near -Valle. A deserter informed us that Junot's and Regnier's Corps were in -position in front of Santarem. - -I had left Lisbon to join my regiment before the wound in my thigh was -quite healed, and from the continued hardship I had suffered, and being -exposed night and day to very inclement weather, my health became very -much impaired, but I was in hopes of being able to shake off disease. - -[Sidenote: 20th] - -Passed a most miserable night; rain fell in torrents. The Light -Division moved with some Dragoons towards the left of the enemy's -position. They filled the wooded slope with numbers of Light troops. -Some of them skirmished with our advanced parties. We returned at -midday and were put into cantonments, the 52nd and 1st Caçadores and -the Brunswick Oels into Valle, the 43rd into a large _quinta_ above the -village mentioned. The 95th Rifles were put into straggling farmhouses -on the banks of the river, where we saw opposite to us, upon the wooded -heights, numbers of Frenchmen on duty, observing our movements. - -[Sidenote: 21st] - -I felt much refreshed from dry clothes and something to eat, but my -thigh was getting worse and my body sadly out of order. - -[Sidenote: 23rd] - -Symptoms of dysentery. - -[Sidenote: 25th] - -On outlying piquet. A most dreadful night, which made me so ill that I -could scarcely crawl. - -[Sidenote: 26th] - -General Craufurd came this morning and ordered the _abatis_ to be -advanced some yards upon the bridge in case we should have occasion to -blow up the principal arch, which would then be clear. I got over the -parapet on the enemy's side and went forward to the place the General -had ordered the _abatis_ to be moved to. Three of my men began to pull -it to pieces and bring the wood. I expected the French would fire at me -from the _tête de pont_, and I was suffering so much from disease that -I was really careless what happened, but I was allowed to finish my job -without interruption. - -[Sidenote: 30th] - -Worse and worse, and on the 2nd of December obliged to go from my -regiment. I was put into a boat at Vallada, and arrived at Lisbon about -midnight. By the greatest good luck, La Tour's Hotel was open, and I -got a bed there; excessively ill. - -[Sidenote: 1810 Dec. 3rd] - -Removed to a billet with much difficulty; people very uncivil. - -[Sidenote: 4th] - -Got another billet upon equally uncivil folks with bad accommodation. -Ordered to be removed by the Commandant, Colonel Peacock, as the family -had sufficient interest with him to put me out. I found the people -behaved ill to me for fear of bringing a fever into their family, which -induced them to try every means to get quit of me. I was now in a very -forlorn state, my servant being obliged to go hunting after a billet, -which at last was procured upon an empty house. I was put into a large -and gloomy apartment. - -[Sidenote: 6th] - -Made another attempt to get a billet of a comfortable description with -the same ill success, which induced me to send a clear statement of -the number of bad billets I had been sent to, and to request the Town -Major to let me have a proper one. I had now the good luck to get -into a comfortable house kept by an old gentleman and his two maiden -sisters—the kindest people possible. They nursed me and paid me every -necessary attention. I was exceedingly debilitated by a continued -fever and dysentery. I remained very ill for some days, but gradually -recovered. - -Each army was occupied in strengthening their position and endeavouring -(in case of an attack) to make them as strong as possible. - -Lord Wellington took up his headquarters at Cataxa with General -Spencer's Division. Nothing of moment occurred to terminate the year. - - -Letter No. IX - - Lisbon, _16th December 1810_. - -Dear Parents—I left Lisbon on the 7th of October. I was unfortunate at -starting; the rainy season had just commenced. I had a detachment of -men from different regiments to bring up with me. Nothing but continued -rain, bad quarters, my clothes never dry until I joined my regiment at -a village called Arruda. I was extremely happy when I got to them, I -assure you. The last five miles I was obliged to walk, as my horse was -quite knocked up. On the 12th, the French had brought up a great force. -We had expected a battle, but the wary Massena took care not to bring -on a general action. We had some very smart skirmishing. Our regiment -lost two officers badly wounded. We are now in our Lines; our position -remarkably strong; cannon mounted upon every strong hill. Every day we -were in hopes the enemy would attack us, but were disappointed. I found -my leg occasionally a torment to me, but took little notice of it. - -I heard my brother's regiment was at Bucellas, a town famed for its -wine, and about six miles off. I rode over to see him. He was delighted -to see me, little expecting, from accounts he had received, to shake -me by the hand again. I dined with him, spent the day; he would give -me a bottle of cherry brandy. I was much pleased with his appearance. -He has grown a very handsome and soldier-like fellow. He is very much -respected and very happy, which is an additional gratification to me, -and makes me very proud of him. Since that period he has several times -visited me at the outposts. - -On the 15th of November we got information of the French having -retired. Our army immediately marched after them. The first night we -passed through several French camps and found a number of dead bodies. -We halted near a large village, and lay down for the night in the -fields. In the morning we marched through a place, Alenquer, which -was entirely sacked by the enemy, the windows and doors torn down and -burnt, as well as most of the furniture in each house, beautiful -china, pier-glasses and chandeliers all dashed to pieces, and every -kind of devastation that is possible for savages to be guilty of. They -had left numbers of miserable objects behind them in the houses, that -were so ill as not to be able to march; these were of course put to -death by the Portuguese when we happened to miss finding them out. -On the 16th we followed the French as quickly as possible, took some -prisoners, and spoiled their cooking. Found several peasants the French -had murdered and left upon the road, also saw several French killed -by the Portuguese. It was a dreadful sight to see so many fine towns -without a creature in them. The poor unfortunate inhabitants only a -few weeks back were living happily and comfortably, now destitute of -everything and afraid of coming near their own property for fear of -losing their lives. It is a dreadful consideration. Oh, happy England! -may such scenes as these ever be unknown to my countrymen! The French -are certainly the greatest curse the Almighty ever sent into the world. -Universal conquest and ruin of everything sacred and binding between -man and man is their sole aim. I hope their career will be checked -sooner or later; they have long reigned almost uncontrolled. - -On the 17th and 18th we continued marching after the enemy, taking -occasionally a few stragglers and sick. On the 20th the enemy halted -and began to throw up breast-works and _abatis_ along a high ridge in -front of Santarem; a very fine commanding position in front of the -mountains; towards the river Tagus there was a plain covered with -vineyards, and the opposite way and to our left, a perfect morass, -impassable. We expected to attack them even in their strong position. -The company I belong to were ordered on piquet, which was at a bridge -over a river in front of the French. As soon as the enemy saw us -coming they commenced firing upon us. We soon took and established our -piquet ground, fired a few shots at the French, who went off to a more -respectable distance and disturbed us no more. We luckily had no one -wounded. A corporal going on the bridge with me shot a Frenchman who -had just discharged his piece at him. That day our sentries were upon -the bridge within two hundred yards of each other. - -The excessive wet and bad weather has had great influence upon my -constitution since I was wounded. I feel myself, I am sorry to say, -quite a different man. This last march we have been exposed very much -to the weather. We have had nearly a continuance of rain, and sleeping -on the ground, the water making a gutter on both sides of one's body, -was not pleasant to me. There was a time when I would not have cared a -fig for it, but my leg, after lying thus, became very painful, and I -felt as though I had to drag a ten-stone weight about with me. In the -morning, possibly obliged to march for miles through grape gardens, -fighting with the enemy, I limping along, and often finding difficulty -to keep up with my men. Only a little while back I could run miles, -always the first to go through or over anything; judge how my feelings -must be hurt at so serious a difference. I continued with my regiment -as long as possible, until my mind became so much hurt and my body so -much debilitated that I could hardly drag myself along. In this state I -went on piquet; rain all night. I was stationed at the bridge of Valle -with a section of the company. I lay down occasionally by the fire. I -was so ill I could not smoke a pipe, the greatest luxury a man can have -in bad weather. The next morning I was relieved and went to bed, not -a feather bed, but some straw in the corner of an old stable, with a -knapsack for a pillow. I was recommended to start directly for Lisbon -by my friend, the surgeon. I argued against it and said, as I had got -a good comfortable bed, I should soon come round. Here, for the first -time in my life, I was attacked with dysentery and in indescribable -torture. - -On the 3rd of December I found if I put off many days longer I should -not be able to leave the regiment. I was conveyed on a mule to Vallada, -on the right bank of the Tagus, took a boat, and arrived at Lisbon -about twelve o'clock at night, got a bed by the merest chance and good -luck, and the following morning procured a billet—a bad one, people -uncivil. The next day got one on a very good house—people very friendly -and kind. I am as happy as my unfortunate situation will admit of. -I have kept my bed ever since my arrival here. My leg and thigh are -frequently very painful. The dysentery has subsided in some measure, -and upon the whole I feel much better to-day or I could not have given -you this long epistle. I have had a medical examination. The medical -men have ordered me to continue here six weeks. If I am not better in -that time I shall procure leave to come to England. I hope that will -not be the case. As God knows, I have little business to be at home at -this period. I have got some curiosities taken from the French. I have -a beautiful piece of silk for a pelisse for Ann, five or six yards, -colour crimson. I mean to deposit my curiosities on board of some ship. -Joseph, I hope, is going on properly. I have said enough about it -already. If he does right and minds his education, I will—provided he -wishes to come into the army—do everything I can to serve him, but he -must make himself deserving of my intercession. If he chooses anything -else, I should be sorry to dissuade him from it. He must not, as a -soldier, expect to live in luxury and ease. He must often live hard and -fight hard and expose his body to all kinds of weather and climate. I -hope poor Charlie gets better. Do not quack with him. Get good advice, -and he must recover. Let him take plenty of exercise at all times. I -hope you will take care he is well educated. Send him to some good -Latin school. Let me know how Betsy comes on; I should suppose she is -a tall girl. I shall take care of something for her if I come to old -England again. - -I am nearly worn to a skeleton. I was laughing at myself when shaving -in the glass this morning at my hollow eyes and squalid visage. Now -would be the time for Ann to have a likeness. I thought it would be -worth staring at. This coming backward and forward to Lisbon makes a -sad hole in my little savings, which does not please me at all. For the -last eight days I could take nothing but Madeira with any degree of -pleasure (three shillings a bottle here). - -My best respects to Aunt. Maud, my brother, desires me when I write to -remember him to her and my uncle. Any letter I receive from you I let -Maud have the particulars directly. My love to you all. My dear mother -I hope enjoys good health. I have often called out for her to nurse me. -I am sorry to say I have often wanted so kind a friend. God bless and -preserve her many years.—Yours truly and affectionately, - - G. Simmons, Lt., 95th Regt. - -I hope a little time will bring me round again. It would be a serious -thing to be obliged to come home now after enduring all the hardships -of so long a campaign without being present at a general action. I have -one great consolation, if I am incapable of following the profession -of a soldier, I can always get a living as a surgeon. I have not been -idle even in this country, frequently attending hospitals, as I always -endeavour to gain knowledge whenever I can find it, as it may one -day or other be of use to me. I shall always be allowed to retire on -half-pay, which would assist me very materially, but I am in hopes this -will not be the case. I still fancy there is enough of me left to make -a soldier. The French were never before put so much to their wits' end -as at present; whenever they come on they always have the worst of it. -Under Lord Wellington's command every one is confident of success. The -Portuguese, led on by English officers, fight like tigers. They have -behaved astonishingly well. I have witnessed several regiments of them -come on with the greatest enthusiasm. - - - - -CAMPAIGN OF 1811 - - - At the commencement of 1811, Soult was master of the whole of - Andaluçia, with the exception of Cadiz, which place was blockaded by - Victor. Soult, however, having been ordered in March to co-operate - with Massena, thus leaving Victor unsupported, the Allies in Cadiz - decided on a maritime expedition so as to raise the blockade of that - place. General Graham embarked with some 4000 troops, and, landing at - Algeçiras, joined La Peña and his Spanish force and marched on Cadiz. - The battle of Barrosa was fought a few miles south of the Isla, the - French under Victor being defeated and Graham marching into Cadiz. - - At the same time, Soult was engaged in invading Portugal on the south - of the Tagus, while Massena, unaware of the former's successes over - the Spaniards, was retiring from before the Lines of Torres Vedras on - the north of the Tagus. - - Wellington at once followed in pursuit of Massena, and severe combats - took place at Pombal, Redinha, Cazal Nova, Foz de Aronce, and Sabugal. - Massena withdrew to Ciudad Rodrigo, and eventually, for want of - provisions, to Salamanca. - - Wellington now invested Almeida, on the Portuguese frontier, but - Massena, having received strong reinforcements, advanced to raise the - blockade, and encountered Wellington at Fuentes de Oñoro, but having - been worsted, he retired across the Agueda. - - Shortly after this, owing to a series of unfortunate mistakes, the - French garrison of Almeida succeeded in cutting its way through the - blockading troops and escaped. - - Marshal Beresford had meanwhile been despatched to hold Soult in check - south of the Tagus, and after a fight at Campo Mayor he laid siege - to Badajoz, but learning that Soult was advancing from Seville to - attack him, he raised the siege and took up a position at Albuera, - where after one of the most sanguinary battles of the war, he defeated - the French and they withdrew. Badajoz was thereupon besieged for - the second time; but Marmont having joined Soult and advanced with - overwhelming numbers, the siege had to be again abandoned, the French - entering Badajoz. - - It was now September, and the war entered upon a new phase. Napoleon - largely reinforced his armies in Spain, King Joseph commanding one - about Madrid, Soult a second in the south, Marmont a third on the - Tagus, whilst a fourth was styled the army of the north, under - Dersenne. - - This combination was too strong for Wellington to contend against, - but he quickly noted that the fortresses of Ciudad Rodrigo and - Badajoz were somewhat isolated, and decided to operate against them. - Having also received strong reinforcements, he aimed at blockading - Ciudad Rodrigo. Massena, however, at once advanced to its relief - with a strong force, and Wellington, uncertain what was in front of - him, took up a position on the Agueda. The combats of El Bodon and - Aldea da Ponte now took place, after which, in November, Wellington - withdrew once again behind the Coa and distributed his troops over a - considerable area for subsistence. - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -Letter No. X - -_To his Parents, from Lisbon, dated 11th January 1811_ - - Slow recovery from wound—Is joined by Colonel Beckwith, also - wounded—Prospects of the coming campaign—Colonel Sibthorp's - kindness—Admirable condition of British troops, and confidence in Lord - Wellington in spite of "those fellows who are so ready to abuse him." - -_Journal—20th January-25th March 1811_ - - Desertion of German troops—Recovers from wound and leaves for the - front with Colonel Beckwith—German Hussars capture French cavalry - advanced posts—The French retire through Santarem—The Light Division - pursues—Shocking condition of Santarem and its inhabitants, due - to French excesses—The Horse Artillery and Royal Dragoons take up - the pursuit—Rear-guard actions—French Horse Grenadiers charged by - 1st German Hussars—Advanced guard fight at Pombal—French driven - off—Arrival of five British Divisions—Combat of Redinha—Dispositions - of the French—The French flanks attacked by the Rifles—Defeat of the - French—Narrow escape of Simmons and Lieutenant Kincaid—Action of Cazal - Nova—Major John Stewart (in command of wing) killed, also Lieutenant - Strode mortally wounded—Miserable state of the town—Brutality of - French soldiers—The French retire during the night—French stragglers - saved from being massacred by the inhabitants by the British - troops—Combat at Foz de Aronce—Marshal Ney's mistake—Lord Wellington - takes advantage of it and orders Colonel Beckwith to "fall in" and - attack at once—The Light Division attack—Kincaid again has a narrow - shave—Stout resistance by the French; hundreds driven into the river - and drowned—Capture of their camp—The Rifle Men eat the Frenchmen's - dinners—French hamstring all their baggage animals—Skirmish at Ponte - de Murcella—Complimentary order by Lord Wellington on the conduct - of the Light Division during the ten days' fighting, 8th March to - 18th—Vigorous pursuit by cavalry and Horse Artillery. - -Letter No. XI - -_To his Parents, from Mello, dated 26th March 1811_ - - Brother John in trouble—Reported as having been taken prisoner by the - French, who captured the merchant ship he was serving on—Recounts - visit to brother Maud across the Tagus—Describes the pursuit of - Massena and horrible brutalities committed by the French troops on the - Portuguese inhabitants—Detailed description of the fighting—News of - the battle of Barrosa and heavy losses of the Rifles (two companies - 2nd Battalion, and four companies of 3rd Battalion engaged). - - -Letter No. X - - Lisbon, _16th January 1811_. - -My dear Parents—I embrace this opportunity of writing you by a friend -of mine who is compelled to come to England for the recovery of his -health, being rendered incapable of further service for some time, -having two severe wounds. - -I find the rest and comforts I have been able to procure here have -brought me round much sooner than I had any idea of. Shelter from -the inclemency of the weather and a warm bed have done wonders. I -am now as anxious as ever to return to my regiment and share in its -glorious achievements. I am sorry to observe my leg is very little -better. I shall limp for life. Every change of weather affects me most -materially. I hope time will in some measure eradicate these symptoms, -though I am too well acquainted with the injury my thigh has sustained -ever to expect recovery. - -The Colonel of my regiment has been obliged to come to Lisbon for -the benefit of his health. He has nearly recovered. I have at all -times experienced the greatest friendship from him. I dine often -with him. He had a great wish for me to live with him, thinking he -might soon recover, but not being able to procure a billet for us -both immediately, he would not inconvenience me by taking me from a -good one. In the meantime he recovered. I have always been fortunate -in gaining the esteem of my superior officers, and I am confident my -Colonel will as soon as possible do something for me. I have at this -time an idea of soon procuring a higher place. - -I meant to purchase numbers of articles while in Lisbon. I must curtail -my inclinations, having been at great expense since I arrived here. -Everything has altered much in price since I was in this place before. -However, I cannot rest longer without giving my dear Ann some token of -my affection for her. These baubles will occasionally serve to remind -her that her brother George, though far away, still loves and adores -her. I wonder much at not hearing from you. I hope you do not conceive -I am careless of your affairs. I think you know me better than to -suspect it. I have not had a letter since September last. The French -are bringing up all the men they can muster, and concentrating them -in different Divisions near us. The weather has been so intolerably -wet and bad that it would be impossible for the two hostile armies -to commence the work of death and destruction at this time. We are -in hopes the sun will begin to shine upon us and dry the earth -sufficiently to enable us soon to commence. Our men are in the highest -spirits imaginable, and the Portuguese also are determined to fight -to the last. We shall soon have noble work. The French are a set of -impudent rascals. I certainly expected to find them stand much better -than in the two or three instances where I have been, with others of -my regiment, opposed to them. They are certainly brave men, but do not -like close quarters. When charged by Britons they run off. - -When anything particular transpires I will write you. I have at present -several articles, but cannot find any conveyance for them. I shall -leave them at Lisbon. My brother Maud has the history of everything -belonging to me. He sent me a letter the other day requesting I would -accept forty or fifty dollars, as I must be in want of money. I thanked -him, but desired him to take care of it until he arrived in England, -where it would be of use. He laughed at my delicacy. He is an impudent -fellow, I assure you. I also told him it astonished me exceedingly to -find he could keep any money; I wondered it did not become a burden to -him. He wanted one day to wager with me on that head, but on showing -him twenty-five guineas besides dollars, he passed it off and abused me -for covetousness. I expected a letter from him, and would have enclosed -it, but he is too idle to write, as I generally contrive to give him -all my news. I received a very kind letter from Colonel Sibthorp this -morning. By some accident it has been detained in England ever since I -was at Lisbon before. He says he fully expected me home, and had fitted -up a quarter for me in his house. He was extremely happy when he heard -through the Adjutant of the Lincoln, with whom I correspond, that my -health was again re-established; and in some measure to palliate the -disappointment he experienced in not seeing me, he sent me £25 for -my present use. He concludes his letter with again observing that if -I should be obliged to come home from wounds or illness or any other -cause, his house will always be open to me. I assure you this letter -gives me great pleasure. I know well it is in Colonel Sibthorp's power -to befriend me in my profession. - -I send Ann a gold chain; it is, I am informed, a curiosity in England -and is the purest gold that can be formed, also a gold cross set with -topaz, a pair of earrings; the same I could not procure smaller, or -should have liked them better. I send my mother a ring set also in -topaz, and a silver snuff-box. I hope the whole will arrive safe. I -send them at a venture, and durst not risk more money. I have often -laughed at the cause of my buying the box at Coimbra. It was when I -had experienced a severe march after being wounded, and was feverish -and continually talking of my dear mother and annoying every one near -me. I would not be satisfied until my servant had procured some boxes -from a jeweller. The one I send was my choice. I wrote a long letter -settling my little affairs, stuffed it into the box, and then felt very -happy. The next day my wound was more favourable. You know the rest. I -think I see my mother opening the box and recounting this little tale. -When the officer lands he will give the parcel to the clerk at some -mail coach office (by my orders). Pay the booking. I think there is no -chance of its miscarrying. You may on receipt of this, occasionally -send to the post office to inquire for a small parcel directed as -usual, Osborne Street, Kingston-upon-Hull. The whole cost me £7 or £8. -I have more curiosities, but durst not risk them all at once. - -I hope two months will nearly enable us to decide the fate of Portugal. -It is my continued prayer for a general action. That day will be -tremendous. I have no fear as to the result. The troops are seasoned, -weather-beaten veterans, commanded by the best General in the British -service. I wish some of those fellows who are so ready to abuse him -were for a night posted within 200 yards of the enemy; they would not -talk so nonsensically. It is easy for them to do so fighting battles -over a good fireside at home with a pot of old October before them. - -My love to you all, particularly my uncle and aunt. I remain the same, -still and for ever, your affectionate son, - - G. Simmons, Lt., 95th Regmt. - -I hope Joseph attends to my injunctions. It will in the end be himself -that must reap the benefit. "Education is fortune sufficient to a man -who will make good use of it." - - -_Journal—20th January-25th March 1811_ - -[Sidenote: Lisbon.] - -Considerable reinforcements have joined the French army, several of the -Brunswickers have deserted to the enemy, and some were detected in the -act of going over. Three of them were shot and the corps sent to the -rear. Deserters, both officers and men, very frequently came over from -the French army. - -[Sidenote: 20th] - -I found myself quite restored to health, and went to the Italian opera, -San Carlos. Also went on board the _Tonnant_, 80 guns, to see the -brother of Lieutenant Stokes, a friend of mine, who was exceedingly -kind, as well as the whole of the officers, and showed me the greatest -hospitality. - -[Sidenote: 27th] - -The remains of the Marquis Romana were brought on shore at Belem. -Minute guns were fired. The body was taken to the Church of San -Justine, where it was interred with much pomp and ceremony, the British -and Portuguese soldiers being all under arms, and police guards also. - -[Sidenote: 1811 Feb. 3rd] - -The shock of an earthquake at 11 o'clock P.M., which alarmed the -inhabitants. - -Having enjoyed myself for some time now in Lisbon, and being quite -restored to health, I became anxious of again associating with my -brother soldiers. - -[Sidenote: 4th] - -Took my departure, in company with my worthy friend, Colonel Beckwith. -He had been some time in Lisbon with intermittent fever, but was now -restored to health. Halted at the house of Major M'Neal, a friend of -the Colonel's, at Alhandra, where we were very hospitably treated. It -being a rainy morning, and the Major pressing us to stay another day, -we did so. - -[Sidenote: 6th] - -Rode to Valle and joined Captain Beckwith's company, which was in the -same house and stables I left it in five weeks before, although it had -changed its captain. - -[Sidenote: 8th] - -Colonel Drummond took command of the 2nd Brigade of the Light Division -_vice_ Winch deceased. - -[Sidenote: 9th] - -Cornet Streunitz, of the German Hussars, surprised an advanced post -of the enemy near Rio Mayor, consisting of an officer and thirty men. -Cavalry desertion from the enemy very frequent, and constant reports -brought in that they cannot remain much longer in their present -position, as the soldiery are suffering sad privations. - -[Sidenote: 22nd] - -Cornet Streunitz took another party of the enemy, one officer and -fifteen men, who had been placed in ambush to endeavour to surprise -our cavalry piquets. I got leave to visit my brother Maud, who was in -General Hill's Division across the Tagus. I passed it in a large boat -of a rough structure filled with men and horses, and very bunglingly -navigated; however, I was landed safely. I mounted my horse and rode -to Almeyrim, where his regiment was stationed (2nd Battalion 34th). I -found him well, and we fought over our battles together, over some bad -wine. - -[Sidenote: 30th] - -Returned to my corps, as the reports of the enemy's moving off gain -ground daily. - -[Sidenote: 1811 March 4th] - -Two deserters came over; they report that the enemy are burning -everything that they cannot remove, such as gun-carriages, carts, etc. - -[Sidenote: 5th] - -The cavalry have advanced a little way on our left, and the Divisions -in rear are closing up to us. - -[Sidenote: 6th] - -The _juiz de fore_ of Santarem sent a peasant to give information that -the enemy had retired through the place at two o'clock this morning and -were in full retreat. The Light Division followed the enemy at daybreak -and entered Santarem, where we remained about an hour. How different -this town now appeared; when I last was in it all was gaiety and -happiness, and the shops abounding with every luxury, and a smile upon -every one's face; but now the houses are torn and dilapidated, and the -few miserable inhabitants, moving skeletons; the streets strewn with -every description of household furniture, half-burnt and destroyed, -and many streets quite impassable with filth and rubbish, with an -occasional man, mule, or donkey rotting and corrupting and filling the -air with pestilential vapours. - -My heart ached as I passed through it. We marched to Pernes. The enemy -had blown up the bridge over the river Pernes, which was repaired -by Captain Todd, Royal Staff Corps. The poor inhabitants had been -persuaded to remain by Marshal Junot, under fair promises, but they -ill performed these assertions. The houses were nearly all unroofed, -and the people in a starving condition. Two young ladies had been -brutally violated in a house that I entered, and were unable to rise -from a mattress of straw. On the line of march, comparing notes with -other officers, I found that they all had some mournful story to relate -of the savage French Vandals which had come under their immediate -observation. - -[Sidenote: 7th] - -Followed the enemy's rear-guard to Torres Novas, and halted near La -Marrosa. The Horse Artillery and Royal Dragoons came up with the French -rear-guard and harassed it. We passed several of the enemy's killed and -wounded men upon the road as we advanced. The unfortunate inhabitants -that have remained in their villages have the appearance of people who -have been kicked out of their graves and reanimated, and the sight of -them rouses the fiercest passions within us, and will make us, when -we come up with the enemy, take ample vengeance upon them for their -unheard-of and disgusting cruelties to this unfortunate nation. O happy -England! surrounded by an element over which thy sons in their wooden -walls triumphantly sway, and on thy happy shores the arms of that -tyrant who has deluged Europe in blood can have no influence. May it -ever be so is my earnest prayer! - -[Sidenote: 8th] - -Light Division marched at daybreak, and came up with sixty sick -Frenchmen upon donkeys in a wretched plight from disease and fever. We -followed the rear-guard to Venda dos Carvalhos. The enemy moved off -when we came in sight. The cavalry and Horse Artillery pressed them so -hard that the enemy blew up four tumbrils and destroyed a quantity of -gun tackling. - -[Sidenote: 9th] - -Advanced early this morning, and after marching five hours, came up -with the enemy's rear-guard at the junction of the road from Leyria -and Lisbon to Coimbra. A large body of cavalry showed itself, and -infantry in force was halted in rear. An advanced squadron of the -11th French Horse Grenadiers were charged by the 1st German Hussars -in pretty style, and twelve of them taken. The French had taken two -Hussars two days before, and it was believed had coolly sabred them. -The Germans were so incensed at the report that they were going to put -some of these men to death, but were luckily prevented and persuaded -to desist. One of the enemy was a very handsome man and an Italian. He -had a narrow escape, as he was upon his knees and the sword uplifted -to slaughter him when Colonel Gilmore begged him off. About forty -straggling soldiers fell into our hands on this day's advance, and the -road was often covered with dead Frenchmen, gun-carriages, waggons, and -pieces of different military equipment. - -[Sidenote: 10th] - -Returned half a league and bivouacked in a pine wood. Sir William -Erskine took command of the Light Division. The enemy appeared in great -force for the purpose of checking our advance, in order that their -heavy guns, baggage, etc., might gain some advantage by moving rapidly -away. Towards evening our forces were considerably augmented by the -arrival of General Pack's Brigade and a Brigade of the 1st Division. In -short, our army was moving up as quick as the nature of circumstances -would admit of it. - - -Fight of Pombal - -[Sidenote: 11th] - -The enemy moved off before day, and our cavalry and Horse Artillery -set out in pursuit of it. They were obliged to halt a little way from -Pombal, and the Light Division were sent forward to dislodge the -enemy's Light Infantry and Voltigeurs from the enclosures. The castle, -an old ruin situated upon an eminence, was very spiritedly attacked by -the 95th Rifles and the 3rd Caçadores. Although the enemy disputed the -ground obstinately, which, from the nature of it, was very defensible, -yet they were driven sharply through Pombal. Some officers' baggage was -captured. - -The enemy remained on strong ground at a little distance from us. The -1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th Divisions arrived near us in the course of -the evening. The town of Pombal is frightfully dilapidated, and the -inhabitants as miserable as I have before represented them in other -places. - - -Combat of Redinha - -[Sidenote: 12th] - -The enemy took up a position to receive our attack in front of Redinha, -his right resting on the river Soure, protected in front by heights -covered with wood, and his left beyond Redinha upon the river. The -front part of his line was much intersected with deep ravines. In the -centre was a beautiful plain filled with infantry, formed in good order -but a motley-looking set of fellows in greatcoats and large caps, -a body of cavalry supporting, and other bodies moving according to -circumstances. The wooded heights were attacked by a wing of the 1st -Battalion (Rifles), commanded by Major Stewart, who carried them in -gallant style. The other wing attacked the left, the Light Division -acting in unison with these attacks, our columns moving rapidly into -the plain, forming line and moving on, and also the cavalry. It was -a sunshiny morning, and the red coats and pipe-clayed belts and -glittering of men's arms in the sun looked beautiful. I felt a pleasure -which none but a soldier so placed can feel. After a severe struggle -we drove the enemy from all his strongholds and down a steep hill -to the bridge. We pushed the fugitives so hard that the bridge was -completely blocked up, numbers fell over its battlements, and others -were bayoneted; in fact, we entered pell-mell with them. The town was -set on fire in many parts by the enemy previous to our entering it, so -that numbers of them, to avoid being bayoneted, rushed into the burning -houses in their flight. Lieutenant Kincaid[17] passed with me through a -gap in a hedge. We jumped from it at the same moment that a Portuguese -Grenadier, who was following, received a cannon shot through his body -and came tumbling after us. Very likely during the day a person might -have a thousand much more narrow escapes of being made acquainted with -the grand secret, but seeing the mangled body of a brave fellow so -shockingly mutilated in an instant, stamps such impressions upon one's -mind in a manner that time can never efface. A man named Muckston laid -hold of a French officer in the river and brought him out. He took his -medal, and in the evening brought it to me. I took it, but should have -felt happy to have returned it to the Frenchman. - -The enemy cannonaded our columns crossing the bridge and occasionally -gave the skirmishers some discharges of grape. Notwithstanding, it did -not deter us from following them and driving them some distance, when -we were recalled and formed up. The British army bivouacked for the -night. Lieutenants Chapman and Robert Beckwith wounded. - -[Sidenote: 13th] - -The Light Division advanced at daylight and found the enemy strongly -posted in front of Condexa. The 3rd Division took a detour by a -mountain road and turned the enemy's left, which obliged _Johnny_ -to move off; we followed through the town close to them; the houses -being generally unroofed and others that had been quarters for French -officers, were deliberately set on fire. - -In one instance I ordered some soldiers to remove several chairs and -some straw under a staircase which was then on fire. By this timely -removal, the house was saved, and most likely many others. - - -Action of Cazal Nova - -[Sidenote: 14th] - -As soon as the fog cleared away, we found the enemy very strongly -posted, the ground for miles in their rear being one continued -series of good positions. The heights and village of Cazal Nova -were spiritedly attacked by Major Stewart with the left wing 95th -Rifles, and the other wing soon followed. Then, soon after, the whole -Light Division was engaged skirmishing, which continued from hill -to hill, and a combined movement (on the enemy's flank) by the 3rd -Division assisted us very materially in making the enemy quit the -many strongholds which, owing to the nature of the ground, gave him -repeatedly the advantage over us. About three in the afternoon a -regiment formed up and hid itself. Our advanced skirmishers, going over -the slope of a hill, came within a few yards of this regiment, when -the men fired a volley into our faces. It was quite ridiculous; the -balls went whizzing over our heads, and they scampered off. Our Horse -Artillery generally gave the enemy a few rounds of shrapnel to amuse -them before we gave over our day's work. These battalions of the enemy, -by our rapid movements, were forced upon the main body at Miranda do -Corvo, on the Deuca, and had sustained considerable loss. From the hard -fighting of this day many brave fellows had fallen. Major Stewart, a -fine gallant little fellow who commanded the attack so spiritedly, -was wounded. Lieutenant Strode, in the company with myself, was also -wounded.[18] I was placed on piquet at the entrance of the town of -Lous̃a, and a little after dark patrolled into it. Houses in every -direction were on fire, and a few wretched inhabitants standing about -in the streets with despair and horror marked in their faces. Kincaid -and I went into a house where an old man was seated; he had been lame -in both legs for many years. A French soldier, on leaving the house, -had given him two deep sabre wounds on the head and another on the arm. -This place was a true picture of everything that was wretched. - -[Sidenote: 15th] - -I was sent on this morning with a party of the piquet. Found near the -roadside, quantities of ammunition that had been buried by the French, -also a French officer and numbers of men dead; a deserter from the -Brunswickers I took prisoner. The enemy had retired in the night so as -to have a little start of us, as the battalions engaged yesterday had -been too severely handled. At every step this morning we found sick -and dead Frenchmen, gun-carriages, waggons, baggage; horses, mules, -and donkeys abandoned by their masters, not being able to carry their -loads farther, some from frightful sore backs, others from lameness and -starvation. We passed through Miranda do Corvo in pursuit of the enemy. -The town was almost filled with sick, wounded, and dying men, abandoned -to their fate, and dead. The rascally French had even plundered this -place and committed every sort of wanton atrocity upon the inhabitants, -and then left many of their helpless countrymen for the infuriated -inhabitants to wreak their vengeance upon. Luckily for these poor -wretches, we followed the French so rapidly that they fell into our -hands, and were put in charge of British soldiers, or they would have -been butchered indiscriminately. - - -Combat of Foz de Aronce - -After marching a league from the latter town, we found the enemy's -rear-guard had taken up a position at Foz de Aronce, with their back -to the river Ceira, and the bridge behind them blown up. The remainder -of their army was in position on the other side, having passed by -fording, but in consequence of heavy rains, the river became so swollen -that it was in a few hours impassable. Our gallant chief observed with -his penetrating eye the egregious mistake that the officer, Marshal -Ney, who commanded the French rear-guard, had made. We were all hungry -and tired. I was frying some beef and anxiously watching the savoury -morsel, when an order was given by Lord Wellington himself to Colonel -Beckwith: "Fall in your battalion and attack the enemy; drive in -their skirmishers, and I will turn their flank with the 3rd and 1st -Divisions." The whole Light Division were smartly engaged. The enemy -opposed to the company (Captain Beckwith's) I was with, were behind a -low wall. The approach was through a pine wood, and the branches were -rattling about our ears from the enemy's bullets. Lieutenant Kincaid -got shot through his cap, which grazed the top of his head. He fell as -if a sledge hammer had hit him. However, he came to himself and soon -rallied again. Lieutenant M'Cullock was shot through the shoulder. The -attack commenced about five in the afternoon and lasted till after -dark, the rain falling abundantly during part of the time. The French -fought very hard, and, some finding resistance to be in vain, threw -themselves upon our generosity, but the greater part rushed into the -river, which was tumbling along in its course most furiously, and -there soon found a watery grave. The enemy so little dreamt of being -disturbed this night that their cooking utensils were left upon their -fires for strangers to enjoy their contents. Such are the chances of -war! I was quite exhausted and tired, and was with about fifteen of -the company in the same state, when we made a great prize. One of the -men found a dozen pots upon a fire, the embers of which were low and -caused the place to escape notice. Here we adjourned, and soon made -the fire burn brightly. We found the different messes most savoury -ones, and complimented the French for their knowledge of making savoury -dishes, and many jokes were passed upon them. The men looked about -and found several knapsacks; they emptied them at the fireside to see -their contents and added to their own kits, shoes and shirts of better -quality than their own. In every packet I observed twenty biscuits -nicely rolled up or deposited in a bag; they were to last each man -so many days, and he must, unless he got anything else, be his own -commissary. We had been very ill-off for some days for bread, so that -some of these proved a great luxury. - -[Sidenote: 16th] - -At two o'clock this morning the enemy had the arches of the bridge more -effectually blown up. The weather began to clear at daylight. We saw -numbers of the enemy dead in the river, and lying about near the bushes -as the water had left them. It was judged about 700 or 800 had been -drowned, and the 39th Regiment lost their Eagles in the water. A great -quantity of baggage must have been destroyed or thrown into the water, -as there were a great many mules and donkeys close to the river-side, -hamstrung in the hind leg. These poor animals looked so wretched -that one could not help feeling for them, and disgusted us with the -barbarous cruelty of the French. To have killed and put them out of -their misery at once would have been far better. We remained in bivouac. - -[Sidenote: 17th] - -The Light Division forded the river, a little more than knee-deep -now, which the day before yesterday had caused so many Frenchmen to -wind up all worldly accounts. Bivouacked for the night in a pine -wood after a short march, as, owing to our rapid advance, it became -difficult to get up a sufficient supply of rations for the army from -Lisbon. Some deserters say the enemy has buried many pieces of cannon. -Gun-carriages, ammunition-waggons, and every material of war is -abandoned by the enemy, which makes us regret that provisions should -be the cause of delay in not pursuing more effectually the great -advantages we have already gained. A deserter informed us that after -dark the other night the enemy sent several battalions down to the -river to assist, if possible, the rear-guard in passing the river, but -that they got into confusion and fired upon each other. - -[Sidenote: 18th] - -Advanced early this morning to the river Alva, found the bridge blown -up, and the enemy in position on very strong ground at Ponte de -Murcella with some guns in position commanding the approach to the -river. We formed opposite the enemy and had a fine view of a large -body of them. Some nine-pounders were soon got up, and commenced -pounding their columns. I never saw _Johnny_ go off in such confusion. -The cavalry followed for some distance. The Light Division went into -bivouac in the pine woods for the night. - -An extract from the General Orders of the Day shows the high estimation -in which our gallant Commander holds the three British regiments of the -Light Division for their services in the field for the last ten days. - - Adjt.-General's Office, Lous̃a, - _16th March 1811_. - - "The Commander of the Forces returns his thanks to the general and - staff officers, officers, and troops for their excellent conduct in - the operations of the last ten days against the enemy, and he requests - the commanding officers of the 43rd, 52nd, and first battalion 95th - (Rifles) to name a sergeant of each regiment to be recommended for - promotion to an ensigncy as a testimony of the particular approbation - the Commander of the Forces entertains for the conduct of these - regiments. - - "E. Pakenham, _Deputy Adjt.-General_." - -[Sidenote: 19th] - -A wooden bridge having been thrown across the river during last night, -we passed over this morning and advanced through Sobreira. A league -farther we bivouacked in a wood of pines. The cavalry followed the -enemy's rear-guard, and in crossing a plain took 800 prisoners. One was -a Portuguese and aide-de-camp to Loison. He had a Spanish girl in a -Hussar uniform as his companion. This fellow, on his arrival in Lisbon, -will be put to death as a traitor to his country if he has not better -luck than he deserves. - -[Sidenote: 20th] - -Light Division moved through Galizes and went into bivouac in a fir -grove near Vendas Novas. The French rear-guard was vigorously pursued -by the cavalry and Horse Artillery, who took numbers of prisoners and -stragglers. We found numbers of tumbrils, carts, waggons, and other -articles abandoned by the French. Occasionally we found Portuguese -peasants that had been most wantonly shot by the enemy. - -[Sidenote: 21st] - -The Light Division marched on to the fir groves above Maceira and -bivouacked. Two hundred more of the enemy taken by the cavalry. - -[Sidenote: 22nd] - -Went into houses at Moimenta da Serva in consequence of the weather -being very bad. Several of the poor people gave us a melancholy -account of the cruelties they had suffered from the French; and in -every village on the line of their march they had murdered many of the -inhabitants in a most savage manner. A priest in the above village -dead, and his body mutilated. - -[Sidenote: 23rd] - -Marched in front of Sampayo and bivouacked in a wood. - -[Sidenote: 24th] - -Lodged in the town of Mello. - -[Sidenote: 25th] - -Bivouacked in a wood. Supposed to be waiting for supplies. - - -Letter No. XI - - Mello (near Celorico), Portugal, - _26th March 1811_. - -My dear Parents—I received the melancholy account of poor John -with sorrow.[19] It is a great misfortune, and under the present -circumstances it is utterly impossible to give him the least support. -I hope by this time you have received more authentic information as to -his situation. It is entirely out of my power to gain any knowledge -of him or be of the slightest use, distant as I am from England. -Your plan will be to make inquiry through the Transport Board, but -it is so entirely out of my way, I cannot advise you how to act with -certainty. In a mercantile place like Hull you will find numbers very -well acquainted with the business. If it would be possible to remit -him money occasionally, it would be the best way of serving him. It -would be cruel of me to say anything further regarding my displeasure -when I heard of him binding himself in so low a capacity; it is done, -and the result has proved truly unfortunate. We cannot foresee evils, -but we should endeavour to prevent them. If he had been a soldier, or -a sailor in a King's ship, he would, though a prisoner, have had some -little liberty, but in his situation he will not be noticed, but mix -with men of all descriptions. I endeavour to look upon his unfortunate -situation in the best manner possible. I flatter myself an exchange of -prisoners may take place before long. I hope his constitution is good. -He may possibly make his escape, though when once safe in France, it -is unlikely. I sometimes fancy he may get away after recovering from -the wounds he received, being near the coast. If he is enterprising, -I think he may have several chances; but, poor fellow, his youth may -make him careless. I wish I had the chance of attacking the escort that -guards him on the road. I think you would then soon have a favourable -account of him. Give me all the information you can about him in your -next. - -I joined my regiment at Valle on the 22nd of February, the place I -left them at, my health quite restored and my thigh much better. I -heard of Maud's regiment being on the other side of the Tagus in good -quarters; it induced me to go. He was delighted to see me. He regretted -much the account of poor John. I dined with him, and stayed until late -the day following. Before I left his quarters he gave me an excellent -dinner and plenty of good wine. I was much pleased with his manner of -living, having a good stock of useful and necessary things, a canteen -with knives, forks, plates, etc.—in short, everything useful, with a -donkey to carry them. He is very steady, and has saved money. I paid -him some very high compliments on his conduct. He is taller than -I, and I assure you a very handsome, stout fellow. I told him about -the little trinkets I had sent Ann from Lisbon, which, by the bye, I -hope have arrived safe; acquaint me regarding them in your next. He -means to make Ann some presents when he returns. The officers of his -regiment behaved very politely, and invited me to spend some days, -but that was impossible. My brother came a little way with me, and -with regret we parted. We continued at Valle within pistol-shot of -the enemy's sentries until 6th March. At daybreak we found the enemy -had left this strong position and withdrawn his piquets. Our Division -directly followed. The French went off in the night, consisting of -the rear-guard of 12,000 men. They had been for some days taking sick -and baggage to the rear and heavy cannon also. We passed through the -fine town of Santarem, which was dreadfully sacked. I was in the town -when full of people and wealth; this sight hurt my feelings much. A -few half-starved miserable wretches came to cheer us, nearly dead with -hunger. I looked for the house I was once billeted upon, but, alas! -only the bare walls remained. The unfortunate owner was a fine liberal -old man, and treated me very kindly. I made some inquiries, but could -hear nothing. We halted for the night in a village. - -At daybreak we followed the French, and passed through several towns on -fire. We did not come up with them. This night was on outlying piquet. -A little cottage by the roadside struck my fancy. I took up my abode in -order to have my pound of meat cooked and to be sheltered, being rainy. -The woman of the house welcomed me in and offered me her chair. She had -four children lying near her literally starving. The French had robbed -her of everything worth taking. Some of the soldiers cut her with their -swords for endeavouring to stop them from taking away her daughter, and -one villain had the meanness to return to the house and tell her, "Your -children are starving; if you will give two dollars for this loaf, you -shall have it." She went where the last of her money was secreted; he -watched her, and took the money, abused her, and walked off. The poor -creature and her children appeared so wretched; she was continually -praying the English would revenge her wrongs. I did what I could to -console her, and gave them some of my little stock of provisions, -which, circumstanced as we are, we must, from real necessity, be very -careful of, as the towns are all left by the inhabitants. - -It is beyond everything horrid the way these European savages have -treated the unfortunate Portuguese. Almost every man they get hold of -they murder. The women they use too brutally for me to describe. They -even cut the throats of infants. The towns are mostly on fire—in short, -they are guilty of every species of cruelty. I have seen such sights -as have made me shudder with horror, and which I really could not have -believed unless an eye-witness of them. It is needless for me to enter -into particulars, as I could fill a volume with their barbarities. We -continued marching, daily taking French sick and stragglers. If they -fell by any chance into the hands of the Portuguese, they either dashed -their brains out or stabbed them without ceremony. From the Portuguese -they certainly deserve no quarter, for they give none. - -On the 9th, one company of us had some little skirmishing. The Hussars -and the 16th Light Dragoons, amounting to two troops, charged double -the number of French; killed and wounded fifteen and took ten horses. - -On the 11th we followed the enemy; two companies of ours drove them -from the woods; the enemy halted at Pombal, and occupied the heights -and castle. After some sharp fighting the enemy were driven from their -position, on the 3rd Caçadores (pronounced _Cassadores_) coming up. One -officer wounded and several men. - -On the 12th we passed through several towns on fire; about eleven -o'clock A.M. we came up with the French, and found them posted upon -some heights in great force, both cavalry and infantry. On their right -and left were woods filled with sharp-shooters. Our columns moved -up and our regiment, the 43rd, 52nd, and Portuguese Light Infantry, -amounting to 5000, extended to the distance of three miles. The order -was given, and we filled the woods. The French threw numbers of shot -and shells, which only killed a few men. The woods were of fir-trees -and upon the sides of steep hills; as soon as we gained the top, the -French gave us a volley. It was of no consequence; our Boys would not -be stopped. The French, finding they could not stop us, retired in the -greatest confusion through the town of Redinha, which was on fire. -We kept at their heels, and the town was filled with our men in a -moment. We plied the enemy so hard that numbers threw away their arms, -and upwards of fifty fell over the bridge and were drowned. A party -of my men were blazing away at the rascals; one espied an officer -endeavouring to get through the water; he jumped in and brought him -out by the neck. He gave the soldier thirty-six doubloons and a medal -dedicated to the Legion of Honour. The soldier gave me the medal. I -should have returned it to the officer, but having something of a more -serious nature to mind, I afterwards had not an opportunity. Halted for -the night in a wood. - -No fighting of consequence on the 13th. - -On the 14th we drove in the enemy's piquets at daylight. Our whole -Division was engaged. Lieutenant Strode of the same company was badly -wounded in the thigh, and Major Stewart mortally wounded. We continued -fighting until three o'clock P.M. Strode when he fell called to me to -take his rifle, exclaiming, "This, Simmons, may be of service." I had -no time to stand on ceremony, but moved on. The French were driven back -on all sides, and very glad to give over fighting. - -A very good town near where we halted was on fire, and numbers of the -inhabitants murdered. - -At daybreak on the 15th found the enemy were gone. We immediately -followed, and came up with them at half-past four o'clock P.M. -occupying a very strong position and in great force. We began to build -huts about a mile from them and cook our breakfast, dinner, and supper -all at once; soldiers eat when they can. However, we were disappointed, -an order coming from Lord Wellington for an immediate attack. Every -man to his post, and in ten minutes exposed to a heavy fire of shot, -shells, and musketry. In passing the plain to get at the enemy in the -wood, I was for the moment startled; a musket ball struck my rifle -(Strode's), and shattered the butt to pieces, which luckily saved my -right thigh. I laughed and pushed on. - -We here had some very hard fighting, having twelve French battalions -opposed to us. Our men and the Portuguese went in skirmishing order up -to their line. The French fired volleys. Their officers behaved very -gallantly. Just at dark the enemy were beaten back in all directions, -and as caution is necessary, we gave up the pursuit. This fight took -place near, and in, the village of Foz de Aronce. Above 500 of the -enemy were driven into the river and drowned, numbers killed and -wounded, nearly 300 mules and asses killed for fear of falling into our -hands. We quartered ourselves in the French camp; they left us good -fires. I roasted some pork which the French left, and had plenty of -biscuit, took a glass of grog and a pipe, and talked over the business -of the day with my brother-officers. Very happy to find I had a whole -skin, which was more than I expected; rolled myself in my cloak, lay by -the fire, and slept as well as I could wish. - -In the whole of these affairs we have had one major killed, a very fine -gallant soldier, and six lieutenants wounded; I cannot say how many -men. The _Gazette_ will give a more circumstantial account. The 43rd -and 52nd have also suffered severely. Some light companies of other -regiments were with us. The Portuguese deserve every praise; they fight -like lions. We have paid off the French for old scores, and also taught -them what they must expect to meet with if ever they dare to invade our -happy country. As for my gallant countrymen, I cannot say too much -for them; proud I am indeed to be worthy the name of a Briton. I have -confidence and pleasure in feeling I have done my duty under all the -privations I have laboured under, and at a time when hardly recovered -from a very bad illness. I have great reason to thank the Almighty for -His merciful goodness to me, and for my preservation hitherto. I hope -it is for a good purpose. I must own it would grieve me to leave you -under your present circumstances. I yet flatter myself some day or -other I shall have it in my power to show some mark of my affection to -the best of parents; if not: God's will be done. My last words will be -prayers for the welfare of those dearer to me than life. - -I have seen a letter from Cadiz. I find the rascally Spaniards have -deceived General Graham, but the English _alone_ gave the French a -terrible beating. Our regiment had one lieutenant-colonel wounded, -one captain killed, and four lieutenants wounded. Our regiment gets -terribly cut up. We think nothing of it. Every man glories in doing his -duty, and those that survive must be promoted. - -The French said they would drive us into the sea, but Lord Wellington, -the finest General in the British service, has, from his penetration, -starved and nearly driven them back out of Portugal. We are at -Celorico, only six leagues from the frontiers of Spain, and in a few -days I shall once more see Almeida. I hope not to be so unlucky as -before. If we can bring the French to a general action, you will have a -fine account of the result. I hope it will be the case in a few days. -Our men have got quantities of money and plunder from the French. In -the whole business we have taken 1500 prisoners. I cannot ascertain -how many were drowned in the two rivers, but the last business was a -glorious one for us. The river appeared covered with bodies of fine -handsome fellows. We march in the morning, but the enemy seem to wish -to be off and have no more to do with us.—I am, your affectionate son, - - Geo. Simmons, Lt., 95th Regmt. - -Joseph, I hope, is at school; Charles and Betsy also. My love to my -dear Ann. She must endeavour to spell better. Always let me see some of -her writing. Joseph may as well likewise give me a specimen. - -When I am richer I shall send some things of more value to Ann. The -snuff-box, I hope, will please my dear mother. Be particular in stating -when you write, which must be on receipt of this, whether the trinkets -have safely arrived. I have no doubts upon the subject, as the officer -I entrusted them to is a particular friend. You must excuse omissions -in this letter, as I had only a little time to give you this account, -and that after a hard day's march, when I ought to have been sleeping -instead of writing. - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -_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. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -_Journal—26th May-21st August_ - - The Light Division falls back and recrosses the Coa—Simmons visits - the graves of those who fell in the combat of the previous year—Finds - the remains of his friend, Lieutenant M'Diarmid of the 43rd Light - Infantry, and buries them—Marches and counter-marches—Is ordered to - take a convoy of sick to Lisbon, but takes "French leave" and marches - to rejoin the Rifles—Four companies, 3rd Battalion, under Colonel - Barnard join the Light Division. - -Letter No. XIII - -_To his Parents, from Mortiago, dated 26th August 1811_ - - Condoles with his father—Colonel Beckwith invalided to England—Is - promoted to 1st Lieutenant—Arranges for his brother Joseph to be sent - out to the Peninsula as a "Volunteer" to the 34th Regiment—Moralises - on the uncertainty of human life and the depressing influence of - continuous losses of good men on active service—The proper spirit with - which to go into action. - -_Journal—29th August-30th September 1811_ - - Is sent out on a reconnaissance by General Craufurd—Marshal Marmont - advances in force—The Light Division falls back across the Agueda—The - Light Division chaplain oversleeps himself and falls into the hands of - the French—Narrow escape of General Craufurd from capture by French - Dragoons—Marshal Marmont, having effected his object, falls back into - Spain. - -Letter No. XIV - -_To Lieutenant Maud Simmons, 34th Regiment, 2nd Division, Portugal, -from Aldea Velha, Portugal, dated 1st October 1811_ - - Describes General Marmont's concentration and advance to protect - the convoy destined to revictual Ciudad Rodrigo—The position at El - Bodon—General Picton attacked—Lord Wellington withdraws on Aldea - da Ponte—The Rifles on rear-guard—The French advanced guard press - them, but are driven back—The French cavalry capture some Portuguese - guns, but the latter are recaptured by the 5th Fusiliers with the - bayonet—The British army draws up on the heights of Alfayates, but - Marmont refuses action and falls back—The Light Division "out of a - scrape" for the first time without losses—Regrets at this. - -_Journal—1st October-10th December 1811_ - - Gets the ague, the result of repeated drenchings—Don Julian Sanchez, - the guerrilla chief, captures General Renaud, the Governor of Ciudad - Rodrigo—The Light Division ordered out to endeavour to intercept the - new Governor reaching that fortress—Simmons's stable on fire—Nearly - loses his horses—Again attacked by ague—Lord Wellington inspects the - three British regiments of the Light Division (43rd, 52nd, and 95th - Rifles) near Fuenteguinaldo—The Light Division goes into cantonments - for the winter. - -Letter No. XV - -_To his Parents, from Atalaya, Spain, dated 8th December 1811_ - - Anxious inquiries about brother Joseph, and further instructions as - to his voyage out, his uniform and equipment—How to make an officer's - cocked hat—Severe lecture to his father. - - -_Journal—26th May-21st August 1811_ - -[Sidenote: 1811 May 26th] - -[Sidenote: 27th] - -The Light Division marched to Nava de Avel and Aldea da Ponte, fully -expecting to proceed to Alentejo. Countermanded and took up again the -line of outposts from the 5th Division in front of Espeja and Gallegos. - -[Sidenote: 1811 June 5th] - -Having correct information that the enemy's cavalry had been collecting -in large force for some days upon the Agueda, made us much upon the -alert to know where the attack would be made, and before day we marched -out of Espeja (Beckwith's Brigade) and bivouacked in a wood in rear of -that place. Returned about noon. - -[Sidenote: 6th] - -The Light Division retired, the outposts being put back with a body of -cavalry. We passed through Aldea da Ponte and bivouacked in the wood -near Alfayates. We heard that Marshal Marmont commanded the French, -and that Massena had been recalled to Paris to explain to Napoleon why -he had been repulsed and beaten at Fuentes de Oñoro; so the deserters -inform us. - -[Sidenote: 7th] - -The Light Division marched and crossed the Coa at the same ford (to the -right of Sabugal) we did when on the 3rd of April we passed in the -face of a French Division. I had very different feelings now, coolly -and deliberately entering a river after marching some distance with -a burning sun over one's head, the perspiration running in streams -from every pore. Although I was well used to such movements it was -not pleasant, but on the former occasion I took the water as kindly -as a water dog, for the French skirmishers were firing in our faces. -We bivouacked in a wood of chestnut-trees, where several of our brave -fellows had been buried, and whose bones had been dug up by wolves and -were strewn above their graves. A gallant young fellow, Lieutenant and -Adjutant M'Diarmid, 43rd Light Infantry, who was wounded with myself at -Almeida, and who joined again when I did, had fallen in fight here. I -went to see if his grave had escaped the general disturbance. I found -his skull lying at some distance; I was convinced that it must be so, -as the hair was still in patches on it. There was no mistaking it; his -hair, when alive, was auburn and very curly. His bones were partly -eaten and thrown about in the same way. This appearance of a friend -whom I had esteemed and had so often associated with, and so recently -too, produced many gloomy reflections. I collected the straggling -relics and replaced them and covered them over as the last tribute I -could pay him. - -[Sidenote: 8th] - -Marched to Maimoa, the day excessively hot. Bivouacked there to cook. -Moved to Penamacor in the evening. This town is situated upon a most -commanding eminence, from which you have a bird's-eye view of the -country round. - -[Sidenote: 9th] - -Marched to San Miguel d'Acha. Bivouacked and halted. - -[Sidenote: 10th] - -By some mistake of the Staff, commenced the march under a vertical -sun at midday; the heat was so great that several men fell out of the -ranks, not being able to keep up with the column. - -[Sidenote: 11th] - -Passed the 1st Division at Louza, and halted near Escalos de Cima in a -wood. - -[Sidenote: 12th] - -On our march, passed Castello Branco, and halted for some time near -Sarnadas, which is close to the valley of the Tagus. In the afternoon -moved to the pass at Villa Velha. Over the Tagus, a bridge of boats was -moored. - -[Sidenote: 13th] - -Passed over and marched to Niza. Bivouacked in a wood. I felt myself -very unwell. Got a bed in the town. - -[Sidenote: 14th] - -Marched to Alpalhão, and on 15th to Portalegre, and remained in these -good quarters until the 19th, when we marched to Arronches. - -[Sidenote: 21st] - -Rode to San Olaya to see my brother Maud. He had gone to the rear ill -the day before. I felt sadly disappointed. - -[Sidenote: 23rd] - -Marched to an encampment upon the Caya, about three miles in the rear -of Campo Mayor, and took up our ground in position with the army. Lord -Wellington was compelled to leave Badajoz and recross the Guadiana, -owing to Marshals Marmont and Soult having formed a junction and -concentrated their forces in its neighbourhood. - -[Sidenote: 24th] - -Visited my _patrona_ in Campo Mayor; she was very glad to see me. -Returned to the camp in the evening. - -Rode to Elvas and visited Fort de Lippe. - -[Sidenote: 1811 July 3rd] - -Lord Wellington took the cavalry and crossed the Guadiana to -reconnoitre the enemy; he found they were gone. - -[Sidenote: 20th] - -General Craufurd frequently has the Division out for exercise. Nothing -else worthy of notice has occurred. The Light Division broke up from -this tiresome sort of monotonous life led here. Marched a league and a -half and bivouacked. - -[Sidenote: 22nd] - -Marched to Portalegre. - -[Sidenote: 23rd] - -Castello de Vide. Occupied several _quintas_ round the town. A splendid -garden was attached to the one I was billeted upon. I feasted upon a -variety of good fruits as well as quantities of mulberries. - -[Sidenote: 29th] - -Marched to near Niza and bivouacked upon the same ground as before. - -[Sidenote: 30th] - -Passed the Tagus at Villa Velha over a pontoon bridge lately placed -there. Bivouacked in an olive grove. - -[Sidenote: 31st] - -Marched about two miles and bivouacked. - -[Sidenote: 1811 Aug. 1st] - -Marched to Castello Branco. - -[Sidenote: 2nd] - -Marched to Louza and Escalos de Cima. - -[Sidenote: 3rd] - -Marched to Bemposta. Bivouacked. - -[Sidenote: 4th] - -Marched to Maimoa. Bivouacked on the same ground as on a former -occasion. - -[Sidenote: 6th] - -Moved to the heights on which the village stands. - -[Sidenote: 7th] - -At daybreak the Division marched towards the northern frontier. I was -sent back with forty-five sick men, and had a number of mules for the -sick to ride upon to facilitate their conveyance to a hospital station. -Marched to Pedrogão. Halted during the heat of the day, and in the -evening moved forward. - -[Sidenote: 8th] - -To San Miguel d'Acha. Bivouacked and marched to Escalos de Cima. Halted -in the place during the heat of the day. In the evening moved forward -to Castello Branco and gave up my charge. - -[Sidenote: 9th] - -Halted. I had my baggage with me and the horse I rode; two horses to -take care of, and no servant. By accident I met with a half-starved -Portuguese boy in the street, whom I engaged for a servant. I found -the Commandant wanted to send me "on command" with a detachment of -sick men to Lisbon. I requested he would allow me to proceed and -join my regiment, observing that as in all probability it would soon -be actively employed, I should feel sadly disappointed to be absent -from it. My anxiety, he said, was highly praiseworthy, but he felt it -necessary for the good of the service to send me in another direction. -I found it useless to argue the question further, but I determined to -start back, let the consequence be what it would. - -[Sidenote: 10th] - -At one in the morning took "French leave" and marched to Escalos de -Cima. - -[Sidenote: 11th] - -Marched to San Miguel d'Acha in the cool of the evening. Moved on to -Pedrogão. Bivouacked near a rivulet; made tea. My Portuguese boy very -unwell. I cut grass for my horses and tied them close to where we lay -down for the night. - -[Sidenote: 12th] - -Started up with the dawn, saddled my horse and loaded my baggage, and -proceeded to Maimoa in the evening. - -[Sidenote: 13th] - -Proceeded to San Estevão. Bivouacked and marched to Sabugal. - -[Sidenote: 14th] - -Marched to Alfayates. Bivouacked during the heat of the day. In the -evening to Aldea da Ponte. - -[Sidenote: 15th] - -Marched to Fuenteguinaldo. - -[Sidenote: 16th] - -Marched to Mortiago and joined the Battalion. Colonel Beckwith -complimented me for returning, and although the Commandant had made a -formal complaint of me to headquarters, I had nothing said to me upon -the subject. I found the Light Division thus distributed: 52nd and -Horse Artillery in Saugo, 43rd and right wing of Rifles at Martiago, -one troop of Royals and left wing of Rifles and 1st Caçadores at -Lariquella, and the 3rd Caçadores at Villarejo. - -[Sidenote: 21st] - -Colonel Barnard joined the Division with four companies of the 3rd -Battalion Rifles; these men had been with the army stationed in Cadiz. -They were placed in Colonel Beckwith's Brigade. Marched to Villarejo, -and the 3rd Caçadores to Las Agallas. - - -Letter No. XIII - - Martiago, Spain, _26th August 1811_. - -My dear Father—I received your letter dated 19th of May, which affected -me most sensibly. - -Your misfortunes affect me most seriously. Would to God it was in my -power to prevent them. At present it is not. - -After the battle of Fuentes de Oñoro we enjoyed ourselves in the -advance near Ciudad Rodrigo, the Spaniards being convinced we had given -the French a good drubbing. We had dances with the villagers every -night. I do not ever remember spending a more happy time. - -On the 28th of July we again made a rapid march and retraced the ground -back to the north. We are now farther advanced into Spain than ever -before. I expect some fighting soon. _Johnny_ will not suffer us to -remain long quiet, if he can disturb us. A number of our officers -are ill; one died the other day. I never was better in my life. My -Colonel has gone to England sick. Previous to his departure I dined -with him. He presented me with a letter, couched in the most flattering -way, stating my services, which was addressed to Lord Wellington. I -presented the letter the next day. I am in consequence promoted to a -1st Lieutenancy. The Colonel has at all times shown me great favour. -I regret his departure. I hope in two or three years to get a company -through the influence of my friends. - -Maud has his Colonel's leave for Joseph to come here as a Volunteer. -In two or three months after he joins, between us we can procure him a -commission. I transmit you a bill amounting to £23 : 9s., which will -nearly equip Joseph. You may procure the amount at any banking house in -England. Directly on the receipt of this write me, for I am anxious to -know, as I have two more in case this one is lost or miscarries. The -articles to equip him will not cost much money. - -I hope, if I live through these turbulent times, to be able greatly to -assist you in a few years. Let me be where I will in the world, the -welfare of my family will ever be uppermost in my thoughts and my first -consideration. I have made many friends since I embraced a military -life. In my situation I am content and happy, and meeting the enemy -never costs me a second thought. It of course makes one gloomy to see -so many fine fellows fall round one, but one day or other we must all -go. The difference is very immaterial in the long-run whether a bullet -or the hand of time does your business. This is my way of moralising -when I go into a fight (which has been very often), and if for the good -of old England, I do not care how soon we have another. I go with the -determination of doing all the injury in my power to the enemies of the -human race, of which the French certainly merit the appellation. I am -sorry I cannot be of service to my dear sister. It afflicts me much. -Tell her to bear up against present misfortunes, and recollect she has -brothers who will be able to send her money occasionally. After we have -done for Joseph, I shall not forget her. Give me an account of Charles -and Betsy. Keep them at school. I want to know if Charles is better. In -another year I think I can take him off your hands entirely. Poor John! -make inquiry about him, and let me know if you can gain intelligence of -him. - -My dear mother—you do not say much about her. I want to know if her -constitution is as good as when I was at home. I flatter myself she -will yet see us all round her. Our promotion in the army will put it -in our power to assist you very materially in a few years. Maud has -been lucky indeed. He is senior lieutenant to me, and if we continue -on service, he, as well as myself, must get forward. My respects to my -uncle and aunt.—Believe me yours, - - Geo. Simmons, Lt., 95th Regmt. - -Direct, 1st Batt., 95th or Rifle Regiment, Light Division, British -Army, Portugal. Write directly and let me know when I may expect -Joseph. He must have a fustian haversack, a tin pot, and a large -pocket-knife. You will be able to judge by the soldier's haversack; his -may be a little smaller. - - -_Journal—29th August-September 1811_ - -[Sidenote: 1811 Aug. 29th] - -Marched to Atalaya. In the evening I was ordered by General Craufurd to -go forward through a wooded country and by a circuitous route to get -upon the road leading to Salamanca, and then, discretionally, to move -on for the purpose of finding out when the convoy was likely to leave -Salamanca for Ciudad Rodrigo. I had a corporal and three men of the -German Hussars with me. I reconnoitred Tenebron and cautiously entered -the place, left it, and bivouacked for the night within the woods. - -[Sidenote: 30th] - -Moved forward to Boca Cara and also to Santiespiritus, and gained -information from a party of Don Julian's guerrillas that the convoy had -left Salamanca, but was compelled to return owing to several guerrilla -parties having formed up and made an attack upon it. I returned to my -quarters at Atalaya. - -[Sidenote: 1811 Sept. 7th] - -Major-General Drummond died at Fuenteguinaldo, and Major-General -Vandeleur was appointed to command the 2nd Light Brigade. - -[Sidenote: 8th] - -Moved to Horquera and bivouacked. - -[Sidenote: 11th] - -Rode over to Las Agallas and dined with Colonel Elder. - -[Sidenote: 16th] - -Moved to Villarejo. - -[Sidenote: 23rd] - -The Division moved and assembled upon the heights near Horquera. The -enemy's Dragoons entered Atalaya in force. Our cavalry piquets retired -from it, and crossed the stream behind it. - -[Sidenote: 24th] - -Marshal Marmont was now moving forward with 6000 cavalry and four -Divisions of infantry, and bringing a convoy of provisions for the use -of the garrison of Ciudad Rodrigo. - -[Sidenote: 25th] - -The French passed through Tenebron and Santiespiritus yesterday. -The Light Division formed at Las Agallas, marched to Cespedosa, and -bivouacked for the night. General Picton's Division partially but -sharply engaged about noon near El Bodon. Major Arentschildt's Brigade -of nine-pounders (Portuguese) did much execution at this place. The -enemy made a dash at these guns, and were in possession of them, but -were soon driven away by the 2nd Battalion 5th and the 77th Regiments -and some Portuguese infantry, supported by three squadrons of British -cavalry. - -[Sidenote: 26th] - -Moved to Fuenteguinaldo, and found the British and Portuguese -concentrated upon the heights in front of it, the right resting upon -Perales, in the Gata mountains, and the left at Nava de Avel under -General Graham. Some Spaniards were observing the Coa. - -The Light Division retired by Robleda across the Agueda, and made a -circuitous route to Fuenteguinaldo, as the enemy was nearly round us. A -field-work was thrown up, upon some commanding ground about the centre -of our position, which gave us an idea that Lord Wellington meant to -receive the attack of the French army, and put us all in high spirits. -General Cole's Division had some fighting on this day. - -After dark our army retired, and the Light Division formed the -rear-guard and left the ground about midnight, having kept up the fires -in such a manner that the enemy imagined we were still in bivouac. -The Light Division parson, Parker, went into a house to make himself -comfortable for the night, and slept very pleasantly. Some time after -daybreak he heard strange noises within doors, and soon after, a French -Dragoon entered his room. Giving his sword two or three menacing -flourishes, he asked him for his money. He was followed by others, who -were apt scholars in imitating a good example; pillage and rapine they -glory in. The poor parson found himself stripped of everything, and, -almost naked, was driven over rugged ground for twenty miles without -shoes, and then put into a prison amongst a group of others and left to -cogitate upon his hard fortune and upon his own stupidity for sliding -away to make a lodgment in a house unknown to any one in such critical -times. - -[Sidenote: 27th] - -The Light Division passed through Casillas de Flores. General Craufurd -was pressed sharply by some French cavalry, and came galloping in -rather too hastily. Some Rifle Men and 3rd Caçadores, being halted on -both sides of the road, ran forward amongst the brushwood and fired a -few rounds at the advance of the French (a few cavalry), who put to the -right about and scampered off. Some sharp fighting followed. General -Pakenham with the Fusilier Brigade drove the enemy from Aldea de Ponte. -Moved to near Alfayates and bivouacked. - -[Sidenote: 28th] - -Retired a league before daylight, and took up a position upon -the heights near Soita amongst some of the most extraordinary -chestnut-trees for magnitude I ever beheld; several were hollow. Ten -men might be accommodated and sheltered for a night in the hollow -trunks of some of them. - -Marshal Marmont, having effected the principal object the force he had -collected was destined for (viz. to protect the convoy to Rodrigo), -as he did not wish to hazard a battle, commenced his retreat into the -interior of Spain. His army, we were led to believe, amounted to 60,000 -men and 130 pieces of cannon in the field-train. Weather unfavourable. -Remained in bivouac. - - -Letter No. XIV - - Aldea Velha, Portugal, - _1st October 1811_. - -My dear Brother—According to our expectation, the enemy advanced -with supplies for the garrison of Ciudad Rodrigo. About the 21st of -September the convoy left Salamanca. We were informed the cars loaded -with provisions amounted to 1100. As General Marmont was determined to -give battle, he had collected a very formidable force of 60,000 men, -with a vast train of field artillery. A very pretty escort. You will -wonder, as well as many others, how the devil he could collect such a -force at one given point in so short a time, and particularly when we -are taught to believe they have so few men in Spain, having lost so -many in different affairs with the Spaniards, according to the accounts -we received from different parts of Spain. - -[Illustration: Sketch-Map illustrative of the Operations on the Coa and -Agueda, 1810-1812.] - -Our Dragoons were driven in, as the enemy advanced. Our Division -were ordered to occupy very strong ground in rear of a small stream, -which runs at the bottom of a very deep ravine a little way in the -rear of Atalaya. The 3rd Caçadores were posted in the mountains to -the right, and at two or three passes in front of Las Agallas. Our -regiment occupied several strong places, being divided according to -circumstances, and keeping up a chain of posts communicating with the -3rd Caçadores on our right, and 43rd Light Infantry on our left. The -52nd were also posted in the same way, with Rifle Men of our 2nd and -3rd Battalions in different fastnesses and mountain roads. General -Picton's Division were upon the left bank of the Agueda at El Bodon; -so you will perceive our situation was rather critical, being so far -advanced and having the river Agueda in our rear; but it is very -obvious that this was highly necessary in order to put Marmont to as -much inconvenience as possible and make him bring up his whole force. -On the afternoon of the 24th, the enemy's cavalry drove our Dragoon -piquets over the different fords of the stream in rear of Atalaya, and -established their posts opposite us. - -About twelve o'clock at noon on the 25th the enemy, in terrible force, -attacked General Picton's Division at El Bodon, which place being -immediately to our left rear, and also over the Agueda, we began to -think ourselves placed most curiously, though every one felt the -greatest security in Lord Wellington's out-manœuvring _Johnny_, and -bringing off the Division in safety. The cannonading was tolerably well -kept up on both sides, and repeated volleys of musketry. The enemy were -continually driven back, and could not effect their purpose, which was -clearly to cut off the Light Division. In the evening, the Division -were ordered to assemble at Las Agallas just after dark, and then -circumambulating [_sic_] towards Fuenteguinaldo (Lord Wellington's -headquarters), the Division halted in a field near Cespedosa. Our -baggage had gone some little way farther and had nearly been taken by -the enemy's Dragoons. Some of the 11th saved it, luckily for us. The -enemy's patrols were upon the same road and in our rear. - -On the 26th at daylight we moved towards Fuenteguinaldo. The enemy -might have cut in between us, but did not like to risk such a manœuvre. -We passed the Agueda at a ford at Fuenteguinaldo in safety. We found -the army all collected; several commanding heights were strengthened -and breast-works thrown up. Every one expected a general engagement -would ensue. We took up our ground on the position, and there was -some partial skirmishing with cavalry when the enemy established his -advanced vedettes. At twelve o'clock at night the other Divisions of -the army were ordered to retire immediately by the roads, principally -towards Aldea de Ponte, and at two o'clock the Light Division were also -ordered to form the rear-guard and move off. We moved through Casillas -de Flores; in consequence of innumerable impediments on the line of -march, we moved very slowly. _Johnny's_ advanced guard pushed in our -cavalry, about a squadron, rather unmannerly, which caused us to halt -and throw out a few Rifle Men to stop his career. Two or three of the -most valorous were knocked off their horses, and the remainder retired -to a most respectable distance, where they could amuse themselves by -taking long shots—an amusement they are fond of. - -On our line of march we saw the enemy's cavalry cutting wonderful -capers upon the plain and their infantry moving up in vast columns. -General Picton's and Cole's Divisions retired before the enemy's -cavalry in squares in the most cool and steady manner. About eleven -o'clock A.M. on the 27th the enemy commenced cannonading our cavalry, -which was returned with equal spirit on our side. The light troops -of General Picton's Division were also smartly engaged at this time. -The enemy's cavalry in a vast body charged and took five Portuguese -guns, which were instantly retaken in the most gallant manner by the -5th Regiment of Foot, who attacked the cavalry with the bayonet and -fairly beat them off. Colonel Pakenham, with the Fusilier Brigade, -marched up in ordinary time to meet the enemy's cavalry, who durst not -face them. The firing ceased about two o'clock. The enemy's columns -were moving up and concentrating opposite us. Our army were drawn up -in front of Alfayates upon the commanding heights. The Light Division -and Light Artillery, which, by the bye, I had forgotten to mention -before, were drawn up on the right, fronting a wood, which was filled -with the enemy's Light troops and a Light Division and Artillery, which -had followed us all the way. Near sunset the enemy appeared to be -advancing, wishing to try whether or no he could induce us to retire. -Our first line formed and also moved forward some paces, the Light -Division throwing out skirmishers towards the woods. This manœuvre -induced the enemy to give up the project, at least for the night. -Immediately after dark the other Divisions of the army retired. About -two o'clock A.M. we moved off also, and retired to Soita, a village -about a league and a half in front of Sabugal. The army we saw formed -upon the heights in the rear of this place, and this was called the -position that we were to fight upon—at least, we fully expected it -from present appearances. _Johnny_ being tired of cutting such a caper -after us, and Portugal not being quite so congenial to his comforts, he -made a retrograde movement towards Ciudad Rodrigo and Spain. You see -the Light Division has for the first time got out of a scrape without -receiving any further injury than from excessively harassing marches. I -hope it will never happen again. I have no wish to come off scot-free. -When a man's mind is worked up to meet his enemy and fight, it is a -great disappointment. - -I have now told you all the news I know of. This morning, 1st October, -we moved into cantonments. Right wing, 95th, in Aldea Velha. Alfayates -is the present headquarters of the Division. I believe the other -Divisions of the army are all in cantonments behind the Coa. One -company of our 2nd Battalion arrived the other day from England, and -a batch of subs. also for us. I received a letter, or rather three in -one, from some fair dames in Kent; one of them says she has entirely -given me up—I shall never return. As I am in the humour, and to pass -off a dull and rainy day, I am writing nonsense for their amusement; -not love, I assure you. - -I have not yet received an answer to the letter I wrote home. I am very -anxious about it, as upon it depends the future welfare of Joseph. If -I do not receive an answer soon, I shall write again and send a second -bill, as delays are dangerous. I think there will be no necessity for -making any arrangements at Lisbon until we have a letter knowing when -we may expect him. I hope he has not gone on a long voyage. I wrote -you some days back since I received your last. I mentioned in the -letter an agreeable surprise I met with in the hovel of an unfortunate -refugee. I shall soon begin to feel the benefit of a 1st Lieutenant's -pay, as well as the payment of a company, which I have already had for -three months, and as yet met with no losses. I am excessively ill-off -for clothes and cannot purchase anything. I hope soon to procure some -cloth from Lisbon. I am at present a perfect guerrilla, have broken my -sword, lost my sash, and am as ragged as a sweep, with just the clothes -I have on my back. I have paid the fees of Commission, and have fifty -dollars beforehand, so I am in a fair way to soon recover my balance.—I -am, dear brother, your most sincere friend ever, - - Geo. Simmons, - Lt., 95th or Rifle Regt. - -_P.S._—So uncertain are we what is to happen to-morrow, yesterday I -wrote this letter fully expecting to rest for some time. To-day we -have again entered Spain. Oct. 2nd, Fuenteguinaldo. In a day or two I -think we shall make another advance to our old quarters. This morning -we had accounts from near Salamanca; the people say that the guerrillas -destroyed several deposits of stores to a vast extent, and killed -numbers of stragglers from the French army. The French cavalry suffered -exceedingly from our guns. - - -_Journal—1st October-20th December 1811_ - -[Sidenote: 1811 Oct. 1st] - -Marched to Aldea Velha. - -[Sidenote: 2nd] - -Light Division was cantoned in the adjacent villages. - -[Sidenote: 8th] - -Fuenteguinaldo. Weather very rainy. - -Transferred to the left wing and moved to Castillejos de Duas Casas and -to Robleda on 15th. - -[Sidenote: 17th] - -Marched to Atalaya. - -[Sidenote: 30th] - -Marched to Fradamora and took the command of Captain Balvaird's -company. Having for some time back been very often completely drenched -with rain night and day, for the first time in my life I got the -ague, which I found a very unpleasant companion, particularly as this -post was taken so as to prevent supplies from being carried into the -garrison of Ciudad Rodrigo by the peasantry, which required me to be -very vigilant in the performance of this duty. On 15th October Don -Julian Sanchez, with a number of his guerrillas, surprised the Governor -of Rodrigo (General Rénaud) and took him and five officers, as well as -200 head of cattle belonging to the garrison. - -[Sidenote: 1811 Nov. 1st] - -Withdrawn to Atalaya and joined my company. - -[Sidenote: 2nd] - -Information had been received that a body of French troops were -escorting a new Governor to Rodrigo. The Light Division moved towards -the fortress this morning, and the 3rd Division also made a forward -movement to support us to Fuenteguinaldo. It soon was ascertained that -the Governor had entered it, as the enemy were in bivouac two leagues -in the rear. Their purpose being effected, they returned to Salamanca. - -Ordered to reoccupy Fradamora and keep a good look-out. Succeeded in -capturing a number of peasantry that were going to the French garrison -with wine, onions, bread, and eggs for sale. I purchased what I -wanted, and then sent them under escort to our Commissary. - -[Sidenote: 7th] - -At daylight the place where my horses were put up was on fire. I had -some difficulty in getting them out. Luckily, having water at hand, -with great perseverance the fire was soon got under. Next to the -stable was deposited a large quantity of flax, which luckily remained -uninjured. - -The Spaniard to whom the premises belonged was chattering so fast -and in so frantic a manner that I did not for some time understand -him until he jumped before the barn, then nearly all in a blaze, and -roared out, "Oh, my money! I am a ruined man. Oh, my money! For the -love of God, bring me my money." As these people were in the habit of -hiding their money to prevent the French from robbing them, I instantly -perceived his distress and ordered the men to throw water upon the spot -he pointed to, and had the pleasure of getting his store of wealth -and giving it into his hands, which so delighted him that he d——d the -barn, and said that as he had got his money, it was of no consequence. -The annoyance I felt and my exertions on this occasion to get the fire -under, brought on the ague with redoubled violence. - -[Sidenote: 16th] - -Marched to Atalaya. Had the ague daily, and kept my bed from its -debilitating influence. I took bark in very large doses, combined with -opium, and placed a hot stone on my bosom and two at the soles of my -feet as soon as there was any appearance of the cold fit. From treating -myself in this way I soon dislodged this insidious enemy from my body -and gradually recovered. - -[Sidenote: 21st] - -The Light Division now occupy the villages of El Bodon, Martiago, -Zamarra, and Atalaya, more effectually to blockade Ciudad Rodrigo. - -A very brilliant affair took place on the 28th of last month, at -which my brother Maud was present, in the surprise of part of General -Gerard's Division of the French at Arroyo dos Molinos in Estremadura by -General Hill with the 2nd Division of the British army. - -[Sidenote: 24th] - -The 43rd and 3rd Caçadores moved to Martiago, both Battalions of the -52nd to Zamarra, Horse Artillery and 1st Caçadores to Las Agallas, and -the Rifle Men held Pastores, La Ençina, and Villarejo. - -[Sidenote: 1811 Dec. 20th] - -The three British regiments in the Light Division were seen by -Lord Wellington near Fuenteguinaldo, after which they returned to -cantonments. Don Julian, with his guerrillas, are very active, -and occasionally pick up Frenchmen. The garrison is now blockaded -completely; Tenebron and Santiespiritus are now occupied by British -Dragoons. Nothing further worthy of notice has taken place during this -month, which finishes the operations of this eventful year. Looking -forward anxiously to the time when we are to be ordered to commence the -siege of Ciudad Rodrigo. - - -Letter No. XV - - Atalaya, Spain, _8th December 1811_. - -My dear Parents—About the end of August, after receiving your letter, -I wrote an answer. For these two months past I have daily expected to -have had some account from you, and as I have received none, I cannot -put off any longer. I must inform you that the account of Joseph being -sent to sea made a very serious impression upon my mind, and in order -to save him from _perdition and ruin_, I directly raised all the money -I could, and enclosed in my letter in the latter end of August, a -bill amounting to £23 : 9s. It is now above three months since, which -circumstance makes me apprehensive the bill is lost; if so, still -hoping the bill may not have been cashed, I send you the second. You -must in that case, stop the payment of the first, but should you have -the first in your possession, burn this, my second. - -When I had your account of Joseph's unfortunate situation, I directly -wrote to my brother to know if there was a vacancy for Joseph, as in my -regiment there was not, having three volunteers with us. - -My brother spoke to his Colonel, who immediately said he should be -happy to have an opportunity of serving him, and desired Maud would -order his brother to proceed and join the 34th, and on his arrival he -would directly recommend him for an ensigncy. - -If you could procure a passage for him from Hull to Lisbon, it would -save a great deal of unnecessary expense; but if this cannot be done, -he must go to Portsmouth, and on arrival, inquire for the office of the -General who commands there. He will tell the gentleman in the office -he is a volunteer going out to join the 2nd Battalion, 34th Regiment, -and will thank him to give him an order for a ship. He will then be -sent to the Agent of Transport's office, who will inform him what ship -is going to sail. He will then be provided with a passage, and have -rations from the day he goes on board, with the use of a cabin. Only, -if there are officers on board, he will be the last allowed to choose -a bed-place, as he will on all occasions rank as junior. I only make -mention of this because some forward young fellows give themselves -great airs and get themselves offended, which will never happen if a -young man conducts himself as a gentleman and does not give way to -chattering and nonsense. I hope he will not be showing his agility on -board the ship in climbing about the ship or using sea phrases, as -such proceedings would make the officers have a bad opinion of him. In -short, he will not have any business to go from the quarterdeck on any -occasion. On his arrival in Lisbon he must inquire for the Town Major's -office, where he will find the post office for British officers' and -soldiers' letters. There is now a letter there directed for Mr. Joseph -Simmons, Volunteer, 2nd Battalion, 34th Regiment, to be left till -called for by himself, so there can be no mistakes. In the letter he -will find every necessary instruction. - -A gentleman—luckily a great friend of my brother—is stationed at -Lisbon, and likely to remain some time, his name Lieutenant Richardson, -who has the command of the sick detached from the 34th Regiment. Joseph -will find this in the instructions. This officer will take him to his -house, and keep him until a favourable opportunity offers to send him -to the army. By the bye, Lieutenant Richardson lives at Belem, so if -Joseph lands from the ship at Belem stairs, he will be only three or -four hundred paces from the barracks, where he may make inquiry of -any soldier he sees which is the 34th barracks. As soon as he meets -with a man of the regiment, he then must make him go and show the -house of Lieutenant Richardson. Should he be absent from home, wait -until he returns. On his making himself known to him, he will be -kindly received. I think I have stated the business so clearly that -it would be almost impossible for Joseph to err. You must procure -Joseph a superfine red jacket. I was thinking of letting you get him -a regimental 34th coat, but I am afraid it would be too expensive, -although it would be in the end a great saving, as cloth is extremely -dear in Lisbon; however, do as you can. The collar and cuffs, white -Kerseymere, a white Kerseymere waistcoat, two pair of strong grey -trousers, made wide like sailors' trousers, three pair of strong shoes -(one pair short), strong leather gaiters. I have always found them -the most preferable, as they keep your shoes from slipping off, and -also prevent sand and gravel getting into your stockings. Three pairs -of socks. If you could purchase a sword (not a sabre) similar to the -officers' swords you may have observed on parade, and can get it cheap, -buy it; its being new is of no consequence. An old sash also you might -procure cheap; it would answer as well as any other. However, these -things are now and then to be met with here. He must have a haversack -made of dark fustian (not too large), a clasp-knife, fork, and spoon; -also a tin mug, which will serve him for wine, soup, and tea. You may -also buy some pasteboard and make a cocked hat, or at least have it cut -out in order that he can put it into his baggage, with some oil-silk, -some broad black ribbon for a cockade, and some broad stuff for a -binding. The tailor of the regiment will form it; a gold bullion for -each end. His baggage must be as small as possible, as the convenience -of carriage is very scarce—three shirts will be enough. He must also -have a black leather stock with a buckle, a common rough greatcoat; let -it be big enough (any colour, it is of no consequence). Could you get -three or four dozen of buttons like the 34th? They would be very useful -afterwards. He must bring two or three tooth-brushes and three little -towels, or any other little thing that may have slipped my memory -which may strike you. His brother is a methodical young rogue, and -will provide him with many comforts and conveniences, as the regiment -is always in good quarters, which gives them every opportunity of -being comfortable. If the money I sent is lost, it will prove a most -unfortunate circumstance. In consequence of my fears on that head I had -the opportunity of sending a note to a person in London by a friend -going home, as I had a little military account unsettled. I empowered -him to receive the balance and transmit the amount to you. The balance -will be from £10 to £20. I am not exactly certain; however, whatever it -is you will have it. I directed him to send it, and gave my friend your -direction—Osborne Street. - -I hope you will make no delay about Joseph, as the Colonel often asks -Maud about him. I must say, my dear father, you did very wrong to send -Joseph to sea. I think, if you refer back to my letters, you would -find I had laid down a line of conduct, that, if you had been guided -by me, you at this moment would have had him well educated and fit for -anything. However, the opportunity is lost, the best must be made of -it, and should he be a good boy, he may still fetch up what is lost. -I assure you the misfortunes of my family often cost me many a bitter -pang, and if it was not for the hopes of being able some day or other -to be of service to you and family, I would not care how soon I made my -exit. I am only a poor soldier; with my sword I must defend myself, and -I am proud to say I have often drawn it in the defence of my country, -and as yet, thank God, it is untarnished. I have no fears that, while -I live, it will be ever so. I have as bright a prospect as most men in -my profession—my brother the same. My brother was with General Hill's -Division in this last fight in the Alentejo. He took a French captain -and dismounted him; he also took from him a handsome sword. We have -been very actively employed all the winter so far. In the mountains -near Ciudad Rodrigo it is as cold as in England. After being roasted -all the summer, it nips one to pieces to be out in this weather. I have -had the ague very severely, but I am now better. I pray for the warm -weather, which we all do. Our officers and men have in general been -sickly, but they are coming round wonderfully. We shall have warm work -in the spring, I think. It is wonderful to see the gallantry displayed -on all occasions by a British soldier. - -My best respects to my uncle and aunt. I hope they are well. I feel -much obliged to my aunt for her kindness to my family, and should I -ever return to England, I hope to have the pleasure of thanking her -in person. Let me know if you hear anything of poor John. I am very -anxious. I hope Charles is better. For God's sake, mind he is not -ruined by a pack of d——d quacks; let some regular practitioner see -him. I must request you will take care of his education as well as -Betsy's. I shall charge my mother with neglect if this most essential -point is omitted. My dear Ann, I hope, is well and attentive to my -mother. I have a lot of trinkets for her if I can find means of sending -them. Some days back I sent a Spaniard into Ciudad Rodrigo to buy some -buttons (curious silver ones). I shall preserve them for Ann. - -On the receipt of this note, write immediately and let me know when I -am to expect Joseph. - -I remain, with my love to my dear mother and family, your affectionate -son, - - Geo. Simmons, - Lt., 95th or Rifle Regiment. - - - - -CAMPAIGN OF 1812 - - - The commencement of the year 1812 found the British army in the - Peninsula much scattered by reason of the difficulties of provisioning - it. - - Soult, operating in Andaluçia, had towards the close of 1811 detached - a force to besiege Tarifa, and at the end of January attempted to - storm it, but was repulsed with heavy loss and retired on Cadiz. - - Napoleon at this time was concentrating all his energies on his - disastrous attempt to subjugate Russia, and in order to augment his - forces in that country, had recalled some 60,000 of his best troops - from Spain. It was at this juncture that Wellington, taking advantage - of the disorganised state of the French forces in the Peninsula, - which, in addition to being divided into three separate armies, were - widely distributed in order to obtain supplies, decided on a winter - campaign, and unexpectedly invested the strong fortress of Ciudad - Rodrigo. - - After a siege of only twelve days, pushed forward with extraordinary - vigour, with the object of obtaining possession of the place before - Marmont could assemble a sufficient force to render assistance to - the besieged garrison, Ciudad Rodrigo was stormed. In this desperate - undertaking Generals Craufurd and Mackinnon, fifty officers, and 650 - men fell in the breaches. The French loss was only 300. - - Marmont, having failed in his attempt to collect sufficient forces - to raise the siege, on hearing of the fall of the place, retired on - Salamanca. - - Wellington now directed his attention on Badajoz, so as to impede the - junction of Soult and Massena, and marching rapidly thither, laid - siege to it. Soult, confident in the strength of the place, set to - work to collect a force sufficient to attack the Allies, but before - he could do this, Badajoz was stormed. The losses of the assailants - in this terrible assault were very great; sixty officers and over 700 - men were killed, and the total number of killed and wounded during the - siege was 3500. - - Having thus made himself master of Badajoz, Wellington contemplated - driving Soult out of Andaluçia, but was met by so many difficulties, - political as well as military, that he abandoned this scheme, and - decided to operate against Marmont in Estremadura and Leon. Having - surprised and captured the fortress of Almaraz, he advanced to the - Tormes and laid siege to the forts covering the bridge of Salamanca. - Marmont shortly appeared at the head of a strong force and endeavoured - to succour the forts, but without success, and upon their being - stormed by the British, he fell back to the line of the Douro near - Tordesillas, Wellington following him as far as Rueda. - - Massena, having received some reinforcements, crossed the Douro and - sought to turn Wellington's right flank. Now ensued the remarkable - manœuvring on both sides which, after the sharp combats of Castrejon - and the Guareña, culminated in the battle of Salamanca. After this - disaster to the French arms, Massena retired on Burgos, and King - Joseph, who, too late, had come to aid Marmont, returned to Madrid. - Clausel fell back through Valladolid, which town Wellington occupied, - thus separating Marmont from King Joseph. The Allies now advanced on - Madrid, which the King quitted in haste, and ordered Soult to abandon - Andaluçia and to join him at Valencia. - - The Allies occupied Madrid, and remained there for some months, but - Clausel having reorganised his forces and reoccupied Valladolid, - Wellington advanced against him. - - Clausel fell back on Burgos, followed by the Allies. No less than five - assaults were made on this fortress, but without success. Meanwhile - the French received reinforcements, and eventually the siege of Burgos - had to be raised, and Wellington was forced to retreat on Madrid, - several sharp combats taking place on the way thither. - - King Joseph, with Soult and Jourdan, now moved on Madrid, and the - French force being thus overwhelmingly strong, Wellington evacuated - the capital and fell back 200 miles to the line of the Tormes, - followed by Soult and Jourdan. His position there being turned by - Soult, he resumed his retreat on Rodrigo, and after a sharp combat - on the Huebra, reached that place in November, and went into winter - quarters. - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -_Journal—4th January-30th July 1812_ - - The Light Division advances on Ciudad Rodrigo and fords the - Agueda—Storming of Fort San Francisco—Commencement of the siege - of Ciudad Rodrigo—The convents of Santa Cruz and San Francisco - captured—Work in the advanced saps—Storming of Ciudad Rodrigo—Simmons - is told off for one of the ladder parties—Rencontre with General - Craufurd—The Forlorn Hope and storming parties advance and carry - the breaches—The Rifles bivouac on the ramparts—Heavy losses of the - Grenadiers of the 45th and 94th Regiments—Effects of the explosion - of the magazine—Death of Lieutenant Uniacke—General Craufurd dies of - his wounds—The Light Division marches back into Portugal—Advances - again on Badajoz—Ground broken before Fort Picurina—Sortie of - the French—Their cavalry enter the British camp—Storming of Fort - Picurina—Lieutenant Stokes of the Rifles, the first man in—The - British entrench themselves in the work under a heavy fire from the - French—Batteries in Badajoz—Duty in the trenches—Simmons with forty - good shots pick off the French artillerymen and silence the guns—A - French officer endeavours to return the compliment, but is "put out - of that" by a Rifle Man—Accident to Simmons—Storming of Badajoz—Major - O'Hare of the Rifles in command of the storming party—Desperate - fighting at the breaches—The Light Division unable to enter—Carnage - in the ditch—The Light Division ordered to withdraw—The 3rd Division - escalade the castle—Lord Wellington orders the Light Division to - renew their attack—The town occupied—Simmons enters the house of the - French Quartermaster-General and finds a sketch-map of the breaches - showing the expected British lines of advance—At daybreak visits - the breaches—The _chevaux de frise_ and obstacles created by the - French—Finds the body of Major O'Hare—"_A Lieutenant-Colonel, or - cold meat in a few hours_"—Heavy losses of the Rifles and of the - Light Division—Brother Maud comes to see if he is alive—The soldiers - plunder the town—The Light Division marches towards Salamanca—Fighting - near Salamanca—The British enter the town—Simmons' views of the - priests and monks—March towards the Douro—Gets a good quarter at Nava - del Rey—The armies on opposite banks of the Douro—Lord Wellington - reconnoitres the French, and nearly falls into the hands of their - cavalry—The British army retires, closely followed by the French—The - marches previous to the battle—Skirmish on the Guareña—The French - endeavour to turn the British left, but are checked by the 27th and - 40th Regiments—An unlucky young Rifle Man—Marmont steals a march on - Wellington—The British army fords the Tormes—Great thunderstorm—Battle - of Salamanca—Simmons catches a partridge during the fight—Pursuit - after Salamanca—Brilliant charge of the German Heavy Cavalry under - General Bock—The Hussar officer and his brother—Visits the grave of - General Férey and finds the Spaniards have exhumed him—The Rifle Men - bury the body again. - - -_Journal—4th January-30th July 1812_ - -[Sidenote: 1812 Jan. 4th] - -A general movement of the troops took place. 1st Division marched to -Gallegos and Espeja; 4th Division crossed the Agueda and occupied San -Felices; 3rd Division occupied Martiago and Zamarra; Light Division -entered Pastores, La Encina, and El Bodon. The latter place I marched -to. A stormy, cold, incessant rain during the day. The Agueda much -swollen. Forded it nearly up to the shoulders. The men obliged to -put their pouches upon their knapsacks and lay hold of each other to -prevent being forced down with the current. Some time exposed before -there was any possibility of getting lodged. Officers, men, and all -huddled together. Got our men better regulated and had three houses for -the company. - -[Sidenote: 8th] - -Several regiments had been ordered to prepare gabions and fascines, -which we were aware could only be for the siege. The Light Division -was ordered to move before day, and crossed the Agueda at a ford above -the convent of La Caridad. Our march was conducted out of the range of -shot from the town to the north side, and behind a hill in the vicinity -of San Francisco. A redoubt was established here. We halted. Several -French officers made their appearance, and politely took off their hats -and spoke to us. They of course were very anxious to know what all this -meant. - -Colonel Colborne, with 360 men from the 43rd, 52nd, and 95th (Rifle -Men) stormed the fort of San Francisco after dark. Three pieces of -cannon, two captains, and forty-eight men were made prisoners, besides -what fell by the bayonet in the assault. - -[Sidenote: 9th] - -Began immediately to break ground, and before morning dawned we had -commenced our first parallel and completely covered ourselves. The -enemy kept up a most tremendous fire all night. I became perfectly -familiar with the difference of sound between the two missiles, shot -and shell, long before day. Returned to our quarters, and the 1st -Division relieved us in the trenches. - -[Sidenote: 12th] - -Marched back and resumed our work in the trenches. The weather was -keen and it froze sharply. Our poor fellows had to cross the river -nearly up to their shoulders, and remain in this wet state until they -returned to their quarters, some working and some covering the working -parties by firing upon the works of this town; others were ordered -to get as close as possible and dig holes sufficiently deep to cover -themselves, and take deliberate aim at the enemy's embrasures, which a -good marksman would easily do by observing the flashes of their cannon, -although it was dark. - -[Sidenote: 13th] - -Returned to quarters at El Bodon. - -[Sidenote: 14th] - -Twenty-two pieces of British cannon opened most musically upon the -town. _Johnny_ has hitherto had it all his own way in administering -to the comfort of many, and most suddenly and unexpectedly sent them, -I trust, to another and better world. For on this little spot all the -fiercer passions of the human heart are busy in the breasts of each -individual of both parties, investing and invested. Moralising will -not do now; death or glory, a golden chain or a wooden leg, "England -expects every man will do his duty." These are the only feelings that -can make the scene of death and destruction palatable to a Christian: -King, Church, and Country to fight for. - -[Sidenote: 16th] - -Marched and again entered the trenches. The enemy had got the range to -such a nicety that their shells were literally dropped into our works. - -The convent of Santa Cruz was taken by surprise by General Graham with -the King's German Legion on the night of the 13th; thus on the night of -the 14th the convent of San Francisco and Santa Clara and suburbs were -all in our hands. I had charge of a party to carry earth in gabions, -and plant them upon the advanced saps in places where the ground was -an entire rock and could not be penetrated. The enemy fired grape, and -consequently numbers fell to rise no more from the effects of it. I ran -the gauntlet here several times, and brought gabions of earth, always -leaving some of my poor fellows behind, when I returned for more, and -glad enough I was when the Engineer said "We have now sufficient." - -[Sidenote: 17th] - -Returned to quarters in a whole skin. - - -Storming of Ciudad Rodrigo - -[Sidenote: 19th] - -Marched and passed the ford as before. Halted for one hour near the -convent of La Caridad, then moved forward and halted behind the convent -of San Francisco with the 3rd Division. We were now informed that two -breaches in the wall had been effected, and that when the arrangements -were made, we should storm the town. I must observe here that I -was so anxious to be speedily employed that when Lieutenant Smith, -Brigade-Major, came to a fire near which I was standing and said, "One -of you must come and take charge of some ladders if required," at the -impulse of the moment I took with me the men required, and followed him -to the Engineers' camp, where the ladders were handed to me. I marched -with them to General Craufurd, who was with the advance. He attacked me -in a most ungracious manner. "Why did you bring these short ladders?" -"Because I was ordered by the Engineer to do so, General." "Go back, -sir, and get others; I am astonished at such stupidity." Of course I -went back, but was sadly crestfallen. This is what I deserved for -over-zeal. I returned with the ladders. A Portuguese captain and his -company were waiting for something to do, so I said, "Here, my brave -fellows, take these ladders," and handed them over with every necessary -instruction for the good of the service. I then instantly returned to -the company I belonged to, which was posted at the head of the column -ready to proceed. The 3rd Division moved to attack the right breach, -and the Light Division the left or small breach. The Forlorn Hope and -storming parties moved on at about seven o'clock, and the head of the -column followed close behind. A tremendous fire was opened upon us, -and as our column was entering the ditch an expense magazine on the -ramparts near the large breach blew up and ignited a number of live -shells, which also exploded and paid no sort of difference to friend -or foe. The night was brilliantly illuminated for some moments, and -everything was made visible. Then as suddenly came utter darkness, -except for the flashes from cannon and muskets, which threw a momentary -glare around. - -The breaches were made in the curtain, before which a traverse was -fixed in the ditch to protect and strengthen it. In my hurry, after -descending into the ditch, I mistook the traverse for the top of the -breach, and as the ladders were laid against it, I ascended as well as -many others, and soon found our mistake. We crossed it, and slid down -directly opposite the breach, which was soon carried. The town was -entered by armed men at every point, and in the dark there were many -mistakes made by men shooting their friends instead of their enemies. -The prisoners were collected and huddled together upon the ramparts -like so many sheep, and there guarded until daylight. My battalion -formed up upon the ramparts and made fires, as the night was a clear -and frosty one. Some men brought me wine, ham, and eggs. I soon made a -hearty meal, and washed it down with some good French Burgundy, putting -my feet to the fire, and enjoyed as calm a sleep as I ever did in my -life before, for three or four hours. - -[Sidenote: 20th] - -At daylight I walked round the ramparts and found numbers slaughtered. -The 94th and 45th suffered sadly, particularly their Grenadiers, who -literally had fallen in line with each other upon the large breach. The -explosion I mentioned had killed numbers more of the French than of the -English; they were mangled in a most shocking manner; headless trunks, -and others torn into masses of lacerated parts, which it was hard to -fancy ever belonged to human beings. General M'Kinnon, who commanded a -Brigade in the 3rd Division, was blown up and his body sadly mutilated, -but being a very tall man, it was not difficult to make him out. A -circumstance which probably saved me from being blown up with a friend -of mine, Lieutenant Uniacke, was, when we got into the ditch together -he observed, "This is the way." In the bustle I said, "Impossible. Here -are the ladders. I shall go up them," fancying my Portuguese friend -had placed them right, so that ultimately the ladders served me. Poor -Uniacke got round the corner just in time enough to get scorched from -head to foot in a frightful manner, and died a few hours after in great -agony. General Craufurd, who commanded the Light Division, was mortally -wounded, General Vandeleur, Colonel Colborne, and Major Napier were -badly wounded; also Lieutenants Cox, Hamilton, and Bedell. - -About nine o'clock in the morning we marched from that part of the -rampart where we had been resting for so many hours, seated before good -fires. We passed out of the town and then halted. The French prisoners -followed, guarded. We had scarcely left the gate when a tremendous -explosion took place, which blew up numbers of Frenchmen, and also -some Englishmen. Directly under the place we had so recently left were -deposited several barrels of gunpowder, which had taken fire from some -cause or other. That face of the rampart was a pile of ruins in one -instant. I really thought this was a kind act of the Almighty towards -us. - -We marched back to our cantonments and met part of the 5th Division -upon the road coming to Ciudad Rodrigo to bury the dead and put the -works in order, as the men who have stormed a town are seldom fit for -anything but vice and irregularity for some time afterwards, if left -within its walls. The soldiers were laden with all sorts of things, and -looked like a moving rag-fair. Some, liking their bellies better, had -their swords fixed, and stuck upon them large junks of corned beef, -ham, pork, etc. I was glad to get back to my peaceable habitation. -The Governor, 78 officers, and 1700 prisoners were taken, besides the -killed and wounded. General Craufurd was buried at the foot of the -little breach with military honours by the Light Division. - -The French army under Marshal Marmont had no idea we should be able to -take Rodrigo from them so quickly. The enemy moved forward to ascertain -the fact, and finding the news too true, left us in quiet possession -of it. - -[Sidenote: 31st] - -Marched to Fuenteguinaldo. - -[Sidenote: 1812 Feb. 26th] - -The works of Ciudad Rodrigo having been completely put in order, and -a garrison of Spaniards having entered it, the army was ordered to -proceed towards Estremadura. Marched to Alfayates in Portugal. - -[Sidenote: 27th] - -Val Morisco. - -[Sidenote: 28th] - -Passed through the town of Sortelho, situated most romantically amongst -stupendous and rugged mountains and surrounded by an old Moorish -wall. It is nearly at the foot of the Sierra da Estrella. Halted at -Castelhera. - -[Sidenote: 29th] - -Marched to Capena. - -[Sidenote: 1812 Mar. 1st] - -Marched to Alpedrinha. - -[Sidenote: 2nd] - -Alcainz. - -[Sidenote: 3rd] - -Castello Branco, and under very different feelings than when I left it -before. If I had obeyed the orders of the Commandant, I should not have -been at Rodrigo. - -[Sidenote: 4th] - -Halted. - -[Sidenote: 5th] - -Marched to Sarnadas. - -[Sidenote: 6th] - -Marched to Niza, crossing the Tagus at the bridge of boats over it, and -through the pass of Villa Velha. - -[Sidenote: 7th] - -Castello de Vide and Esuesa. - -[Sidenote: 8th] - -Visited the town of Marvão, surrounded by a wall in good preservation, -and situated upon a high mountain. It has a few guns mounted upon the -ramparts. It ought to be almost impregnable, if in good hands, when -besieged. - -[Sidenote: 14th] - -[Sidenote: 15th] - -I had been very unwell, and had kept my bed for some days. Suddenly -this morning, the order to march came; my servant brought me the -news. I instantly jumped out of bed and dressed myself. Dr. Burke, our -surgeon, saw me mounting my horse. "What, sir, are you mad? You cannot -go in your present state with the Division. I have got a car to send -you away with the sick." I thanked him, but observed, "I am determined -to try." I was exceedingly ill, but during the march I was violently -attacked with vomiting, and in a very debilitated state got into a -billet with my captain at Portalegre upon a _padre_ (clergyman), who -gave me some chocolate and a comfortable bed, and I was somewhat better -the following morning and went with the Division to Arronches. - -[Sidenote: 16th] - -Marched to Elvas and found myself getting better. - -[Sidenote: 17th] - -Marched to the camp before Badajoz. The 3rd and 4th Divisions were upon -the ground. Some time after dark, broke ground before Fort Picurina and -the town. - -[Sidenote: 18th] - -On piquet with the company near an old ruin some little distance from -the town, and from which we had a good view of the working parties' -operations in the trenches. - -[Sidenote: 19th] - -Weather for some days back cold and rainy. The enemy collected a body -of horse and foot and made a sortie upon our works. They had a number -of men to take away our tools and fill up the trenches. They drew -back very soon. At the moment of the attack our different parties -were relieving, and the weather being very dull, accompanied with a -drizzling rain, the enemy got very close before they were observed. -The enemy's cavalry dashed through our camp, and at the spot where the -Engineers were engaged in carrying on the work for the siege, captured -an officer, and a Dragoon tried to drag him away with him. Our people -in the camp at the moment fancied they were the Portuguese cavalry, -but soon were undeceived, and a number took up arms and ran forward -to attack them. They made their way back as rapidly as they had moved -forward. The officer, Colonel Seres, who commanded the sortie, died of -his wounds in the town. - -[Sidenote: 25th] - -About twelve o'clock A.M. our first battery opened and played -handsomely upon Fort Picurina. - - -Storming of Fort Picurina - -[Sidenote: 26th] - -A storming party was ordered a little after dark, and part of our -working party, under Lieutenant Stokes, was ordered to carry the -ladders to mount the walls. He was, after placing the ladders, the -first in the place. This fort was very strong, and the French officer -had not the least idea we could take it. The enemy fought resolutely, -but were soon made prisoners (those who remained alive when the officer -surrendered). When it fell, we commenced breaking ground in front. I -knew well, as soon as the enemy were aware of the place being in our -possession, that they would commence a fire of grape, so that I made -my men work hard to cover themselves. About midnight a most furious -fire of shot, shell, and grape went over us, and did us no harm. Before -daylight our trench was perfect. Curiosity led me to see the fort and -obstacles the men who stormed it had to encounter. Upon the parapet -were pointed palisades, and live shells all round, ready to be lighted -and thrown into the ditch. There were also numbers of other shells and -powder for the purpose of injuring the assailants, but the determined -and spirited manner in which the men stormed the work prevented the -enemy from doing the mischief they had premeditated. - -[Sidenote: 30th] - -Regularly upon working or covering parties in the trenches every -twenty-four hours. Our batteries were soon formed, and our artillery -began to play upon the wall with great effect. - -[Sidenote: 1812 April 4th] - -I was with a party of men behind the advanced sap, and had an -opportunity of doing some mischief. Three or four heavy cannon that -the enemy were working were doing frightful execution amongst our -artillerymen in their advanced batteries. I selected several good -shots and fired into the embrasures. In half an hour I found the guns -did not go off so frequently as before I commenced this practice, and -soon after, gabions were stuffed into each embrasure to prevent our -rifle balls from entering. They then withdrew them to fire, which was -my signal for firing steadily at the embrasures. The gabions were -replaced without firing the shot. I was so delighted with the good -practice I was making against _Johnny_ that I kept it up from daylight -till dark with forty as prime fellows as ever pulled trigger. These -guns were literally silenced. A French officer (I suppose a marksman), -who hid himself in some long grass, first placed his cocked hat some -little distance from him for us to fire at. Several of his men handed -him loaded muskets in order that he might fire more frequently. I was -leaning half over the trench watching his movements. I observed his -head, and being exceedingly anxious that the man who was going to fire -should see him, I directed him to lay his rifle over my left shoulder -as a more elevated rest for him. He fired. Through my eagerness, I had -entirely overlooked his pan, so that it was in close contact with my -left ear; and a pretty example it made of it and the side of my head, -which was singed and the ear cut and burnt. The poor fellow was very -sorry for the accident. We soon put the Frenchman out of that. He -left his cocked hat, which remained until dark, so that we had either -killed or wounded him. My friends in camp joked me a good deal the next -morning, observing, "Pray, what's the matter with your ear? How did the -injury happen?" and so on. - -Weather for some days good. - - -Storming of Badajoz - -[Sidenote: 6th] - -The Engineers now proclaimed the breaches practicable. Arrangements -were made to storm the town. My old captain, Major O'Hare, was to lead -the storming party. I wanted to go with him, but those senior demanded -it as their right. The two Brigades of the Light Division fell in and -moved on a little after dark, preceded by the Forlorn Hope and storming -parties to the glacis. The 4th Division also were to storm the breaches -with us, the 3rd to escalade the castle, and the 5th Division to attack -Fort Pardeleras and escalade the town on that side. Our storming party -was soon hotly engaged. Our columns moved on under a most dreadful -fire of grape that mowed down our men like grass. We tore down the -palisading and got upon the glacis. The havoc now became dreadful. My -captain (Gray) was shot in the mouth. Eight or ten officers, and men -innumerable, fell to rise no more. Ladders were resting against the -counter-scarp from within the ditch. Down these we hurried, and as fast -as we got down rushed forward to the breaches, where a most frightful -scene of carnage was going on. Fifty times they were stormed, and as -often without effect, the French cannon sweeping the ditches with a -most destructive fire. Lights were thrown amongst us from the town that -burnt most brilliantly, and made us easier to be shot at. In this way -we remained for a considerable time. I was in a sort of frenzy stamping -one of these lights out when an officer laid hold of me, saying, "Leave -it, or when the light goes out your feet will be blown to pieces, as -there is a live shell connected with it." The ditch now, from the place -where we entered to near the top of the breaches, was covered with dead -and dying soldiers. If a man fell wounded, ten to one that he ever rose -again, for the volleys of musketry and grape shot that were incessantly -poured amongst us made our situation too horrid for description. I -had seen some fighting, but nothing like this. We remained passively -here to be slaughtered, as we could do the besieged little injury from -the ditch. We were ordered to leave the ditch and move away from the -works. The Light Division formed up on the plain at some distance from -the town. Here we observed the 3rd Division assailing the castle and -escalading its walls. - -In consequence of the breaches being so furiously attacked, the French -Governor, Phillipon, drew nearly the whole of the garrison to defend -them, or the 3rd Division must have suffered infinitely more, as the -walls were very high and the place difficult to enter. - -The castle being taken, the town was commanded. A heavy gun was dragged -to the gate connected with the town and fired through it, which blew -it open. The enemy now finding the castle in our possession, and also -finding the British entering another part of the town by escalade, were -obliged to oppose them with a greater part of their force. I was lying -upon the grass by my comrades, having the most gloomy thoughts of the -termination of this sad affair, when a staff officer rode up and said, -"Lord Wellington orders the Light Division to return immediately and -attack the breaches." We moved back to this bloody work as if nothing -had happened. Never were braver men congregated together for such a -purpose. We entered the ditches, and passed over the bodies of our -brave fellows who had fallen and dashed forward to the breaches. Only -a few random shots were now fired, and we entered without opposition. -Firing was now going on in several parts of the town, and we were not -long in chiming in with the rest of them. The prisoners were secured -and the place was given up to be plundered and pillaged. I am sorry -to say our soldiers were now become nearly as great adepts as any -Continental soldiers in this work of destruction. - -I went into a genteel house. The Spaniard told me the French -Quartermaster-General had lived with him. He showed me the officer's -room. I found a bottle of wine and two glasses upon the table. There -was a piece of paper upon which he had made a rough sketch of the -two breaches, and had represented the way our columns would move to -the attack. He also had marked where the ladders would be placed to -avoid some water in the ditch, and which latter was the only place -where their shot could not have effect. I suppose the water had been -turned into the ditch for this purpose. The Spaniard said that the -two officers went out in great alarm. I sat down and drank the bottle -of wine and got some eggs and bacon fried. When the day dawned I went -to see the breaches. I found a breast-work of sand-bags upon them, -constructed for the enemy to fire over a strong _chevaux de frise_. -Placed in front and across the breaches here and there were large -beams studded with long spikes irregularly thrown about to impede our -advance. Behind these breast-works the ground was cut and intersected -with deep trenches and covered with planks, to enable the enemy to get -to the breaches and ramparts. In the bottom of these trenches were -placed swords and bayonets fixed upon pieces of wood to wound those -who fell upon them. Holes were made in the ramparts big enough for a -man to sit in, with a deep groove to lay his musket in and fire. In -short, the Governor had done everything in his power to make the place -as defensible as possible, and displayed a great deal of ability and -judgment in his masterly arrangements. The ramparts were lined with -live shells and barrels of powder, cart wheels, and lumps of wood and -iron, ready to be thrown into the ditch. - -I saw my poor friend Major O'Hare lying dead upon the breach. Two or -three musket balls had passed through his breast. A gallant fellow, -Sergeant Flemming, was also dead by his side, a man who had always been -with him. I called to remembrance poor O'Hare's last words just before -he marched off to lead the advance. He shook me by the hand saying, "_A -Lieutenant-Colonel or cold meat in a few hours._" I was now gazing upon -his body lying stretched and naked amongst thousands more. Our loss -was very severe, but principally fell upon the young officers. Capt. -Diggle, Lieuts. Hovenden, Cary, Stokes, Affix, Croudace, killed. Lieut. -Freer (wounded in the trenches upon the day of the sortie), Capts. -Crampton, Balvaird, M'Diarmid, wounded. Lieuts. Manners, Johnstone, -MacDonnel, Macpherson, Stewart, Foster, Gardiner, Fitzmaurice, and -Farmer wounded (two died a few days after). The 43rd and 52nd Light -Infantry lost about the same number as ourselves. I am only astonished -how any one escaped, but I was not touched in any part of me. I went -away from the town to the camp as soon as possible. The 2nd Division -was stationed near Talavera Real, about three leagues from Badajoz, to -watch the movements of Soult, who was collecting an army to attempt to -raise the siege of Badajoz. My two brothers were with that Division, -and they were looking towards Badajoz from their encampment with great -anxiety, as they distinctly heard the continued peals of cannon, and -saw the sky over the town illuminated from time to time, which gave -them a pretty good idea that rough work was going on there. I had only -just got into my tent and thrown myself down upon my blanket when my -brother Maud entered. I sprang upon my legs and seized him by the hand. -He was so affected that he was obliged to sit down. He burst into -tears. I observed, "Why, this is woman's work. My brave fellow, you -ought to laugh. I am sound and untouched." He observed, "I entered -your encampment with an aching heart. I was some time before I durst -ask for you. At last I summoned up resolution to do so, and asked a -man, who told me you were killed, 'but that is his tent,' he added. I -was so agitated that I rushed towards it scarcely knowing what I did, -when you jumped up and shook hands with me." He lay down for some time -to compose himself. In the afternoon I walked over to Talavera Real and -met my brother Joseph. We spent a pleasant day together. - -[Sidenote: 8th] - -I returned to camp and found the soldiers in possession of all -sorts of things brought from the town, and crowds of country people -bartering with them for clothes and other articles. These two sieges -had demoralised the men very much, and coercion was necessary on many -occasions (with men that had never behaved ill before), and obliged -to be resorted to. The men were made to throw away a quantity of -things, and to prevent them secreting any of the articles, their packs -were examined, and the plunder that had not been made away with was -collected into heaps and burnt. A garrison of Spaniards were put into -Badajoz and the place was put in order. Marched to Campo Mayor. - -[Sidenote: 12th] - -Marched in front of Arronches. Bivouacked in a wood. - -[Sidenote: 13th] - -Marched to Portalegre, 14th to Niza, 15th to Sarnadas, 16th to Castello -Branco, 17th halted, 18th to Escalos de Cima and Louza, 19th halted. - -[Sidenote: 20th] - -Informed by the peasantry that the enemy was in force at Sabugal and -San Miguel d'Acha. - -[Sidenote: 21st] - -Marched to Penamacor, 22nd to Quintas de San Bartolomé, 23rd to -Alfayates. Bivouacked in front. - -[Sidenote: 24th] - -Marched and bivouacked near Castillejo on the Azava. - -[Sidenote: 25th] - -Halted in bivouac. My horse, which had been for some days ill, died—a -sad loss to a poor soldier in such hard times. - -[Sidenote: 1812 May 6th] - -Marched to Campillo. - -[Sidenote: 27th] - -Reviewed by Lord Wellington with the rest of the Division between -Fuenteguinaldo and El Bodon. He told us we _looked well and in good -fighting order_. Our men's clothing was covered with patches of all -colours, and many of the officers' dresses were in little better plight. - -[Sidenote: 1812 June 6th] - -Marched to El Bodon. - -[Sidenote: 11th] - -Marched in front of Ciudad Rodrigo and bivouacked in a wood. - -[Sidenote: 12th] - -Visited the town. The Light Division collected here, and with the rest -of the army on the 13th made a forward movement near Alba de Yeltes. -Bivouacked in a wood upon the river Yeltes, a small stream. - -[Sidenote: 14th] - -Marched and bivouacked near Sanchobueno. - -[Sidenote: 15th] - -Marched and bivouacked near Matilla. - -[Sidenote: 16th] - -Marched a few miles in the direction of Salamanca. - -[Sidenote: 17th] - -Marched and forded the Rio Tormes above the town, bivouacked in a wood -for the night. General Hill remained with the 2nd Division on the -Alentejo frontier, as a check upon Marshal Soult's army, which was in -Andaluçia. In May, General Hill, with his Division, took two forts near -Almaraz, on the Tagus, by storm, viz. Fort Napoleon and Fort Ragusa, -and some works of minor importance. My two brothers were in these -affairs. - -The enemy retired from Salamanca as the British army approached, merely -skirmishing occasionally with our Dragoons as they made a forward -movement. But a fort and two strong redoubts were constructed, which -commanded the bridge and were occupied by a body of the enemy. They -were formed out of two convents, and were placed in the heart of the -town. The 6th Division was ordered to invest them, and it was droll -enough to see numbers of officers belonging to regiments in bivouac -coming into the town for curiosity, to see how the investment went -on. I, with many others, went into a belfry which quite commanded the -works. The enemy fired a shot at the church, and said if people were -allowed to go into the belfry they would blow it down. - -[Sidenote: 18th] - -Was in bivouac near Rio Seco, the whole army in position, and the -French under Marshal Marmont concentrating his force in front of us. -Very much exposed to the sun's rays and very little shade; for miles -all round scarcely a tree of any consequence to be seen. This was -directly opposite in appearance to the country we had passed through -between Rodrigo and Salamanca, which was a perfect picture of nature as -portrayed in her loveliest attire; woods, with rich and fertile meadows -and rills intersecting them, having water of the clearest kind, and the -most inviting shade on their banks. There is nothing in life half so -pleasant to the tired soldier after marching all day under a moderate -load for a good-sized donkey to find these comforts at the end of his -journey. - -[Sidenote: 19th] - -Moved to the heights of Monte Rubio near the village of La Lengua. - -[Sidenote: 23rd] - -The forts and redoubts were stormed, and the parties sent to perform -this business were repulsed. General Bowes killed. The convent -connected with the principal fort was set on fire with red-hot shot -thrown into it and the places soon after surrendered. - -[Sidenote: 24th] - -The enemy advanced some Dragoons on the left bank of the Tormes, and a -skirmish took place with some of our Dragoons. - -[Sidenote: 25th] - -The company I belonged to on piquet. - -[Sidenote: 27th] - -The fort surrendered. I went into the town, and could not help feeling -great pleasure that these poor people had a release from the French -garrison, which the most sanguine of them fancied would never happen. -They expressed their joy in a most frantic manner and praised their -deliverers, as they called the English, and expressed their abhorrence -of the French officers and soldiery. To amuse myself, I visited the -cathedral, which is a handsome building, and possesses a good organ of -large dimensions. This place is filled with churches, monasteries, and -nunneries, that gives it a very priest-ridden appearance, and makes -one sympathise with the unfortunate people of such a country who are, -partly by coercion, but more through the tenets imbibed from their -earliest years, the dupes of superstition and bigotry. They fancy it -necessary towards their eternal salvation to aid in supporting these -fat-sided and sleek-faced rascals, who, under the pretended semblance -of soul-savers, congregate in large bodies, gourmandising the richest -viands and drinking the best wine, and have frequently been known to -live in every species of vice and idleness. Such men are decidedly -drones in the industrious hive. I have often seen the poor peasant -handcuffed and taken from his little field and from the bosom of -his family (probably in him they lost their only support), called a -_volunteer_, and entered upon the book of a regiment. If he deserted -and was taken again, in all probability he would be shot. Meanwhile the -stoutest men in the country, brought up in the service of the Church, -were allowed to live in idleness, although the country was filled with -their enemies, who were abusing the people and oppressing them in the -most flagitious manner, burning their towns for amusement—in fact, -committing every species of atrocity. - -[Sidenote: 28th] - -The army moved forward towards the Douro. As our movements had been -confined between the northern frontier of Portugal and the banks of the -Guadiana for so long a time, it gave us great delight to be entering -the very heart of Spain to offer battle to the French army; each day -seeing towns and villages we had never entered before. Marched to -Castellanos de Moriscos and bivouacked. - -[Sidenote: 29th] - -Marched to Parada de Rubiales and bivouacked. - -[Sidenote: 30th] - -Marched to Castrillo and bivouacked. - -[Sidenote: 1812 July 1st] - -Marched through Alaejos to Nava del Rey, in the town with the Division -also. This was a very well built town with a handsome church. I had a -good billet and slept upon a comfortable mattress, which was a luxury -I had not had for many a day. My usual bed was two blankets stitched -together and made into the shape of a sack, into which I crawled, and -if I rolled about, the clothes never left me until I took a fancy to -crawl out again; my pillow a good sod and a smooth stone, and if, -before I lay down, I could obtain some wild lavender, which generally -was in plenty, I then had a splendid bed, exhaling the most agreeable -perfumes, with the canopy of heaven over one's head. This, to an -astronomer, would have afforded an hour's amusement before he went to -sleep, but as I am not a character of that description, I generally -fell asleep, and that right soundly too. Often, before daylight, -I have been well soused with rain with many thousands more in the -same predicament, and in spite of the elements, have not been much -disturbed. It is astonishing what habit will produce in a man of strong -and robust health. - -[Sidenote: 2nd] - -Marched to Rueda, and halted close to it; made a lodgment in a shed -with the officers of the company, horses, mules, servants, etc. The -country round abounds in corn and wine. The latter is kept under ground -in vast excavated cellars, with high chimneys above ground to ventilate -them. The casks containing this wine, which is white, and of a pleasant -and agreeably sharp flavour, are of immense magnitude, and must have -been introduced piece-meal and then afterwards formed; they contain -many thousand gallons. The enemy retired before our advanced guard -entered. - -[Sidenote: 3rd] - -The Division moved opposite Tordesillas, upon the left bank of the -Douro, the French army being in large force upon its right bank and -in possession of the town. This movement was supposed to be a feint. -Retired back to Rueda in the evening and bivouacked. - -[Sidenote: 16th] - -Marched from the place about 9 P.M. and halted behind Castrejon. - -[Sidenote: 18th] - -The enemy advanced at daylight in great force. Lord Wellington -reconnoitred the enemy's movements. Some French Dragoons dashed forward -and, being numerous, rather intimidated the small escort with his -Lordship. Marshal Beresford and some of the staff soon rallied them, -and they charged the advanced men of the enemy and checked their -progress. The enemy had crossed the Douro by a ford so rapidly that -our piquets were obliged to retire after exchanging a few shots. A -partial cannonade commenced upon our encampment. The whole British army -were in full retreat, the country all round was one vast plain, and -the soldiers were moving across it in column of companies at quarter -distance, ready by regiments to form square if the enemy's cavalry -should charge; the march was taken up literally as coolly as if it had -been a field day, taking distant points to march upon, and avoiding -the villages in order not to lose time by passing through them. Upon -our right as we then faced, and frequently not more than five hundred -yards distant from us, was a dense mass of Frenchmen moving in the -same order, horse, foot, and artillery. It was quite ridiculous to -see two hostile armies so close without coming to blows, but the two -chiefs were trying to out-manœuvre each other—the sequel will show who -succeeded. - -Our brigade of Horse Artillery fired a few rounds at the enemy. Some -cavalry made a dash at them, and for a moment had possession of their -guns. In passing a small river named the Guareña in order to get -possession of some heights that both armies were moving towards as -the immediate bone of contention, the enemy began to cannonade our -columns, and towards evening, in the pursuit of the French Marshal's -favourite object during this day to turn our left, they pressed too -hard upon that part of our line. Lord Wellington directed the 27th and -40th British Regiments to receive their attack, and then charge them, -which was done handsomely, and their career terminated for the night, -leaving us upon the high ground we wished to occupy. My servant brought -up my baggage, but a fine young mule, with a canteen and a variety of -comforts that could not be replaced in a hurry, was lost to me for -ever. A stallion had broken my mule's thigh on the line of march. There -was no time to lose, so the man was obliged to unloose the halter from -the one that he led and move on. This was a sad grievance. - -[Sidenote: 19th] - -Lord Wellington reconnoitred the enemy, and found the French in great -force and seemingly upon the move. For annoyance, the enemy threw a few -shot and shell at our columns. One shot knocked off the head of a Rifle -Man who had just joined us for the first time. Things of this kind -seem droll. Why this poor fellow's head should have been singled out -amongst many thousand others and given the preference to, I cannot say. -Remained here for the night. - -[Sidenote: 20th] - -At daylight the enemy was entirely gone. Lord Wellington found that -Marmont had marched to his right with great rapidity. Our army was -immediately upon the march. Halted near a village of which I do not -know the name. - -[Sidenote: 21st] - -Marched with the dawn and continued till 2 P.M. Halted near -Villamorisco. A little before dark forded the river Tormes above -Salamanca. The river was very much swollen from the rain, which made -it very deep. Everybody got wet up to near their shoulders in crossing. -Luckily we got over before the rain, which immediately afterwards began -to fall in torrents. The night became excessively dark, the whole army -groping their way, up to their knees in mud, to the different bivouacs. -The lightning became very vivid; some of the flashes ran whizzing along -the men's arms in an extraordinary manner and really checked the march -for some time most strangely. The thunder was louder than I ever heard -before, excepting at Almeida. Numbers of horses belonging to the French -and English had broken loose from their pickets from terror, and were -galloping about most furiously, and some of them exchanged masters. The -rain continued until nearly daylight, when it abated. - - -Battle of Salamanca - -[Sidenote: 22nd] - -At daylight the enemy's columns were moving rapidly upon our right -flank, and from the orders to send the baggage to the rear as soon as -possible, we made up our minds to abandon Salamanca, although we felt -sorry for such an event. However, before long our gallant Chief found -he had got Marmont into a trap at last, and immediately knew how to -take advantage of it. A brisk cannonade commenced on both sides, and -about 11 o'clock A.M. the columns on our right moved to the attack. - -The high ground and tops or elevated points were crowded with -Frenchmen, and in the afternoon these hills, the Arapiles, were lost -and won often, but ultimately the French were completely driven off -them. About five o'clock the Light Division were ordered to move -forward. We had remained idle spectators, only keeping the right of -the French line in check. We soon came in contact with the enemy, and -very shortly drove him from the position. An odd circumstance happened; -I saw a partridge running on the ground between the contending lines. -I ran, at the impulse of the moment, after it, caught it, and put the -bird into my haversack, which afterwards afforded me a savoury supper. -The French were routed at all points, and darkness came on, which -enabled many to escape that would otherwise have fallen into our hands. -Some accidents happened to officers of ours, who were at the heads -of our columns, coming in contact unexpectedly in the dark. Marshal -Marmont was wounded in the action and was very near falling into our -hands. The pursuit was continued through a wooded country until eleven -o'clock at night, when we bivouacked near the village of Huerta. - -[Sidenote: 23rd] - -Moved forward at daylight after the French. A Brigade of Heavy German -cavalry, commanded by Major-General Bock, that had only recently joined -our army from England, was in advance of the Light Division, and came -up with the French rear-guard. The officer commanding the latter formed -three squares. The Germans made a most brilliant and dashing charge -at two squares, and succeeded in breaking them, slaughtering numbers. -The French had 1500 killed and taken. One of the squares was formed -at an elbow in the road, where it wound upward towards much higher -ground, and this, very likely, saved it. General Foy, who commanded the -rear-guard, was in this square. We were hurried forward as quickly -as possible, but the business was most effectually done just as we -arrived. A great number of Germans and their hoses were dead close to -the squares. I saw a very affecting scene: a Hussar officer came up to -see his brother he had not met for six years. He found him stretched -a lifeless corpse with his sword grasped and fixed in his saddle; his -horse, having been killed at the same moment with its rider, was lying -on its side with the legs stretched out in the attitude of galloping. -The poor fellow threw his arms round his lifeless brother. I could bear -no more, and so moved on, and was again in pursuit of the enemy, which -was the only way to get quit of gloomy reflections. Bivouacked near a -village. - -[Sidenote: 24th] - -Marched to Flores de Avila. Passed on this day through a large town -named Peñaranda. - -[Sidenote: 25th] - -Halted. - -[Sidenote: 26th] - -Marched to Aldea Seca. - -[Sidenote: 27th] - -To Montijo del Viejo. - -[Sidenote: 28th] - -To Pedrajo de Portello. - -[Sidenote: 29th] - -To Olmedo, a curious town with the remains of a Moorish castle. Close -to the place was interred the body of General Férey. He was the -officer who ordered the night attack at Barba del Puerco in 1810. How -extraordinary are the changes produced by war! Only two years before -he had 10,000 veteran soldiers under his command. He was then actively -employed against us, and now humbled to the dust, and I standing by -his grave gazing at his mutilated carcase. The Spaniards had dug him -up directly after the French left the town and just before we entered. -He had been buried with great honour, and a canopy of laurels, which -had been placed over his grave, was torn down, his body exhumed, and -his head severed from it. It was a noble head, with a fine expressive -countenance and a pair of large moustaches. I could not help observing, -"Well, you must have been a brave soldier, although our deadly foe. -You shall be replaced by an enemy where your friends interred you, to -rest in peace." The remains were then in a most decent manner returned -to the grave, and the Spaniards made acquainted with the horror and -disgust we felt at their inhuman conduct towards a dead soldier. The -laurel was replaced, and we begged it might be allowed to remain, which -I have no reason to doubt was complied with. - -[Sidenote: 30th] - -Forded the Duero. Encamped upon the right bank about six miles from -Valladolid. - - - - -CHAPTER X - -_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. - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -Letter No. XIX - -_To his Father, from Alameda, dated 30th April 1813_ - - More lectures to his father for showing his letters to people—Good - winter quarters—Five months without seeing the face of a - Frenchman—Hopes to see the Pyrenees before September—Starting on - target practice with his men. - -Letter No. XX - -_From Lieutenant Joseph Simmons to his Parents, from Alameda, dated 5th -May 1813_ - - Describes life in winter quarters—The regimental mess—Weekly balls to - the ladies—The retreat from Madrid. - -_Postscript by George Simmons_ - - About to be reviewed by Lord Wellington—Expects to drive the French - out of Spain this campaign. - -_Journal—1st May-30th August 1813_ - - The army formed into eight Divisions—The French army depleted to - obtain veterans for the campaign in Russia—The British army in the - highest order—Composition of the Light Division—General advance of the - army—The Horse Guards and Oxford Blues join—Cavalry skirmish near - Salamanca—The French retire—Advance resumed—The 10th Hussars execute - a brilliant charge near Morales—The French retire from Burgos—The - British army crosses the Ebro—Fight at San Millan—The Rifles "make - a sad example of _Johnny_"—Salt springs at Salinas—The battle of - Vitoria—Dispositions of the French—All three battalions of the Rifles - sharply engaged—The French driven _into_ the town, _through_ the - town, and _out of_ the town—A running fight for twenty miles—Bivouac - at nightfall—The pursuit renewed—Skirmish at Echarri Arinez—Skirmish - near La Cuenca—Splendid work by British Horse Artillery—The Rifle - Men capture the _last_ gun of the French army—Sad spectacle of - wounded French Artillerymen—Arrive in front of Pampeluna—The march to - intercept General Clausel, who crosses the Ebro and escapes—On fatigue - getting fuel—Rencontre with General Picton—"It's a d——d concern to - have to follow you"—General Alten to the rescue—A present of a skin of - wine—Blockade of Pamplona—Camp at the foot of the Pyrenees—Magnificent - scenery—The Rifles drive the French from the heights of Santa - Barbara—The Bidasoa and the town of Vera—The Pass of Vera—Soult - captures the passes of Roncesvalles and Yanzi, and the Light Division - has to fall back—The attempt to storm San Sebastian fails—Marshal - Soult retires—Forced march of the Light Division—The fights at the - bridge of Yanzi and at Echalar. - - -Letter No. XIX - - Alameda, Spain, _30th April 1813_. - -Dear Father—I send you a bill upon Ireland for twenty pounds English -money. You must separate it from this epistle, and give it into the -hands of any banker, who will be able directly to procure you the -money. I must, dear father, request that you will not in future show my -letters to the public. I find that the letter I wrote you respecting -the fight upon the Coa was read at the mess table of a Militia -regiment and exposed to every one who chose to read it. How the devil -it got there I cannot say. I can so far say that the officer is now -present with this regiment who heard it read. You have no idea what -material injury you may do me by such exposures. - -I remember in this letter I said a great deal about my family concerns, -which it is very wrong to publish to the world. If the young officer -had been a quizzical fellow and thought of telling some tales to any -other officers, it would have produced amusement, and, why then, -what must have been the consequences? I should have instantly called -him out, and the result either to one or the other must have proved -serious. A soldier's honour is as sacred as a woman's virtue. I mention -this, hoping it will deter you from doing so again, as you can form no -idea what trifles lead to among soldiers. - -Joe is going on remarkably well. He has had repeated attacks of ague -through this winter. He is, however, much better, and will, I hope, -stand the campaign well. I have provided him with a horse. He is very -well acquainted with the first duties of a soldier. He is very much -liked by the officers, which gives me much pleasure. - -The army is in high health and spirits. In a few days we shall take the -field. I am heartily tired of this idle life. We have been five months -in snug winter quarters without seeing the face of a Frenchman—a thing -which has never happened before. It is expected that our Division will -be slipped at Burgos. If we are, I hope success may attend us. Those -employed will have smart work. However, bad as it may be, Badajoz, for -a desperate business can never be rivalled. - -The campaign bids fair to be most brilliant, as we shall have little -more than equal numbers to contend against. I hope to see the Pyrenees -before September. The success of the noble Russians is wonderful. I -hope my dear mother is well. I thank her for her kind remembrances of -me. I hope while I live I shall merit her affections. Tell Ann in a -few years more I have no doubt to make her comfortable and happy. Her -fortune is at present hard, but she can look forward with confidence -to seeing better times. I am glad Charlie and Betsy are improving; -for God's sake, take care of Charlie's education. Military drawing -would be very useful. As soon as you have received the money, write. -I shall send the second bill next week, so if you get this bill, burn -the second after you receive the money. I must end my letter, as the -company are already mustering at my door for target practice, so I -shall pass the remainder of the day in proving the abilities of my men -in hitting a mark in order to do justice to our enemies when we meet -with them. I have had Joe very often at this work. Adieu, - - Geo. Simmons, - Lt., 95th Regiment. - - -Letter No. XX - - Alameda, _May 5th 1813_. - -Dear Parents—Since our retreat from Madrid we have spent a very -pleasant and comfortable winter. The village that we have been in all -the winter is very small, the houses bad, and the inhabitants poor, -miserable creatures. They have a fire on the ground, which generally -smokes so intolerably that we frequently are obliged to go out of -the house. As soon as an officer gets into a house that is allotted -to him, he must build a chimney, as it has been very cold and rainy -this winter, particularly in this part of the country. When we got a -little settled in the village and found it was likely we should stop -some months in this place, we established a regimental mess. There we -had the best of things that this part of the country could produce; it -was a means of passing away the dreary winter nights pleasantly. We -usually gave a ball once a week to the ladies of the village, who did -us the honour to attend it. If you saw them they would astonish you. -They dress in short brown jackets, and petticoats of the same, very -coarse, figured with ridiculous patches of red cloth. These delicate -ladies feed so grossly and eat so much garlic, that it is enough to -suffocate a person being in the room with twenty or thirty of them. I -am only giving you a description of the women in the villages on this -mountainous frontier. In large towns there are beautiful women, and -something like the English (but not so fair), who dress splendidly in -black satin. We received a letter from Maud the other day. He is very -well. In his regiment they do not understand carrying on the war so -well as our officers. My brother George gives him sometimes a little -advice how to live. When I joined my regiment at Madrid I happened to -meet with my brother Maud before George. He told me he had had nothing -to eat for two or three days; it had rained all that time. I had just -received four days' rations. We went into an old house and cooked some -mutton chops and drank my rations of rum. His Colonel gave him leave to -go with me to find my brother George. As soon as we joined my brother, -he gave us a good dinner and plenty of wine and took great care of me. -My brother was well provided with blankets. I was then near dead with -starvation. I had marched three days with very little to eat, and it -was raining most of the time. He soon started the ague away from me, -but being obliged to ride with my regiment and continually raining, -brought on the ague again. Near the end of the retreat I was so bad -that I could hardly bear to sit upon my horse with dysentery and ague, -so that my brother had me, as well as his duty, to mind. If I had -fallen to the rear I should have been taken by the French. One day in -particular, when the enemy was firing at us very briskly, and having a -river to cross, I was so ill that I could not make the horse travel. -My brother returned to me and seized my horse by the bridle and forced -him through the river nearly up to the waist; at that time a cannon -shot struck the water as we passed. I had to lie out all that night -with only my brother's cloak over me. It rained most of the night. The -reason of not having more was on account of the baggage being sent to -the rear. We had nothing to eat but acorns for several days, as we -were passing through a large wood. We are provided with everything -for the ensuing campaign. We are all wishing to be on the move again. -Desire my love to my aunt, uncle, sisters, and brother.—I remain, your -affectionate son, - - Joseph Simmons, Lieut., 95th Regt. - - -_Postscript, written across the Preceding by George Simmons_ - -I desired Joe to write this letter. I think you will find he has much -improved since he came under my tuition. As soon as you receive this -letter, if you have not had the first, which I sent a week previous -to this, you must present this bill for payment, observing the first -having miscarried. I should hope you have received the first bill; if -so, destroy this one. Lord Wellington, our illustrious chief, will -review us in a day or two, which he always does yearly, previous to -commencing the campaign. I hope we shall finish the campaign by driving -the French out of the country, and may our next year's fighting be -either in Germany or Italy. I do not want to see England till I am a -captain. Joe has grown much. He is rather delicate. If he does not -become stout I shall send him to our depôt in England for a year or -two. I hope he will be able to rough it with me, as I am convinced it -will ultimately be more to his advantage. - -Joe is here telling you a story of escaping from being a prisoner. -There is a good deal of truth in it. However, I told him he should not -talk nonsense about me. He will know better as he grows older. - -I often pleasure myself with the idea that if anything happens to -me, Joe will be a comfort to his family. I often talk to him upon -the subject. I got a number of silver forks and spoons. They are so -weighty, I shall be under the necessity of selling them. I bought them -after the sacking of Rodrigo and Badajoz for a trifle from one of our -men. I meant them for Ann. However, she shall lose nothing in the end. -I shall purchase some little thing more portable. God bless you. - - G. S. - - -_Journal—1st May-30th August 1813_ - -Campaign of 1813 - -Five thousand British troops having arrived at Lisbon as a -reinforcement to the army, the Divisions were now formed into eight, as -follows:— - - 1st Division commanded by Lieutenant-General Hon. W. Stewart. - - 2nd " " " Lieutenant-General Sir Rowland Hill. - - 3rd " " " Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas Picton. - - 4th " " " Lieutenant-General Sir Lowry Cole. - - 5th " " " Lieutenant-General Sir James Leith. - - 6th " " " Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Clinton. - - 7th " " " Lieutenant-General Earl Dalhousie. - -Light Division, Major-General Baron Charles Alten; the cavalry under -Sir Stapleton Cotton; the Portuguese under Marshal Beresford. Sir -Thomas Graham was made his second-in-command after the battle of -Salamanca. The 2nd Division was detached in Estremadura. Napoleon's -gigantic designs against Russia had caused the French armies in Spain -to contribute ten men per company from a number of regiments for the -purpose of having veteran soldiers mixed with the new levies. The -British and Portuguese armies were now fully equipped and in the -highest order. The Light Division was assembled and reviewed upon the -plains of Espeja by Lord Wellington, most of whom had seen several -campaigns, and few of them but what could boast of having been wounded -in their country's service, and who were also ready to receive more if -required. - -[Sidenote: 1813 May 21st] - -Part of the Light Division marched to the ford of Marialba and crossed -the Agueda near a mill and then moved on to San Felices, and the -remainder of the Division joined us. Bivouacked. The Division is -divided into two Brigades, the first commanded by Major-General Sir -James Kempt, and consists of the following:—1st Battalion 43rd; five -companies 3rd Battalion Rifles; six companies 1st Battalion Rifles -and 17th Portuguese Regiment of Line under Colonel Rolt; 2nd Brigade -commanded by Major-General Vandeleur; 1st Battalion 52nd; 1st and 3rd -Portuguese Caçadores; six companies 2nd Battalion Rifles. Major Ross's -troop of Horse Artillery still attached to the Division. - -[Sidenote: 22nd] - -At daylight, moved forward and passed Santiespiritus and the river -Yeltes to Martin del Rio, where we bivouacked. This river rises in the -Sierra de Françia, connected with the Gata mountains, and falls into -the Huebra. The whole army now advanced in a most efficient state, and -under the most favourable circumstances we commenced the campaign of -1813. - -[Sidenote: 23rd] - -Marched to San Munoz, upon the Huebra, and under very different -feelings I now passed through the river at the same ford where the -French had cannonaded us on the 17th of November last. - -[Sidenote: 24th] - -Halted and bivouacked. The Household Brigade joined us, viz. Horse -Guards and Oxford Blues. - -[Sidenote: 25th] - -Marched through Castro, crossing the Matilla rivulet, and bivouacked a -little beyond the village of Robliza. - -[Sidenote: 26th] - -Marched some distance upon the road to Salamanca and pitched our tents -near a small stream called the Valmuza, as the enemy's rear-guard was -in possession of Salamanca. About two hours after, moved forward to the -ford of Villa Mayor, upon the left bank of the Tormes, about a league -below the town. Pitched our tents. The other Divisions of the army made -corresponding movements, and General Fane's Brigade of cavalry crossed -the ford of Santa Marta and the Hussar Brigade moved towards the bridge. - -The enemy left the place and halted upon the heights in its -neighbourhood. Our cavalry charged the enemy and made some havoc. -The Horse Artillery made good practice at the retiring columns. 200 -prisoners and some baggage fell into our hands. - -[Sidenote: 27th] - -The army halted, and the Spaniards had _Te Deums_ sung in their -churches for being again free from French persecution. I visited the -town. - -[Sidenote: 28th] - -Marched to near Aldea Nueva de Figueira. Encamped not far from General -Hill's Division. Went to see my brother Maud in the 34th Regiment. -Remained until dark. Having had an extra glass of wine, I had a better -opinion of my knowledge of the road to our encampment than of any other -person's, and in consequence I was travelling about the greater part of -the night. - -[Sidenote: 1813 June 2nd] - -The Light Division marched early by the road to Toro, and halted for -some time near Villa Buena to cook. Again proceeded close to the bridge -over the Douro at Toro and then halted. A principal arch has been blown -up. We passed over the chasm in the bridge in Indian file by means of -planks having been laid over the broken arch. The guns and baggage -passed through a deep ford. - -The 10th Hussars made a brilliant charge at a body of cavalry near -Morales and overturned a number of them, bringing in 200 prisoners -yesterday. About mid-day moved to Tejera Buena and encamped. - -[Sidenote: 4th] - -The Light Division marched six leagues through a sterile country; the -ground was composed of quantities of chalk. Passed through La Mota and -encamped near the convent of La Espina, on high ground, with a stream -meandering along at the base. - -[Sidenote: 5th] - -Marched and halted an hour near Castromonte, and afterwards moved to -Villamadarra and encamped. - -[Sidenote: 6th] - -Marched to Ampudia. The country flat and has little appearance of -fertility. The cottages not so good as the peasantry have generally had -on our line of march. - -[Sidenote: 7th] - -Marched early this morning, preceded by the cavalry and Horse -Artillery, to Palencia. The infantry followed and encamped close to the -walls of the town, which encircled it. The people were enraptured at -the entrance of the English army, and the same feeling appeared general -amongst all descriptions. We were informed that Joseph Buonoparte -reviewed his rear-guard yesterday and was within their city. This -day's march has been through a rich and very fertile country. - -[Sidenote: 8th] - -Marched through Fuente de Valdepero and encamped near Monzon. The -weather bad—more like November than June. The villagers everywhere as -we passed, hurried together; the men greeted us with _Vivas_ and the -women danced, some of them in the most ridiculous and droll manner, -to the great amusement of the soldiers, who although labouring under -a heavy load and marching rapidly, often forgot their hardships and -partook in the general mirth and hilarity. - -[Sidenote: 9th] - -The Division marched to Piña de Campos and encamped near Rio Cieza. - -[Sidenote: 10th] - -Crossed the stone bridge over the river and passed through Piña and -Fromista. Crossed the Castilian Canal, which for a considerable -distance is raised above the level of the country, and encamped upon -the right bank of the Pisuerga River near Santillana. - -[Sidenote: 11th] - -Passed over the river by a good stone bridge of seven arches and moved -forward to Villasandino. Encamped near it upon the river Brulles. - -[Sidenote: 12th] - -Marched towards Burgos. Halted a short time at Castrillo de Murcia -to allow the cavalry to advance up a plain. Made a demonstration by -forming two lines upon the heights over the Hormuza at Isar. Our -cavalry moved forward near Burgos. The Light Division encamped in the -evening at Hornilla, upon the Hormuza River. - -[Sidenote: 13th] - -Marched very early. A tremendous explosion took place at six A.M., -which we were satisfied was in Burgos, and afforded us great delight. -I, speaking for myself, would much sooner have a fair field to fight -on, rather than storm a town. I was convinced that the enemy had -evacuated the place, which soon proved to be the case. The castle had -been blown up, and some of the outworks destroyed. We passed through -Argano to Tovar, where we encamped. - -[Sidenote: 14th] - -Marched through Quintana to Quintanajuar and Poza. The Brigade encamped -in a wood near the two latter villages. - -[Sidenote: 15th] - -Marched through Villalta and El Almine, the road now winding and -descending for a considerable distance. Entered the vale of the Ebro, -and crossed this famous river over a stone bridge named Puenteareñas. -Our band struck up the "Downfall of Paris." We were much amused at -their wit on the occasion, and we had it followed by a national tune or -two to remind us of Old England and absent friends. Encamped close to -the village of Areñas. The banks of the river here are low, and from -its appearance it must rise and fall very considerably, as the country -is mountainous. - -[Sidenote: 16th] - -The villages about here are very numerous. We crossed the river Nela, -and encamped at Medina de Pomar, on the river Trueba. - -[Sidenote: 17th] - -On piquet after a tedious march through a mountainous country covered -with majestic woods. The Division remained on the side of a steep hill -overlooking the vale of Rosales. - -[Sidenote: 18th] - -Moved off at an early hour through magnificent woods, preceded by a -troop of the German Hussars, followed up closely by the 1st Battalion -Rifles. The Hussars surprised and took the greater part of a piquet of -French, and finding that a Division of infantry was in San Millan, -we made our distributions to attack them. Our Battalion was conducted -by Colonel Barnard through wooded steep ground beyond the left of -the town, the rest of the Brigade being moved forward when we became -engaged. We made a sad example of the enemy in a short time, and drove -_Johnny_ through Villa Nueva to Villa Naña. Several regiments had -formed in column, but were completely cut off. Under cover of night -they dispersed, and got away as they could. Many were made prisoners. -Our 2nd Brigade took all the enemy's baggage. My friend Haggup was shot -directly across his stomach. Our loss was trifling when compared with -the enemy's. We encamped on the Jumiçillo, below Villa Nueva. This was -the first day we had fired a shot since breaking up from our winter -quarters. - -[Sidenote: 19th] - -The captured animals and baggage were sold and the amount distributed -amongst the soldiers of the 2nd Brigade, although the 1st was the -real cause of its being taken. Crossed the Cunilla at Villa Madera; -passed through Salinas. The water, sparkling and running clear and -beautiful, appeared very inviting. The day was hot, and as soon as the -soldiers got near they dipped their tots and began to swig away. I was -astonished to see the wry faces it produced, and the exclamations also. -"The water is d——d salt here; we cannot be very far from the sea," a -man close to me observed, which made me laugh. The earth abounds with -salt in the vicinity of this place. - -At Pobes we crossed the small river Bayas by a wooden bridge, and -formed our encampment. - -[Sidenote: 20th] - -Halted. I went and dined with my brother in the 34th and returned to -camp in the evening. - - -Battle of Vitoria - -[Sidenote: 21st] - -The Light Division moved at daylight, and was joined on the march -by the 4th Division. Passed through Subijana de Morillo and other -villages. On arriving at some heights, the Division drew up. The enemy -could be very distinctly observed in very large force also drawn up, -with the right of his army resting upon the river Zadorra beyond the -village of Abechucho, the centre upon some very commanding heights in -front of Ariñez, and the left upon Subijana de Alva, having a body of -men posted somewhat in advance, on very rugged and high ground named -La Puebla. The river took a serpentine course along their position. As -soon as General Hill opened the ball by attacking the enemy's right, -we moved nearer the river with the 1st and 3rd Battalions. We now had -a fine view of the centre on the heights of Najara, which was destined -to be attacked by the Light, 3rd, 4th, and 7th Divisions. Three bridges -(Tres Puentes) over this river were left undefended by the enemy, and -under a sharp cannonade they were passed. We moved up the heights to -the attack. _Johnny_ was very soon put off them, and took shelter in -Ariñez, which place he held very obstinately, but ultimately was driven -from thence. To the right the mountains ran at right angles with our -front. On their very top you could see the contending parties engaged; -from thence as far as the eye could reach along the line to our left -a continual tiralade going on, the enemy gradually retiring, and the -British, Portuguese, and Spaniards moving close upon their heels. Our -3rd Battalion Rifles was then posted in the village of Villodas, which -was directly under the heights. The French occupied the houses near the -bridge over the river, to prevent our advance there. In the afternoon -the enemy to our front began to make less opposition, and only seemed -determined to get out of our clutches as fast as possible, but they -had to march over a fine plain, which enabled us from time to time to -press them confoundedly. Towards evening, the road became covered with -baggage of every description, artillery, caissons, and French carrying -away their merchandise and plunder by all sorts of conveyances. We were -advancing rapidly. Occasionally a Rifle Man would shoot a horse yoked -to a gun. This stopped the rest behind and blocked up the way. Now and -then a few soldiers would fire shots at us from among the baggage. -Night at last drew its sable curtain over the scene of slaughter and -confusion, and afforded a fine opportunity to many to go in quest of -plunder. We had fought over twenty miles of ground. I seated myself by -a fire with the officers of the company, and was fortunate enough to -get part of a ham and some claret which one of the soldiers had taken -from a cart belonging to the enemy. In a little time we had a variety -of eatables brought by men of the company. I never ate with a better -relish in my life. I lay down by the fire in a French officer's cloak, -which one of the men gave me; he had that day shot its wearer. I awoke -at daylight refreshed and in high spirits. - -[Sidenote: 22nd] - -The Division fell in and moved by the Pamplona road (the only one left -to retreat by) in pursuit of the enemy. The French had lost yesterday -about 10,000 men killed, wounded, and taken, besides 151 pieces of -cannon, 415 caissons, and the military chest and the whole of their -baggage. King Joseph was so hard pressed that he was compelled to leave -his carriage, mount a horse, and gallop off. General Gazan's wife was -taken, but sent back in her carriage under an escort this morning. -Moved through Salvatierra, preceded by the 1st German Hussars, 14th -Dragoons, and one troop of Horse Artillery. We followed the French, and -found all the villages abandoned by the inhabitants. The Dragoons came -up with the enemy's rear-guard and took fifty stragglers encamped near -the village of Alvisera. - -[Sidenote: 23rd] - -At daybreak again followed up the retreating French through Ciordia, -passed the river Buranda into the province of Navarre. We found the -enemy posted upon the river at a small village. The bridge, being of -wood, was set on fire. Our Horse Artillery commenced playing upon the -enemy's column, which soon after moved off. We forded the river and -followed the enemy, pushing his rear-guard so fast that several bridges -were not destroyed, so great was the hurry to get away. The French now -hit upon another expedient to retard our pursuit—they set the villages -on fire, but that made us push on the faster through them, and at -Echarri Ariñez we skirmished with some Voltigeurs, but they soon went -off. The enemy again drew up at La Cuenca. The Horse Artillery opened -fire upon their columns, which caused them to retire through Huarte, -our cavalry occupying the place. The Light Division encamped at La -Cuenca, having moved five leagues. The weather very bad. - -[Sidenote: 24th] - -Moved off with the dawn. Cavalry, guns, 1st and 3rd Battalion Rifles -soon came up with the enemy's rear-guard and attacked it. They fought -for a while and retired as fast as possible to another position. We as -rapidly followed, and again turned the rascals out of it. The roads, -from the quantities of rain, were very bad indeed, frequently up to the -knees. I never in my life saw our Horse Artillery do such wonders in -crossing the country. They passed over ditches and through places that -no one would credit or think possible; the horses were noble animals -and in the finest order. Towards the afternoon we got upon the high -road, _camino real_, from Madrid to Pamplona. The _only gun_ the enemy -had brought from Vitoria was now turned against us. The enemy again -formed up across the King's road, gave us a few discharges of grape -and round shot. Some Rifle Men were ordered to move quickly upon the -flank and attack it, the Horse Artillery giving the enemy a few rounds -of shot and shrapnel from two guns. The Dragoons dashed forward. Poor -_Johnny_ in the hurry to get away overturned gun, horses, and all. The -road had been raised 15 feet over a flat. The side was built up like a -wall. It was just the worst place for miles that the animals and gun -could have been trundled over. Elated with our success, I came up to -the spot, but was sadly hurt at a melancholy spectacle. Five French -soldiers, who a few moments before were in rude health, now lay with -their limbs frightfully lacerated and broken, the fibres hanging in -strings from dreadful wounds, the blood mixing with the mud which their -limbs and bodies were lying in. I, with the assistance of some others, -dragged them upon some dry ground. I pitied them and gave them a -little wine from my calabash. They seemed to wish to be shot; one in -particular requested it as a boon. The sight was too much. I turned -away from it with horror, and if a tear fell, what then! May not a -soldier be in possession of as fine feelings as other men? I have seen -a half-starved soldier give his last crust to a famishing infant. - -Occupied the villages of Santa Barafra, Berioplaño, and Aldava, close -to and north of Pamplona. - -[Sidenote: 25th] - -The Light Division assembled upon the great road in conjunction with -the other Divisions for the purpose of cutting off every communication -with Pamplona. The Light Division moved by a mountain road a little -way out of the range of the guns of the fortress, and had a fine view -of the village of Villaba, on the Arga. Pamplona is a large strongly -fortified town, with a very important citadel of great strength; it is -the capital of Navarra, and situated in a highly cultivated country, -with villages innumerable in its vicinity, nearly surrounded with -mountains, which appear in the distance, one higher than another, till -lost in the clouds. The scenery is beautifully romantic, and, literally -speaking, the land flows with milk and honey. - -[Sidenote: 26th] - -Marched through Noain and near the aqueduct of Pamplona, a splendid -pile composed of one hundred fine stone arches. Moved forward and -encamped near a village at the junction of the main roads leading from -Tudela and Zaragoza. This was done to intercept General Clausel, if -possible, but without effect. - -[Sidenote: 27th] - -Marched near Barasoain, rested and cooked. Moved forward by the Zidaco -River, and crossed over it at Tafalla by a good stone bridge. Encamped -near Olite. - -[Sidenote: 28th] - -Marched past Olite and turned off the Zaragoza road and took that of -San Martin. Crossed over an uncultivated plain of great extent and -halted to cook near Murillo de Fruto, four and a half leagues, in a -pine wood. Proceeded along the river Aragon, crossed it near Galipienzo -by a bridge of stone. The road became extremely bad, resembling a goat -track. The head of the column arrived near Caseda, four leagues more, -at 11 P.M. A great part of the Division bivouacked upon the road-side -owing to the darkness of the night and the harassing march. The object -of this forced march was to cut off Clausel's Division, but this rapid -movement had been anticipated, for, like a skilful fellow, he had -crossed the Ebro at Tudela and then moved upon Zaragoza. - -[Sidenote: 29th] - -Halted. - -[Sidenote: 30th] - -Crossed the Aragon at Caseda and proceeded to Sanguessa; encamped near -it. I was sent for wood with a party of men, and as it is frequently a -scarce article, the authorities ordered a house to be given up, which -we very soon had level with the ground and every bit of wood selected -from the rubbish. I was returning to camp when General Picton, who -commanded the 3rd Division, and was coming to his encampment near us, -said, "Well, sir, you have got wood enough for yours and my Division. -I shall have it divided. Make your men throw it down. It is a d——d -concern to have to follow. You sweep up everything before you." Luckily -at this moment I espied General Alten, who commanded the Light -Division, and told him the orders I had received. He was very much -annoyed, and came up to remonstrate with Picton upon interfering with -me in the performance of my duty. I took advantage of it, ordered the -men to pick up their loads and be off. Fighting is a very minor part of -a soldier's duty; he must be a complete man of the world, and if he has -the smallest command, it requires much cleverness to perform his duty -as he ought to do. There are a thousand annoyances thrown in his path -which he must be philosopher enough to laugh at. - -Sanguessa is a very good Spanish town with a castle of some strength. -Mina, a most celebrated guerilla chief, took it from the French. -I was hunting about the town for good wine for our mess when a -respectable-looking man begged me to enter his house, and cordially -shaking me by the hand, offered me some excellent wine. I asked him to -sell me a skinful, but he said, "I will not sell, but I will give you -one." My servant was directed to dismount from the mule, and my skin, -which was the skin of a large buck, was soon filled, amounting at least -to seventy bottles of wine. I gave a respectable-looking woman five -dollars as a present. On my arrival in the camp my friends were highly -delighted with my good luck in adding so much to our comforts. - -[Sidenote: 1813 July 1st] - -Halted. - -[Sidenote: 2nd] - -Returned towards Pamplona and encamped near Monreal. - -[Sidenote: 3rd] - -This morning the Light Division assembled upon the main road near -Noain, and moved partly round Villaba to a small village near Pamplona. - - -[Sidenote: 4th] - -The Division sent out strong working parties to throw up works to cover -our piquets before Pamplona, which was now rigorously blockaded. The -4th Division relieved us. - -[Sidenote: 5th] - -The Light Division assembled from different villages at Sauroren, and -proceeded up a narrow valley to the town of Ostiz, and encamped upon a -rivulet. - -[Sidenote: 6th] - -Marched up the stream to Lanz, which is situated at the foot of the -celebrated Pyrenean Mountains. Encamped in a fine grove of chestnut -trees. The hills, which are numerous and richly covered with sturdy old -oak and other magnificent trees, with the mountains towering above them -in every direction, the tops of which are buried in the clouds, gives a -grandeur to the surrounding appearance that can only be felt by those -on the spot. - -[Sidenote: 7th] - -Marched by a most romantic road, and ascended hills, many of them -covered with fine trees, oak, beech, and larch, and the ground covered -with wild strawberries; the valleys delightfully irrigated, and -abounding with fruits, corn, and oil. How soon these peaceful vales -will be disturbed with the noisy din of war! Halted for three hours -upon the side of a steep hill, and afterwards moved into San Esteven, -a charming village, where we fared sumptuously. Major-General Skerrett -took the command of our 2nd Brigade, as General Vandeleur was appointed -to the cavalry. The Bidasoa rises in the Pyrenees near Elizondo, -passing through this valley, and ultimately disembogues itself into the -sea at Fuenterrabia, where it divides France from Spain. - -[Sidenote: 14th] - -Remained quiet here until the afternoon of the 14th; moved out of the -town and marched and encamped upon the heights above Sumbilla. - -[Sidenote: 15th] - -The Division at daybreak moved down the Bidasoa by a mountain track, -sometimes close to the river, at other times winding along the side of -the mountain a considerable height from it. On arriving at the bridge -of Lezaca we discovered the enemy's advanced post upon the summit of -a mountain. Ordered immediately to move up and dislodge the enemy, -which was done very leisurely, as the sides were very steep, and it -was necessary not to waste our strength and vigour, as we might have -occasion for it. On arriving near the top the French fired occasional -shots at us, but ultimately we got to the top, and soon made _Johnny_ -scamper down the other side. These heights, Santa Barbara, are named -after a convent, the ruins of which still remain. We now had a fine -view of the enemy's position on the Spanish side of the ridge of -mountains which separate France from Spain; at their base stands the -small town of Vera. The Bidasoa makes an abrupt turn close to this -place and runs through irregular and precipitous ground to the sea. The -enemy were dislodged towards evening from Vera, with the exception of -a piquet posted near some out-houses. Our piquet occupied some houses -in the town. The Division encamped upon the heights. The enemy's piquet -now occupied a strong commanding rocky projection, which was placed -immediately over Vera. The enemy's sentry had a bird's-eye view of all -our movements. Our piquet was advanced to the extreme end of the place. -The road which leads into France through Vera is called the Puerto de -Vera. It is a very strong pass, and, from its formidable appearance, a -few men ought to defend it. A Division of the French army have occupied -the strong ground on each side of the pass, and are engaged in throwing -up fieldworks to strengthen the position. Lord Wellington's quarters -are at Ernani, near San Sebastian. The siege of the latter place was -proceeding vigorously under General Sir T. Graham. We remained in our -position, going on piquet in turn till the 25th. - -[Sidenote: 25th] - -Marched through Lezaca and Yanzi; encamped on the heights near -Sumbilla. Marshal Soult, who now commands the French army, collected -a large force and attacked the passes of Roncesvalles and Maya, which -were carried, and consequently caused us to retrograde, endeavouring to -cover Pamplona, as it was easy to see that Soult wanted to drive the -British army beyond that fortress. San Sebastian was attacked at dawn -this morning by the 5th Division at two breaches. 500 men were killed -and wounded, and the attempt to storm the town failed. - -[Sidenote: 27th] - -Marched off in the dark and blundered along the whole night. Arrived -at Zubieta after daylight, which was only two leagues and a half, the -roads being very bad, and amongst rugged mountains. - -[Sidenote: 28th] - -Encamped this morning, and continually heard a heavy cannonade and -peals of musketry, indicating hard fighting upon our right. - -[Sidenote: 29th] - -Marched to Saldeas at 9 o'clock P.M. - -[Sidenote: 30th] - -Proceeded to Lecumberri, and afterwards moved into a wood, and encamped -across the high road from Pamplona to Tolosa, about five leagues from -both, supporting the left of General Hill's corps. - -[Sidenote: 31st] - -Marched to Loyza and encamped. - -[Sidenote: 1813 Aug. 1st] - -Soult having been worsted in all his attacks upon the British, was -now in full retreat, having suffered very considerably in killed and -wounded and prisoners. The Light Division made a forced march this day -by Zubieta, along a mountain track on the left bank of the Bidasoa to -the bridge of Yanzi (the distance about eight leagues), the greater -part of the day under a burning sun, which sadly exhausted the men, -but they cheered up on seeing the enemy, and made the attack with such -real pluck that the latter was soon scampering across the bridge in the -greatest hurry. This body of the enemy had merely occupied the bridge -to protect the march of a column moving from Sumbilla. Our 1st and -3rd Battalions took possession of some houses near the bridge, and a -tiralade was kept up until dark, the enemy's force being so formidable -from the beginning, that it was not deemed advisable to push on. I lost -this little affair by being ordered to remain at Loyza a sufficient -time to try by court-martial, Sergeant Hayes. It came on dark before -I got up to the Battalion. I got bewildered in the mountains and lost -my way. The enemy's fires and ours appeared all round me before I gave -up the attempt to find the Battalion, so I tied my horse to a tree, -pulled him some leaves and loose grass, and lay down near him until -daylight. My horse was ill, so the other two officers who had been on -the court-martial were obliged to leave me before dark. - -[Sidenote: 2nd] - -Joined my Battalion. The enemy had withdrawn during the night. Moved -after them by the road to the pass of Vera, the 2nd Brigade by Yanzi -and Lezaca. Encamped on our original ground and took up the line of -piquets without firing a shot. The enemy remained upon a rocky steep -connected with Puerto de Echellar. It was found necessary to dislodge -this force from that place. In the afternoon the 1st Brigade was drawn -up upon the heights of Santa Barbara, and the 1st and 3rd Battalions -were sent up the face of a craggy steep, almost perpendicular. The -enemy opened fire upon us. Captain Pemberton, who was with my brother -and myself, received a severe wound, the ball passing directly under -the ham. Several men were knocked over as we gradually approached -the top. The enemy made a charge, but were soon stopped; and, a fog -coming on and we still advancing and firing upon them, they gave up -the hill without fiercely contending for it. General Barnes's Brigade, -7th Division, in a spirited manner drove a large body of the enemy -from very strong ground on our right, so that the pass of Echellar was -in our possession. The 17th Portuguese occupied the heights for the -night and we returned to our encampment near the Bidasoa and Vera. The -partisan, General Longa, had remained on the left bank of this river -during our absence, and had thrown up works with a _tête de pont_. - -[Sidenote: 3rd] - -The 7th Division took up the ground we yesterday deprived the enemy of, -and we resumed our old position upon the heights of Santa Barbara. We -remained quiet here till the end of the month, keeping a good look-out -on each other. - -On the 29th, in consequence of the failure of the attempt to storm San -Sebastian, Lord Wellington paid the Light Division a high compliment -by allowing a subaltern's party from each Battalion, total 250 men, to -go as a storming party. My messmate Percival, a most worthy and brave -fellow, being senior, took charge of the party from the 1st Battalion; -2nd Lieutenant Hamilton also went under him. - -[Sidenote: 30th] - -The town was assaulted about mid-day on the 30th, and after -considerable delay and very hard fighting the breaches were entered, -and the place fell into our hands, the principal part of the garrison -having retreated into the castle, which completely commands the place. - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -Letter No. XXI - -_To his Parents, from Vera, Pyrenees, dated 30th August 1813_ - - Description of his surroundings in the Pyrenees—Describes the advance - from Alameda and gives extracts from his journal and details of fight - at San Millan and battle of Vitoria—The pursuit—Pitiful state of the - French wounded—They curse their Emperor—Fighting in the Pyrenees—Would - come home when the army goes into winter quarters, but has no plain - clothes—Affectionate messages to his family and anxiety to be of - assistance to them. - -_Postscript, dated 4th September 1813_ - - Describes the fighting on the occasion of the defence of the bridge of - Vera (the morning after the preceding letter was written)—Heavy losses - of the Rifles—Bewails being a junior Lieutenant—Brother Joseph posted - to another company and "to start fair by himself." - -_Journal—31st August-31st December 1813_ - - Soult makes a final attempt to relieve San Sebastian—Defence of - the bridge of Vera—A night on outpost duty—Night attack by the - French, who carry the bridge of Vera—Death of Captain Cadoux of the - Rifles—The "Volunteer" and his experiences of campaigning—He returns - to England—The storming of San Sebastian—The "high compliment" paid - to the Rifles by Lord Wellington—Final warning to his father not to - show his letters about—The fortress stormed—The Governor surrenders - the castle—Simmons visits San Sebastian and sees the wounded officers - of the Rifles—Forcing the Pass of Vera—The 3rd Battalion Rifles covers - the advance—Heavy fighting and losses—La Rhune occupied—Extensive - view from the mountains—French territory in sight—Witnesses a naval - engagement—The French fortify Petite La Rhune—Fall of Pamplona—Lord - Wellington thereupon advances—Battle of the Nivelle—Colonel - Barnard severely wounded—Asks Simmons if he can recover, and gets - a reply—Simmons ordered to remain and look after his Colonel, who - recovers—More fighting in the Pyrenees—Lieutenant Hopwood killed—End - of the year. - -Letter No. XXII - -_To his Parents, from St. Jean de Luz, France, dated 7th December 1813_ - - The fighting in the Pyrenees in October and the French retirement - across the frontier—Wellington's orders prior to the battle of the - Nivelle—How the Rifles spent the evening before the fight—The battle - of the Nivelle—The French routed at all points and driven from their - entrenchments—Colonel Barnard's wound—Simmons placed in charge of him - and "bleeds him constantly"—Simmons dines with Lord Wellington—Takes - steps to make brother Joseph more independent—Expectations of being - able to assist his family. - -_Postscript_ - - British soldiers on good terms with the French population—Contrasts - their behaviour to that of the French soldiers in Spain—The - French now suffering for their misdeeds—Probabilities of peace and - determination to enlist in some foreign army if England has no - wars—Expectations of more fighting in a few days. - - -Letter No. XXI - - Bivouac near Vera on the frontiers of France, - Pyrenees, _30th August 1813_. - -Dear Parents—Your letter, bearing date 17th July, I received during -the advance, and at a time when each day's march produced something -amusing and interesting. I therefore delayed answering it until this -period, wishing to say much in a small compass. I am now seated in -a charming hut of my own forming, with a crystal mountain stream -running at my feet, on every side tremendous mountains, whose lofty -summits embrace the clouds, their sides covered with rich woods and -fruit-trees; the valleys exuberantly luxurious, abounding with fruits, -corn, and wine. Such delightful scenery I never before beheld. In such -a place, if it were not for war—cruel war!—how happy the inhabitants -might live. But, alas! those innocent dwellings are pillaged and the -poor distressed owners fled with their families into the wild recesses -in the mountains, in hopes of sheltering themselves from their savage -pursuers. These bloodthirsty rascals often, when they cannot find the -plunder they expect, set fire to the houses and burn whole villages. -Such wrongs call out for vengeance, and ere long I hope the country -that has caused so much _innocent_ blood to be spilt will feel in the -bosom of her own the effects of war. I am sorry to hear of the death -of my aunt. I had pleased myself with the hopes of seeing her again. -How fleeting and delusive are all worldly views! - - * * * * * - -As the newspapers have given you accounts of our battles, I will -describe some of the occurrences that took place. On the 21st of May -we broke up from our cantonment and the Division assembled near Ciudad -Rodrigo in high health, and upon the next day we commenced our march -upon Salamanca. The French scampered off. Our Dragoons roughly handled -some of them. We then marched upon Toro, on the river Douro. The enemy -were here outwitted by our great Lord's superior generalship—outflanked -and obliged to leave that position. Our Hussars came up with some -cavalry and sliced and carved them genteelly. We were much astonished -that we had already passed over so great a tract of country without -once exchanging a shot. We now moved upon the river Ebro, passing -through the most iron-bound country I had ever beheld, and as we -crossed the river the band played the "Downfall of Paris," which made -us laugh and afforded us some amusement. - -To digress a little from the subject, I must say something of the -fertility of the place by referring back to my journal of the 15th of -June. After a long day's march, we crossed the Ebro at Puenteareñas and -bivouacked near the village named Areñas. The river narrowed, but very -rapid. Swam the river with some of my friends. This fertile valley is -called Villacayo. The scenery on the banks of the river was sublime, -novel, and picturesque. On every side, rugged and steep mountains. -Plenty of wine, fruits, and vegetables. This manœuvre of our great -Commander, which the enemy had not calculated upon, put _Johnny_ into -much confusion. Our army now was daily concentrating, and at the same -time moving upon Vitoria. On the 18th of June our Division made a -rapid march to intercept a body of the enemy, and came pounce upon a -Division. Our 1st and 3rd Battalions were ordered to march over some -very steep hills covered with trees to attack them in the rear, at the -same time sending two of our companies just to amuse them in the front, -and with orders not to press upon the town until we fell upon the rear. - -Poor Joe had recently had the ague and looked delicate. This morning, -however, he felt a stomach for the fight. I told him to keep at my side -and he would see what fine bloodhounds Rifle Men were. We soon gained -the spot, and rushed upon them furiously, and though they gave us -several discharges from a good-formed line, they were so staggered that -one Brigade ran into the mountains, while the other retreated, throwing -away everything. We chased them through several villages, in which -they usually made a stand, to the no small terror of the inhabitants, -as it astonished peaceable people to have the balls whistling about -their ears. Our men were their own commissaries this day, having taken -plenty of white bread and bacon. Being very hungry, I fed lustily. Joe -could not partake of the repast, though he felt pleased with the day's -amusement. - -On 19th June, I visited Maud and dined with him. I had not seen him -for some time. Joe quite well. June 21st was a day which will be -for ever memorable in the pages of history, for the gallantry which -was displayed by all is beyond my humble pen to describe. I assure -you I feel proud at being able to say I was there. Fortune favoured -me as well as Joe, who was always at my side (as he belonged to the -same company); he behaved as brave as a lion. I thank Almighty God -for His kindness and protection from injury in the hour of danger. -It is exceedingly lucky, three brothers in the same fight and none -touched, and how we have escaped so long astonishes me. As you have -had the whole business in the papers, it is needless to dwell upon -this. We fought till dark, being heartily tired. Having been marching -and fighting without tasting anything since two o'clock that morning, -there was no wonder. I fried some ham upon the point of my sword, drank -a good dose of _Johnny's_ wine, and fell fast asleep upon the spot, -forgetting even my blankets, and was lost to the cares of the world -until daylight. The men standing to their arms awoke me, when I found -myself wet through with the dew of the night. What strange vicissitudes -of life the soldier meets with! Campaigning is the life for me. I have -never felt such happiness since I became a soldier. I often think that -to be living in England after this wild, romantic existence would not -give me half so much satisfaction. - -We daily hung upon the enemy's rear—our Division, some cavalry, -and Light Artillery. In this way we annoyed them very seriously, -making many bite the ground and other poor wretches travel, wounded -and bleeding at every step, until nature could do no more. Being -exhausted, they fell, cursing their Emperor with their last breath. -Whenever these unfortunate wretches fell into our hands, as soon as -they ascertained we were English they were satisfied, knowing well the -nobleness of the soul which an Englishman possesses. - -On 24th June we drove the enemy into and past Pamplona, and took their -last gun. Since that period we have been marching and counter-marching -in the Pyrenees, among and upon such mountain tracks as would -astonish milch goats, much more animals with two legs, ill-calculated -for travelling in such rugged places. Different parts of our army, -according to circumstances, have frequently dislodged the enemy from -the strongest places that Nature could in her vagaries have formed. -Such a place as this we attacked on the 2nd of August (our 1st and -3rd Battalions were the only people in the fight), which was carried -handsomely, and what pleased our fellows most was beating the enemy -over their own boundaries and letting the French peasantry see their -soldiers run away. - -This day I lost a valuable young friend. He was in the same company, -and badly wounded in the knee, which I am afraid will finish his career -of glory. Thus, since we started, Joe and myself have not received a -single scratch, while the other two officers are both wounded. However, -it is all a lottery. Maud had escaped until the other day. He was lucky -having a horse to stop the force, or the ball would have riddled him. - -Our regiment has lost above twelve officers killed and wounded during -this campaign (I mean the Battalion), which has been less than we -ever before lost. We are now placed upon the French frontier in -the Pyrenees. The enemy's army are opposite to us, upon a chain of -mountains similar to those we occupy. Our sentries are within fifty -yards of each other, and their main body opposite to where we are, -about a mile off, so we can come to blows in half an hour whenever our -great Commander may think fit to pit us, or in other words, slip us -at them. Our cannon is now thundering at San Sebastian and Pamplona. -Whether _Johnny_ will again raise the siege of these places, a few days -will determine. We shall be in hot water until these places fall. - -I had a letter yesterday from Maud. He informs me that the wound -he received is quite well, and he is ready for another affair. Joe -is in high health. He is now very stout, and cultivating a pair of -moustaches, which amuse me no little. I have been thinking of visiting -you this winter after the campaign is over and we go into winter -quarters. I could with a fair wind cross the Bay of Biscay in three -or four days from this point. I could have leave when I choose. The -expenses of travelling in England would fleece my pocket. There is also -another consideration—plain clothes, which are very expensive, and I -have nothing but my military attire, which would make the people gaze -at me as upon a dancing bear. I must now conclude with my best wishes -for your general happiness. My duty to my uncle, in which Joseph most -heartily joins.—Yours ever, - - Geo. Simmons, - Lt., 1st Batt., 95th Regt. - -Be careful and seal your letters. The last was open. - -Deserters inform us Soult means to attack us again in two or three -days. When we get into winter quarters in two months' time or so, -you may leave a note at the post office to inform me where you live -in Hull; direct "Mr. Simmons" upon it. I hope you will not mention -my coming to any one, as I want no acquaintances. You need not leave -a note if the postmaster or man can give me the information, as you -then may say you expect a person to see you about the time I have -mentioned. As worldly views are so fleeting and uncertain, it is better -for you not to make too sure of my coming, as it will increase the -disappointment if any unforeseen accident prevents me. - - -_Sept. 4th._—I had finished my letter on the 30th. The next morning at -daylight a column of the enemy were drawn up opposite us, amounting to -20,000. Away went our baggage and we to arms. About 9 o'clock A.M. they -descended in three columns into the valley, covered by some artillery, -crossed the roads under a smart fire from part of our 2nd Battalion, -and disappointed us by moving off to their own right in the direction -of San Sebastian. The Spaniards fought well. Our Battalion was marching -all the day, occupying first one position and then another, but, to -our annoyance, _Johnny_ never came near us. Towards night it began to -thunder and lighten horridly, and poured with torrents of rain. I was -on piquet, and observed _Johnny_ by the lightning's glare retracing his -steps back in this horrid night. At 2 A.M. _Johnny_ attacked a bridge -where we had a piquet of Rifle Men, two companies, who fought so -handsomely, that with this small number they checked them for an hour. -A captain of ours, who stood upon the bridge rallying his men round -him, fell like a soldier, covered with wounds.[22] Five officers of -ours were wounded. This attack of Soult's was to relieve San Sebastian -and Pamplona—a miserable attempt. The three British regiments in the -Light Division gave a proportion of men and officers for a storming -party to San Sebastian. I am told nothing could exceed the gallantry -displayed by our brave fellows; every part was defended by art beyond -conception. One officer of ours had four wounds, another was shot -through the side, and all the officers of our Division that were there, -excepting two, were killed or wounded. It is a melancholy thing to be a -junior lieutenant in such times as these, because the senior claims the -first offer. Whenever a party is detached upon such an occasion, our -Boys are so proud of it that, according to seniority, they would not -think of letting it pass them. When I am senior I hope to have my turn. -The castle still holds out, but it must surrender in a few days, as the -town has fallen. - -My riding horse, which cost me twenty guineas, the blacksmith unluckily -pricked in shoeing. The foot is very bad, so if the enemy attack us, I -shall be under the necessity of shooting the animal. I am very unlucky -with my animals, and no person can be more careful. I bought Joe a -good pony. I have now got him a strong donkey to carry his equipage, -so he is not dependent upon me. I have also got him removed to another -company, as the more he is independent of me the better. I have now -settled everything for him to my wishes; he is free from debt, with -five months' pay due to him. He now starts fair for himself. I shall -always give him such advice as may serve him, and make him steer -clear of those misfortunes that young men are liable to, particularly -in the army, without a monitor. He has always behaved himself to my -satisfaction, which makes me proud of him, and whatever I tell him he -carefully obeys. The officers like him much, which is highly flattering -to me; and, above all, he possesses that tender affection for his -family which I admire above all his virtues. - - -_Journal—31st August-31st December 1813_ - -[Sidenote: 31st] - -Marshal Soult, finding that San Sebastian was closely invested and -the breaches practicable, was determined to make a desperate attempt -to drive the British from their present position and raise the siege -of that place. He concentrated a large force, which at daylight we -found filing from a variety of defiles in the mountains and forming -immediately above Vera. Seeing his troops assembled so clearly from our -position produced a good deal of interest and not a few jokes amongst -us. - -The enemy soon began to move down the steep hill towards the river, -and crossed at a ford below the bridge, having previously driven our -piquets from the town. Some French moved forward to take possession of -the bridge and were repulsed by two Rifle companies in good style. A -stronger force was sent to the bridge, and the two companies occupied -some houses and fired upon the enemy from them. A few shot and shell -were thrown to cover the advance of the French in passing the river. -Being fired from a spot considerably above their heads, the artillery -officer had not given sufficient elevation, and three or four shells -burst amongst themselves and set them scampering about, much to our -amusement, who were literally looking down upon them. The enemy's -skirmishers moved up the heights to our left towards the high road -through Irun to San Sebastian, followed by their columns. - -Don Manuel Freyre, with his Spanish Division, fought very spiritedly -in the town, and also upon the heights of San Marcial, when the French -attempted to crown them. The Spaniards beat the enemy back. Lord -Wellington was an eye-witness on this occasion and was highly pleased. -Before dark, Marshal Soult was completely beaten in all his attacks -as well as having gained no advantage by his manœuvres, having had to -contend with his _master_ in the art of war. The 1st Brigade, Light -Division, marched from hill to hill and towards evening crowned the -heights above Lezaca and remained there for the night. The day had -been exceptionally hot, and our march up the sides of high mountains -was trying to the soldiers. Just before dark I was placed with thirty -men upon the side of a mountain. The night now set in very stormy and -rainy; we had great difficulty to keep our fire from going out. I -sent some of them to the house of a Spaniard close by and got a large -chest. I had it placed on end before the fire and sat in it. I was -obliged to be very much upon my guard and the sentries very active, -being close to the enemy. The rain ran down the sides of the mountains -in torrents, and the thunder and lightning were very frequent. By the -occasional glare which illumined the mountain above me, I saw the enemy -in full retreat, no doubt much alarmed for fear of finding the river -not fordable. Our Rifle Men still occupied the right bank of the river -as far as keeping a double sentry close to it and the other piquets in -loop-holed houses near. - -[Sidenote: 1813 Sept. 1st] - -About 2 o'clock A.M. the enemy, finding no possible way of retreating -but over the bridge and through Vera, made a desperate attack with a -most overwhelming force on the bridge, and carried it. Captain Cadoux -brought his company to the bridge and tried to drive the enemy back, -or prevent more from passing. They fought most heroically; he soon -fell, after having received several musket-balls in his breast. His -Lieutenant, Llewellyn, had his jaw shattered. Several men were killed -and wounded. They were obliged to retire a little distance, but kept up -a fire as long as the enemy continued to file over the bridge. Returned -and occupied our old encampment, and took up the line of piquets as -before. Cold, wet, and hungry, my friend Cox and I lay down, joking -about the adventures of the last day and night, and waiting the arrival -of our baggage to get something to eat. - -A gentleman named Dornford,[23] who had been educated for a parson, -but took a chivalrous idea, when comfortably seated in his mother's -parlour before a good fire reading the description of heroes and -fighting men, that he had completely mistaken his profession, -determined to become a volunteer, and obtained letters to Lord -Wellington, little doubting that he must ultimately become a great -man and a General. With this idea he presented himself as speedily as -possible before the hero of Britain, who sent him to the Rifles, since -with that corps he would have a bellyful of fighting. He was very -anxious to commence his military career, but he expected that he should -have an opportunity, like the great men of old, to commence with an -oration and to lead the people, and that every one would admire him for -his personal valour. But, alas! he found that impossible. The men had -plenty of leaders who understood their business and had for years been -at this sort of work, which also gave them the benefit of experience. -Also, from exposure to every description of hardship, their bodies had -become proof against what ordinary men (who had not gone through the -same ordeal) would sink under. "I am astonished," says he, drawing -near to us, "how you can joke and pass off so lightly scenes of misery -and woe such as we have gone through the last day and night. God knows -how I repent ever turning soldier." He was a clever, gentlemanly young -fellow, and we told him he certainly had mistaken his profession, and -we advised him to give it up and return home. He thanked us for the -advice and set off the same afternoon to Passages, and embarked for -England soon after.[24] - -[Sidenote: 2nd] - -I went to examine the bridge and river where the French had attempted -to pass. A number of men had been drowned close to the bridge, and -also at the places fordable previous to the rain. The wounded had been -removed, but the dead were still laid about the bridge. Trout of a -large size were feasting upon the Frenchmen's carcases in the water. - -The town of San Sebastian was assaulted about mid-day on 31st August, -and after considerable delay and very hard fighting the place fell -into our hands. The principal part of the garrison retreated into the -castle, which completely commands the place. - -[Sidenote: 3rd] - -[Sidenote: 6th] - -The Governor made a proposal that if we would desist throwing shells -into the castle he would surrender if not relieved in a fortnight. His -proposal was not acceded to, and shells were thrown in with redoubled -vigour until the morning of the 6th, when the Governor, General Rey, -gave up and surrendered with the remainder of his garrison as prisoners -of war—1300 effective men, 500 sick and wounded. The loss in killed at -the assaults and during the siege was 1200 men. - -[Sidenote: 26th] - -My poor friend Percival had been dreadfully wounded at the foot of one -of the breaches, and in the evening he was carried away to a house in -the neighbourhood. To-day I paid him a visit, and was greatly shocked -at his emaciated frame. However, he ultimately got better, as well as -Lieutenant Hamilton, who was also seriously wounded in two places. I -went into San Sebastian and found everything very dilapidated. It had -the appearance of being a place of some note, placed at the base of a -bold promontory, on the top of which is a Moorish castle. The town is -well fortified, its walls being washed by the sea on both sides, and -the part that it does not come in contact with has strong works across. -Every description of defence possible for a skilful man to resort to -had been made by the Governor. - -[Sidenote: 27th] - -Went to Passages, another seaport town. The rocky cliffs on the sea -coast are very bold, and the gaping fissure through which ships enter -the harbour appears to have been caused some time or other by an -extraordinary convulsion of nature, the sides at the entrance are so -abrupt and steep. - -[Sidenote: 28th] - -I left my poor suffering friend and returned to my corps. Found all -quiet, and continued taking piquet duties as they came round until the -7th of October. - - -Forcing the Pass of Vera - -[Sidenote: 1813 Oct. 7th] - -Lord Wellington was determined to advance the left of his army. General -Graham was ordered forward and the Light Division was directed to clear -the heights in our front. We formed close to the bottom of the hills. -Our 3rd Battalion moved forward in skirmishing order up the side of the -high hill which appears to overhang Vera. Nothing in the world could -appear more beautiful than their steady advance. It was more like a -field-day's manœuvre than a fight; 15,000 or 20,000 soldiers had an -opportunity of witnessing their cool intrepidity. The two Brigades now -advanced. The 2nd Brigade, under the command of Colonel Colborne, met -with great obstacles in carrying a star redoubt, and the 2nd Caçadores -and the 2nd Battalion of Rifle Men lost a number of men: the Colonel -of the Caçadores killed, Captain Gibbons, Lieutenants Hill and -Campbell killed, five officers wounded. The Spaniards under Longa did -not reach their ground in time to turn the flank of the redoubt. The -Light Division had innumerable obstacles to encounter, redoubts and -field-works on every eminence presenting themselves to our view; but -the steadiness and daring intrepidity of the men eventually surmounted -all obstacles, and the French were driven into their own country, of -which we now had a fine view. - -Captain Cox and myself, with about sixty men, followed the enemy down -into the valley through the Pass of Vera. We took some prisoners and -two French horn-players, and, laughably enough, our men requested them -to play some French tunes. What with alarm and fright, they made sad -music of it. We moved up to our encampment, and thus ended a day of as -pretty rifle practice as I had ever seen, and the enemy driven from a -position that had cost them much labour and trouble in putting into a -state of defence. - -[Sidenote: 8th] - -[Sidenote: 9th] - -One particularly high mountain named La Rhune was still in possession -of the enemy, and from the top the French were amusing themselves by -firing long shots at the Spaniards all day. In the evening their force -was withdrawn and this morning La Rhune was occupied by the Light -Division. A smaller mountain, from its similarity and position, was -called Petite La Rhune, and divided from it by a valley. Our advanced -piquets were now posted on one side upon the slopes, and the French on -the opposite side within 200 yards of us. - -From these stupendous mountains we had a most commanding view of -a vast extent of highly cultivated French territory, innumerable -villages, and the town and port of St. Jean de Luz. We could also see -our cruisers sailing about near the French coast, which gave us an -additional interest in the view before us. - -[Sidenote: 13th] - -This morning one of our ships was observed to be chasing a brig of war, -and got between her and the shore. We observed the batteries near the -town trying to aid the escape of the French ship, but without success. -As the boats from the English went to board her, the Frenchmen got into -theirs and made for the shore. Some English sailors went on board, -but soon left her. A short time after she was one mass of fire and -soon blew up. A dense smoke arose from the spot, but in a moment there -was not a vestige that we could perceive remaining upon the bosom of -the ocean. It was a beautiful morning, and some thousands of veteran -Englishmen having a bird's-eye view of the whole affair, took a lively -interest in the gallant manner our brave Tars performed their duty. How -delighted the sailors would have been if they had been aware that so -many of their countrymen were observing and applauding them from the -tops of the Pyrenees! - -[Sidenote: 30th] - -The enemy endeavouring to form a connecting chain of breast-works along -the line of their position, and occasional strong redoubts at intervals -supporting this line. The French officers would call out to us and say, -"You cannot remain in these bleak mountains much longer. We suppose -you will soon retire into Spain for the winter?" Our answer was, "Very -likely we may, if we are so ordered." It certainly was beginning to be -exceedingly cold, with frequent storms of hail and rain. Our tents, -from the tremendous gusts of winds which suddenly and frequently -assailed them, were torn and often rendered useless. The Spaniards, and -the Portuguese also, lost men from cold and severe weather. Strange to -say, in this severe climate, exposed to every hardship, not a man was -on the sick-list in our Battalion. - -[Sidenote: 1813 Nov. 1st] - -Sir John Hope arrived from England about this time and took command of -the left wing, as Sir Thomas Graham was so ill that he was obliged to -go to England. - -[Sidenote: 7th] - -The enemy's position now had a very formidable appearance upon the -summit of the ridge of Petite La Rhune. Where it was at all accessible, -strong walls were built, with loop-holes to fire through. The ground -was scarped, and at small distances along the front, strong redoubts -were placed to strengthen more effectually their line of defence. Four -French regiments were encamped upon Petite La Rhune ready to man the -works at a moment. The roads through the mountains in our rear had been -made and put in order by strong parties of soldiers so that cannon -could be brought up with facility at any time. - -[Sidenote: 8th] - -Pamplona fell on the 31st of October, after being blockaded for about -four months, the Governor, General Cassan, and 4000 men becoming -prisoners of war. This circumstance enabled Lord Wellington to make a -forward movement with his whole force. Officers commanding regiments in -our Division received instructions at what points their regiments were -to attack the enemy's works. At the same time the whole of the allied -army was to co-operate with us and make a simultaneous attack upon the -enemy's line of works, redoubts, etc. - -After dark, the Light Division filed from the encampment behind La -Rhune with the least possible noise and formed up into columns and lay -down close behind our advanced piquet, which was partly across the deep -valley that separated the French from us. Here we remain anxiously -waiting until the day should dawn for the attack. - - -Battle of the Nivelle - -[Sidenote: 10th] - -The happy moment came at last. The French piquet was seated around -the fire, and with no apprehension of what was going to take place. -Some heavy cannon sounded the advance, and in a moment every one was -in motion up the sides of this tremendous steep. Obstacles of an -extraordinary nature were opposed to us, and the enemy kept up a very -brisk fire from behind their walls, but nothing could impede the ardour -of England's brave sons. The works were carried in every direction. -Other works, more concentrated and filled with men, were now opened to -our view and immediately attacked. Many gallant fellows fell to rise -no more in this world. I saw some French officers standing upon their -walls, and trying every means in their power to make their men remain. -One young officer was doing prodigies of valour and would not leave -the wall; he was shot, and came tumbling down. The French were driven -from all their positions, and our army took up the line of the Nivelle. -Colonel Barnard, towards the end of this day's fighting, received a -musket-ball in his right breast, which made him tumble from his horse; -he fell upon the hilt of his sword and bruised his side very much. -I was near him when he fell, and put my hand into his bosom to feel -where the ball entered. I found his lungs had been wounded, as blood in -quantities and air issued from the wound; some blood was passing from -his mouth also. He in a most collected manner said, "Do you think I am -dying? Did you ever see a man so wounded recover?" I observed, "Your -wound is a very bad one, but there have been many instances of men -recovering from such wounds, and your pulse does not indicate immediate -dissolution." "Thank you," he exclaimed, "you give me hopes. If any man -can recover, I know I shall." He was immediately bled very largely and -taken by four men in a blanket to a farmhouse. After all was over, Sir -James Kempt, who commanded the Brigade, sent for me, and said it was -his wish, as well as that of all the officers, that I should go to the -Colonel and stay with him a few days. My brother Joseph had been in the -day's fight. I was anxious to find him. He soon turned up, as lucky as -myself, without a wound. - -[Sidenote: 13th] - -I went to the house where the Colonel had been taken to and remained -with him. Constructed a bearer, upon which the Colonel was placed and -supported upon the shoulders of our band through the pass of Vera to -that town. I remained with him night and day until every dangerous -symptom was subdued, and having a good constitution, he speedily -recovered, and on the 7th of December we rode to headquarters at -St. Jean-de-Luz. Continued here till 24th December, when we joined -the Battalion at the château of Arcangues. The companies occupied -farmhouses in the vicinity. The French army were now in an entrenched -camp under the walls of Bayonne, a strongly fortified town upon the -confluence of the rivers Nive and Adour. The high road from Paris to -Madrid passes through this town, and the road to St. Jean Pied-de-Port -runs from it, and takes its course between the Adour and Nive. The -by-roads in every direction are exceedingly bad, and more particularly -at this time, as the rain had continued to fall in quantities for some -time back. The Light Division had been occupied in fortifying the -church and château of Arcangues, and field-works were thrown up in many -other places. On the 10th, my friends informed me that Marshal Soult -advanced with a large force by the high road from Bayonne and formed -up near Bassussarry, which is directly opposite the church and château -of Arcangues, and made an attack upon the left of our line. Lieutenant -Hopwood and Sergeant Brotherwood were killed. A ball passed through -both their heads, happening to be standing a little behind one another. -They were both capital soldiers and were put in the same grave. - -[Sidenote: 1813 Dec. 31st] - -Marshal Soult made a number of attacks on different parts of our line, -which in no one instance succeeded, and the loss to the enemy was -very great. This night the regiments of Frankfort and Nassau, with -their commandant, Colonel Kruse, came over in a body. These regiments -were very well-appointed and good-looking soldiers. They marched to -Passages, and were shipped for their own country. Marshal Soult after -this affair told his soldiers that a hundred battles still awaited them. - -The campaign of 1813 now terminated; it certainly had been a most -brilliant one indeed. I now and then have mentioned officers of my -corps that were killed and wounded, but there were also many that I -have not in my hurry thought of. - - -Letter No. XXII - - Saint Jean-de-Luz, France, - _7th December 1813_. - -My dear Parents—As I informed you, some unforeseen accident might -prevent me having the extreme felicity of paying you a visit this -winter, so things have turned out. However, when you are acquainted -with the circumstances you will rather attribute it to good fortune -than otherwise. To begin my story. On the 7th of October a combined -attack of the whole army commenced upon the whole line of the enemy's -position. The papers have already given you the particulars. The -enemy were so thunderstruck at the desperate bravery of our gallant -fellows, that they were driven from all their fortified positions -in succession, and when they had the temerity to stand, the bayonet -decided the business. The enemy that day was sent scampering into his -own territory. Thus, using the words of Soult, "The proud islanders -overlooked the fine fertile valleys of France." - -The part of the line occupied by our Division was on the top of an -immense high chain of mountains. In consequence of very bad weather, -and being so elevated, we were exposed to continual hurricanes -and incessant snow, sleet, or rain. Some men died from the cold. -This respite gave the enemy time to construct works, which he was -incessantly labouring at. Our situation, as you may well conceive, was -not an enviable one. We wished for the happy moment to drive the enemy -from his present position, in order that we might have some warmer -cantonments for the winter. Our noble chief soon gratified our wishes, -and gave out an order on the evening of the 9th of November: "To-morrow -the army will drive the French upon Bayonne and behind the river Adour. -Light Division will get under arms at 2 o'clock in the morning and -march to the point of attack, where the Division will form in three -columns of attack and remain until daylight, and the signal to advance -will be a salvo from thirty pieces of cannon." This order produced the -greatest joy. We spent a jovial evening, singing and dancing until -12 o'clock. I then rolled myself up in my blanket and slept until -two, fell in, and marched to the place appointed. As soon as the day -dawned the long-wished signal was given. No music is so delicious to -the ear of a soldier. We moved forward under a heavy fire from the -enemy's works without ever exchanging a shot until we got up to them -and scaled the walls. Then the work of death commenced. _Johnny_ was so -paralysed at the cool bravery of the British that he instantly became -panic-struck and ran in every direction. Some few who had the temerity -to stand were instantly no more. I saw some heroic officers who tried -to rally their men. They fell like brave soldiers, covered with -wounds and with glory. In this way we carried work after work which -were apparently invulnerable. It was a beautiful sight to see 70,000 -men or more moving in every direction. A continued roar of cannon and -musketry, the smoke rising along the whole line. We marched and fought -until about three o'clock in the afternoon, when we formed to attack -the last body of troops opposed to us (I mean to our Division). The -ground was at that place very strong. Just as our gallant Colonel -Barnard was reconnoitring how to move to the best advantage, a -musket-ball entered his right breast. He fell. I was near him, and got -him put into a blanket and taken a few paces to the rear. He began to -spit blood, the ball having passed through his lungs. He soon came -to himself and said, "Simmons, you know my situation. Am I mortally -wounded?" I felt the wound, and answered, "Colonel, it is useless to -mince the matter; you are dangerously wounded, but not immediately -mortally." "Well, Simmons," he replied, "be candid. I am not afraid -to die." I answered, "I am candid." He said then, "I am satisfied." I -was preparing to bleed him when two surgeons came up. I handed over my -charge and ran back to my company, and had the honour of being at the -finishing stroke. - -As soon as the battle was done, Lieutenant-Colonel Gilmore and the -surgeon came to me and requested me to go and take charge of the -Colonel. I must tell you that Colonel Barnard for his great gallantry -was made Prince of Wales's aide-de-camp. He is also a man of family -and interest, and universally beloved by the regiment. I went to him -and commenced as a surgeon. I bled him occasionally when the symptoms -required it, and had the entire treatment of him. In ten days he began -to recover, and has done so well that he is now out of danger. I daily -wrote reports of him, which were shown at headquarters. Lord Wellington -was particularly anxious about him. The most eminent surgeons in the -army have paid me high compliments for my treatment, and the Colonel -has not suffered any one to interfere with me. - -Five days back we removed to this place, the headquarters of the army. -I dined the other day with Lord Wellington, and have since dined at the -tables of the first men of distinction in the army. I shall stay at -this place for a fortnight, and then return to my regiment. To gain the -friendship of a man of Colonel Barnard's ability, who will next year be -a General Officer, will always be of use. - -Joe is very well. He behaved himself most gallantly, I assure you. The -regiment are very proud of him, and in my absence he is invited to dine -out frequently. Joe sticks by me. I got him placed in another company, -as the boy wanted me to take care of his money and concerns. As I am -a bird of passage, I wished to teach him how to take care of himself, -for fear he might be deprived of me one day or another; he then would -be at a loss. He lived away from me for a fortnight, that was, he paid -to another mess, but whenever I had anything good I always found Joe -present. I therefore told him he might live with me, but he should pay -regularly and keep his own accounts, which he agreed to. Since I left -the regiment he still lives with my captain, with whom he is a great -favourite. I have a note from him daily about some nonsense or another. -The last two fights cost us about four officers killed and wounded; -we have been very lucky in not having more. Joe is now at the top of -the list, and will be a lieutenant in two or three months, which will -give him ten dollars a month more. I gave him a horse to ride. He has -another for his baggage. If I have a fine jacket or anything _dressy_, -he manages to make friends with my servant to use them. I have got the -name of an old fellow. All the women say I am his father and laugh when -I tell them he is my brother. I had almost forgot Maud. He is well, and -I mean him to spend his Christmas with me if we are quiet. I anticipate -the happiness we shall enjoy. If we could spend it under your humble -roof, how much more happy we should be. However, you will have the -satisfaction to know that your sons are moving in an honourable sphere -of life, and their good fortune ought not to make them forget (though -in a distant clime) those dear ties that can never be divided but by -death. We are six months in arrear, and I have been at much expense -this year. When I can raise a little money I shall send it. I hope -my dear Ann is well, also Charlie and Betsy. When Charlie is fifteen -I shall be able to provide for him. Three years more will give me a -company. I then shall be able to maintain you handsomely. Something -may turn out before. I do not like to build castles in the air. I hope -my uncle is well. My best respects to him. It will give me pleasure in -letting him read my letters, but do not make my affairs known to the -world, I beg of you. Accept my earnest prayers. I am, my dear parents, -yours affectionately, - - Geo. Simmons. - -If the weather becomes good, I think the army will advance. The French -people do not offer to kill any British soldiers and we behave to the -people the same as if we were in England. The Spaniards were sent back -into their own country, as they began plundering, which Lord Wellington -would not allow. It is much better policy to use the inhabitants well. -If you did otherwise, the whole country would be in arms, and a soldier -durst not go a hundred paces from the battalion without being liable to -be murdered by some injured connection, whose misfortunes had driven -him to desperation. The French through their horrid atrocities made -themselves hated everywhere. This circumstance alone has been of great -use in making the nations, subjugated by these monsters, throw off -the yoke, or perish in the attempt. Fortunately they are succeeding -beyond human calculation. The God of Battles is now inflicting this -just judgment upon the French. Write soon and let me know how Charlie -improves; Betsy also. Educate them well, I beg of you. - -As there is every likelihood of a peace taking place, I shall endeavour -(if such a circumstance should happen) to get into the service of some -country allied with England after taking my pleasures in England for -some time, as I am determined to spend my life and to advance myself, -as a soldier. However, there is time enough before this project need be -resorted to. - -We expect another fight in a few days. I hope we shall soon be in -possession of Bayonne. The foreign corps in the enemy's army, if they -have an opportunity, will, I have no doubt, come over in bodies. - -To be addressed, Lt. Simmons, 1st Batt., 95th Regt., Light Division, -British Army, France. - - - - -CAMPAIGN OF 1814 - - - Early in February 1814, Wellington, leaving a strong force to invest - Bayonne, resumed the offensive, and having successfully passed a - portion of his forces across the Adour and the Gaves, he fell upon - Soult at Orthez and severely defeated him. Soult fell back slowly, - but after a fight at Vic Bigorre it became clear to him that he must - retreat on Toulouse. - - Three miles from Tarbes he formed for battle once again, with Clausel - in front of him, covering that town with Harispe's and Villatte's - Divisions. Wellington, following up, launched the Light Division - against the centre of the French position. The three Battalions of - the Rifles who were in the van, made a violent attack on Harispe's - Division and drove it from an exceptionally strong position without - assistance. - - Clausel made a skilful withdrawal upon Soult, and the latter retreated - during the night. - - Then ensued the operations on the Garronne which terminated in the - battle of Toulouse, fought on 10th April. A few days later the news of - the abdication of Napoleon arrived, and with it hostilities ceased, - but not before the garrison of Bayonne had made a desperate sortie, in - which many hundreds of lives were uselessly sacrificed. - - There exists no more pathetic description of the treatment meted out - by England to her soldiers, who had, by their gallantry and devotion, - rescued Europe from the tyranny of Napoleon, than the words with which - Napier brings to a close his stirring account of the long and bloody - struggle in the Peninsula. "... The British infantry embarked at - Bordeaux, some for America, some for England; the cavalry, marching - through France, took shipping at Boulogne. - - "Thus the war terminated, and with it, all remembrance of the - veterans' services. - - "Yet those veterans had won nineteen pitched battles and innumerable - combats; had made or sustained ten sieges and taken four great - fortresses; had twice expelled the French from Portugal, once from - Spain; had penetrated France, and killed, wounded, or captured 200,000 - enemies, leaving of their own number 40,000 dead, whose bones whiten - the plains and mountains of the Peninsula." - - It was not till 1848, _thirty-four_ years after the termination of - the war, that the services of the few veterans who then survived was - acknowledged by the issue of a medal! - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -_Journal—12th January-21st March 1814_ - - Is appointed to superintend the telegraph of the Light Division—Visit - from brother Maud—Commencement of the campaign of 1814—The 1st - Battalion sent to St. Jean-de-Luz for new clothing—Simmons joins - the 2nd Battalion—Bayonne invested—The 2nd and 3rd Battalions ford - the Gaves—Simmons and some of the 2nd Battalion occupy a house - and fire from the windows—Excitement of the lady who owned it—The - French peasantry are in great fear of the English, but are soon - reassured—Passage of the Gave de Pau—Simmons puts his socks in his - cap, as he is certain the Rifles will be sent across the river—Three - British Divisions cross by a pontoon bridge. - -_Battle of Orthez_ - - The 1st Battalion and the gallant 43rd Light Infantry not present—The - 52nd Light Infantry make "a beautiful advance in the face of - thousands"—The French driven off the field—The French people treat - the British soldiers as friends—The 1st Battalion rejoins the army - and Simmons his Battalion—Sharp skirmish by 15th Hussars, supported - by some Rifle Men and two six-pounders with French cavalry—Advance - resumed. - -_The Action of Tarbes_ - - The French occupy a strong position—The three Battalions of Rifles - ordered to dislodge them—The French fill a wood with skirmishers, but - are driven out—A very stiff fight—Heavy losses—"Never saw Frenchmen so - thick on the ground"—Towards evening is severely wounded—Rescued by - his servant, Henry Short—Is moved into Tarbes—Brother Maud hears he is - wounded and searches for him all night—Finds him and gets him a good - billet—Battle of Toulouse—"Is much hurt at not being there." - -Letter No. XXIII - -_To his Parents, from Tarbes, France, dated 27th March 1814_ - - France a most delightful country—Detestation of the people for - Buonaparte—Their faith in the British—Description of Soult's - position at Tarbes—The eighteen companies of Rifle Men (1st, 2nd, - and 3rd Battalions of the 95th) attack it and have some "fine - rifle practice"—Is knocked over at close of fight—Holds a medical - examination of himself, and finds his knee-pan is fractured—"Not - for Chelsea yet"—Hopes to get well and have another fight with - _Johnny_—"Our Boys got sadly mauled as usual." - -_Finished by Maud Simmons_ - - Describes his brother George's wound and the life at Tarbes. - -_Journal—13th April-23rd July 1814_ - - Is moved to Pau in a coach—Recovers and starts to rejoin—Marches to - Toulouse—Goes to the theatre with his two brothers—Rejoins the 1st - Battalion at Castel-sarrasin—Pleasant life amongst the French—End of - the war—Orders to return to England—The Rifles give a ball—The Light - Division bid farewell to their Portuguese comrades—Gets leave for - England—Sails down the Garronne for Pauillac—Embarks on a transport—In - collision—The voyage home—Lands at Portsmouth, takes the London coach, - and arrives at the Old Slaughters Coffee House. - - -_Journal—12th January-21st March 1814_ - -[Sidenote: 1814 Jan. 12th] - -This day I was appointed to superintend the telegraph of the Light -Division stationed near "Garat's house."[25] Had a log house formed to -remain in. This post was near Arraunts. - -[Sidenote: 15th] - -My brother Maud paid me a visit. I gave him a good beaf-steak. The -battalion he belonged to was returning from St. Jean-de-Luz with new -clothes. One of his baggage animals lay down close to my post. I was -obliged to send for a mule and take the half-starved devil in exchange. -His servant seemed quite delighted when he had got his master's baggage -upon my mule, and hurried away for fear I might change my mind. - -[Sidenote: 24th] - -The 1st Battalion Rifles was placed in the 2nd Brigade, and the Brigade -is now commanded by Colonel Barnard. The 2nd Battalion joined the other -Brigade of the Light Division. - -Numbers of French families who had left their homes have returned, as -they find the British soldiers only war with those who have arms in -their hands, and not with the unfortunate inhabitants of the country. - -[Sidenote: 1814 Feb. 16th] - -The British army was again put in motion. The Light Division moved to -within a league and a half of Labastide-Clairence. - -[Sidenote: 17th] - -Marched near the town, and encamped near the heights overlooking it. - -[Sidenote: 18th] - -Put into houses, the weather being very cold and rainy, also changing -into sleet and snow. - -[Sidenote: 19th] - -The 1st Battalion Rifles with the 43rd Light Infantry marched to St. -Jean-de-Luz for their clothing. I took the advantage of being on -telegraph duty, and remained with the army. - -[Sidenote: 21st] - -Marched to Isturits and joined Captain Duncan's company (2nd Battalion) -until the return of the 1st Battalion. - -[Sidenote: 22nd] - -Marched to St. Palais. The enemy had blown up the bridge over the -Bidouze River. Sir John Hope with the 1st Division passed the Adour -near its mouth and invested the citadel of Bayonne. A bridge was soon -after constructed, and the town closely blockaded. - -[Sidenote: 23rd] - -Marched to near La Chére and Charrette; on piquet. - -[Sidenote: 24th] - -Passed the Gave de Mauléon at a ford near the village of Nabas. Moved -forward to the Gave d'Oleron. Found a squadron of French Dragoons drawn -up on the opposite bank of the river. A neat little cottage close to -the river had been built upon an eminence on its bank. I entered with -some men and commenced firing from the chamber windows upon the French -to cover the advance through the ford; the river being nearly up to -the men's shoulders, compelled them to link together by the arms to -enable them to cross. Millar's and Duncan's companies were the first -that crossed. The poor housekeeper, when my men began to fire from the -windows, laughed and cried and jumped about in a most extraordinary -manner, but still her curiosity led her to the window. I was afraid the -foolish woman would be shot, and with little ceremony, assisted by one -of the men, put her into a back room and bolted the door upon her. One -bold fellow galloped forward to the ford. One of my Rifle Men from the -window shot him off his horse in very pretty style. The ford was at -Ville Nave. - -Marched to near Oreon and encamped. I went into a respectable farmhouse -on the roadside and found the people within in great confusion and some -of the women in tears. It was very wet and cold, and my appearance was -not much improved from having so recently waded up to my shoulders -in the river. I sat down by the fire and asked for a little wine and -something to eat. The people ran to get me some. A chubby, rosy-faced -child, who appeared to be the only one of the family that did not look -upon me with horror, came near. I took him up and began to kiss him. -We were soon, as well as the whole family, great friends. These poor -people expected that we should carry fire and sword amongst them. The -French, I am sorry to say, did so in Spain and Portugal, and too often -in their career committed atrocities that savages would shudder at. - -[Sidenote: 25th] - -Marched to near Orthez. The enemy blew up the stone bridge over the -Gave de Pau on our approach. The suburbs ran on both sides of the -river, so that a sharp fire was kept up between the French and our -Light troops. Towards evening, as a column of the enemy were entering -Orthez, Lord Wellington ordered it to be cannonaded. Some French -officers rode up and down their line of march to make the men move -steadily along. The enemy appeared in great force, having concentrated -large bodies near the town. - -[Sidenote: 26th] - -About 12 o'clock the Light Division was ordered to move to the right of -Orthez and pass a ford. I was so much impressed with the certainty of -an attack being made that I pulled off my socks and put them into my -cap to keep them dry. A large force of the enemy was formed up ready -for us, with several pieces of cannon. When we were nearly within -range, an order came to retire, and now a movement was made to the -left of Orthez, so that by this feint the 3rd, 4th, and 7th Divisions -had crossed the Gave de Pau by a pontoon bridge thrown over the river -some distance to our left, and we were now moving to these Divisions. -The Light troops skirmished with the enemy until dark. Encamped near -Salles, close to the pontoon bridge. - - -Battle of Orthez - -[Sidenote: 27th] - -The enemy were in position in great force, determined to wait our -attack. We passed the river and moved forward. Unluckily our 1st -Battalion and the gallant 43rd Light Infantry were away from the Light -Division, so that during this action the Division was scarcely engaged, -being only occasionally exposed to a cannonade, with the exception -of the 52nd Light Infantry, who made a most beautiful advance in the -face of thousands, and drove the enemy from their commanding position, -which seemed to be the signal for the whole line to retire. Our columns -followed until dark. The French appeared to me to have fought this day -better than usual. The loss was severe on both sides. Numbers of killed -and wounded were found upon the roads, and several of their soldiers -threw away their arms and put on farmers' clothing. Encamped for the -night near Bonne Garde. - -[Sidenote: 28th] - -Move forward to Duerse. - -[Sidenote: 1814 March 1st] - -Crossed the Adour at a very deep ford, and entered Mont de Marsan. The -last of the enemy left it as we approached. - -I purchased a horse for twenty-five dollars, and took him away to my -billet. This place is large, and abounds with wine and eatables of -all descriptions. The next morning the Frenchmen would not have sold -me the horse under a hundred dollars, so that I was very lucky. It is -quite droll to see the French people treating us as if we were friends -instead of enemies. We certainly paid for everything, and now it was -found necessary to pay us regularly. A horse of mine died here. - -[Sidenote: 2nd] - -Marched to Bretagne. Bad weather. - -[Sidenote: 4th] - -Marched to Barcelonne, nine miles, and bivouacked near Aire. Frosty and -cold. - -[Sidenote: 10th] - -At daylight marched to some straggling houses near Arblada. Snowy day. - -[Sidenote: 11th] - -Moved into a better house. - -[Sidenote: 12th] - -My Battalion joined the army again. I left the 2nd Battalion. I gave my -friends an account of the late operations. Took over the accounts of -Captain C. Smith's company. - -[Sidenote: 14th] - -The Light Division formed on the high road. An attack expected. -Continued here the whole day. At six o'clock marched back to quarters. -Marshal Soult menaced the 2nd Division. Nothing done. - -[Sidenote: 16th] - -A party of the 15th Hussars, supported by some Rifle Men and two -six-pounders, attacked a party of French cavalry and cut them up in -good style and took a number of prisoners. Strange enough, a French -captain was desperately wounded close to his father's house, which -house he had not seen for many years. He was taken into it, and died -soon after. - -[Sidenote: 17th] - -Marched to St. Simon. On piquet. - -[Sidenote: 18th] - -The Division assembled at Ville St. Germain. Crossed the Arros at Task. -The Division halted at Plaisance. Three companies of our battalion -crossed the river, and took up their quarters in a small village. Close -to the house that I, with the company, occupied, an inhabitant was -murdered. I heard the shot fired just before I lay down, but had no -idea that a human being had been deprived of his existence. We tried -every means to find out the villain, but to no purpose. We collected -and gave the widow a sum of money. - -[Sidenote: 19th] - -Marched to near Auriébat. Continued there some hours. Moved to Aget and -vicinity. - - -Action of Tarbes - -[Sidenote: 20th] - -Marched through Rabastens to near Tarbes. The enemy were posted in -very strong position on a chain of heights, and occupying the town of -Tarbes. Our three battalions of Rifle Men were ordered to dislodge the -enemy, which we went about at once. The front of the commanding ground -was covered with wood. The enemy filled it with skirmishers, which we -turned out, and then attacked their line. We were a considerable time -in driving _Johnny_ from all the strong ground whereon he was posted, -but ultimately we succeeded. I never saw Frenchmen before so thick upon -the ground; it was covered with dead bodies. Captain Duncan was killed; -Lieutenant-Colonel Norcott, three captains, and five lieutenants -wounded, and a number of our poor fellows bit the dust towards evening, -after having passed through the day's fight. A Frenchman took a long -shot at me; the ball fractured my right knee-pan and knocked me down as -if I had been struck with a sledge-hammer. Some others, seeing me down, -fired several shots at me. My noble servant, Henry Short, as soon as -he observed me, came running to me, and, with an oath, observed, "You -shall not hit him again but through my body," and deliberately placed -himself in front of me. Colonel Barnard rode up, jumped off his horse, -and showed me the greatest kindness.[26] - -[Sidenote: 21st] - -The following morning I was moved into Tarbes in a cart. Part of my -brother Maud's regiment remained to guard the wounded. He was acting -as Town Major. He was afraid I might be hurt, and before dark came to -see me. Several soldiers told him I was wounded. He hunted about to -find me the whole night, but without success, and quite in despair -was returning into the town when I espied him. He soon got me a good -billet. The battle of Toulouse took place soon after. I felt much hurt -at not being there. - -The fighting now terminated, and we lived upon the best terms possible -with the French people. - - -Letter No. XXIII - - Tarbes, France, _27th March 1814_. - -My dear Parents—I received your letter at Arraunts. As I had nothing -worthy of your notice at that time, I deferred writing until this -period. The remark in your letter pleased me. "You could willingly -forego the pleasure of seeing me, if it was not compatible with my -duty to leave my regiment." It was a remark that showed a nobleness of -soul which every father of a soldier ought to possess when duty and -honour are the barriers. My brother Maud's regiment casually passed my -quarters the day I received your letter. He was pleased with it. He -took a beef-steak and set off. Joe left the regiment "on command" two -months back to take charge of all the convalescents belonging to the -Division in Spain. I have heard from him several times. I have at last -got him relieved, so he will soon be again with his regiment. - -I was appointed Director of the Light Division Telegraph, for which -I received a dollar per day for some time. Colonel Barnard presented -me with a gold watch, which he purposely sent for to London. France -is a most delightful country and abounds with everything. The people -detest Buonaparte—all but the officers of the army and those others -who only support him and his diabolical cause from interested motives. -The people are astonished at the liberality of the English. We behave -to them as if we were at home, and, though fighting frequently with -Soult's army, in their towns the peaceable inhabitants have more faith -in us, generally speaking, than in their own army. This is a happy way -of making war, for how many thousands of our brave fellows when wounded -and left on the ground would not otherwise have been murdered by the -injured peasantry. Instead of that, they take the wounded to their -houses, protect and feed them. The army that is now opposed to ours is -Marshal Soult's. He is a persevering fellow. Though thrashed every time -we come in contact with him, still he moves to another position, making -it as strong as possible, and waits till we move up and thrash him out -of it. The French army fought very obstinately at the battle of Orthez, -better than usual, but every cock ought to fight better upon its own -dung-hill. After the business at Orthez our army seldom could get a -peep at _Johnny_. Though we endeavoured to stick close to him, still he -moved off in the night. However, Soult began to pluck up courage and -get very bold, he having drawn us back to the Pyrenees. His army was -placed in position, the left upon the base of the Pyrenees, the centre -covering the town of Tarbes (the high road to Toulouse passes through -this place, and it is consequently a place of importance to Soult); -his right ran along the high ridges of hills that rise abruptly from a -fine plain. There was a small river in front of the position, the hills -occasionally patched with clumps of brushwood and trees, which assisted -the enemy much, as he had an opportunity of hiding his columns. - -Lord Wellington, with his usual coolness, took a peep at the enemy's -position (our columns were at the same time concentrating) with the -eye of an eagle, and ordered the different columns to advance to -their different points. Our eighteen companies of Rifle Men attacked a -steep hill, covered with wood, under a tremendous fire; we soon hunted -them out of it, and had fine rifle practice upon the plain. This day -my usual good luck did not attend me, for near the close of the day -about ninety men threw themselves behind a ditch and kept up a running -fire. We were moving upon it to dislodge them when a musket-ball struck -me upon the knee, forced into the wound my trousers and drawers, and -glanced off. My fighting was finished. I fell, and seeing my knee -bloody, I began to think I should soon be without a leg. However, on -examination, after collecting myself a little, I found the joint had -not received material injury, only the knee-pan, which is fractured, -so that I shall not enlist for Chelsea yet. I hope in two months to -be on the march with my regiment. I had the pleasure to see the enemy -beaten at all points before I left the field of battle, which was great -consolation. On the 21st I was moved on a waggon into this town. The -first person that saluted me was Maud. Judge how delighted I was. He -had got me a comfortable quarter. I had nothing to do but enter it. I -have kept my bed until to-day. I have managed to get up and sit by the -fire with my leg supported upon pillows. The pleasure I feel in having -done my duty more than doubly repays me for the pain I suffer. If I -am rendered incapable of joining my regiment as soon as I could wish, -I shall come home for a while, but on the other hand, if I soon get -better, I must have another fight with _Johnny_. I had been collecting -some money for you, as my pay and other emoluments were very good, but -this job has brought me back upon six shillings and sixpence per day, -and the money will only support me with what I have saved. My brother -told me I ought to be very thankful I had it. I assure you it is a -great pleasure and a comfort to me to have him here. Three companies -of his regiment have been left to protect us from any armed peasantry, -so I am safe enough. You will see by the _Gazette_ our boys got sadly -mauled as usual. I am glad Joe was not there as things have turned out. -If I can purchase a veil for Ann I will. God bless her. My best love -to dear mother. I am glad Charlie is so stout. Betsy I have forgotten; -she was young when I left home. My love to her. I am happy to hear -my uncle approves of my conduct. I am striving always to deserve his -esteem. Let him see my letters, but again I caution you not to mention -them publicly on any account. Maud will finish. I am tired. Sergeant -Fairfoot is well and with the regiment, unless wounded on the 20th. - - -_Finished by Maud Simmons_ - -My dear Parents—I am happy to say your brave son is in a fair way of -recovery, thank God! He and I spend our days together very comfortably. -We have everything very cheap. Claret and Bordeaux wines very good and -cheap—about a shilling a bottle; every other thing in proportion. We -are well out of the fighting at present, confound it! Left here as a -guard to take care of the sick and wounded in this town. However, I am -repaid for being out of the fight by being able now and then to drink -George's allowance of wine as well as my own and talk over past times. - -The lady with whom I live is a most respectable woman. She made me -laugh heartily just as I finished this letter. She observed I was -uneasy, and asked me the cause. I told her my leg was very cold. She -immediately pulled off her flannel petticoat and wrapped my leg in it; -so much for French politeness. She has been showing me all her fine -clothes and dressing herself in the most ludicrous manner. Of course -I tell her she looks charming. I have now a dozen French books upon -my table, and the good lady is determined to learn me the language. -She has also got me a master, so I shall be a complete Frenchman in a -little time by force. My time, as you may suppose, with the exception -of ague by way of interlude, passes very comfortably. George, I can -assure you, is a desperate fellow amongst the French boys, but I do not -think he will see any more fighting. Soult's army is deserting in great -numbers. I am adjutant here for the present, merely for amusement, -as I have had the command of a company for nearly twelve months, and -lost nearly two-thirds of my company when I was wounded. However, M. -Français has been paid off all old scores lately. Joe is expected up -here. This is a very fine town, and contains everything to make a man -happy. I am delighted with it, and could spend my life here were there -not such people in the world as dear father and mother and sisters. -Peace must shortly bring us together, when I hope we shall all meet -without the loss of legs or arms. I am advising George to go home, but -he wishes to see more fighting. If George gets his company before an -old soldier like me, it will be strange. I wish he may, for he deserves -it. Tell Ann I was inquiring the price of veils, and find them too dear -as yet. We may go on to Paris, and then we will have an opportunity to -buy cheap. Let my mother know I have a snuff-box for her, which French -manners oblige me to keep filled, and I now and then take a pinch -myself, which never fails to remind me of my dear mother. George and I -mess together for the first time since we came to the Continent, and -live here like fighting-cocks. I wish it was possible for you to come -and spend a few days with us. You would not be a little surprised to -see how happy we live in an enemy's country, as they call it, but I -think them friends. The Dragoon is just going off, so excuse. My love -to you all. God bless and take you into His Holy Keeping. - - M. Simmons, - Lieutenant, 34th Regiment. - - -_Journal—13th April-23rd July 1814_ - -[Sidenote: 1814 April 13th] - -Moved in a coach to Pau. Got into a billet the next day. Went to the -Mayor and got a superb one upon M. Colombots. The kindness I received -from this gentleman and his charming lady will never be erased from my -mind. Passed my time pleasantly, visited the play, and attended their -balls. The ladies pretty and handsomely dressed. - -[Sidenote: 1814 May 9th] - -On the 9th of May, with much reluctance, took my departure from Pau. -Rode to Tarbes. My former landlady highly rejoiced to see me. - -[Sidenote: 10th] - -Halted. - -Moved forward to Rabastens, being crowded. - -[Sidenote: 11th] - -Moved on to Contal. The roads covered with Spaniards returning from -prison. - -[Sidenote: 12th] - -Marched to Mirande. - -[Sidenote: 13th] - -To Auch, a very fine and large town. Halted at the inn and dined. Moved -forward in the evening to a country house near Aubliet; the countrymen -very civil. - -[Sidenote: 14th] - -Marched through Gimont to L'île en Jourdain. Tired of dining _à la mode -Français_, so bought a fine piece of veal on my way and had it roasted. - -[Sidenote: 15th] - -Marched to the famous city of Toulouse, and met my brother. The town -well built, the entrance by the west gate very pleasing. The bridge a -very fine one, composed of arches over the Garronne. - -[Sidenote: 16th] - -Visited the position and redoubts carried on Easter Sunday by the -English. I arrived at Toulouse and went to my brother's quarters, his -battalion (the 2nd Battalion 34th Regiment) being in the town. To my -agreeable surprise I found my brother, the Rifle Man, with him. We -talked over battles together, and in the evening we went to the play. -Some whim struck me, and I put on my brother's red jacket, and he took -mine. The Colonel said, "I think Simmons looks very dark in the face -to-night, much darker than I ever saw him before." The officer laughed -and told him I was the Rifle Man, which afforded them much amusement, -and made me acquainted with a person, who but for this freak I should -not have known. - -[Sidenote: 19th] - -Marched through Castelnau to Grizolles. Dined with Captain Eaton, 2nd -Battalion. - -[Sidenote: 20th] - -Joined my Battalion at Castel-sarrasin once again, and found the -officers living in the gayest manner possible. The people extremely -kind to us. On the 22nd passed the Garronne with a party of ladies and -gentlemen to dine and dance at Belpeart. Passed a pleasant afternoon, -the dinner _à la mode Français_. Plenty of eatables, but no knives or -salt. - -[Sidenote: 26th] - -On the 26th passed the ferry opposite Moissac and visited the town. The -French officers were jealous of the civility shown us by the people, -and requested we would not visit the town any more. - -[Sidenote: 31st] - -The order having arrived for the English army to leave the country, we -gave a ball and supper to the gentry, who were highly delighted with -our generosity. - -[Sidenote: 1814 June 1st] - -Marched from Castel-sarrasin, the people in tears at our departure, and -hundreds followed us a great distance; showed the greatest concern at -leaving us. Halted at Montech. - -[Sidenote: 2nd] - -Passed the Garronne by two boats at a ferry and billeted in the town of -Bourret. - -[Sidenote: 3rd] - -Halted. Visited Le Mas, situated on the left bank of the Garronne. The -country very well cultivated and abounding with everything. - -[Sidenote: 4th] - -Marched to Beaumont. The people at my house very kind. The good lady -very sad and in tears in consequence of a tremendous hailstorm having -materially injured her young crop of corn. - -[Sidenote: 5th] - -Marched to Tournecoupe. Yesterday left a fine turkey behind; a woeful -mistake. - -[Sidenote: 6th] - -Marched to Lectoure. Billeted upon an apothecary. - -[Sidenote: 7th] - -Marched to Condom. Very wet. The road extremely bad. - -[Sidenote: 8th] - -Halted. - -[Sidenote: 9th] - -Marched to Nérac. - -People remarkably civil. A lady presented me with some good Bordeaux -wine. - -[Sidenote: 10th] - -Casteljaloux, an interesting place. The country covered with woods of -pines, and the soil sandy. It reminded me of some bivouac in Spain near -Madrid. - -[Sidenote: 11th] - -Bazas. The Portuguese in our Division formed into a Brigade. Colonel -Cerquiero commanded it. All the Portuguese boys and women, and Spanish -ones also, to leave us and to go home in charge of this Brigade, -in order to be able to draw rations on the road to their different -homes. These soldiers had been in the Light Division for several -years and were brave fellows. The Portuguese regiments, viz. 1st and -3rd Caçadores and 17th Portuguese regiment of the line, formed in -contiguous columns. The 52nd and 1st 95th were drawn up on each side of -the market-place and at 2 o'clock presented arms and gave three cheers -to the regiments as they filed through us, which mark of our attention -highly flattered the Portuguese. - -[Sidenote: 14th] - -Sailed down the Garronne from this place, the banks covered with -vineyards and highly cultivated villages; country houses innumerable. -Arrived at the celebrated mercantile city of Bordeaux about 9 o'clock -A.M. Found my brother, who happened to have got there before me. Dined -with him. Visited the theatre, and also the small one (Gaieté). - -[Sidenote: 15th] - -Marched at 4 A.M. Followed the regiment to the camp near Blanquefort, -about two leagues from Bordeaux. Joe went to see his brother. - -[Sidenote: 17th] - -Returned to the town. - -[Sidenote: 19th] - -Camp. - -[Illustration: =SKETCH-MAP= - - _ILLUSTRATING MOVEMENTS OF_ - - =LIGHT DIVISION= - - _DURING THE CAMPAIGNS OF 1813-14._] - -[Sidenote: 20th] - -Dined with Clerk, 66th regiment, at a small venta. Lambrecht not there. - -[Sidenote: 21st] - -Dined with Terry, 74th, and some others. Drank to the memory of our -brave fellows who fell at Vitoria. The men very jovial in camp. - -[Sidenote: 22nd] - -Returned to Bordeaux. - -[Sidenote: 23rd] - -Got leave for England. - -[Sidenote: 24th] - -Took leave of my brothers and sailed with Captain Kelly, 60th, and -Lieutenant Dixon, from this place in a boat about 5 o'clock. Went on -shore at an _auberge_. Had a dinner. Dixon and an officer of the 32nd -fell out. Got into the boat at 10, rolled myself up in my blanket, and -did not wake until daylight, when the boatmen informed me I had arrived -at Pauillac. Everything very expensive. Got a billet upon M. Mathier at -Masset, two miles off. Bad people. - -[Sidenote: 27th] - -Got an order to embark, hired a boat, and sailed at 1 A.M. for Verdon -Roads. Captain Kelly's servant deserted and, by mistake, took away a -bag of provisions. The Garronne very wide and rough. Never so sick in -my life. Every wave ducked me and passed over us. Sailed among the -vessels, and found the ship had sailed the day before. Returned to -Pauillac. Went to my old billet. Not well received. Gave me a bed. Had -a good dinner and plenty of wine. - -[Sidenote: 28th] - -No ship for England. The boatman wanted 100 francs. I offered him 40. -He refused. Took him before the Mayor and an officer of Marine. Nothing -satisfactory. Damned him and left him. - -[Sidenote: 30th] - -The boatman took 40 francs. Major Lynche and Captain Dillon came into -our quarters. Dixon played the flute, danced, and astonished the -natives. - -[Sidenote: 1814 July 1st] - -Got an order to embark on board the transport B.M. A brig very much -crowded and a very small cabin (name _Louisa_). - -[Sidenote: 2nd] - -Went down the river. A signal made from a man-of-war to come near and -put our people on board. Found it was a mistake. - -[Sidenote: 3rd] - -Continued at anchor. - -[Sidenote: 4th] - -Our Commodore on the _Zephyr_ brig had the Blue Peter flying. Got under -weigh at 8 o'clock A.M. Passed the Cordouan Lighthouse, situated about -four miles from the shore. Captain Kelly, 60th; Lieutenant Dalton, -R.A.D., a curious fellow; Lieutenant Dixon, and myself formed a mess. -The wind now unfavourable daily. - -[Sidenote: 10th] - -Our fresh provisions out; the ship's beef not very good; but the -Captain did everything in his power to make us comfortable. Taken in -tow frequently by the _Zephyr_. - -[Sidenote: 12th] - -Becalmed when in tow. The _Zephyr_ could not clear us, and stove in the -quarter-gallery, giving the vessels a tremendous shock. Dalton, not -having much faith in the vessel being able to put up with such rough -usage, sprang out of bed and bellowed out, "Sinking, by G—!" He ran out -of the cabin. Kelly and Dixon also turned out. I also made the best -possible haste, being asleep, but started by the uproar on deck, where -every one expected we should be stove in. I believe, from the good -skill displayed in nautical affairs, the Captain cleared us. Dalton -uttered some heavy "damns" against the _Zephyr_ and took three or four -stiff glasses of grog. - -[Sidenote: 14th] - -Caught two sharks. The sailors persuaded me to try some. I was tempted, -having been so long feeding on salt food. The flesh very disagreeable. -In the evening caught some mackerel, which was a great luxury. - -[Sidenote: 17th] - -Entered the chops of the Channel. Soon had a view of the shores of -Albion; a sight very gratifying after the long absence. - -[Sidenote: 22nd] - -Disembarked on the 22nd of July at Portsmouth. My messmates dined with -me at an inn. Took the coach the same night for London. - -[Sidenote: 23rd] - -Arrived in town. Went to Old Slaughters Coffee House. - - - - -CAMPAIGN OF 1815 - - - Napoleon, on his return from Elba in March 1815, finding that his - overtures to the European Powers were without avail, and not daring - to risk another defensive war, decided on assuming the offensive. - For many reasons, the allied armies in Belgium offered him the - most advantageous point to aim at, since, from their position - and propinquity, they menaced Paris; also the Belgian nation was - sympathetic to his cause, and if he could defeat the British and - Prussians and possess himself of the Rhine frontier, he would be on - the flank of the advancing hosts of Russia and Austria, and in the - most favourable position for making peace on advantageous terms. - - Having concentrated over 92,000 infantry, 22,000 cavalry, and 350 guns - on the frontier, he suddenly broke in on 15th June, and the following - day defeated the Prussians at Ligny with his main body, whilst his - left wing, under Ney, fought an indecisive action with the British at - Quatre Bras. After despatching Grouchy to pursue the Prussians, he - turned with all his force on Wellington, who fell back to the position - of Waterloo. - - Here, on 18th June, the decisive battle was fought, the British and - Hanoverians sustaining the repeated attacks of Napoleon throughout the - day. The arrival of the Prussians on the right flank of the French - during the afternoon greatly relieved the pressure on the British - position, and towards evening the French, having been repulsed in all - their attacks on Wellington, and being taken in flank by Blucher, were - completely defeated and driven off the field of battle. - - The Allies marched on Paris, which they entered on 7th July. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -_Journal—25th April-June 1815_ - - The 1st Battalion embark at Dover for Ostend—Land at Ostend and - proceed in barges to Bruges and Ghent—The Rifle officers call on Louis - XVIII.—Reviewed by the Duke of Wellington—March to Brussels—Simmons is - billeted upon Monsieur Overman. - -Letter No. XXIV - -_To his Parents from Brussels, dated 19th May 1815_ - - Describes embarkation—Brother Joseph left in England as adjutant - of the "four skeleton companies" at the depôt—The expenses of - equipment for service—The voyage—Dreadfully sea-sick—Good quarters in - Brussels—Many messages and good advice to his family. - -_Journal—15th-18th June 1815_ - - The night of 15th June at Brussels—The call to arms—The Rifle Men - march to Quatre Bras and get "a view of _Johnny_"—The British - cavalry not yet arrived—The 42nd cut up by the French cavalry—The - Rifles bivouac on the field of Quatre Bras—The morning of the 17th - June—Breakfasts at a farm—The British Divisions retire and are joined - by the cavalry—The French follow them up—Heavy rain and impassable - condition of the cultivated land—The 7th Hussars charge—Also the Life - Guards and Oxford Blues—The British army reach Waterloo and take up a - position there—Cannonading till dark—Bivouac on the field—The battle - of Waterloo—Dawn of the 18th June—The men clean their arms and prepare - for the contest—The French "form to give battle"—No doubt now but that - Napoleon himself was there—Delight of the old Peninsular warriors at - the prospect of fighting under the Duke against Buonaparte—The French - artillery opens fire—Disposition of the Division under Sir Thomas - Picton—The Rifles on the _chaussée_ by La Haye Sainte—Destructive fire - from French guns—The latter are advanced, and the French infantry - columns move to the attack—Terrible fire from the British Rifle - Men—The French column stopped—Simmons receives a severe wound, and is - dragged into the farm of Mont St. Jean. - -Letter No. XXV - -_To his Parents, from Brussels, undated, but bearing a postmark of 1st -July 1815_ - - The march from Brussels to Quatre Bras—"A bloody and obstinately - contested battle"—The retirement to Waterloo—The battle of - Waterloo—The French cannonade—Advance of "immense columns in - imposing masses"—"Proud and fierce appearance of the British"—Is - wounded and trampled on in the mud for some time—Finds himself in - the farm of Mont St. Jean—Mr. Robson, the assistant surgeon of the - Rifles, cuts a musket-ball out of his breast—Dreadful nature of the - wound—Sergeant Fairfoot endeavours to take him to the rear—The French - fire "riddling the house"—The French press on, and the British have - to fall back—Fairfoot puts Simmons on a horse and he escapes—Terrible - sufferings during the ride to Brussels—Reaches his billet at Monsieur - Overman's at 10 P.M.—Is bled and has a quart of blood taken from - him—Followed by _five_ more in the next four days—Is going on well, - but very weak—Sends money to his parents—Expectations of a pension for - his wound, which will "make them comfortable." - -Letter No. XXVI - -_To his Parents, from Brussels, dated 21st July 1815_ - - Refers to his last letter as being written on 1st July—Has a severe - relapse two days after writing it—For seven days is in a desperate - condition with violent inflammation—Is bled regularly two or three - times a day—Followed by a stupor of four days—The inflammation - returns with more violence—"The lancet was the only thing to save - me"—Another seven days of misery—Gets worse than ever, so sends for - the surgeon—Has "two large basins" of blood taken from his arm—The - surgeon is alarmed and does not like to try bleeding again—An eminent - physician prescribes leeches—Thirty are applied, followed by more, - for three days—Suffers great torture—Robson tells him he cannot - live—Distress of his poor little nurse (Mademoiselle Overman)—"Death - has no pangs for me"—The thoughts of his family too much for him—Lies - in a stupor for three days—Nature effects a cure—Monsieur Overman's - kindness, and devotion of his "dear little nurse"—Is dreadfully - emaciated, but "sound at heart"—Makes arrangements for paying for - Ann's schooling—"The next letter will be from Paris." - -Letter No. XXVII - -_To his Parents, from Brussels, dated 18th September 1815_ - - Is able to walk about—First attempts to do so—Detailed account of the - scene in Mont St. Jean—Sergeant Fairfoot although wounded, tries to - put Simmons on a horse, but the latter faints—The French cannon-balls - and shells riddling the farm—The surgeon's opinion of the wound and - inutility of moving him—Desperate onslaught of the French—All who - could crawl leave the barn—The dying Rifle officer—Sergeant Fairfoot - returns and lifts Simmons on to a horse, also the other officer—Sends - money to his parents—Paris "a sink of iniquity"—Fears it may corrupt - the morals of the Rifle Men—Brother Joseph has more good advice—A - celebrated surgeon inspects Simmons's wound—"The next letter will be - from London." - - -_Journal—25th April-June 1815_ - -[Sidenote: 1815 April 25th] - -Embarked at Dover at seven o'clock in the evening; after passing the -pier the wind was not very favourable. Arrived at Ostend on the 27th -at daylight and disembarked from on board the _Winsley-dale_ packet. -Embarked again on board Dutch schuyts with six companies of the 1st -Battalion, consisting of ninety-two men per company. The boats were -drawn by horses. Arrived at Bruges before dark. Our boats halted -for the night in the environs of the town. It being dark, had no -opportunity of seeing the place. - -[Sidenote: 28th] - -Sailed at 4 A.M. The country flat, but highly cultivated and abounding -with everything. The people dirty, and had not the appearance of being -a healthy peasantry. The country in every direction intersected with -dykes and canals. Arrived at Ghent about 3 o'clock P.M. Got billets in -the third section. My billet upon Mr. Barth, sugar merchant, Quai de la -Grue, No. 29. The people very civil and hospitable, every one making -the same observation. The houses very good and the town well supplied -with vegetables and fish. In fact, it abounded with everything. -Rhenish wine, 2s. 3d. per bottle, of most excellent quality. - -[Sidenote: 30th] - -Paid a visit with all our officers to Lewis (Louis) XVIII., who was -flattered by the compliment. The public buildings very good; the -churches decorated in the Roman Catholic style. The statues in some of -the churches are masterpieces of Art, and strike an attentive observer -with astonishment at the natural appearance of the figures. - -[Sidenote: 1815 May 7th] - -Reviewed by the Duke of Wellington, who was pleased to express his -satisfaction at our appearance. In the evening went to the play. The -house neither handsome nor well lit up. - -[Sidenote: 10th] - -Marched to Alost; it being filled with Lewis's people, we went into the -village of Wella. - -[Sidenote: 11th] - -Halted. - -[Sidenote: 12th] - -At 3 A.M. marched to Bruxelles. Arrived about 11 A.M. After much -trouble got a billet upon the house of Mr. Overman, Rue du l'Etoile, -No. 119. His family consisted of Monsieurs Jack, Albert, Edward, -Gustavus, Mademoiselle Julia, Harriott, Ulalia, Mademoiselle Bolinus, -Madame Notter, M. Lusmar. Continued here very comfortable until 15th -June. - - -Letter No. XXIV - - Bruxelles, _19th May 1815_. - -Dear Parents—On the 27th of April five companies of the 1st Battalion -embarked on board packet boats at Dover. As the senior officers of each -rank had the refusal of going, the juniors were under the necessity -of staying at home, which was a very great mortification to Joseph. -However, if we commence hostilities he will soon be wanted to fill the -place of some unlucky fellow that may bite the dust. - -Four skeleton companies remained behind. Joseph was made adjutant of -the depôt. He will have to drill the recruits and young officers. He -takes a delight in his duty, and I have no doubt he will fill the -situation with credit. It is highly flattering to my feelings to -see him pitched upon for a situation of such responsibility by the -commanding officer. When I embarked it was nearly dark. Our Boys had -been stationed some time at Dover, and the people came in crowds to see -us off, cheered us, and wished us success. It was at the same place -that in 1809 I embarked with as fine a regiment as ever left England. -Joseph was very sorry to part from me. I wanted him to come on board -and sup, but he would take nothing, and said, "I must leave you." He -assured me that through life he would always be a friend to you, and -if anything happened to me he would endeavour to become your protector -and tread in my steps. I have no doubt of him; he is everything that I -could wish. The moment at parting proved his heart, and makes me daily -bless the Almighty for putting it in my power to serve him. - -I think soon he will be able to send you some money. I was put to much -expense in providing the necessary articles for service. I managed -to buy a baggage horse, which cost 15 guineas, and 3 guineas for -embarking. I shall have £20 in July, but that is some time to look -forward to. When I get it I will transmit the money. I have not yet got -a riding horse, but I must buy one; my legs will never carry me through -a long campaign. After a day's march I am lame. If I get hit again they -must promote me or recommend me for Chelsea. - -I was dreadfully sick all the way to Ostend. My throat swelled with -vomiting to such a degree that I could scarcely speak for a week after. -I saw very little of Ostend. We embarked upon the canal and arrived at -Bruges in the evening. The next morning we moved forward to Ghent, a -very fine town, the people remarkably civil, provisions and wine very -cheap. Louis XVIII. is at this place. Our officers paid him a visit on -the 13th. We marched to this town, which is very large. I have a room -in a garden. The officers who mess with me prefer dining at my house, -as I have the use of a delightful summer-house. At present we are -enjoying ourselves. Rumour says Buonaparte is concentrating his forces, -and means to attack us very soon; for my part, I do not care how soon. -I hope I shall see Paris before the summer is over, in a whole skin. - -I hope my sister still continues to apply diligently to her studies. -If she cannot pay Mrs. Sterling exactly as she could wish, I will be -bound to pay the money for her. Do not let that damp her ardour or give -uneasiness. I would rather sell anything I have got than suffer any of -them being neglected on so essential a point as education. - -I hope Charles is going on well, and Betsy also. If they endeavour to -become clever I shall bring them some pretty things when I return. - -I suppose Joseph sent the parcel after I left England. I have not -written to him yet. - -Let me know Charlie's age and his height, as I want to ascertain when -he will be able to commence his military career. I wish he was big -enough. However, we must wait patiently. - -I regret much having lost my old servant. His time of service was out -previous to my leaving England. I was this morning obliged to turn -off[27] some of our men for drunkenness. Liquor is so cheap here, -the people give them it. My cook spoiled my dinner yesterday. I had -friends dining, which made it more provoking. I am, as caterer to a -mess, something like the father of a family. I always fed the officers -in whatever company I belonged to. Major Beckwith is still with the -company. He will go upon the staff very soon. On my own account I -regret his leaving; he is the most worthy of men. I am led to expect -something handsome when the prize money for Spain is paid. It is -expected to be paid soon. I hope it may. I shall empower Joseph to -receive it, and send it to you.—Yours ever sincerely, - - Geo. Simmons. - -Direct, 1st Battalion, 95th Regiment, British Army, Netherlands. - - -_Journal—15th-18th June 1815_ - -[Sidenote: 1815 June 15th] - -At 11 o'clock P.M., when in bed, my servant came to rouse me, saying -the assembly was sounding. I directly dressed myself and went to our -alarm post. Our Division (the 5th) formed in column of regiments -near the park and waited for orders. We had many vague reports in -circulation about the French. - -[Sidenote: 16th] - -At daylight we marched through the Port de Namur. Numbers of people -came to see us leave the town. We marched through Waterloo and halted. -I lay down for an hour. The Duke of Wellington passed with his staff. -The Division fell in and moved forward to Quatre Bras, where we had a -view of _Johnny_. - -The enemy commenced a cannonade, and our regiment filed through high -corn to the left. Four companies were sent to drive _Johnny_ from -some fields intersected with thick hedges and also ditches, which we -effected. - -On this day our cavalry had not arrived, which gave the enemy a decided -advantage, and made us keep nearer each other than otherwise would have -been necessary. The Cuirassiers charged the 42nd and cut through them, -but on recovering themselves they formed a square, and the Cuirassiers -paid dear in turn for their temerity. - -Until dark we had very sharp fighting.[28] - -A man of ours was left near the French. When it fell dark I went with -three men to fetch him away. Both the poor fellow's legs were broken. -I deposited him in a house and joined my regiment. Our Division formed -in column of companies at wheeling distance, the officers on the left -of their respective companies. In this way we lay down. I pulled a -greatcoat off a Cuirassier who was dead, and covered myself, which made -me sleep well till one hour before daylight. - -[Sidenote: 17th] - -The piquets began to fire. We directly stood to our arms. As soon -as the day cleared we commenced firing at each other merely for -amusement. I got a fire kindled, and purchased from a farmer, ham, -etc. I made a good breakfast. This man's house contained upwards of -fifty wounded French. Our men gave them water. About 11 A.M. the 5th -and 3rd Divisions who had fought the day before, being the only part -of the army engaged, retired. We soon were joined by the cavalry. The -enemy followed close after us. The rain began to fall in torrents. The -country being in a high state of cultivation, covered with corn, and -the ground remarkably soft, the cavalry could scarcely raise a canter, -the animals sank so deep. The 7th Hussars charged, but were sadly -mauled. The Life Guards and Oxford Blues made some very fine charges, -and literally preserved the 7th from being cut to pieces. About 3 -o'clock in the afternoon the whole army moved into position in front -of Waterloo. The enemy in parties reconnoitred, and was amused with -the music of our cannon till dark. The night was very bad. The field -where we were was all mud. I got a bundle of straw to lie upon, and I -smeared an old blanket with thick clayey mud, and covered myself with -the blanket, which prevented the rain from passing through, and kept me -tolerably warm. - -[Sidenote: 18th] - -At daylight the weather cleared. The men commenced cleaning their -arms and preparing for the tremendous contest. We were soon convinced -the French were forming to give us battle, and had no doubt but -Napoleon himself was there. Many old warriors who had fought for years -in the Peninsula were proud of being pitted with our gallant chief -against Buonaparte and the flower of France. About 11 o'clock in the -morning the enemy commenced a heavy cannonade upon our line, which was -spiritedly returned from us. The 2nd Brigade of our Division occupied -the extreme left of the line, the 1st 95th were upon the _chaussée_ to -Charleroi from Bruxelles; 32nd, 79th, and 28th on the left, under the -command of Sir J. Kempt; Sir D. Pack commanded the 2nd Brigade; Sir -Thos. Picton commanded this Division. Our Brigade formed column and, -from being much exposed to the enemy's guns, suffered severely. About -1 o'clock the enemy's guns were moved nearer. We knew the attack must -soon commence, and under cover of their guns, four columns now made -their appearance, amounting to 20,000 men. They moved steadily towards -us. We formed a sort of line and commenced a terrible fire upon them, -which was returned very spiritedly, they advancing at the same time -within a few yards. I had an impression I should not be touched, and -was laughing and joking with a young officer about half-past four in -the afternoon. At this time I was a little in front of our line, and -hearing the word charge, I looked back at our line, and received a -ball, which broke two of my ribs near the backbone, went through my -liver, and lodged in my breast. I fell senseless in the mud, and some -minutes after found our fellows and the enemy hotly engaged near me. -Their skirmishers were beaten back and the column stopped. Two men -dragged me away to the farm of Mont St. Jean, a little to the rear, -where Mr. Robson extracted a musket-ball from my breast. - - -[Waterloo Journal ends. The preceding was apparently written in -Brussels between 1st and 3rd July 1815.] - - -Letter No. XXV - -[Undated but bearing post-mark of 1st July.] - - Bruxelles, _1815_ - -My dear Parents—Through the blessings of Almighty God I am at last -able to give you some account of myself, which I never expected to be -able to do in this world. On the 16th of June, after passing a long -tranquillity at this place, our Division marched at 4 o'clock in the -morning. We moved forward 20 miles and gave the French battle. A more -bloody or obstinately contested thing had seldom or never been seen. -This convinced me that the French would fight for Buonaparte. The -darkness of the night only separated us. - -The following day was passed principally in reconnoitring and squibbing -at one another; nothing done of consequence. Towards noon retired to a -position. Our cavalry and the French had some charging and sabring each -other. The rain fell in torrents, and continued raining all the night. - -On the 18th the French seemed to be very busy moving immense columns -opposite us preparatory to an attack. About noon they commenced a -cannonade, from, I daresay, 150 pieces of cannon, which was very soon -answered by us. Immense columns in imposing masses now moved towards -us. If you could have seen the proud and fierce appearance of the -British at that tremendous moment, there was not one eye but gleamed -with joy. The onset was terrible. After four hours' exposure to it -I received the dangerous wound which laid me amongst many others in -the mud. Most of the men with me were killed, so it was some time -before any officer noticed me, and not until I had been trampled over -many times. The next place I found myself in was where the men and -officers had been collected for the surgeon. A good surgeon, a friend -of mine, instantly came to examine my wound. My breast was dreadfully -swelled. He made a deep cut under the right pap, and dislodged from -the breast-bone a musket-ball. I was suffocating with the injury my -lungs had sustained. He took a quart of blood from my arm. I now began -to feel my miseries. Sergeant Fairfoot was also here wounded in the -arm. He got me everything he could, and said he would go and knock -some French prisoner off his horse for me in order to get me off. The -balls were riddling the house we were in. He got me a horse. They -tried to lift me upon it, but I fainted; some other officer took it. -In consequence of a movement the French made with all their forces, -our people were obliged to retire. If I stayed I must be a prisoner, -and being a prisoner was the same as being lost. Poor Fairfoot was -in great agitation. He came with another horse. I remember some Life -Guardsmen helped me on. Oh what I suffered! I had to ride twelve miles. -I forgot to tell you the ball went through my ribs, and also through -my body. The motion of the horse made the blood pump out, and the -bones cut the flesh to a jelly. I made my way to the house I had been -billeted on—very respectable people. I arrived about 10 o'clock on -that doleful night. The whole family came out to receive me. The good -man and his wife were extremely grieved. I had everything possible got -for me, a surgeon sent for, a quart of blood taken from me, wrapped -up in poultices, and a most excellent nurse. In four days I had six -quarts of blood taken from me, the inflammation ran so high in my -lungs. At present everything is going on well. I am so weak, if I lift -my head from the pillow I faint. I have sent you a five-pound note. -This business has bothered me, but I shall get a year's pay, and most -likely a pension, which will enable me to make you comfortable. My -love to you all. Remember me kindly to my uncle. It distresses me that -I cannot send Ann the sum she wants. She shall have it soon. A number -of our officers are wounded in the town. Poor Lister was killed the -first day. He was wounded in the stomach, and died a few hours after. -We have so many applications for commissions in this regiment that it -would be impossible to do anything in the way that Ann wishes. The only -plan I can advise is, should there be a turning out into the line, to -volunteer into any regiment the colonel may wish. - -I am not allowed any person to help me, so I know nothing, and for -God's sake do not talk about me or show this. - -[The above bears no signature.] - - -Letter No. XXVI - - Bruxelles, _21st July 1815_. - -Dear Parents—I wrote you on the 1st of July. Enclosed in the letter was -a £5 Bank of England note, which at the time I could ill spare, but was -afraid you were much in want of money. If you directed your letter to -me, 1st Battalion, 95th Regiment, wounded, Bruxelles, Netherlands, the -letter would have come to hand. I am afraid you directed it some other -way. - -On the 3rd I was attacked with convulsions, and at night with vomiting. -Afterwards I lay in a state of insensibility until the morning, when -a violent inflammation had taken place in my body. I was bled three -times, which gave me temporary ease. In this way I went on for seven -days, bled regularly two or three times a day. I felt better, but -continued in a stupor for four days, when the inflammation recommenced -with far more violence than ever. The lancet was the only thing to save -me, so I was bled again very largely. My liver now was much swollen, -and consequently my body was a good deal enlarged. I had always an -intolerable burning pain in the liver. I never slept—often in dread of -suffocation. Bleeding was the only remedy for it. In this way I went -on for seven days more, when one evening, the pain being very violent, -I sent for my surgeon to bleed me. He took two large basins from my -arm. The pain abated much. I requested a little more might be taken, -but I suddenly fainted. It was about half an hour before I could be -brought to life. This alarmed my friend so much that he did not like -to try bleeding again. He went and brought an eminent physician to see -me, who recommended leeches. I had thirty immediately provided and -applied to my sides. The next day, I had twenty-five more on the same -spot, and the day after, twenty-five more. The last application of -them was horrible. My side was inflamed and nearly raw from the biting -of the others. I got fresh leeches every time; they bit directly. I -was in the greatest state of debility when the last were put on the -raw part; all taking hold at once made me entirely mad with anguish. -I kicked, roared, and swore, and tried to drag them off, but my hands -were held. Such torture I never experienced. As soon as they came off -I ordered my servant to kill them, as well as about fifty more I had -in the house. My dear friend who had attended me so kindly through -this doleful scene came to see me. It was then one o'clock in the -morning. "I am sorry they have tormented you with leeches, as they are -of no use. Are you resigned? You cannot live,"—this, poor fellow, with -tears trickling down his cheeks; on seeing which my poor little nurse, -knowing so well the meaning, sobbed aloud. I answered, "Death has no -pangs for me," but, alas! at that moment my poor family appeared before -my eyes. I thought you would have no provision. My heart seemed fit to -break. I told Robson[29] the only uneasiness I felt was for my family. -He endeavoured to console me. He went away, not expecting to see me -again. In the morning he found me in a state of stupor, in which state -I continued for three days, to the astonishment of all. I suddenly -found my body very wet, and called my nurse, who was astonished to -find me speak. The bed-clothes being turned down, there I was deluged -in matter. The plaster was taken off the wound, when the matter flowed -forth as from a fountain. I was immediately rational and my body began -to decrease. I knew in a moment my life was saved. My surgeon came -and jumped for joy at my good fortune. The whole family in my house -came too. The kindness and delight which Mr. Overman showed was beyond -everything. Every night before he went to bed he came to me; sometimes -I was insensible. He regularly went into his study and prayed for me -every night. He is a very good man, a Protestant, and speaks English -well. My dear little nurse has never been ten minutes from me since I -came to the house. When I was in that dangerous state I often fainted -in the night. She had in a moment a strong spirit at my nose to revive -me. For ten nights together she never went to bed, but laid her head -on my pillow. I now must finish with observing that I am with the -best people in the world. The ball passed through my liver.... I am -dreadfully emaciated, but I am sound at heart. I eat roast meat daily. -In consequence of this discharge, I am obliged to eat very largely. I -daresay in three weeks I shall be able to get out of bed. My spine is -cut through at the hips. My backbone hurts me sadly. I was afraid of -my shoulders, but I feed so well and drink such good wine that I must -put flesh on my bones. I bless Almighty God for His mercy to me, for -restoring me as it were to life in so wonderful a manner. I wish the -Frenchman had not hit me quite so hard. I am afraid it will take many -years off my life and make an old man of me. I have got the ball, and -shall make Ann a present of it. Joe passed by the place, but did not -come. I suppose he has not heard I was worse. However, it is as well, -as he would be hurt to see me in this emaciated state after writing -and telling him I was out of danger. Ann must be much in want of money -to pay for schooling. Now the only thing I can advise you to do is to -draw the £20 out of Mr. Boyse's hands and pay it. I shall not be fit to -travel for two months to come, and I can get no money until I arrive at -my regiment. After I have been a little time at the regiment I shall -go to London and get a year's pay. I shall send you £100, and the £17 -will pay my expenses back to France. It is likely that we may stay in -France a long time, which will be very lucky, as I shall get wine good -and cheap—in fact, everything else in proportion. One year from the day -I was wounded being passed, I mean again to go to London and apply for -the pension, which, if I am lucky enough to procure, you will never -again be in want of money. - -My dear Ann I hope continues diligently her pursuit after knowledge; -Betsy also. Charles I expect delights in his studies. If he means me to -be his friend, it is the only way to acquire my friendship. - - * * * * * - -My uncle will, I am sure, be very happy to hear that I am in the land -of the living. My best regards to him. You will think me a strange -fellow to write so much, but I write perfectly at my ease. I have -plenty of books, and amuse myself all day very agreeably, and knowing -the danger of offering to stir, I am quite happy. Adieu. God preserve -you all in His holy keeping, - - G. Simmons. - -The next letter I hope will be from Paris. Write soon. - - -Letter No. XXVII - -Brussels, _12th September 1815_. - -My dear Parents—I am now, thank God, able to enjoy myself once more. -My health is nearly as good as ever. I increase in strength daily. -The felicity I feel at being capable to walk about is hardly to be -described. My legs swelled very much when I first arose out of bed. For -some days I was often obliged to be carried back and rubbed with hot -flannel for hours together. I was afraid of becoming dropsical, but -these bad symptoms have entirely left me. On Sunday, being the birthday -of my worthy landlord, we were very gay. After a splendid dinner I -was gallant enough to walk with the ladies into the country nearly a -mile, where we had cakes, etc., at a house, and then returned back. -Two young ladies supported me, which amused the people that passed. I -have invitations to dine out almost every day, but as I must live very -steadily, I often refuse. The more I know of the good family I live -with the better I like them. If I happen to mention my thoughts of -returning to England, they are all melancholy, and request me not to -think of it. Their fine children, as soon as they get up, come into my -bedroom to kiss me and wish me good morning. A little girl often puts -me in mind of my dear Betsy; she always calls me her uncle. - -I shall be able to return to England in a month if I continue going -on well. The violent spasms that often seized me have entirely -disappeared; sometimes they came on when eating or drinking, and -obstructed my throat in such a manner that I could not swallow. At -first when I got into the garden I was so delighted with the scenery -that I fancied I could walk in the presence of several ladies who came -to pay an afternoon visit. I attempted it, and fell to the ground in -fits. I certainly was out of my senses at the time. I alarmed the good -folks, so that they all went home. I continued in convulsions all the -night. This circumstance made me keep my bed a fortnight longer. I -forgot to mention a circumstance which deserved my notice. Sergeant -Fairfoot was wounded through the arm, and also through the hand, on -the 16th. When I was carried off the field of battle and deposited in -a stable upon straw, he came near me and expressed much concern. He -supported me while the surgeon cut into my breast and dislodged the -ball, which, being flat and terribly jagged, required some time. Every -five minutes the cannon-shot from the enemy and shells were passing -through this house, which made it a very dangerous place. Fairfoot was -very anxious to get me away. He went in search of a horse, and returned -with a Frenchman's, and tried to put me on it, but I fainted, and was -carried back to my straw. When I came to myself, I heard the surgeons -say, "What is the use of torturing him? he cannot live the night; he -is better where he is than to die on horseback." This admonition -made Fairfoot desist, but he got me water and behaved very kind. The -enemy made a very desperate attack, and it was thought this place -would in a few minutes be between the fire of the parties; under such -circumstances we should be either burnt or shot. Everybody that could -crawl left the place. I asked the hospital sergeant, who was the last -man there, if we were to be left? He durst not answer me. A gallant -young friend of mine, who was badly wounded and dying, crawled near me -and said, "George, do not swear at the fellow; we shall soon be happy; -we have behaved like Englishmen." At this moment Fairfoot entered, and -a Rifle Man who gallantly exposed himself to carry me off the field. -Fairfoot said, "We must not, nor shall not be murdered, but there is -no time to spare." A Life Guardsman and he put me on the horse. I was -held on by the legs. Fairfoot also got my friend away, but he died the -same night, being a delicate young man.[30] I stated this affair to my -Colonel, and all the officers know how much Sergeant Fairfoot merits -my praise.[31] If I can do him a service he may always command me; his -character as a brave soldier stands with the first in the regiment. -You may tell this to his father. I hear from Joe frequently. He is -well. Never mention me in conversation anywhere, as I do not want to -be known at Hull. My side continues very numb still, but time will, I -hope, render it better. I am anxious to come to England for the purpose -of procuring the year's pay, which I shall send you—at least one -hundred pounds. One year after, I shall present myself at the Medical -Board for the pension, and if I get it, which there is every likelihood -of, why then, I shall laugh at my wounds; for to protect and support -those that are dear to me, my sufferings will be highly recompensed. -I enclose a five-pound note, which I hope will reach you safely. When -I landed I bought a horse, which cost me nineteen pounds; now that I -want to sell it, I cannot get £10 (ten pounds) for it. I have sent -the animal to my brother. He has one already of mine. If there is any -likelihood of staying long in this country, I shall return. My horses, -in that case, will be ready for me, and otherwise I have ordered them -to sell them. I wish our brave fellows were away from Paris. It is a -horrible sink of iniquity, and I am afraid will corrupt the morals of -the thoughtless. - -I have given advice to Joe, but I am convinced that he will not run -into extremes or extravagance. I had some very good accounts of him -from the depôt before he came out. I have shown myself to several -surgeons. A celebrated one from Edinburgh saw me and asked me all the -particulars. My case will be published among many others. The next -letter will be most likely from London. You need not answer this.—Yours, - - Geo. Simmons, Lieut. - - - - -CONCLUSION - - -Little more remains to be said about the career of George Simmons. -He remained at Brussels for several weeks after the last letter here -published was written, and was then well enough to travel to England, -where he landed on 28th October 1815. He was sufficiently recovered of -his severe wounds to start to rejoin his regiment on 1st January 1816, -and served with the British army of occupation in France for nearly -three years, returning to England with the 1st Battalion in November -1818. It was after the battle of Waterloo, on 23rd February 1816, that -the 95th Rifles were, in the words of the _Gazette_, "by command of the -Prince Regent, in the name and on the behalf of His Majesty," ordered -to be "taken out of the numbered regiments of the line and styled THE -RIFLE BRIGADE"; in those days a unique honour. - -Simmons makes no mention of the return of the regiment to England -beyond noting the date of their arrival at Dover. Sir John Kincaid, -however, in his usual vivacious style, gives the following account of -the officers commanding companies on the day of inspection after their -return. "Beckwith with a cork leg; Pemberton and Manners each with a -shot in the knee, making them as stiff as the other's tree one; Loftus -Gray with a gash in the lip and minus a portion of one heel, which -made him march to the tune of dot and go one; Smith with a shot in the -ankle; Eeles minus a thumb; Johnston, in addition to other shot-holes, -with a stiff elbow, which deprived him of the power of disturbing -his friends as a scratcher of Scotch reels on the violin; Percival -with a shot through his lungs; Hope with a grape-shot lacerated leg, -and George Simmons with his riddled body held together by a pair of -stays, for his was no holy day waist which naturally required such an -appendage lest the burst of a sigh should snap it asunder, but one that -appertained to a figure framed in nature's fittest mould to 'brave the -battle and the breeze!'" - -Simmons subsequently served at home until July 1825, when he -accompanied the Battalion to Nova Scotia. On 17th April 1828 he was -promoted Captain, at which time he had close on nineteen years' -service. In 1834 he married in Jersey a daughter of Sir Thomas le -Breton. In 1836 he returned to England with the 1st Battalion; ten -years later he obtained his majority, and in 1845 retired from the -service after thirty-six years' service. Some three years later he was, -in common with the other survivors of the Peninsular War, granted the -"General Service Medal." He died on 4th March 1858, aged seventy-two. - -"Brother Joseph" exchanged to the 41st Regiment, and served with it in -the Burmese War of 1824, where he greatly distinguished himself at the -storming of several stockades. He served also throughout the campaign -of 1842 in Afghanistan, rose to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, and was -granted a C.B. He lived to a great age, dying in 1882. - -"Brother Maud" served in India with the 34th Regiment, and died at -Madras of cholera some time after 1816. - -"My dear Ann" died unmarried. - - - - -APPENDIX I - - -The following letter has been selected out of many written to George -Simmons by his old Peninsula comrades, since it is of especial -interest. Sir Harry Smith served as a Lieutenant with Simmons -throughout the Peninsular War, and was wounded with him at the Combat -of the Coa in 1810. His wife, Lady Smith, whom he alludes to as "Juana" -and "Juanita," was a Spanish lady whom he first met under most romantic -circumstances the day after the storming of Badajoz. Sir John Kincaid -in his _Random Shots of a Rifle Man_, describes this meeting and its -consequences. - - -_Letter from General Sir Harry Smith after the Victory of Aliwal_ - - Simla, _16th June 1846_. - -My dear old Comrade, George Simmons—On the 13th of May I received yours -of the 15th of March, and on the 15th of June, yours of the 13th April. - -You know me well, George, and therefore know nothing can make me a -vain ass, but when I tell you I have received since the battle of -Aliwal upwards of 150 letters of heartfelt gratification conveying to -me theirs and your participation in every feeling of success which -Almighty God has so guided me to, then, George, my heart expresses -its fulness through the eyes by tears of gratitude and reciprocal -affection. From every old friend—I have several still left to us—from -every old comrade of the Light and 4th Division, have I received every -expression of their approbation, their happiness in my having realised -their often-expressed anticipations. - -Your old friend possesses the good sense which you so kindly give him -credit for, keeps pace with his delight in all the congratulations of -our friends. Then, George, comes the _encomium_ of THE DUKE. - -Dear old master! if I have done that which meets _your_ approbation, -then is the cup of glory full indeed, for it is to your example I have -desired to apply any share of the ability bestowed upon me. - -I have had too from him the kindest of messages, and to his old friend -Juanita, as he still calls her. George, my fight of Aliwal was really -beautiful, and now I cannot say I wish on that day I had done this or -that, but what I give myself any credit for was on the 21st of January, -when the enemy, with his army of 24,000 men and 50 guns, so ably, -energetically, and secretly anticipated my move to effect a junction -with the corps at Loodiana, and nothing but pluck, Light Division -experience, and inflexible adherence to purpose, brought me to the -desired field of Aliwal. I lost some of my baggage, but should not have -done that if my orders had been obeyed, but _Finis coronat opus_. I -have had a letter from Joe, who tells me your happiness was such that -your nerves so thrilled through your desperate old wounds as to make -you quite ill. - -Dear George, we little thought at Belem, when hopping about there, I -should become a master of that art we were both "gurning" under, or a -swimming master, with pupils in Sutledge! - -I certainly hurried the rogues over the river a little unceremoniously, -and the credit you all give me is not thrown away, I do assure you. -I am appointed to a Divisional command, and must leave these hills -at rather a bad season of the year, viz. the rainy. Between the -alternations of a fiery sun and torrents of rain, some 600 miles, Juana -will go, through not staying here as I advised her. I begin to long to -get once more to my native land. Mine has been an awful banishment. -I do so long to seize by the hand all those old friends who have so -adhered to me notwithstanding my absence, and who thus so kindly feel -_my_ success and honour _their own_. If anything could make a man an -ass _this_ ought. - -Juana sends her love, and you and your good wife I pray accept -mine.—Your old friend - - Harry Smith. - - -Our old, dear, and mutual friends, Sirs Kempt, Barnard, and Lord -FitzRoy Somerset, have written in most enthusiastic terms. Oh! such a -noble son of Lord F.'s was killed close to me.[32] George, the hand of -Almighty God has shielded me; all my staff were killed or wounded, and -not I, or even a horse of mine, has _been touched_. I never dismounted, -and I never in my life so exposed myself. - - - - -APPENDIX II - -Medical Certificates - - - Brussels, _2nd September 1815_. - -I do hereby certify that Lieutenant Geo. Simmons of the 1st Battalion, -95th Regiment, was dangerously wounded on the 18th of June 1815 in -the Battle of Waterloo. A musket-ball entered the right side near the -spine, fractured the 9th and 10th ribs, passed through the liver; I -extracted it from the breast near the lower end of the sternum. - -He experienced a high state of inflammation from the nature of the -wound. - -A formation of matter took place in the liver, and was discharged by -the wound where the ball was extracted. - - James Robson, Assistant Surgeon, - 1st Battalion, 95th Regiment. - - -I certify that Lieutenant Simmons, 1st Battalion, Rifle Brigade (late -95th), received a severe wound from a musket-ball in the thigh in -action with the enemy at the Battle of Almeida, in Portugal, on the -24th of July 1810. He suffered much from the injury to the bone, and a -consequent confinement of near twelve months. - -He even at this period, if he uses much exercise, complains of pain and -lameness. Also a spent ball on the leg. - -I also certify that Lieutenant Simmons received a wound in the right -knee from a musket-ball, in action with the enemy at the Battle of -Tarbes, in France, on the 20th of March 1814. He suffered most severely -from violent inflammation. There is still an enlargement of the knee, -attended with pain in using much exercise in consequence of the ball -having fractured the patella in its course. - -I further certify that Lieutenant Simmons received an alarming wound -from a musket-ball in the side, in action with the enemy at the Battle -of Waterloo on the 18th of June 1815. The ball entered his right side, -and was extracted from the breast. - -In its course it fractured two ribs and wounded the liver. He suffered -severely from suppuration of that viscus, as well as from a profuse -discharge from the wound of his breast. He complains of spasmodic -attacks of his side and pain shooting towards the right shoulder, with -pain of the breast and difficulty of breathing, particularly in moist -weather. His digestion is also much impaired. With a view to moderate -these distressing symptoms and prevent their more frequent recurrence, -he is under the necessity of using stays in order to give support to -the body, and also to adopt the most abstemious plan of diet, with -almost a total abstinence from wine and fermented liquors. - - Joseph Burke, Surgeon, - 1st Battalion, Rifle Brigade. - - Boilieu en Artois, - France, _24th October 1816_. - -This certificate I gave to Sir James M'Gregor, with the following one -from our friend Lindsay.—G. S. - - - Cambrai, _1st November 1816_. - -I hereby certify that Lieutenant Simmons, 1st Battalion of the Rifle -Brigade (late 95th Regiment), received a severe gun-shot wound at the -Battle of Waterloo. The ball entered the right side, and having in its -course passed through the liver and fractured two ribs, was extracted -from the breast. This officer suffered considerably from the succeeding -inflammation and suppuration, as also from the effects of the large -and repeated bleedings which it was necessary to have recourse to in -order to moderate the inflammation and fever. - -He is still very liable to frequent spasmodic attacks in the side -and pain in the shoulder. The powers of digestion are considerably -impaired, and his breathing is rendered difficult by using any exertion. - -Mr. Simmons is under the necessity of wearing stays in order to give -support to his body, otherwise he would be unable to enjoy the exercise -of walking or riding. - - Owen Lindsay, - Staff Surgeon, 1st Division. - - - - -FOOTNOTES: - - -[1] This Battalion was disbanded in 1818. The present King's Royal -Rifle Corps are its representatives. - -[2] _Twelve Years' Military Adventure_, London, 1829. - -[3] _Military Lectures delivered to the Officers of the 95th (Rifle) -Regiment at Shorncliff Barracks, Kent._ Reprinted recently, as well as -Manningham's _Regulations_, by John Bale and Sons, 87 Great Titchfield -Street, London, W. - -[4] Napier's _History of the War in the Peninsula_, vol. ii. p. 407. - -[5] George Simmons' second brother in 34th Regiment.—Ed. - -[6] Napier also gives these figures, but Simmons in his letter to his -parents has a somewhat different version. See p. 31.—Ed. - -[7] Peter O'Hare joined the Rifle Corps (from the 69th Foot) on its -first formation in 1800, and fought with it at Monte Video, Buenos -Ayres (severely wounded), Roliça, Vimeiro, Coruña, The Coa, Busaco, -Fuentes de Oñoro, and the Storming of Ciudad Rodrigo. He was slain at -the Storming of Badajoz when leading the Forlorn Hope.—Ed. - -[8] William Napier, 43rd Light Infantry, the author of _History of the -War in the Peninsula_.—Ed. - -[9] Colonel Arentschildt, of the 1st German Hussars, was very kind to -me and put me upon a horse, sending two Hussars to accompany me. He -thought I was dying. The tears trickled down the veteran's face. God -bless his memory.—G. S. - -[10] This soldier belonged to the 43rd Light Infantry. I was on the -ground, and very ill from loss of blood; he had been placed on a -paillasse of straw and was dying, but his noble nature would not allow -him to die in peace when he saw an officer so humbled as to be laid -near him on the bare stones. I have experienced many such kindnesses -from soldiers, and indeed if I had not, I should not be alive to tell -the tale.—G. S. - -[11] This night I was so reckless of life, thinking the artery injured, -that some fool gave me a bottle of strong wine, which I drank off at a -draught. It was very wicked of me.—G. S. - -[12] Lieutenant-Colonel Beckwith and the Battalion were particularly -thanked in Lord Wellington's despatches for their gallant conduct on -this trying day, and indeed nothing could exceed the devoted gallantry -displayed by every one. The Light Division lost in killed and wounded -on this day 27 officers and 336 men; 53 Rifle Men were made prisoner; -many of these were also wounded. The French loss must have been very -considerable from the immense numbers in the field.—G. S. - -Napier puts the French loss as "above a thousand." - -The losses of the 95th Rifles during this fight were 1 officer, 1 -sergeant, and 10 Rifle Men killed, and 9 officers, 1 sergeant, and 54 -Rifle Men wounded. Of the wounded officers, three died within a few -days of the fight, and many of the wounded Rifle Men also succumbed to -their injuries.—Ed. - -[13] I regret as a soldier I was not in the battle, but I could not -help it, being unable to crawl, from my wounds in the thigh and leg. I -was at that time so ambitious of being in the fight that I really wept -at not being there.—G. S. - -[14] Afterwards General Sir Harry Smith, G.C.B., the victor of -Aliwal.—Ed. - -[15] Sir John Kincaid, in his _Adventures in the Rifle Brigade_, -published in 1830, mentions having had a hand in this affair.—Ed. - -[16] Afterwards General Sir Hew Ross, G.C.B. - -[17] Afterwards Sir John Kincaid, author of the spirited sketches, -_Adventures in the Rifle Brigade_, and _Random Shots by a Rifleman_.—Ed. - -[18] Major Stewart, as many others have done, asked me if he was -mortally wounded. I told him he was. He thanked me, and died the day -following. Lieutenant Strode died of his wound some little time after -at Coimbra.—G. S. - -[19] Brother John had entered the Mercantile Marine, and on his first -voyage his ship was captured by a French privateer, and he himself -killed in the engagement. At the time of writing this letter it was -believed that he was alive and a prisoner of war.—Ed. - -[20] Afterwards Major-General Sir Edward Pakenham, who was killed in -the disastrous attack on the lines of New Orleans, 1815.—Ed. - -[21] Salamanca.—Ed. - -[22] Captain Cadoux. - -[23] Joseph Dornford was originally at Trinity College, Cambridge, -which he left for the Peninsula. On returning home he entered at Wadham -College, Oxford, and in 1816 was elected a Fellow of Oriel. After -some years of College work he retired to a country living, first in -Northamptonshire and afterwards in Devonshire.—See Rev. T. Mozley's -_Reminiscences of Oriel College and the Oxford Movement_, ii. 55, -78.—Ed. - -[24] I have since heard that he made a most excellent divine and a most -worthy member of society.—G. S. - -[25] The Château d'Urdanches near Arcangues was thus styled by the -British, after its owner. - -[26] I suffered much from this wound until the bone united. I was put -into a house for the night with many of my wounded comrades.—G. S. - -[27] _I.e._, to "tell off" or punish.—Ed. - -[28] Marshal Ney says in a report that Buonaparte had taken away his -reserve, or he would have annihilated us. In this fight he must have -had three to one, with the advantage of cavalry.—G. S. - -[29] James Robson, the regimental Assistant-Surgeon. - -[30] Lieutenant Elliott D. Johnston of the Rifles was being conducted -on horseback towards the village of Waterloo by two Rifle Men when a -French cannon-ball, of which there were many bounding along the road, -struck him and killed him on the spot. This was evidently unknown to -Simmons when he wrote this letter. It is hardly to be wondered at that -this "delicate young man" died.—Ed. - -[31] Sergeant Fairfoot had been with him throughout the six campaigns -in the Peninsula, and is mentioned by Simmons as having been present -at the fight at the bridge of Barba del Puerco in March 1810. He was -subsequently made Quartermaster of the 2nd Battalion, and died in 1838 -at Galway, in the cathedral of which town there is a tablet "inscribed -by his brother officers to record his good and gallant services as a -Rifle Man in the Peninsula, France, and the Netherlands."—Ed. - -[32] Major Arthur FitzRoy Somerset, Grenadier Guards. He was the eldest -son of Lord FitzRoy Somerset (afterwards Lord Raglan), and was serving -in India as Military Secretary to the Commander-in-Chief, General Sir -Henry Hardinge. He was killed at the battle of Ferozeshah on 21st -December 1845, upon which occasion Sir Harry Smith commanded a Division -under General Sir Hugh Gough (afterwards Lord Gough). The battle of -Aliwal, at which Sir Harry Smith commanded, was fought on 28th January -1846.—Ed. - - - - * * * * * * - - - -_In Square Crown 8vo. Printed on Light Paper, with Deckled Edges, and -bound in Buckram. Price 6s._ - - -A - -PRISONER OF FRANCE - -BEING THE REMINISCENCES OF THE LATE - -CAPTAIN CHARLES BOOTHBY, R.E. - - -_Containing a Frontispiece Portrait of the Author, and several small -Illustrations from Pen-and-Ink Sketches in the Author's Journals._ - - -"We cordially recommend this charming bit of autobiography. A page of -it is worth a whole sackful of the trumpery trash which figures in the -publishers' advertisements as the historical novel."—_Daily News._ - -"Exceptionally interesting on account of the details which it supplies -concerning the manner in which he was treated."—_Glasgow Herald._ - -"A very vivid picture of military life in the Peninsula."—_Speaker._ - -"It is impossible to read his diary without liking a man who -made so light of trouble, and who bore himself so gallantly in -captivity."—_Standard._ - -"The cheerfulness with which he writes throughout is singularly -refreshing."—_Academy._ - -"It will be read with eager interest.... The narrative often reads like -romance, but the author had too high a sense of probity to palm off -fiction for actual personal experience."—_Scotsman._ - -"A very engrossing story.... It abounds in interesting anecdote and in -intelligent observation."—_The Broad Arrow._ - -"These Memoirs thoroughly justify their publication, and they will be -perused by students of military history with considerable advantage as -well as keen enjoyment."—_St. James's Gazette._ - -"'A Prisoner of France' should be in the hands of all young soldiers, -for it is a manual of soldierly kindness and fine humanity."—_Vanity -Fair._ - - - - -_In Square Crown 8vo. Printed on Light Paper, with Deckled Edges, and -bound in Buckram. Price 6s._ - - -A MIDDY'S RECOLLECTIONS - -1853-1860 - -BY REAR-ADMIRAL THE HONOURABLE - -VICTOR ALEXANDER MONTAGU - - -_Containing 2 photogravures and 6 other full-page Illustrations._ - - -"Full of interest as illustrating the life of a midshipman afloat in -the last days of the wooden Navy, and as recording a much larger and -more varied share of war experience than has fallen to the lot of most -young officers in these latter days."—_The Times._ - -"Few officers could have had so much active service crowded -into the first few years of their career as the author of these -reminiscences."—_Morning Post._ - -"The life on board ship, the boisterous humour of the gun-room, and the -stern discipline of those rough-and-tumble days are described with a -sailor's breezy frankness."—_Pall Mall Gazette._ - -"It will interest all who are fond of exciting incident, quite apart -from its personal interest."—_Outlook._ - -"His descriptions are written with as much freshness and _verve_ as -if the events recorded were of quite recent occurrence, and with a -sailorly downrightness and infectious good-humour that help to render -this extremely interesting volume a welcome exception to the great -majority of works of its order with which the book market has lately -been flooded."—_The World._ - -"Breezy, full of cheerfulness, Admiral Montagu lived his boyhood in -stirring times, and was a part of them. His record is a piece of -pleasant and straightforward work."—_Country Life._ - -"The book is full of good things from beginning to end."—_Army and Navy -Gazette._ - -"His accounts of active warfare, of pirate-hunting, and shipwreck are -exhilarating, and there are many enlightening pages in the book dealing -with punishments in the Navy, the leisure hours of a middy's life on -board ship, his duties and companionships."—_Daily Mail._ - -"The book is delightfully frank and breezy, and is one which will be -eagerly read."—_Whitehall Review._ - -"It says a good deal for Admiral Montagu's memory that he has been able -to reproduce his impressions of nearly forty years ago so clearly and -pleasantly."—_Daily Chronicle._ - -"A most delightful volume. Many delightful records of experience in -the Naval Service have recently appeared, and for genuine interest and -frank and easy style I am disposed to reckon Admiral Montagu's volume -among the best."—_Navy and Army Illustrated._ - - -A. & C. BLACK, SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. - - - - - * * * * * - - - - -Transcriber's note: - -Minor punctuation and printer errors were corrected. - -Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ and bold text by =equal signs=. - -The sidenotes have been regularised. In the original, the year was at -the top of every page, the month was specified in the first sidenote -entry for each page, and continuing sidenotes on a page only gave the -day unless there was a change of month. 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