in under the duke of wellington - random recollections of campaigns
Tuesday, February 7
«cést la fortune de la guerre.» - june 1811
in under the duke of wellington - random recollections of campaigns
Tuesday, May 17
'Lisbon, 26th October, 1809.
To Lieut. Colonel Torrens, Military Secretary to the
Commander in Chief.
Commander in Chief.
'My DEAR Torrens, 'Lisbon, 26th October, 1809.
'Lieut. Colonel Waters is proceeding to England by my leave, with Major General C. Stewart, who is going for the recovery of his health; and I cannot allow him to depart without adopting this mode of recommending him, in the strongest manner, to the Commander in Chief.
'Although attached to the Portuguese army, he has made himself extremely useful to the British army, by his knowledge of the languages of Spain and Portugal, by his intelligence and his activity. I have employed him in several important affairs, which he has always transacted in a manner satisfactory to me; and his knowledge of the language and customs of the country has induced me to send him generally with the patroles employed to ascertain the positions of the enemy, in which services he has acquitted himself most ably.
'It would be most desirable to have Colonel Waters exchanged from the Portuguese service to the line, and to send him out here again on the establishment of the Adjutant or Quarter Master General, as the regulations do not allow of his being promoted.
'I have come down here to arrange our future operations in Portugal, and I shall return to the army to-morrow.
'Believe me, &c. ; 'Lieut. Colonel Torrens.' < Wellington.
in Dispatches of Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington, K.G ..., Volume 3
Major Gen. Charles Stewart, Marquês de Londonderry
Friday, July 24
Over the Hills and Far Away - Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
Published on 30 May 2014
Over the Hills and Far Away is a traditional folk song originating from late 17th Century England. The song has strong ties to the British Army of the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as a specific link to the 95th Rifle Regiment, this attachment was popularized by the TV adaption of Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe novels.
Due to this long history, there are different versions of the lyrics for each period it was sung in, referencing Queen Anne, all the way up to King George III, as well as generals such as Marlborough, all the way up to the Duke of Wellington.
I thought it'd be nice to have the picture be some redcoats, as opposed to the usual green jackets, just for a change.
Friday, July 17
Sunday, March 30
Waters escape - «He would not be long absent!»
Massena entered Portugal with sixty-five thousand men, his reenforcements while at Santarem were about ten thousand, and he repassed the frontier with forty-five thousand ; hence the invasion of Portugal cost him about thirty thousand men, of which fourteen thousand might have fallen by the sword or been taken.
Not more than six thousand were lost during the retreat; but had Lord Wellington, unrestrained by political considerations, attacked him vigorously at Redinha, Condeixa, Casal Nova, and Miranda de Corvo, half the French army would have been lost. It is unquestionable that a retreating army should fight as little as possible.
When the French reached the Agueda, their cavalry detachments, heavy artillery, and convalescents, again augmented the army to more than fifty thousand men, but the fatigues of the retreat and the want of provisions would not suffer them to show a front to the allies; wherefore, drawing two hundred thousand rations from Ciudad, they fell back to Salamanca, and Lord Wellington invested Almeida.
The light division occupied Gallegos and Espeja, the rest of the army were disposed in villages on both sides of the Coa, and the head-quarters were transferred to Villa Formosa.
Here Colonel Waters, who had been taken near Belmonte during the retreat, rejoined the army. Confident in his own resources, he had refused his parole, and, when carried to Ciudad Rodrigo, rashly mentioned his intention of escaping to the Spaniard in whose house he was lodged.
This man betrayed him, but a servant, detesting his master's treachery, secretly offered his aid; Waters only desired him to get the rowels of his spurs sharpened, and when the French army was near Salamanca, he being in the custody of gendarmes, waited until their chief, who rode the only good horse in the party, had alighted, then giving the spur to his own beast, galloped off!
An act of incredible resolution and hardihood, for he was on a large plain, and before him, and for miles behind him, the road was covered with the French columns.
His hat fell off, and, thus distinguished, he rode along the flank of the troops, some encouraging him, others firing at him, and the gendarmes, sword in hand, close at his heels; nevertheless he broke at full speed, between two columns, gained a wooded hollow, and, having baffled his pursuers, evaded the rear of the enemy's army.
The third day he reached head-quarters, where Lord Wellington had caused his baggage to be brought, observing that he would not be long absent!
History of the War in the Peninsula and in the South of France
from A.D. 1807 to A.D. 1814
By Sir William Francis Patrick Napier
Not more than six thousand were lost during the retreat; but had Lord Wellington, unrestrained by political considerations, attacked him vigorously at Redinha, Condeixa, Casal Nova, and Miranda de Corvo, half the French army would have been lost. It is unquestionable that a retreating army should fight as little as possible.
When the French reached the Agueda, their cavalry detachments, heavy artillery, and convalescents, again augmented the army to more than fifty thousand men, but the fatigues of the retreat and the want of provisions would not suffer them to show a front to the allies; wherefore, drawing two hundred thousand rations from Ciudad, they fell back to Salamanca, and Lord Wellington invested Almeida.
The light division occupied Gallegos and Espeja, the rest of the army were disposed in villages on both sides of the Coa, and the head-quarters were transferred to Villa Formosa.
Here Colonel Waters, who had been taken near Belmonte during the retreat, rejoined the army. Confident in his own resources, he had refused his parole, and, when carried to Ciudad Rodrigo, rashly mentioned his intention of escaping to the Spaniard in whose house he was lodged.
This man betrayed him, but a servant, detesting his master's treachery, secretly offered his aid; Waters only desired him to get the rowels of his spurs sharpened, and when the French army was near Salamanca, he being in the custody of gendarmes, waited until their chief, who rode the only good horse in the party, had alighted, then giving the spur to his own beast, galloped off!
An act of incredible resolution and hardihood, for he was on a large plain, and before him, and for miles behind him, the road was covered with the French columns.
His hat fell off, and, thus distinguished, he rode along the flank of the troops, some encouraging him, others firing at him, and the gendarmes, sword in hand, close at his heels; nevertheless he broke at full speed, between two columns, gained a wooded hollow, and, having baffled his pursuers, evaded the rear of the enemy's army.
The third day he reached head-quarters, where Lord Wellington had caused his baggage to be brought, observing that he would not be long absent!
History of the War in the Peninsula and in the South of France
from A.D. 1807 to A.D. 1814
By Sir William Francis Patrick Napier
«Send me Waters»
THE DUKE AND THE LATE LIEUT.-GEN. SIR JOHN WATERS, K.C.B.
The Duke held Waters in the highest estimation; and, whenever any important information during the Peninsular war, as to the movements of the French, was required, the services of the gallant Waters were appealed to. It was his report of the motions of the French army that led to the battle of Bussaco.
It was Waters whom the Duke asked, when on the opposite side of the Douro, if he thought he could cross the river and see how matters stood with the French, then in possession of Oporto. No sooner said than done. Waters got a boat of some sort, worked himself across and returned with an additional boat; and, with this small beginning, the Duke, at a lower part of the river, got over a sufficient force to drive the French out of the city.
On another occasion it was reported at head quarters that Waters was captured, to which the Duke replied, "Waters will join us ; I know him too well. Bring on his baggage. "The Duke was right ; for, that same day, Waters was seen galloping into camp, bare-headed.
John Waters of the Royal Scots was known as a wily and capable man
behind enemy lines. Despite his skill and stealth, he was caught by the
French and given up for dead by his regiment.
When Wellington was told about his capture and probable execution, he
delayed the usual splitting up of a lost soldier's personal possessions,
saying that "Waters would be back and would want his things."
Wellington was right, for Waters eventually returned.
***
At the end of May, or the beginning of June, 1815, a letter was received at the Horse Guards by one of the officials, from his Grace, at Brussels, in which he says, "Send me Waters;" and in a postscript to the same letter, " Be sure to send me Waters." Accordingly, a messenger was despatched to his club, to ask for Colonel Waters' address. The only information that could be obtained was, that the gallant colonel was fishing somewhere in Wales, but the whereabouts unknown. The messenger was then despatched to the residence of his brother, the late Mr. Edward Waters. The same answer, "Fishing in Wales;" but no address. Application was next made to his brother-in-law, the late Mr. Bainbridgo, a banker: a similar reply. Fortunately, however, the weather in Wales became unpropitious for his piscatory enjoyments. He wended his way slowly to London, where he found note after note awaiting his arrival, to go down immediately to the Horse Guards. The precise day we forget, but it was close upon that which led to a thirty-seven years' peace. The duke's note was skimmed over by Waters; and that night saw him off to his illustrious chief, arriving in time to act as deputy adjutant-general of the forces, and signing the returns of the killed and wounded at Waterloo, being himself one of the latter.
in Wellington anecdotes
The Duke held Waters in the highest estimation; and, whenever any important information during the Peninsular war, as to the movements of the French, was required, the services of the gallant Waters were appealed to. It was his report of the motions of the French army that led to the battle of Bussaco.
It was Waters whom the Duke asked, when on the opposite side of the Douro, if he thought he could cross the river and see how matters stood with the French, then in possession of Oporto. No sooner said than done. Waters got a boat of some sort, worked himself across and returned with an additional boat; and, with this small beginning, the Duke, at a lower part of the river, got over a sufficient force to drive the French out of the city.
On another occasion it was reported at head quarters that Waters was captured, to which the Duke replied, "Waters will join us ; I know him too well. Bring on his baggage. "The Duke was right ; for, that same day, Waters was seen galloping into camp, bare-headed.
John Waters of the Royal Scots was known as a wily and capable man
behind enemy lines. Despite his skill and stealth, he was caught by the
French and given up for dead by his regiment.
When Wellington was told about his capture and probable execution, he
delayed the usual splitting up of a lost soldier's personal possessions,
saying that "Waters would be back and would want his things."
Wellington was right, for Waters eventually returned.
***
At the end of May, or the beginning of June, 1815, a letter was received at the Horse Guards by one of the officials, from his Grace, at Brussels, in which he says, "Send me Waters;" and in a postscript to the same letter, " Be sure to send me Waters." Accordingly, a messenger was despatched to his club, to ask for Colonel Waters' address. The only information that could be obtained was, that the gallant colonel was fishing somewhere in Wales, but the whereabouts unknown. The messenger was then despatched to the residence of his brother, the late Mr. Edward Waters. The same answer, "Fishing in Wales;" but no address. Application was next made to his brother-in-law, the late Mr. Bainbridgo, a banker: a similar reply. Fortunately, however, the weather in Wales became unpropitious for his piscatory enjoyments. He wended his way slowly to London, where he found note after note awaiting his arrival, to go down immediately to the Horse Guards. The precise day we forget, but it was close upon that which led to a thirty-seven years' peace. The duke's note was skimmed over by Waters; and that night saw him off to his illustrious chief, arriving in time to act as deputy adjutant-general of the forces, and signing the returns of the killed and wounded at Waterloo, being himself one of the latter.
in Wellington anecdotes
Thursday, June 13
Saturday, May 11
«note-book in hand, at the top of some hillock» (Memoirs of Baron de Marbot)
DURING our stay at Sobral(de Monte Agraço)I saw another artifice employed by the English, and one of sufficient importance to be worth noting. It is often said that thoroughbred horses are of no use in war, because their price is so high and they require so much care that it would be almost impossible to provide a squadron, much more a regiment, with them. Nor indeed do the English use them on campaign; but they have a habit of sending single officers, mounted on fast thoroughbreds, to watch the movements of a hostile army. These officers get within the enemy's cantonments, cross his line of march, keep for days on the flanks of his columns, always just out of range, till they can form a clear idea of his number and the direction of his march.
After our entry into Portugal, we frequently saw observers of this kind flitting round us. It was vain to give chase to them, even with the best-mounted horsemen. The moment the English officer saw any such approach he would set spurs to his steed, and nimbly clearing ditches, hedges, even brooks, he would make off at such speed that our men soon lost sight of him, and perhaps saw him soon after a league further on, note-book in hand, at the top of some hillock, continuing his observations.
This practice, which I never saw anyone employ like the English, and which I tried to imitate during the Russian campaign, might perhaps have saved Napoleon at Waterloo by affording him a warning of the arrival of the Prussians. Anyhow, these English 'runners', who were the despair of the French general from the moment we left Spain, increased in boldness and cunning as soon as we were in front of Sobral. One could see them come out of the lines and race with the speed of stags through the vines and over the rocks to inspect the positions occupied by our troops.
- The Memoirs of Baron de Marbot - Volume II - Chapter XV
After our entry into Portugal, we frequently saw observers of this kind flitting round us. It was vain to give chase to them, even with the best-mounted horsemen. The moment the English officer saw any such approach he would set spurs to his steed, and nimbly clearing ditches, hedges, even brooks, he would make off at such speed that our men soon lost sight of him, and perhaps saw him soon after a league further on, note-book in hand, at the top of some hillock, continuing his observations.
This practice, which I never saw anyone employ like the English, and which I tried to imitate during the Russian campaign, might perhaps have saved Napoleon at Waterloo by affording him a warning of the arrival of the Prussians. Anyhow, these English 'runners', who were the despair of the French general from the moment we left Spain, increased in boldness and cunning as soon as we were in front of Sobral. One could see them come out of the lines and race with the speed of stags through the vines and over the rocks to inspect the positions occupied by our troops.
- The Memoirs of Baron de Marbot - Volume II - Chapter XV
large bodies of men were seen in the valley...
The loss of the British at Talavera, in killed and wounded, was scarcely less than 5000. The two French armies of Victor and Soult were coming up, by forced marches, to cut off the retreat of the british to Portugal. Cuesta would neither march nor fight, and Wellington, more embarrassed than assisted by his stubborn ally, threw himself behind the Tagus.
Spain, now left to itself, was instantly overrun by the French, and Wellington, with the eye of genius, saw where the true defence of Portugal was to be made, and, with the heart of a hero, resolved to defend it to the last. In February, 1810, he commenced the design of arming the line of Torres Vedras.
The battle of Busaco, on the 27th of September (1810), followed, which cost the French about 5000 men. On the retreat of the army, the light division and a squadron of the Legion remained on the heights of Busaco, to observe the French movements.
Early in the morning, large bodies of men were seen in the valley, and the squadron were sent down to ascertain what they were. They found them to be peasants of the surrounding country, who, infuriated by the rapine of the French, had come evidently for the purpose of cutting the throats of all whom they found alive on the field. They had now between three and four hundred wounded men in their hands, abandoned by the extraordinary inhumanity of Massena, and expecting to be massacred every moment. The sight of the hussars gave them new hope; they implored their protection; and the honest Germans, procuring some litters, conveyed them from the field to a neighboring convent, where they were taken care of by the monks.
Spain, now left to itself, was instantly overrun by the French, and Wellington, with the eye of genius, saw where the true defence of Portugal was to be made, and, with the heart of a hero, resolved to defend it to the last. In February, 1810, he commenced the design of arming the line of Torres Vedras.
The battle of Busaco, on the 27th of September (1810), followed, which cost the French about 5000 men. On the retreat of the army, the light division and a squadron of the Legion remained on the heights of Busaco, to observe the French movements.
Early in the morning, large bodies of men were seen in the valley, and the squadron were sent down to ascertain what they were. They found them to be peasants of the surrounding country, who, infuriated by the rapine of the French, had come evidently for the purpose of cutting the throats of all whom they found alive on the field. They had now between three and four hundred wounded men in their hands, abandoned by the extraordinary inhumanity of Massena, and expecting to be massacred every moment. The sight of the hussars gave them new hope; they implored their protection; and the honest Germans, procuring some litters, conveyed them from the field to a neighboring convent, where they were taken care of by the monks.
lying sick in a village
In September, 1811, Marmont, at the head of 54,000 infantry and 5000 horses, marched to raise the blockade of Ciudad Rodrigo. The cavalry action at El Bodón was a conspicuous affair.
The position was a rocky ridge, intersected by strong defiles, held by three squadrons of the hussars, two of the llth, and the 5th regiment, with some guns, the whole under the command of General Victor Alten. The French, under General Montbrun, amounting to two thousand cavalry, followed by infantry and guns, rapidly advanced in three columns against the front and flanks of the position. (...)
In the retreat towards (Ciudad) Rodrigo, on the 15th of November, Victor Alten's cavalry forming the rear-guard, consisting of but six squadrons, the French came on with their old superiority of number, and attacked him with fourteen squadrons.
An instance of intrepidity and intelligence of one of the hussars which occurred here, deserves to be recorded. Colonel Waters, well known as one of the most distinguished officers of the British staff, lying sick in a village through which the rear squadron of hussars passed on the retreat, Captain Aly, commanding the squadron, well aware of the loss which the army would sustain by the Colonel's capture, sent a brave soldier, named Etherott, to try to bring him off; the squadron passed on, while the hussar, going to the Colonel's quarters, took him out of his bed, dressed him, got his horse ready, and leading him from the village, made an attempt to join the squadron; but the French had already intercepted their march, and no resource remained but that of making a long detour.
The Colonel's illness prevented his riding fast, and by the time they reached a village where the hussar expected to find a ford, the French were already at their heels. No ford could be found, and they were obliged to swim their horses over the stream. The enemy were now every where round them, and the Colonel, much exhausted by his fatigue, was unable to go further, and was obliged to be hidden for an entire day, during which the hussar watched him.
At length this anxious journey was recommenced; but it was not till after several days' travel, and crossing several rivers, during which time they were in perpetual hazard of falling into the hands of the French patrols, that the brave hussar brought his charge in safety to headquarters.
The position was a rocky ridge, intersected by strong defiles, held by three squadrons of the hussars, two of the llth, and the 5th regiment, with some guns, the whole under the command of General Victor Alten. The French, under General Montbrun, amounting to two thousand cavalry, followed by infantry and guns, rapidly advanced in three columns against the front and flanks of the position. (...)
In the retreat towards (Ciudad) Rodrigo, on the 15th of November, Victor Alten's cavalry forming the rear-guard, consisting of but six squadrons, the French came on with their old superiority of number, and attacked him with fourteen squadrons.
An instance of intrepidity and intelligence of one of the hussars which occurred here, deserves to be recorded. Colonel Waters, well known as one of the most distinguished officers of the British staff, lying sick in a village through which the rear squadron of hussars passed on the retreat, Captain Aly, commanding the squadron, well aware of the loss which the army would sustain by the Colonel's capture, sent a brave soldier, named Etherott, to try to bring him off; the squadron passed on, while the hussar, going to the Colonel's quarters, took him out of his bed, dressed him, got his horse ready, and leading him from the village, made an attempt to join the squadron; but the French had already intercepted their march, and no resource remained but that of making a long detour.
The Colonel's illness prevented his riding fast, and by the time they reached a village where the hussar expected to find a ford, the French were already at their heels. No ford could be found, and they were obliged to swim their horses over the stream. The enemy were now every where round them, and the Colonel, much exhausted by his fatigue, was unable to go further, and was obliged to be hidden for an entire day, during which the hussar watched him.
At length this anxious journey was recommenced; but it was not till after several days' travel, and crossing several rivers, during which time they were in perpetual hazard of falling into the hands of the French patrols, that the brave hussar brought his charge in safety to headquarters.
Thursday, May 9
Sir John William Waters
Sir John Waters
by William Salter
oil on canvas, 1834-1840
21 in. x 17 in. (535 mm x 430 mm)
Bequeathed by W.D. Mackenzie, 1950
NPG 3765
oil on canvas, 1834-1840
21 in. x 17 in. (535 mm x 430 mm)
Bequeathed by W.D. Mackenzie, 1950
NPG 3765
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Thursday, April 11
Figueira da Foz - Mondego Bay
and on the 21st of September, in company with three other
vessels
containing detachments of other regiments, we left the Tagus with a fair wind.
The object of sending us round by sea was to save time and fatigue to our men, and to disembark nearer to our army.
The wind however proved most unfavourable, and we were seven days at sea, performing a distance of twenty leagues.
We landed on the 28th at Buarcos, near Figueiras,
a small fishing-village on the north side of the bay ;
we reached the shore from our transport in uncouth Portuguese boats and in a tremendous surf. One of our men, Chissel by name,
was lost in the operation of landing ; the boat was overcrowded,
and the poor fellow sat on the gunnel ; a rolling ground- swell
sea struck us as we neared the beach and pitched him overboard.
He was a swimmer, but the weight of his knapsack sank him, to rise no more.
The next morning (29th) five hundred of us, detachments of different regiments, amongst whom were some of
the 95th Rifles under Captain Beckwith*, had three days'
rations served out, and we left Figueiras to march to Montemor-o-Velho, a small pretty village in the Val de Mondego.
The river Mondego rises in the mountains of the Serra d'Estrella,
near Guarda, takes its course through the province of Beira,
and waters a most lovely valley, to which it gives its name after passing the towns of Celerico and Coimbra,
it debouches into the sea at Figueiras.
Before the rains set in, it is fordable almost everywhere.
* This Officer, after serving with great credit to himself through the Peninsular campaigns, reached the rank of Colonel, and is a C.B. He lost his leg at Waterloo. leaves from a diary e-book
containing detachments of other regiments, we left the Tagus with a fair wind.
The object of sending us round by sea was to save time and fatigue to our men, and to disembark nearer to our army.
The wind however proved most unfavourable, and we were seven days at sea, performing a distance of twenty leagues.
We landed on the 28th at Buarcos, near Figueiras,
a small fishing-village on the north side of the bay ;
we reached the shore from our transport in uncouth Portuguese boats and in a tremendous surf. One of our men, Chissel by name,
was lost in the operation of landing ; the boat was overcrowded,
and the poor fellow sat on the gunnel ; a rolling ground- swell
sea struck us as we neared the beach and pitched him overboard.
He was a swimmer, but the weight of his knapsack sank him, to rise no more.
The next morning (29th) five hundred of us, detachments of different regiments, amongst whom were some of
the 95th Rifles under Captain Beckwith*, had three days'
rations served out, and we left Figueiras to march to Montemor-o-Velho, a small pretty village in the Val de Mondego.
The river Mondego rises in the mountains of the Serra d'Estrella,
near Guarda, takes its course through the province of Beira,
and waters a most lovely valley, to which it gives its name after passing the towns of Celerico and Coimbra,
it debouches into the sea at Figueiras.
Before the rains set in, it is fordable almost everywhere.
* This Officer, after serving with great credit to himself through the Peninsular campaigns, reached the rank of Colonel, and is a C.B. He lost his leg at Waterloo. leaves from a diary e-book
dinner and ball
We arrived at the inn, a dirty, spacious, dear,
and badly attended hotel,with good wine and good
living, as we thought at least, who had just quitted
a transport.
On landing, we went to report our
arrival to the Commandant, Colonel Peacock, of
the Guards*, who asked us all to dine with him the
next day. Mr. Stuart**, our Minister, gave a ball,
to which we were also invited.
In the evening we attended our dinner and ball ;
the latter was very gay : the military and naval
uniforms of our own country mingled with those
of Portugal and Spain ; the dark eyes and expressive
countenances of the Lisbon ladies, contrasted with
the fair faces of our countrywomen, formed a novel
and agreeable mixture.
The women of Portugal
have fine eyes, which are their principal attraction,
and more expressive countenances than the tamer
beauties of the North.
* Afterwards Lieut. General Sir Warren Peacock, K.C.B. **Afterwards Lord Stuart de Kothsay, our Ambassador at Paris.
x
Tuesday, April 9
Saturday, April 6
Sketches of All Distinguished Women - Junot, Laura
Woman's Record Or, Sketches of All Distinguished Women, from "the Beginning" Till A.D. 1850.
Arranged in Four Eras. With Selections from Female Writers of Every Age By Sarah Josepha Buell Hale, Benson John Lossing
"
Friday, September 28
Battle of Roliça
The Battle of Roliça (August 17 1808) the British under Wellesley defeated the French under General Henri Delaborde, near the village of Roliça in Portugal. Formerly spelled Roleia in English, it was the first battle fought by the British army during the Peninsular War.
On July 30th, 1808 General Wellesley remet Admiral Cotton's convoy with Wellesley's troops at Mondego bay. Wellington chose this as his landing point because students from Coimbra University had seized the fort making this a safer landing than any place nearer Lisbon.
The disembarking of Wellesley's original 9,000 troops and supplies with the 5,000 they met off Portugal lasts from August 1st through the 8th. Some landing craft capsized in the rough surf making the first British casualties in the Peninsula drowning victims.
The army marched off on the 10th on the hot and sandy 12 mile march to Leira. Wellington arrived the 11th and soon began arguing with General Freire the commander of 6,000 Portuguese troops about supplies and the best route to Lisbon. The result had Wellesley marching his preferred route, close to the sea and his supplies, with 1,700 of the Portuguese under the command of Colonel Trant, a British officer in service with the Portuguese Army.
The army then began its march toward Lisbon following a force of the French army. The French were under the command of General Henri François, Comte de Laborde. These troops were sent by Junot to harass and hold the British while he brought his larger army into position to oppose the Anglo-Portuguese forces. By August 14th the British reached Alcobaça and moved on to Obidos. Here the British vanguard, mostly 95th rifles, met pickets and rearguard of the French forces. The 4,000 French were outnumbered approximately 3 to 1.
Battlefield
The village of Roliça is placed in the center of a horseshoe shape of steep hills approximately one mile wide and two deep. The open end opens North North East toward Obidos where the 95th had met the French the day before. The hills around Obidos and Roliça were well wooded.
The French began the day to the north of Roliça backed up to the higher ground allowing them to block or protect the roads south toward Lisbon. On the hill about 1 mile to the south of the village where the French first fell back, there were four defiles, or gullies leading into the new French position. The field below these hills were grassy, but boulders and the steep sides to the gullies made attack in formation impossible. In the first stages of the battle, de Laborde pulled his troops back to the top of the hill.
Armies
The British were formed in six brigades under General Hill, General Ferguson, General Nightingale, General Bowes, General Crawfurd, and General Fane with the Portuguese under Colonel Trant. Colonel Trant with the Portuguese and 50 cavalry formed the right and were to turn the French left. Generals Ferguson and Bowes with 3 companies of riflemen and some light artillery were to force the French right and hold against the possible arrival of French General Loisson. General Hill and generals Nightingale, Crawfurd, Fane with the remaining Portuguese, and the rest of the guns and cavalry were to push the centre.
The French were under de Laborde consisting of five battalions, including one Swiss, and five guns.
Battle
Wellesley arrived at Obidos August 16th and moved toward Roliça on the 17th. At the beginning of the battle, deLaborde occupied a position to the North north West of the village of Roliça. Wellesley attempted to manoeuvre his forces into a double enclosure, moving to each flank of the French position. This could be attempted since the Anglo-Portuguese army outnumbered the French forces present by over 3 to 1.
He sent Colonel Trant to the west, and a stronger force under Generals Ferguson and Bowes with 6 guns to the east, while he distracted the French with a show of force and noise in the center. Wellesley tried the manoeuver twice starting at 9:00 in the morning, but the battlewise French fell back each time. At this time the French final position was to the south and east of the village at the top of a steep hill.
At this point things were made interesting by a mistake. Colonel Lake of the 29th Regiment of Foot in the center dashed up a gully toward the French position, and arrived behind Laborde. This cost Lake his life and lost most of the men in the 29th. This prompted a general attack in relief by the outnumbering British.
The fight was rough and uphill with Laborde hoping for support to arrive from Loison. He repulsed three assaults by the British until nearly 4:00 in the afternoon. At this time Wellesley reached positions at the top of the hill and Ferguson arrived over the hills to the east.
General de Laborde began to withdraw in good order with effective aid from his cavalry until his armies discipline broke and his army ran.
Without British Cavalry to press the pursuit, they successfully withdrew to Montachique near Torres Vedras.
Aftermath
The British won with 487 casualties. Over half that number from the precipitate 29th. The French lost 700 men and three of their five guns. General de Labord himself was wounded. The following day Wellesley found that the 4,000 additional British troops had arrived from England were off the coast. He marched his men to cover their disembarkation rather than follow de Laborde.
Further reading
* The Recollections of Rifleman Harris, Benjamin Harris and Henry Curling, 1848.
* The French Army 1600-1900
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia © 2001-2006 Wikipedia contributors (Disclaimer)
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
View this article at Wikipedia.org
On July 30th, 1808 General Wellesley remet Admiral Cotton's convoy with Wellesley's troops at Mondego bay. Wellington chose this as his landing point because students from Coimbra University had seized the fort making this a safer landing than any place nearer Lisbon.
The disembarking of Wellesley's original 9,000 troops and supplies with the 5,000 they met off Portugal lasts from August 1st through the 8th. Some landing craft capsized in the rough surf making the first British casualties in the Peninsula drowning victims.
The army marched off on the 10th on the hot and sandy 12 mile march to Leira. Wellington arrived the 11th and soon began arguing with General Freire the commander of 6,000 Portuguese troops about supplies and the best route to Lisbon. The result had Wellesley marching his preferred route, close to the sea and his supplies, with 1,700 of the Portuguese under the command of Colonel Trant, a British officer in service with the Portuguese Army.
The army then began its march toward Lisbon following a force of the French army. The French were under the command of General Henri François, Comte de Laborde. These troops were sent by Junot to harass and hold the British while he brought his larger army into position to oppose the Anglo-Portuguese forces. By August 14th the British reached Alcobaça and moved on to Obidos. Here the British vanguard, mostly 95th rifles, met pickets and rearguard of the French forces. The 4,000 French were outnumbered approximately 3 to 1.
Battlefield
The village of Roliça is placed in the center of a horseshoe shape of steep hills approximately one mile wide and two deep. The open end opens North North East toward Obidos where the 95th had met the French the day before. The hills around Obidos and Roliça were well wooded.
The French began the day to the north of Roliça backed up to the higher ground allowing them to block or protect the roads south toward Lisbon. On the hill about 1 mile to the south of the village where the French first fell back, there were four defiles, or gullies leading into the new French position. The field below these hills were grassy, but boulders and the steep sides to the gullies made attack in formation impossible. In the first stages of the battle, de Laborde pulled his troops back to the top of the hill.
Armies
The British were formed in six brigades under General Hill, General Ferguson, General Nightingale, General Bowes, General Crawfurd, and General Fane with the Portuguese under Colonel Trant. Colonel Trant with the Portuguese and 50 cavalry formed the right and were to turn the French left. Generals Ferguson and Bowes with 3 companies of riflemen and some light artillery were to force the French right and hold against the possible arrival of French General Loisson. General Hill and generals Nightingale, Crawfurd, Fane with the remaining Portuguese, and the rest of the guns and cavalry were to push the centre.
The French were under de Laborde consisting of five battalions, including one Swiss, and five guns.
Battle
Wellesley arrived at Obidos August 16th and moved toward Roliça on the 17th. At the beginning of the battle, deLaborde occupied a position to the North north West of the village of Roliça. Wellesley attempted to manoeuvre his forces into a double enclosure, moving to each flank of the French position. This could be attempted since the Anglo-Portuguese army outnumbered the French forces present by over 3 to 1.
He sent Colonel Trant to the west, and a stronger force under Generals Ferguson and Bowes with 6 guns to the east, while he distracted the French with a show of force and noise in the center. Wellesley tried the manoeuver twice starting at 9:00 in the morning, but the battlewise French fell back each time. At this time the French final position was to the south and east of the village at the top of a steep hill.
At this point things were made interesting by a mistake. Colonel Lake of the 29th Regiment of Foot in the center dashed up a gully toward the French position, and arrived behind Laborde. This cost Lake his life and lost most of the men in the 29th. This prompted a general attack in relief by the outnumbering British.
The fight was rough and uphill with Laborde hoping for support to arrive from Loison. He repulsed three assaults by the British until nearly 4:00 in the afternoon. At this time Wellesley reached positions at the top of the hill and Ferguson arrived over the hills to the east.
General de Laborde began to withdraw in good order with effective aid from his cavalry until his armies discipline broke and his army ran.
Without British Cavalry to press the pursuit, they successfully withdrew to Montachique near Torres Vedras.
Aftermath
The British won with 487 casualties. Over half that number from the precipitate 29th. The French lost 700 men and three of their five guns. General de Labord himself was wounded. The following day Wellesley found that the 4,000 additional British troops had arrived from England were off the coast. He marched his men to cover their disembarkation rather than follow de Laborde.
Further reading
* The Recollections of Rifleman Harris, Benjamin Harris and Henry Curling, 1848.
* The French Army 1600-1900
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia © 2001-2006 Wikipedia contributors (Disclaimer)
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
View this article at Wikipedia.org
Friday, February 10
FRAGMENTOS DE UM ROTEIRO DE LISBOA
Como todas as grandes capitaes, Lisboa, desde que rompeu seu primeiro cinto de muralhas, tem ido absorvendo em si as povoações visinhas. Assim vemos hoje no coração da cidade os sitios onde outrora avultavam villa Quente, Valverde, villa Gallega, villa nova de Andrade e outras mais. N'esse tempo, os terrenos que constituem actualmente os seu suburbios, apenas contavam de longe em longe alguns logarejos e varias quintas. A importancia, povoação, e aformoseamentos dos arrabaldes de Lisboa datam do terremoto de 1755. Depois d'esta catastrophe, muitas familias da cidade ahi se foram estabelecer, umas levadas do terror, não querendo mais habitar no seio de grandes povoações; outras guiadas pela necessidade de se acolherem ás suas fazendas, como unica taboa de salvação depois do naufragio de suas fortunas. Desta epocha por diante começou a edificação em grande escala. Aquelles logarejos, pela maior parte, foram-se ligando uns aos outros; e em breve se uniram á propria capital por uma longa fileira de palacios, casas e jardins, que pouco a pouco foram guarnecendo as estradas por onde se communicava com as visinhas aldeias...
ler mais em ARRABALDES DE LISBOA in Archivo pittoresco, TOMO VI 1863
ler mais em ARRABALDES DE LISBOA in Archivo pittoresco, TOMO VI 1863
Monday, March 7
Monday, August 9
“The Celtic Fringe” by Barrie Griffiths
Hi Lena,
“Wales” is indeed perfectly correct though the name for our country is actually ‘Old English’ and means “Foreigners”, which is a bit of a cheek really as we were here long before they arrived and drove us out of the land now called “England”!
We are (so we are told) together with the Irish, the Scots, and the Bretons of France, members of one of the oldest races to still survive in modern Europe. It was originally thought we were descendants of the Celts who occupied much of France and Switzerland and fought against the Romans in the early days of their rise to power. For this reason we are now known collectively as “The Celtic Fringe”, but our own legends and those of the Irish tended to indicate that we arrived in Britain by sea from the west. Modern research with DNA is now tending to confirm this, indicating that we came from northern Spain or Portugal.
Anne and I have ‘themed’ the part of our garden nearest to the house to reflect these early “Celts” who worshipped stone and water. Hence we have a couple of small pools with fountains and some standing stones (which are a common feature in our country). We decided against building a stone circle (like the one at Stonehenge), however! The two little statues represent Matholwg, a hero of Welsh legend and a young “Gwrach” (“witch”) with a baby dragon (out of sight) at her feet. The red dragon (“y ddraig goch”) is of course one of the emblems of our country and appears on our national flag.
The yellow flower at the front is known as the Welsh Poppy, and many people won’t have it in their gardens because it spreads itself everywhere. We love it however as it blooms from spring well into the summer. Anne keeps it in check by daily cutting off any dead flower heads and this has the added bonus of making it flower even more.
Hopefully I have not bored you with my brief history of “The Welsh”. Love and best wishes from us both,
Anne & Barrie
Sunday, August 8
A Soldier of the 71st
ARRIVAL at Cork - Correspondence with his brother -Sails for Portugal, with an expedition under Sir Arthur Wellesley - Battle of Roleia - Description of Vimeira - Battle of Vimeira
- Behaviour of the peasants after the battle.
It was on the 25th December 1807, after an absence of seventeen months from Britain, that I landed at the Cove of Cork in Ireland. A thrill of joy ran through my whole body, and prompted a fervid inward ejaculation to God, who had sustained me through so many dangers, and brought me to a place where I might hear if my parents had pardoned me, or if my misconduct had shortened the period of their lives. The uncertainty of this embittered all my thoughts, and gave additional weight to all my fatigues. How differently did the joy of our return act upon my fellow-soldiers! - to them it was a night of riot and dissipation. Immediately on our arrival, our regiment was marched to Middleton Barracks, where we remained one month; during which time I wrote to my father, and sent him the amount of the ten doubloons I had received from the good priest. In the course of post I received the following letter, enclosed in one from my brother. It had been returned to them by the post-office at the Isle of Wight.- Behaviour of the peasants after the battle.
"Edinburgh, 5th August, 1806."DEAR THOMAS, "We received your letter from the Isle of Wight, which gave us much pleasure. I do not mean to add to your sorrows by any reflection upon what is past, as you are now sensible of your former faults, and the cruelty of your desertion. Let it be a lesson to you in future. It had nearly been our deaths. Your mother, brothers, and myself, searched in every quarter that night you left us; but it pleased God we should not find you. Had we only known you were alive, we would have been happy. We praise God you are safe, and send you our forgivness and blessings. The money you have sent, we mean to assist to purchase your discharge, if you will leave the army and come to us again. You say you have made a vow to remain seven years. It was rash to do so, if you have vowed solemnly. Write us on receipt of this, that I may know what course to pursue. "YOUR LOVING PARENT."
"Edinburgh, 5th January 1808.
"DEAR BROTHER, "We received your letter with joy. It has relieved our minds from much uneasiness; but, alas! he who would have rejoiced most, is no more. My heart bleeds for you, on receipt of this; but, on no account, I beseech you, think your going away caused his death. You know he had been long badly, before you left us; and it pleased God to take him to his reward, shortly after your departure. He received your letter two days before his death. He was, at the time, propped up in bed. It was a beautiful forenoon. William and myself were at his bedside; Jean and our dear mother each held a hand. Our father said in his usual manner, "My dear children, I feel the time at hand, in which I am to bid adieu to this scene of troubles. I would go to my final abode content and happy, would it please God to let me hear of Thomas; if dead, that our ashes might mingle together; if alive, to convey to him my pardon and blessings; for ere now, I feel conscious he mourns for his faults." As he spoke, your letter arrived. He opened it himself; and, as he read, his face beamed with joy, and the tears ran down his cheeks "Gallant, unfortunate boy, may God bless and forgive you, as I do." He gave me the letter to read to my mother, aloud. While I read it, he seemed to pray fervently. He then desired me to write to you, as he would dictate. This letter was returned to us again. I now send it to you under cover of this. Your mother is well, and sends you her blessings; but wishes you to leave the army, and come home. The money you sent just now, and the five pounds before, will purchase your discharge. Send us the happy intelligence you will do so. I remain, "YOUR LOVING BROTHER."On receipt of this letter, I became unfit to do or think on any thing but the fatal effects of my folly. I fell into a lowness of spirits, that continued with me until my arrival in Spain; when the fatigue and hardship I was forced to undergo, roused me from my lethargy.
I was now more determined to remain with the army, to punish myself, than ever. This I wrote to my brother, and desired him to make my mother as comfortable as possible with the money I had sent.
We remained only one month in Middleton barracks, when we were again marched to Cork barracks, where I remained until the 27th June 1808, when I was embarked with, the troops on an expedition under Sir Arthur Wellesley, consisting of nine regiments of infantry.
We remained at anchor until the 12th July, when we set sail for the coast of Portugal, where we arrived on the 29th July, at Mondego Bay.
We began to disembark on the 1st of August. The weather was so rough and stormy, that we were not all landed until the 5th. On our leaving the ships, each man got four pound of biscuit, and four pound of salt beef cooked on board. We marched, for twelve miles, up to the knees in sand, which caused us to suffer much from thirst; for the marching made it rise and cover us. We lost four men of our regiment, who died of thirst. We buried them where they fell. At night we came to our camp ground, in a wood, where we found plenty of water, to us more acceptable than any thing besides on earth. We here built large huts, and remained four days.
We again commenced our march alongst the coast, towards Lisbon. In our advance, we found all the villages deserted, except by the old and destitute, who cared not what became of them.
On the 13th, there was a small skirmish between the French and our cavalry, after which the French retired. On the 14th, we reached a village called Alcobaco, which the French had left the night before. Here were a great many wine stores, that had been broken open by the French. In a large wine cask, we found a French soldier, drowned, with all his accoutrements.
On the morning of the 17th, we were under arms an hour before day. Half an hour after sunrise, we observed the enemy in a wood. We received orders to retreat. Having fallen back about two miles, we struck to the right, in order to come upon their flank, whilst the 9th, 29th, and 5th battalion of the 60th, attacked them in front. They had a very strong position on a hill. The 29th advanced up the hill, not perceiving an ambush of the enemy, which they had placed on each side of the road. As soon as the 29th was right between them, they gave a volley, which killed, or wounded, every man in the grenadier company, except seven. Unmindful of their loss, they drove on, and carried the intrenchments. The engagement lasted until about four o'clock, when the enemy gave way. We continued the pursuit, till darkness put a stop to it. The 71st had only one man killed and one wounded. We were manoeuvring all day, to turn their flank; so that our fatigue was excessive, though our loss was but small.
This was the battle of Roleia, a small town at the entrance of a hilly part of the country. 
We marched the whole of the 18th and 19th without meeting any resistance. On the 19th, we encamped at the village of Vimeira, and took up a position alongst a range of mountains.
On the 20th, we marched out of our position to cover the disembarkation of four regiments, under General Anstruther. We saw a few French cavalry, who kept manoeuvring, but did not offer to attack us.
On the 21st, we were all under arms an hour before day-break. After remaining some time we were dismissed, with orders to parade again at 10 o'clock, to attend divine service for this was a Sabbath morning. How unlike the Sabbaths I was wont to enjoy! Had it not been for the situation in which I had placed myself, I could have enjoyed it much.Vimeira is situated in a lovely valley, through which the small river Maceira winds, adding beauty to one of the sweetest scenes, surrounded on all sides by mountains and the sea, from which the village is distant about three miles. There is a deep ravine that parts the heights, over which the Lourinha road passes. We were posted on these mountains, and had a complete view of the valley below.
I here, for a time, indulged in one of the most pleasing reveries I had enjoyed since I left home. I was seated upon the side of a mountain, admiring the beauties beneath. I thought of home: Arthur's Seat, and the level between it and the sea, all stole over my imagination. I became lost in contemplation, and was happy for a time.
Soon my day-dream broke, and vanished from my sight. The bustle around was great. There was no trace of a day of rest. Many were washing their linen in the river, others cleaning their firelocks; every man was engaged in some employment. In the midst of our preparation for divine service, the French columns began to make their appearance on the opposite hills. "To arms, to arms!" was beat, at half-past eight o'clock. Every thing was packed up as soon as possible, and left on the camp ground.
We marched out two miles, to meet the enemy, formed line, and lay under cover of a hill, for about an hour, until they came to us. We gave them one volley, and three cheers - three distinct cheers. Then all was as still as death. They came upon us, crying and shouting, to the very point of our bayonets. Our awful silence and determined advance they could not stand. They put about, and fled without much resistance. At this charge we took thirteen guns, and one General.
We advanced into a hollow, and formed again: then returned in file, from the right in companies, to the rear. The French came down upon us again. We gave them another specimen of a charge, as effectual as our first, and pursued them three miles.
In our first charge, I felt my mind waver; a breathless sensation came over me. The silence was appalling. I looked alongst the line: It was enough to assure me. The steady determined scowl of my companions assured my heart, and gave me determination. How unlike the noisy advance of the French! It was in this second charge, our piper, George Clark, was wounded in the groin. We remained at our advance, until sunset; then retired to our camp ground. The ground was so unequal, that I saw little of this battle, which forced the French to evacuate Portugal.
On my return from the pursuit at Monte Video, the birds of prey were devouring the slain. Here I beheld a sight, for the first time, even more horrible; the peasantry prowling about, more ferocious than the beasts and birds of prey, finishing the work of death, and carrying away whatever they thought worthy of their grasp. Avarice and revenge were the causes of these horrors. No fallen Frenchman, that showed the least signs of life, was spared. They even seemed pleased with mangling the bodies. When light failed them, they kindled a great fire, and remained around it all night, shouting like as many savages. My sickened fancy felt the same as if it were witnessing a feast of cannibals.
Next morning we perceived a column of the enemy upon the sand-hills. We were all in arms to receive them, but it turned out to be a flag of truce. We returned to our old camp ground, where we remained three days, during the time the terms of a capitulation were arranging.
We then got orders to march to Lisbon.
On our arrival there, the French flag was flying on all the batteries and forts. We were encamped outside of the town; and marched in our guards, next day, to take possession, and relieve all the French guards. At the same time the French flag was hauled down, and we hoisted, in its stead, the Portuguese standard.
We remained in camp until the day the French were to embark. We were then marched in, to protect them from the inhabitants but, notwithstanding all we could do, it was not in our power to hinder some of their sick from being murdered. The Portuguese were so much enraged at our interference in behalf of the French, that it was unsafe for two or three soldiers to be seen alone. The French had given the Portuguese much cause to hate them; and the latter are not a people who can quickly forgive an injury, or let slip any means of revenge, however base.
Content Copyright © 2000, 2001, 2002 Susan H Law and her licensors. All rights reserved.
Friday, April 2
Saturday, May 9
Thursday, February 12
Sunday, December 21
Thursday, November 6
"Les femmes font les pires folies pour allumer une passion et prennent la fuite devant l'incendie"
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Madame Junot herself is a little woman, with a stature indecisive between the fat and the en bon point. Her face could never have been pretty or beautiful, but piquant, original, and voluptuous, Her eyes are dark and full of fire, and her bosom, though she must be between fifty and sixty, firm and smooth as satin. So that in spite of wrinkles, rouge, and a certain air of age about the mouth, one can understand, that two years ago M. Balzac was her lover, and that, at the present moment, there are many with similar pretensions.
She has a ton bref and tant soit peu brutal, which has as much of the vivandière as the maréchale ¡n it ; but she is spirituelle, quick, and full of that kind of passion to speak, which puts a conversation at once en train. skteches of paris
"Cette femme a vu Napoléon enfant, elle l'a vu jeune homme encore inconnu, elle l'a vu occupé des choses ordinaires de la vie, puis elle l'a vu grandir, s'élever et couvrir le monde de son nom! Elle est pour moi comme un bienheureux qui viendrait s'asseoir à mes côtés, après avoir vécu au ciel tout près de Dieu !"
Ainsi parlait Honoré de Balzac de Laure Junot, duchesse d'Abrantès. Et il est vrai que peu d'existences composent un roman d'amours et d'aventures aussi mouvementé que la sienne, avec une pareille succession d'imprévus et un pareil heurt de contrastes.
Thursday, October 2
Sunday, August 3
Wednesday, July 16
Napoleão envia Junot para Lisboa
"Il est nécessaire que tu t'éloignes quelque temps de Paris cela est convenable pour détruire tous les bruits qui ont couru sur ma sœur et sur toi. Je défie un être au monde d'en parler encore en voyant la confiance dont je vais t investir. Tu auras à Lisbonne une autorité sans bornes. Tu ne correspondras qu'avec moi . Tu resteras toujours gouverneur de Paris. Allons mon vieil ami le bâton de maréchal est là bas.
Il lui tendit la main. Junot la saisit et pleura comme un faible enfant:
Et cependant vous m éloignez de vous, répétait il toujours"
Memoires de Madame la duchesse d'Abrantes By Abrantes, Laure Junot Abrantes:
Il lui tendit la main. Junot la saisit et pleura comme un faible enfant:
Et cependant vous m éloignez de vous, répétait il toujours"
Memoires de Madame la duchesse d'Abrantes By Abrantes, Laure Junot Abrantes:
"Livres défendus même pour ceux qui ont des permissions"
"Mais pour donner une idée des livres qui étaient refusés à l'époque dont je parle je vais transcrire ici une liste des ouvrages refusés et refusés avec motif. J'ai cette liste par un hasard tout singulier. Les Espagnols qui la liront se rappelleront parfaitement qu'en 1805 et 1806, et même 1808, les ouvrages que je vais citer étaient encore plus qu' à l'index. J'ajouterai le motif donné par l'Inquisition.
"Livres défendus même pour ceux qui ont des permissions"
in
Memoires de Madame la duchesse d'Abrantes
"Livres défendus même pour ceux qui ont des permissions"
in
Memoires de Madame la duchesse d'Abrantes
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