The Journal of an Army Surgeon Page 12

  It is considered a most fortunate circumstance that we retreated from Fuente Guinaldo at the time we did. An Aid du Camp of Lord W.'s who went in with a Flag of Truce on the Morning of the 26th & was detained by them, but has since been sent in, states that they had a most overwhelming force, with which they meant to have attacked us the following Morning; while their Cavalry & Sharp shooters manoeuvred in our front, our right & left were to have been turned by twenty thousand Men on each flank. Our vast inferiority would have rendered it impossible to have sustained such an attack, and the consequences of a defeat under such circumstances would have been dreadful; in all probability Portugal would have been lost by it. It is scarcely to be wondered that Marmont was much annoyed when he found that Lord W. had eluded his plans, & he exclaimed "Voila encore la belle etoile de Wellington." Our incapacity to resist the enemy on this occasion arose from the absolute necessity Lord W. was under of watching the different entrances into Portugal, by which means it was impossible for him to concentrate a large force on any one point.—It appears that at the time we commenced our march on the Morning of the 28th from above Aldea de Ponte, expecting that the Enemy would follow us to the Position near Soito, where Lord W. was determined to give them Battle, & under circumstances that promised the most happy issue, they had themselves gone off two hours before quite satisfied with the reception they had met with in their two attacks on the preceding day; they returned thro' Fuente Guinaldo with Colours flying, Bands playing etc. etc. assuring the Inhabitants that they had near annihilated the British Army.

  It is pleasing to observe the decided antipathy to French dominion that still pervades the Breasts of the Portugueze. When we commenced our retreat the other Evening, & the poor People were of course ignorant how far we might go, they one and all packed up what little they had, & with the utmost cheerfulness set off as last year for the Mountains. Whilst this Spirit continues amongst them, it is impossible they can be subdued.

  5th. The 4th Division is cantoned in Villages extending from Villa Formosa to Nava d'Aver, at which latter place we are quartered; Almeida & Fuente d'Onore likewise are a part of the Cantonments of our Division; Genl. Crawford with the Light Division occupies different villages on our right; the Head Quarters of the Army are at Frenada, about a League in our rear. There is no doubt that the French have all left this Neighbourhood, but it is not yet satisfactorily ascertained, whether the whole body has retired from Salamanca, or whether a large portion of them have taken the route towards Gallicia for the purpose of destroying the Spanish Army at present organising there.

  The 97th Regiment, being almost entirely wasted by the casualties of war, marched thro' this place yesterday on their way to Lisbon to embark for England. It is impossible to conceive a more happy set of Fellows than they appeared; as they marched by, they excited certain emotions in my Mind, which can only be conceived by those who have experienced a long and painful exile from a beloved Country.

  We are not in expectation of having anything to do for several Months, but the idea is that the Enemy will make every effort to concentrate such an overwhelming force by the ensuing Spring, as shall render all resistance on our part unavailing. Unquestionably the majority of the Officers of this Army would hail any Circumstance that should compel us to quit the Peninsula without absolute disgrace; nor indeed can it be wondered at, for the History of all former Wars furnishes no parallel to the sufferings and privations endured both by the Officers & Soldiers in Spain and Portugal. I trust however that such will not be the case, but that the gallantry and constancy of this People will ultimately be rewarded by the entire expulsion of the Enemy.

  This place is not less miserable than those we have lately occupied; in wet weather the very best houses are absolutely incapable of affording protection; the Equinoctials which have now set in find access by a thousand different entrances. We are four Leagues from Ciudad Rodrigo.

  8th. We have not a word of the Enemy, and the probability of there being nothing done for some time to come may be considered fortunate for us, as the Army was never before in such a state of inefficiency; the Sick in our Regiment alone amount to seven hundred & fifty, being exactly one half; the prevailing disease is Intermittent Fever, which, tho' not so violent, is scarcely less prevalent than the Walcheren Ague.

  The Comet is still visible, & in greater brilliancy than ever; it has changed its situation, being at present over the Tail of the Constellation of the Great Bear, instead of under it, as it first appeared.

  It seems that the affair of the 35th Ulto. was one of the most gallant that has taken place in this Country. Lord W. has expressed his sense of it in terms of approbation quite unusual to him. He was himself in the whole of it, and had thus an opportunity of observing the gallantry he so much admired. It is nothing less than miraculous how he escapes on these occasions, as he constantly exposes himself in the most unguarded manner; his Staff both on that day & the 27th were in utmost alarm for his safety. The Regiments who distinguished themselves on the 25th were the 1st German Hussars & 11th Dragoons, and the 2nd Battn. 5th & 77th Regiments, and 21st Regt. of Portugueze Infantry.

  13th. The Enemy are in considerable force at Placentia, and it is conjectured that they will unite with the Army of the South, and endeavour to make an irruption into the Alemtejo. Should this be the case, we shall of course be compelled to retrace the steps we so lately trod, and make the best of our way to that part of the Country. The weather is at present fine, but, as the wet season may be almost immediately expected, we anticipate a march of such magnitude with no very agreeable feelings.

  Lord W.'s dispatch to the Regency states that the Force we should have had opposed to us at Guinaldo, had we waited their attack, was not less than Sixty thousand, among which were six thousand Cavalry & twenty two Battalions of the Imperial Guards; their Artillery amounted to one hundred and twenty five pieces. When reflecting on the small force we had to oppose to this terrific one, it is impossible to contemplate without horror the consequences that might have resulted, had we awaited the result of so unequal a conflict.

  17th. Our Division yesterday changed its cantonments; we now occupy a line extending from Espeja on the right to Barba del Puerco on the left; the 40th are quartered in Gallegos, distant only eight Miles from Ciudad Rodrigo. The Enemy's Garrison there consists of a few Cavalry, and about two thousand five hundred Infantry; we are not therefore very apprehensive of a visit from them; such a proceeding would be extremely hazardous. A Party of Don Julian's Men succeeded the day before yesterday in taking the Governor & several other Officers Prisoners: they were on a riding excursion in the Vicinity of the place, when these people surprized them. They likewise took two hundred & sixty head of Cattle, besides Sheep and Goats; this loss will doubtless be very seriously felt by them.

  26th. There was an idea Yesterday Evening that the Enemy meditated an attack upon San Felices de Chico last night for the purpose of possessing himself of a considerable quantity of Bullocks that are in the vicinity of that place; we were in consequence ordered to keep on the alert, and the Men were directed to sleep accoutred; no alarm however took place.

  Nothing can possibly exceed the dullness and monotony of our present mode of life. We know nothing whatever of the enemy, but it is certain that they have no other force near us than the Garrison of Ciudad Rodrigo.

  NOVEMBER

  Novr 3rd. Information was received two or three Days ago that the Enemy were again concentrating a Force, with the object, as was supposed, of throwing in more Stores & particularly Bullocks into Ciudad Rodrigo, in lieu of those taken from them lately by Don Julian. In consequence, the Night before last we were ordered to proceed as yesterday Morning at daylight & unite with the Light Division at El Bodon, a Village about four Leagues on our right, and two from Ciudad Rodrigo, from whence we were to have gone to another Village called Pastores with the intention of intercepting the Convoy. On our arrival at El Bodon we found that we were one day too late, as the Enemy had thrown in the supplie
s and a new Governor at eight o'Clock the preceding Night, and after resting a few hours the escort, consisting of about five thousand men, had again quitted the place. In this instance Lord W's information was very incorrect; had we been twenty four hours sooner something very dashing might have been done. We were directed (as were the whole Army) to return to our Cantonments, which we did this day.

  Circumstances have turned out much more favourably in the South under General Hill; we have not all the particulars, but it appears that ten days ago, Genl. H. surprized a Corps of the enemy under Genl. Girard, and besides killing a great many made a thousand Prisoners & took three pieces of Cannon. The Prince of D'Aremberg & Genl. Brunn were also taken as was Genl. Girard, but the latter got away afterwards. The Duke D'Aremberg, brother to the Prince, was among the killed. The brilliancy of this affair is considerably enhanced by its having been performed almost without bloodshed, our loss on the occasion being only thirty in killed & wounded. We may expect to hear of many more Prisoners being made, as, when the despatches came away, the Cavalry were in pursuit, & the Enemy's force were in the utmost disorder & completely dispersed.—General Hill is a man so entirely beloved by every one, that the business having been achieved by him has afforded the most general and lively satisfaction.

  On our way to and from El Bodon, we passed over the hill on which was placed the Portugueze Artillery on the 25th Sept. It was taken by the enemy and retaken by a most gallant and successful charge made by the 5th Regiment. The scene of action is marked by the unburied Bones of the unfortunate French, who on that day closed there their earthly career, victims of the Ambition of the wretch who is yet permitted by Heaven to live as a scourge to Europe.

  15th. Since my last date no single circumstance whatever has occurred worth relating; at Head Quarters Chimnies are building in all the Houses, and everything appears to indicate a long period of inactivity. Lord W. has got out a pack of Fox Hounds from England, with which he amuses himself twice a week; several Accidents have occurred from severe falls, and amongst others the Prince of Orange narrowly escaped with his life.

  We are now a period of fifty two Days without News from England, the longest time since the British Army have been in the Peninsula; the wind having got Northerly we are anxiously expecting the Mail, when we shall be inundated with Papers; by them we shall have, it is probable, the investment of the Prince with the full powers of Royalty, and also we may expect some insight into his intentions and policy respecting these countries.

  DECEMBER

  Decr. 1st. On the 23rd Ulto. an order was received to march immediately in the direction of El Bodon. We halted for the day at a small Village called Arrapiles, and resumed our march the following Morning for El Bodon. On our arrival there we found there was not room for us, & we were directed to retrograde to Fuente Guinaldo. The whole Army was in motion, and it was generally understood that a large Convoy with a very strong escort, was on its way from Salamanca to Ciudad Rodrigo. We remained at Guinaldo till the 29th, when we were ordered to resume our former Cantonments. The Divisions that had been a considerable way in the rear, have fresh Cantonments assigned them, more to the front. It does not appear certain whether another convoy was on its way, or whether the large body of French Troops from Salamanca that moved in the direction of Ciudad Rodrigo was not a party intended to levy Contributions on all the intermediate Towns. It seems that Lord Wellington expects something will yet be done, as each Regiment has orders to make itself thoroughly acquainted with all the Roads in our Front. The weather is fine but excessively cold and frosty. Our Regiment is still very ineffective from sickness; the convalescence is very protracted, & the relapses are frequent; indeed the Corps has this Autumn received a shock it will, I fear, be a very long time recovering.

  Our last accounts from England inform us that Parliament s further postponed. The policy of the Regent therefore as far as regards the Peninsula remains yet to be discovered. It would seem almost impossible that the enormous expense attending this contest can be long supported; Money is already so scarce that the Army is only paid up to the 24th August, an arrear unprecedented in our Military History; the supplies also in consequence are not so good as formerly; a plenty might be obtained, but the People are tired of promissory payment, & conceal their Corn, etc, etc.

  11th. It is rumoured that the enemy purpose attempting to introduce another convoy about the 20th, in the event of which it is supposed we shall cross the Agueda at a Ford in our front (if the Rains do not set in very much) instead of going round by El Bodon. It is certain, notwithstanding Marmont's boast of having thrown in supplies for a year, that they are by no means well off for Provisions; it will however be impossible for them to relieve the place, unless they bring a Force superior to ours, which at this Season of the year they cannot do without the utmost annoyance to themselves.

  The Affairs in the Peninsula fluctuate between hope & fear. The Enemy as a prelude to the conquest at Valencia, have taken the Fortress of Sagunto. They obtained it by Capitulation after five ineffectual attempts to take it by Storm. On the other hand, the Guerillas are daily increasing in numbers & boldness. A most brilliant affair was lately performed by the celebrated Partizan Mina; with nine hundred men he attacked eleven hundred of the enemy of which number three only escaped who were not either killed or made Prisoners.

  A singular hoax was a few days since played off upon the good People of Lisbon. Advertisements were stuck up in all parts of the Town, stating that a British Officer had invented a pair of Cork Boots of a very singular construction, with which he purposed on such a day at twelve o'Clock to walk across the Tagus from Belem to the opposite side of the River and to return at one. Almost the whole Population of Lisbon repaired to Belem to witness this extraordinary feat: the Tower was reserved for the Regency, Marshall Beresford and the other great characters with their Families; it exhibited a Blaze if not of Beauty, at least of Diamonds. After waiting several hours, and no performer appearing, they perceived the hoax, & departed to their respective homes, each laughing at the other.

  28th. Nothing particular has occurred since the last date. We hear nothing of any intention on the part of the Enemy to throw further supplies into Ciudad Rodrigo. The successes of the Spaniards in the South have obliged Marmont to detach a portion of his Army to reinforce Suchet in Valencia. In the meantime Lord Wellington is building a Bridge on the Agueda, which is already in a considerable state of forwardness. The Engineer Department have orders to provide every requisite for an immediate Siege. Some think that Lord W T . taking advantage of Marmont's present weakness will certainly attack Ciudad Rodrigo, notwithstanding the unfavourable Season of the Year; while others are of opinion the great preparations making are nothing more than a demonstration, to compel the French Chief to recall the Detachments he has sent to the South. It is devoutly to be wished that the latter may be the real object, as from the severity of the Weather and the generally exhausted state of the Army the consequences of taking the Field must be dreadful.

  1812

  JANUARY

  Jan. 4th. There is too much reason to fear that we shall take the Field in the course of a very few days, notwithstanding the weather is at present as bad as it can possibly be.

  We march to-morrow Morning to San Felices El Chico, a small village to our left, for the purpose of making room for Head Quarters and the Guards who come here. This place is a scene of the utmost hurry and bustle; nothing to be seen but Engineers, & all the Implements requisite for a Siege; the Bridge will be completed the day after to-morrow.

  Doubtless Lord W. must have some extraordinary and most urgent reasons for commencing the Siege at this inclement season. The consequences to the health of the Army I shudder to think of, it is scarcely too much to expect that every one who has suffered from disease during the last six Months will not relapse. Should this be the case, the Troops will be absolutely inefficient to any active operations in the Spring. Every one appears astonished, and all contemplate the preparations with
a horror equal to their wonder.

  5th. The order for our March this day was last Night countermanded; but it is feared that it is only a suspension for twenty four hours in consequence of the Bridge not being quite ready.

  12th. We did not leave Gallegos till the 7th, when we came to a small Village called Villa de Porco, where we still remain; on the 8th Ciudad Rodrigo was invested, & the Evening of the same day a Redoubt of considerable importance to the final success of the enterprise was attacked and carried in very fine style by a Party of the Light Division under the orders of Col. Colburne of the 52nd Regt. On the same Night ground was broke; the Siege is carried on each Day by a Division of the Army; the Light, 1st 3rd & 4th are the whole employed. We took the duty on the 10th. During the twenty four hours our casualties amounted to three killed & twelve wounded, which was more than a half of the loss of the whole Division. There appeared much despondency at the commencement of the business on the part of the Engineers, though they seem since to think better of it; it is however rumoured that Marmont is assembling a formidable force, and many are of opinion he may succeed in raising the Siege. Our Batteries will not be ready to open these two or three Days. I have not heard what time it is calculated it will take to make a practicable breach, but it is certain that the Battering Train is as fine a one as ever was employed.—The weather is extremely cold, but very fine; our Cantonment is twelve miles from Ciudad Rodrigo.— There can be no doubt that Lord W. will give the Enemy Battle, unless the Enemy have a very superior force. Our three remaining Divisions are moving up from the rear. From the weakness of the Garrison in Ciudad one Brigade will be sufficient to keep it in check.