Salamanca is a very delightful Town, but has suffered considerably from French protection. The Colleges are all destroyed. The Cathedral is an exquisite structure; it has nothing gaudy in its interior but the Architecture is superbly magnificent; it is impossible sufficiently to admire it and as impossible to convey by the Pen any adequate idea of its beauty; the Enemy have thrown a few shells into it, but it is hitherto little injured.—That part of the Inhabitants in the French Interest quitted the Town with the Enemy; they are said to comprise about one hundred & twenty five families. Those who remain appear extremely loyal, and hailed the entrance of British Troops into their city with the loudest acclamations. There is at present however a great despondency among them from the circumstance of the enemy hovering in the Neighbourhood, and the consequent possibility that they may again take possession of the Town. The present period is certainly an eventful one; on the issue of the next few days in all probability depends the question, whether Spain shall or shall not be free.
30th. The firing continued against the Fort all day of the 26th with considerable effect; in the evening red hot Shot were thrown which succeeded in setting Fire to the Convent which however was got under; at Night a storming party fell in, and were on the point of moving off, when they were countermanded. On the Morning of the 27th the Convent was again set on fire; it burned with considerable violence and evidently could not be subdued; the breach in the works was also considered practicable. Under these circumstances, Lord W. summoned the Enemy, who refused to surrender; the storming party which was previously ready immediately advanced, when the Enemy held out a white Flag, & the several Forts were taken possession of without resistance; the number of Prisoners made was between six & seven hundred. The Town was instantly in a tumult of joy, & were it not for the protection afforded by the British, the French would certainly have fallen Victims to the Ferocity of the Lower Orders of the Inhabitants. The 28th was completely a Gala Day, and the satisfaction of the People was in no small degree enhanced by the circumstance of the Enemy having gone off the preceding night. The Cathedral was magnificently decorated, & Te Deum performed at which Lord W. attended in state; at night the Town was illuminated. The Square in Salamanca is one of the handsomest in Europe, and the lights on this occasion being extremely numerous, rendered it uncommonly beautiful.
Yesterday Morning the whole Army marched, and this day continued their route; we are at present six Leagues from Salamanca, but are altogether ignorant what is our destination. Valladolid is generally supposed to be the place we are going to, but it is not improbable the enemy will avail themselves of the extremely strong position of Toro, which may give us some trouble to force. The Country we pass through is highly fertile, but the Corn is everywhere lamentably destroyed. The Villages have been systematically plundered by the Enemy, the Churches destroyed, and vast numbers of Houses burnt to the ground; indeed the same scenes present themselves, that we witnessed in Portugal on the retreat of Massena. It would really appear from these horrible devastations that they have little hope or expectation of speedily returning to this part of the Country. Official accounts from the South state that Soult has retired, being unwilling to risk an action with the Force under General Hill.
JULY
July 3rd. We continued our route towards Valladolid yesterday and the preceding day. We halted yesterday near a considerable Town called Medina del Campo, where we still remain. Of the cause of the halt we are entirely ignorant. There was some skirmishing yesterday, in which the Enemy lost about thirty men; ours was very trifling. We have heard some firing to-day on the left, but know not what was the cause or consequence of it. Medina is a large and very old town, standing on the high Road from Madrid to Corunna. Its population before the war was about twelve thousand, but it is at present greatly deserted. This being the first time a British Force has been there, the people are remarkably civil; they have had a French Garrison in the place from the very first day it was occupied by them.
The enemy have abandoned Toro, leaving a small Garrison there; it is probable however we shall not trouble ourselves about them. It lies off the Road to Valladolid, where their principal force is. Medina is distant from Madrid thirty Leagues, and from Valladolid eight.
7th. There has been no move since my last date. Our inactivity proceeds from an impossibility of crossing the Douro. The Enemy have destroyed the several bridges over it, with the exception of that at Tordesillas, which is so strongly fortified that it cannot be forced. There are different Fords, but they are all too deep to admit of the passage of Artillery or Baggage. It is probable steps are taking for the construction of a Bridge, but, if so, it is not generally known. It is rumoured that it is not intended that the Army should move in the direction of Valladolid, but that on the junction of Castanos the Spaniards should remain to watch the Salamanca Road, while Lord W. makes a flank movement to his right, which appears to mean nothing more or less than moving directly upon the Capital.
Head quarters are at Rueda, a distance of two short Leagues from Tordesillas, and our advanced Posts are about three hundred yards from those of the Enemy.—The weather is most oppressively hot, and such is the nature of this part of the Country, that it is altogether impossible to procure wood or any other substance for the purpose of sheltering the troops from the excessive power of the Sun.
10th. Head quarters remain at Rueda, & there have been no material changes in the Army. We moved last night at Midnight one League, for the purpose of occupying ground vacated by the 5th & 6th Divisions, who are gone I know not where; it was adviseable that this move should not be overlooked by the Enemy. We lie about equal distance between the Towns of Rueda and Nava. In point of shelter we are not a bit better off than we were before.
There appears no probability of our soon seeing Valladolid. It is said that Lord Wellington has gained his end, in having dispossessed the Enemy of all the fine Corn Country throughout the province of Salamanca, and extending along the Tagus as far as Talavera de la Reyna. The concentration of all their force to oppose us will likewise afford a splendid opportunity to the Guerillas, of which no doubt they will not fail to avail themselves.
We hear from deserters that Bonnet has joined, and that Caffarelli with a considerable force is coming from Navarre; on his junction it is supposed we shall be attacked.
Sir Thomas Graham has been compelled from ill health to quit the Army, and is gone home to the great regret of everybody: conjecture says that he will be succeeded by Sir Edw. Paget, a very deservedly popular Officer. The present second in command is Sir Stapleton Cotton, an officer who has some knowledge of Cavalry Movements, but who is entirely inexperienced in all the detail necessary to make a good Commander in Chief. It would indeed be dreadful, were anything now to happen to Lord W.; to say the least of it, the safety of the Army would be endangered.
16th. In consequence of the enemy making a movement to their right yesterday, & concentrating a large force opposite the Ford at Polios, where the 3rd Division are stationed, Lord Wellington moved his troops to their left in order to be able to support that Division in case of their being attacked; Head Quarters also were changed from Rueda to a place called Nava del Rey about two leagues further to the left. As it was not unlikely that the enemy would this morning attempt to force the Ford at Polios, we were under Arms an hour before Daylight to be in readiness. Everything however remained very quiet, & about seven we took up our ground on some heights, near to those we quitted last night, the Light Division occupying those we left. We have now been a fortnight in this neighbourhood, and we are still unable to form an idea when we shall be able to advance. The very strong position of the Enemy renders them secure from our Attack, and notwithstanding the arrival of their reinforcements they appear as unwilling to attack us. In the meantime a singular mode of warfare is carried on; it is not uncommon to see five hundred of the Enemy, and as many of our men, bathing together in the Douro in the most perfect good humour possible, at the same time that the Cavalry of the tw
o rival Armies come down on their respective sides of the River to water, it being perfectly understood that neither party shall ever approach the River armed. Any infringement of this agreement is noticed by firing on any armed Cavalry or Infantry of either side.
21st On the Evening of the 16th we received a sudden order to march to Villa Verde, a village about a Mile in rear of Medina del Campo; this movement was occasioned by the Enemy having in the Afternoon crossed the Douro on our left. On reaching Villa Verde we were directed to proceed near three leagues further to a place called Castrejon, on the Salamanca Road, which we did not reach till after daylight of the 17th. We remained there the whole of that day, and the enemy advanced as far as Nava del Rey, about five miles from us. Early on the 18th skirmishing commenced, & about six o'clock the French appeared in great force. As our Army was not concentrated we fell back upon the Divisions in our rear, and as was understood into the neighbourhood of a position Lord Wellington meant to meet them in. During the day there were several severe skirmishes, and amongst others some most furious charges of Cavalry; the enemy had two opportunities of cannonading, which they availed themselves of most vigorously, but happily our loss was but little. I was myself very nearly being one of the Victims, a Cannon Shot passing within a few inches of my head. The enemy pressed us in a manner, and with a spirit, we were never before accustomed to. At length, a favorable opportunity occurring, Lord W. directed the 4th Division to attack their advanced guard; as the Attack was made by the Division left in front, it fell to the 27th & 40th Regts composing the left Brigade to bear the brunt of the affair. These two regiments, on approaching the Enemy, advanced to the charge in the most undaunted manner, notwithstanding the force opposed to them was near three times their number; the French presented a firm front, till our People arrived within about twenty paces of them, when they fired a volley, and flew in the utmost confusion. Unfortunately, the assailants were so much exhausted from a long previous march, and the great heat of the weather (which was so excessive that several men and officers actually died on the march), that they were unable to follow them up as could have been wished. The business was soon over with a loss to the Division of 5 Officers killed and wounded, and about two hundred men, of which one Officer and seventy [Men] belonged to my Regiment: the loss of the Enemy was estimated at upwards of six hundred Men. After this Affair the Enemy did not attempt to advance a step, but took up a position, while we did the same.—We remained in position on the 19th till the Evening, when the French were observed moving in force to their left, the British Army in consequence moved to their right, and head quarters were established for the night at Villase,—At dawn of day on the morning of the 20th the whole British Army was formed in order of Battle on an immense plain, which was as fair a Challenge to the Enemy as could possibly be given; they however declined it and continued to move to their left; we were again necessarily put in motion, and moved parallel with them. We halted about Noon near a Village, three Leagues from Salamanca, the Enemy being in position between us and the Tormes—At daylight this Morning, we marched in the direction of Salamanca, and are now bivouacked on the Tormes about a mile from that City. Genl. Picton with a column is on our old position, to prevent the Enemy getting possession of it; Genl. Clinton with the 6th Division is across the River, observing the Motions of a part of the French Army that went over yesterday Evening, and the remainder of our force are along the banks of the River, to be ready to cross it or move to the position, according as the motions of the Enemy shall render one or the other necessary—Thus without fighting a battle have they compelled us to retrograde all the way from the Douro to this place, and it is even now very doubtful whether we shall be able to maintain ourselves at Salamanca, as in the event of their continuing to move to their left, we must of necessity move parallel with them, and uncover it. I have not been into the Town, but I hear the utmost consternation prevails there at the idea of again having the French with them. Events may yet turn out well, but at present I fear we have gained but little popularity by our irruption into the North of Spain.
26th. The events since my last date have been of an importance altogether unprecedented since the commencement of hostilities in this Country. On the Evening of the 21st it having been ascertained that nearly the whole of the French army had passed the Tormes, the British army crossed it likewise, and took up a position about a League from Salamanca having our left upon the River. At daybreak on the 22nd we discovered the enemy posted on the heights opposite us. They very soon sent out a large party of Dragoons, & Sharpshooters, and a very smart skirmish commenced, which lasted for two or three hours; this was not with any intention of subsequently attacking us, but merely to cover a movement of their Army to their left. In the course of the forenoon they had occupied some most advantageous heights, near a league further to their left; & while they were able from their immense Artillery & apparently impregnable position to cannonade us with effect, it reduced Lord W. to the necessity of either uncovering Salamanca, or allowing them to get on the Ciudad Rodrigo Road in which latter case our Baggage would have been taken, and our supplies intercepted. His Lordship therefore (notwithstanding their advantageous position) resolved to attack them. The Attack commenced about four o'Clock in the afternoon, and continued till eight at night, when the Enemy were dislodged from their heights, and pursued in the utmost confusion. They recrossed the river the same night at Alba de Tormes, & the Head Quarters of the British Army were established at that place. On the 23rd the pursuit continued, when a great number of Prisoners were made; the Brigade of Heavy Germans made a charge upon two solid Columns and took fifteen hundred Prisoners. On the 24th the Army continued to move forward. Yesterday we were compelled to halt in order to enable the Stores & Provisions of the Army to reach us. This day we marched four Leagues, and are at present about ten from Salamanca; we are ignorant where Head Quarters are this Evening.
The battle of the 22nd was crowned by the completest Victory on record. The French lost several General officers, five Eagles, twenty pieces of Artillery, a great quantity of Baggage, & about fifteen thousand Men; the loss on our part is between three & four thousand. Genl. Le Marchant is killed & Genls. Beresford, Leith, Cole & Alten wounded; the Divisions employed on this memorable day were the 3rd, 4th, 5th, & 6th, the Light, 1st & 7th Divisions being in reserve. The whole business was performed by the Bayonet, & the most sceptical must now be surely convinced how superior in the use of it is the British Soldier to every other in the world. Among the French General officers wounded was Marshal Marmont, the Commander in Chief; he had an arm amputated at Alba de Tormes, and received besides another wound; the operation was of necessity hastily performed, and he left that place in the greatest agitation of mind. It is reported he is since dead, & the event is extremely probable; perhaps it were better for him that such were the case, as his reputation as a great General by this late business has received a mortal stab. Lord W. on the contrary, has by this achievement placed himself almost beyond the reach of rivalry. Splendid as are his military talents, he must consider himself in great measure indebted to his success from his good fortune in commanding the bravest Troops in the world; men who when well led on will hesitate at nothing. It is to be hoped that some pen equal to the task will describe the heroic Acts of the 22nd, & thus do justice to that valour which may almost be considered as romantic.
28th. Yesterday we marched two Leagues & a half, & bivouacked near a village called Castillejos on the River Zapadiel. This day we have come the same distance, & are encamped on the same River, near the village of San Vicente del Palacio; Head Quarters are at a Town called Olmedo, about two Leagues in front of us, and on the high road from Madrid to Valladolid. It is confidently rumoured that the junction of the Enemy with their reinforcements from Madrid has been prevented and that their advanced Guard has been fallen in with and defeated by our Cavalry; King Joseph is said to be with them. The Road we have marched on this time has been very far to the left of that we took when we advance
d last upon the Douro; this has been from the necessity imposed upon Lord W. of following the track of the Enemy. It is supposed we shall this time endeavour to cross the river at Tudela, by which means we avoid the Pisuerga, which it would be necessary to pass if we passed the Douro at Tordesillas.—Marmont is reported to have died at Arevallos. The command of the French Army is said to have devolved upon General Foy, who, if we may believe the prisoners, gained but little credit for his exertions on the battle of the 22nd. He commanded the Cavalry.
31st. On the 29th we crossed the river Adaja & encamped near a village called Hornillos on the Eresma. Yesterday we passed the latter at a Ford, and the Cega at a bridge; after marching four Leagues we were directed to halt in a wood near the Village of Boccillo, for orders; this place was only distant five miles from Valladolid, the Spires of which City we could plainly see. While we were indulging ourselves with the idea of entering it, an order was received to retrograde two Leagues, & encamp on the Cega, where we remain this day.—The Enemy left Valladolid yesterday Morning. Lord Wellington with a squadron of the 11th Dragoons entered it a few hours after. He was received with loud acclamations by the Inhabitants, and after remaining there for some hours he returned to the village of Mojados near our encampment, and where his Head Quarters are at present established.—About seven hundred sick & wounded French were found in Valladolid. The enemy have taken the direction of Aranda, a town situated on the Douro, for the purpose it is supposed of uniting with the reinforcements under Joseph; it is probable they will yet make another struggle before they abandon the Capital.
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