[542] Bessières writes to Berthier on May 23 that he has 4,000 men of the Army of Portugal, convalescents and drafts, in his government, who could be sent forward if there were officers to take charge of them. In reality the figures were even greater. There were also some 4,000 sick in the hospitals of the army at Salamanca, &c.
[543] Soult to Marmont, May 27th, printed in Marmont’s Mémoires, iv. 93-5. It contains much rhodomontade on the ‘successful’ action of Albuera, to which Marmont appends a caustic note, ‘Excellente plaisanterie que de représenter comme une victoire une bataille offensive dont le but n’a pas été atteint!’
[544] Mémoires, iv. [p]. 100.
[545] See especially Berliner to Marmont of May 27.
[546] Berthier to Marmont, 10th May, 1811.
[547] Berthier to Marmont, June 17th.
[548] Howard’s brigade consisted of the 1/50th, 1/71st, 1/92nd, and a rifle company of the 5/60th.
[549] The battalions which went home were the 2/28th, 29th, 2/48th, 2/39th.
[550] Light Division diaries (Simmons) show these to be the correct days.
[551] Wellington to Spencer, 2nd of June, Dispatches, vii. p. 633.