CHAPTER VIII
Journal—26th May-21st August
The Light Division falls back and recrosses the Coa—Simmons visits the graves of those who fell in the combat of the previous year—Finds the remains of his friend, Lieutenant M'Diarmid of the 43rd Light Infantry, and buries them—Marches and counter-marches—Is ordered to take a convoy of sick to Lisbon, but takes "French leave" and marches to rejoin the Rifles—Four companies, 3rd Battalion, under Colonel Barnard join the Light Division.
Letter No. XIII
To his Parents, from Mortiago, dated 26th August 1811
Condoles with his father—Colonel Beckwith invalided to England—Is promoted to 1st Lieutenant—Arranges for his brother Joseph to be sent out to the Peninsula as a "Volunteer" to the 34th Regiment—Moralises on the uncertainty of human life and the depressing influence of continuous losses of good men on active service—The proper spirit with which to go into action.
Journal—29th August-30th September 1811
Is sent out on a reconnaissance by General Craufurd—Marshal Marmont advances in force—The Light Division falls back across the Agueda—The Light Division chaplain oversleeps himself and falls into the hands of the French—Narrow escape of General Craufurd from capture by French Dragoons—Marshal Marmont, having effected his object, falls back into Spain.