I do not even attempt to describe the whole of the battle of Salamanca; and I know but little of the achievements of the other divisions of the army. No officer, actively occupied as I was, could possibly do so; and I have mentioned only what came more particularly under my own eye; and my great object in doing so, is to show the style of fighting the 3rd division was accustomed to, and which, I trust, will be imitated by our troops in future wars. I at the same time hope, that I have said enough to enable any one to understand and appreciate the part so nobly performed in that action by Sir Edward Pakenham. It may be also observed, that I have avoided saying more of particular corps, where all distinguished themselves, than I found to be necessary to make myself understood by the reader, but as the country cannot possibly remember what regiments then composed the 3rd or Picton's division, I shall here beg leave to record them.
| Right Brigade | { | 45th | Regiment | British | } | Under Major-General Sir Thomas Brisbane, during a considerable part of the war. |
| { | 74th | do. | do. | } | ||
| { | 88th | do. | do. | } | ||
| { | 5th Bat. | 60th do. | Germans | } | ||
| Left Brigade | { | 5th | Regiment | British | } | Under Major-General the Hon. Sir Charles Colville, during a considerable part of the war. |
| { | 83rd | do. | do. | } | ||
| { | 87th | do. | do. | } | ||
| { | 94th | do. | do. | } | ||
| Centre Brigade | { | 9th | Regiment | Portuguese | } | Under Maj-Gen. Sir Manley Power, during the greater part of the war. |
| { | 21st | do. | do. | } | ||
| { | A batt. | of Caçadores, | do. | } | ||
| Artillery | Brigade of 9 pounders, British | Major Douglas, do. do. | ||||
Sir Edward Pakenham, upon the retreat from Madrid, and subsequent to the battle of Salamanca, and whilst still in the command of the 3rd division, issued the following orders, which those who had the honour and pleasure of his acquaintance, will at once know as characteristic of him. These orders also confirm, if farther confirmation is wanted, the opinions I have expressed of the conduct of the men who composed our armies.
"D.O. Guinaldo, 26th November, 1812.
"No. 2. This approval and divisional order of punishment is to give publicity to the example, and to convince the soldiers that no delay from the circumstances of service, shall prevent punishment falling on the individual, who shall basely absent himself from his post or company, when in movement before the enemy.
"No. 3. The 3rd division of infantry has often been led against the enemy's troops, and as often has defeated them. The manly spirit which the officers and soldiers have shown on these occasions has been worthy of record. And it is the more unaccountable, how men of those corps could, by want of perseverance, allow themselves to fall into the power of that enemy, on a limited retreat, who was unable to take them in the field.
"No. 4. The[1] absentee list is large, and in proportion is discreditable to every corps to which it relates, and which future discipline and efforts on this point of service, is the only means now left to remove."
"D.O. Moimenta de Beira, Jan. 20, 1813.
"No. 1. Major-General the Honourable Charles Colville proposes to assume the command of the 3rd division on the 23rd instant. All reports from that date are to be addressed accordingly.
"No. 2. When superseded, Major-General Pakenham is to join the 6th division.