"The Lieutenant-General was very much satisfied with the conduct of the Third and Fourth Dragoons, in supporting the Fifth Dragoon Guards and Major-General Anson's brigade.
"To Lieutenant-Colonel Elley, Sir Stapleton's warmest thanks are due, for the great assistance he derived from the zeal and activity displayed by that officer; and the Lieutenant-General begs that Captain White and Captain Baron Deckan will accept his acknowledgments for the assistance they afforded him yesterday. Sir Stapleton Cotton has only to assure the cavalry that their gallant and regular conduct yesterday has made him, if possible, more proud than ever of the high command entrusted to him.
"Stapleton Cotton,
"Lieutenant-General."
"Olivenza, 15th April, 1812.
"Brigade Orders.
"Major-General Le Marchant has great satisfaction in conveying to his brigade the approbation and thanks of Lieutenant-General Sir Stapleton Cotton commanding the cavalry, for their gallant conduct near Llerena on the 11th instant.
"Whilst the Major-General is perfectly satisfied with the zeal shown by every individual of the brigade in the execution of his duty on that occasion, he considers that the charge made by the Fifth Dragoon Guards deserves his particular admiration and approval, and he requests that Major Prescott and the officers of that corps will accept his best thanks, as well for their services as for the credit which their gallant conduct reflects on the command which he has the honour to hold.
"T. Hutchins,
"Brigade-Major."
These orders were forwarded to the depôt of the regiment in England, to be inserted in the records, accompanied by a letter, of which the following is an extract:—
"Crato, Portugal, 7th May, 1812.