Gallegos, Jany. 20, 1812.
My Dearest Father,
I have only just time to tell you that Ciudad Rodrigo is ours. It was taken by storm yesterday evening at 7 o clock. The Batteries had been firing away from 30 24-pounders since the morning of the 14th, and before yesterday evening two breaches, one a very extensive one, and a lesser, were deemed practicable, and the 3rd (Picton’s) and the Light Divn. (Crawfurd’s) were ordered to storm, supported by an attack on the opposite side of the town from Pack’s Portuguese Brigade, who were to escalade the wall and take the enemy in the rear. They were quite prepared, but nothing could resist the ardour and impetuosity of our Troops, and in 20 minutes after the storm began they were in full possession of the town, and in less than ¼ of an hour Lord Wn. and the Marshal were in it in perfect safety from the enemy’s resistance. Indeed no part of their Staff were much exposed during the whole time, and we are all safe and perfectly well. The Regts. employed were the 52nd, 45th, 74th, 88th, 43rd, 95th, and some more British, which I cannot now recollect, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, Caçadores, and 16th and 1st Portuguese Infantry.
Our loss in men has been less than we could possibly have expected, had the garrison made a more vigorous resistance, but the proportion of Officers has been very great. Poor Genl. M’Minnon was killed by the blowing up of a magazine, which killed a great many of our men, and young Beresford of the 88th, the Marshal’s nephew, is wounded by it, but not dangerously. General Crawfurd is wounded, I fear, very badly. General Vandeleur not dangerously, Col. Colborne (52nd) severely, and poor George Napier (52nd), who commanded their storming party, and has been wounded in every action, has lost an arm, but is doing very well. Pray send word to Mrs Gibbs that Gibbs is quite well. Dobbs, poor fellow, is killed. Ewart, young Dawson, and Royds are quite well. Pray send word to their friends. I am so much hurried and fagged I can hardly write, but I do not wish Major Gordon to go without writing a few lines. I remained in Ciudad Rodrigo last night, and it would have been impossible even for me to form an idea of the horrors and misery of a town taken by storm. It was on fire in several places. It was quite impossible to prevent its being plundered. It was quite dreadful, and the scene which presented itself this morning on the breaches, and the streets, beyond my pen to describe. Another magazine blew up to-day and destroyed about 50 of the prisoners and a few of our men.
It is quite out of my power to do justice to the heroism and gallantry of our troops both British and Portuguese. It is not easy to express my admiration. They seemed to surpass their wonted bravery and intrepid contempt of danger. Nor can I describe the awful feelings of suspense and anxiety before or during the storm. There cannot be a grander or more impressive sight, and I had full time to experience the fulness of these feelings as I was little exposed, or was there indeed time for any danger except to the storming parties, as they drove everything before them, and we scarce thought the business begun when the Hurrahs announced their glorious and well-earned victory. The whole siege has been a most interesting and grand sight; and even the French Prisoners this morning cannot help expressing their admiration of the gallantry of our artillery and troops. The 88th and 45th have suffered most.
Pack’s Portuguese had escaladed the walls, and were in the Town, when they heard the Hurrahs of the others. There never was a better planned enterprize or more completely successful. Marmont and Dorsenne were collecting to relieve the place, and would arrive 3 days hence, but it is impossible to guess what they will do, now that the place is taken. They cannot be equal to us, and I do not expect they will attempt to disturb us. If they do, I am sure they will repent it. I have not a doubt of the result.
I am perfectly well, though much harassed and tired, but a night’s rest will set that to rights. I will certainly write again by packet. Yrs., etc.
Wm. W.
I am so bewildered yet that I cannot collect my ideas. Do not therefore pray shew my letter, and excuse such an incoherent scrawl.