Letters from the peninsula, 1808-1812

by Sir William Warre

We thought this morning that they had retired further, in consequence of which we returned early to this place and the Baggage was ordered up, but I have just heard that they are still near the same ground.

Marmont yesterday crossed the Tormes with about 5000 men, Cavalry and Infantry, to manœuvre to get Lord Wn. from his position, I suppose, or to endeavour to get off the garrison of the Fort, which still holds out. But not succeeding they returned in the evening, having contented themselves with cannonading the Heavy Cavalry of the German Legion, who behaved with great steadiness and gallantry and have received Ld. Wn’s. thanks.

Several Divisions were moved to our right, ready to cross, and the 1st Div. was at the ford of Sta. Martha. The 7th went over to prevent any attempt towards the Bridge of the town and to support our Cavalry. The whole day was spent in manœuvring.

After the unaccountable movements of the enemy lately, it is impossible even to guess the probable result of all these movements. I think a general action probable. Till they retired, I thought it was inevitable. For I suppose there was scarcely ever such a thing heard of as two hostile armies being without any obstacle between them, the lines within cannon shot of one another, and the advanced vedettes short musquet shot, without a Battle. Marmont, I think, certainly intended to fight, but his courage failed him. Our position is tolerable but very extensive, and we have thrown up some parapets to cover the Artillery. From the Enemy’s lines they could not see our force, and could have but little idea either of its strength or disposition. I have not a doubt that we should have beat him, and shall now, whenever he chooses to fight us, even though joined by Bonnet from the Asturias, which an Officer of theirs, who deserted this morning, says they expect would be in two days, and that he was at Valladolid yesterday. But this is not believed generally, and he certainly shows no inclination to fight until he arrives.

Some people say that it is a pity Lord Wn. did not attack him on the 20th before his reinforcements arrived, and when he was so near us. But I think Ld. Wn. knows what is right to do. He must to have attacked him given up the advantage of his position, and advanced along a plain a very great distance, without any cover, exposed to a heavy fire. He must have forced two Villages, and his loss would be much greater than by waiting for the enemy, and a very great victory to his army would almost be a defeat. For if this army gets crippled very much it cannot continue the operations. For my own part I feel perfect confidence in anything he decides upon, though I shall be glad of anything that will give us a few days rest, and I think we had better fight them here than further on.

Our mode of life has been latterly extremely harassing. On the march up we turned out at 3 A.M. and only marched part of the day. Latterly, as the Marshal has generally returned 5 or 6 miles to town, we usually rise at 1 A.M. and often, after either riding all day, or broiling in the sun, on a position, which has not a twig to defend us from the sun, or a drop of water but at a distance, we do not get anything to eat, or home till 9 or 10 at night, and rise again at one, so that we are all completely tired, and our faces so burnt that we cannot bear to touch them. The weather, however, has been very favourable, as there has always been a breeze. The mornings are very cold, but the whole army are extremely healthy, and I am quite well. I had hoped these vagabonds were off, and that we should have had a good night’s sleep instead of 3 hours, but I suspect that we shall move as usual at one, and therefore took a nap this morning.

The Fort still holds out. Some 24-lber. Howitzers have fired with the 10 prs. against it, and a large part of the building of the Convent was knocked down, but the works are otherwise unimpaired. It was attempted to be stormed on the night of the 23rd but failed. We lost some Officers and about 150 men killed and wounded. Poor General Bowes, who was wounded at Badajos, is killed, I believe, and Sir George Colquhoun of the Queen’s. The Commandant had been previously summoned to surrender, but, while the flag of truce was up, he answered that he had had a communication from his army, and would listen to no proposals. I hope he will now be given no terms. He deserves to be cut to pieces with his Garrison, not for his obstinate defence of the Fort, that is right enough, but for his wanton and cruel barbarity in firing upon the town and killing or wounding several people, or for firing and defacing the beautiful Cathedral, one of the most magnificent works in Europe, without a shadow of utility, and from mere love of mischief. We have been obliged to desist from firing for want of ammunition, but I hope the day after to-morrow we shall have enough in, and, unless Mr Marmont can beat us before that, I think we shall knock the place about his ears. Their loss inside has already been very great we know, and if the fellow had only defended himself like a gentleman, everybody would have admired his defence.

There seem great doubts whether or not Bonnet is coming up from the Asturias to join Marmont, though the deserters say he is, but, whether or no, I think we need be under no alarm for the result of a Battle.

Soult is said to be advancing from the South, and Hill has taken up his old position at Albuera....

The Enemy in the villages they have entered have proceeded with their usual barbarity, unroofed and quite destroyed them de fond en comble. I could never give you an idea of the scenes we witness of misery and suffering, nor do I wish to attempt it....