The capture of these Forts was of the greatest consequence, as they most completely commanded the bridge over the Tormes, and gave the enemy, in case of any accident, a nearer way to cross than we had by the Fords; besides opening a direct and easier communication for our provisions, etc.
On the 27th, next morning as the day broke, we found that Marmont had retired, and on advancing about two leagues to reconnoitre him with the Cavalry, we came up with his rear-guard near Pitiegna, who retired on our approach. The enemy seemed to take the road to Valladolid, retiring rapidly. Yesterday our whole army advanced in three columns, the advance guard to Aldea Nueva de Figueroa and Parada de Rubiales, and the army to near the little stream of Orbada, at which place were Ld. Wellington’s Hd. Qrs., and ours at Pajares.
To-day the army has again advanced to the River Guarena, the left at Fuente Sanco, and advance at Guaratte.
Ld. Wn.’s Hd. Qrs. are at Fuenta da Capeña, the right of the army near Castrillo, and our Hd. Qrs. at this place.
The whole army continue healthy and in high spirits. We have only seen the enemy’s posts at a distance, and their army, it appears to have crossed the Douro, over which they have destroyed all the bridges except those of Toro and Zamorra. It is impossible to know what Ld. Wn.’s intentions are. The position at Toro is very strong, and 6 leagues from hence.
General D’Urban with about 1000 P. Cavalry are manœuvring in rear of the enemy, and the Galician Army under Santo Cildes is also at Astorga trying to take the French Fort, or advanced on their rear. He has, I believe, about 15,000 men.
Mina and Longa’s Guerillas and Mendizabel’s Corps are near Burgos or Valladolid. Therefore the enemy will find himself assez reserré, but whether Lord W. intends to force his position, or to manœuvre to make him quit it without an action, it is, I believe, known to himself, the Marshal, and Sir T. Graham alone. We feel quite confident in what he may think proper, and a day or two will show. I do not think he will fight if he can do without. But if he does, I have no doubt we shall beat them most completely.
In Estremadura Drouet, finding General Hill steady, has retired from Villa Franca, and our people have moved forward to Sta. Martha, etc., etc. Nothing can exceed the joy of all classes of the people of this country at their delivery from their insolent oppressors. For two nights after the Fort was taken they were dancing and singing all night in almost every street (which were illuminated), nothing was heard but the tabor and pipe and castanets. Next morning there was a grand Te Deum in the Cathedral, and the town gave a ball in the evening, to which, however, not many Officers went, as it began at 10, and we were to march at ½ past 3, and had not had 4 hours’ sleep (at least Staff Officers) any night since the 19th, so that we were very glad to get some rest.
I amongst others did not go. I never was in better health in my life notwithstanding the really harassing, fatiguing time we have had latterly for mind and body. The weather has fortunately not been very hot, and we have had a constant breeze, or I scarce know what we should have done on that scorching hill all day without shelter of any description, or water....
I hear Admiral Martin is coming to Lisbon to supersede the Berkeleys. I think you know him, or that my Uncles do. He can be sometimes very useful to me, and I therefore wish you would continue to have me strongly recommended to him. The old administration continuing in has astonished us not a little. I should hardly think it could stand. Yrs., etc.,