Lourinhao, 12 miles from Peniche (South), August 19, 1808.
I have just time to tell you I am well and quite safe. We had a very sharp action the day before yesterday, at a strong position at Roliça, near Obidos. The French were strongly posted at first in the plain, and then retired to a mountain almost inaccessible. But what could resist the gallantry of our brave fellows? They clambered up exposed to a tremendous fire, and drove them for several miles, killing a great many and taking two pieces of cannon. Our army lost about 500 men in killed and wounded, and a very large proportion of Officers. The 29th Regt. suffered most, and lost 19 Officers killed and wounded, the Col. (Lake) among the former. The 9th also suffered, and my poor friend Stuart badly, I fear mortally, wounded. Capt. Bradford of 3rd Guards, and a Lieut. R. Dawson[7] killed, a fine gallant fellow. Our Brigade having been sent to turn the right, arrived rather late, and were scarcely engaged. We lost a few men—5 or 6—and poor Capt. Geary of the Artillery, after firing 4 shots at the enemy in most masterly style.
The French fought most gallantly, and their retreat does honour to their military character. They were inferior to us greatly in numbers. First commanded by Laborde, who it is said is badly wounded, and then by Junot, who arrived from Lisbon, though his column did not get up in time. Their loss from every account is nearly 1000. General orders to-day thank 9th, 29th, 5th, and Rifle corps for noble conduct. Though obliged at times to climb on hands and feet, nothing could restrain their impetuosity. Poor Stuart fell calling to his officers to see that his young Regt. did their duty, and not to mind him. Poor, dear friend, I fear he cannot live. We marched to this place yesterday to cover the landing of the troops under Genl. Anstruther, and have just received orders to advance towards Lisbon.
The French retreated, all night of the action, by the new road. I wish we had pursued them, but feel every confidence in Sir A. W.
Hitherto we have had a most harassing march in the sun, and suffered much from the heat, though all healthy and in high spirits. We shall give the French a good dressing wherever we meet them, and in 3 or 4 days shall be in Lisbon victorious....
[7] 45th Reg., carrying the King’s colours.
Vimiero, August 22nd, 1808.