My Beloved Parents,
Since I wrote to you a few days ago by Col. Brown we have had a most glorious and memorable day for England. The French attacked us yesterday in our position with their whole force, near 15,000 men. The attack was expected at daybreak, and would have been so, had they not been delayed by the roads. We had laid by our arms about 2 hours, after turning out before daybreak as usual, when the 40th, part of General Ferguson’s Brigade, had their picquet driven in, and beat to arms.
Our noble General, of whose gallantry and conduct it is almost impossible to give an idea, was soon on the mountain, our quarters being about ½ mile off in a small town, Vimiero. From thence we could perceive the enemy advancing to attack the centre of the army, and a strong column marching to turn the hill on which the General’s Brigade was, with Cavalry and Artillery; but as they had to make a considerable round, we had full time to prepare.
Sir A. W. (who commanded, Sir H. Burrard not having landed) ordered up several Brigades, and made the most masterly disposition. The centre of the army, from which we were divided by a deep valley, was soon attacked with great vigour, but they received such a check, that we had soon the glory of seeing the French staggered and then relax in their attack. At this time General Ferguson’s Brigade, and those under General Spencer, who commanded this wing, were briskly attacked, but our noble General in about ½ hour after the fire commenced ordered his Brigade to charge, leading himself in a manner beyond all praise (it is enough, too, that the Commander-in-Chief considers him to have most contributed to the completest victory that could be obtained without cavalry to follow it up). The French gave way, and were followed with three cheers by the whole Brigade. A part rallied, but the 36th and 71st charged them with an irresistible impetuosity, led on by our brave General, and drove them from their guns, of which they took four, with as many tumbrils. The victory was now certain, though they again rallied once more, and were again dispersed by the 71st. Our Artillery completed the triumph of this glorious day. To speak of the conduct of any body would in me seem presumptuous. Every soldier seemed a hero. The fire for some time was tremendous, and the field strewed with our brave fellows in charging the guns. My horse, a beautiful, nice creature, I had received but a few days before from Porto, which cost me 38 Moidores, was shot in several places and fell dead. I got on another belonging to a Dragoon, but so tired he could not move; and when I had the cloak shot away from before me, I thought it high time to dismount and join the 36th, who were advancing, and with them I had the honour to remain during the rest of the action. The loss of the French is very great, upward of 1200 killed and wounded left on the field, besides prisoners. Our army lost about 500 in killed and wounded, and a good many Officers. The only one you know is little Ewart, shot through the leg, not dangerously I hope. The French army was commanded by Junot, Laborde, Loison, Charlot, Brennier. The two latter were taken with a great many Officers, and thirteen pieces of cannon.
We could adore Ferguson for his bravery and skill and coolness in a fire like hail about him. His orderly, a very fine trooper of the 20th Drns., was shot close to me, and I fear cannot live. My poor friend Stuart of the 9th died two days ago, after the fight at Roliça, universally lamented—to me a loss I have not yet recovered. I was much attached to him. I have not time to write any more particulars. I am very much fatigued, having been yesterday till past 5 P.M. collecting the wounded English and French, and conducting them to a place of safety from the Portuguese cowards, who won’t fight a ⅟₁₆ of a Frenchman with arms, but plunder and murder the wounded, poor wretches. Had I time I could tell you such things of these countrymen of mine,[8] that you would not wonder at my despising them and having unpleasantly changed my opinion of their character.
I am very happy to tell you none of our Staff were killed. I have suffered a good deal all night and to-day from a bowel complaint, but am better. I wish we had advanced to-day and followed up our victory, without giving them time to rally from a check they are so little used to.
Adieu; God bless you all. Kindest love to them, from your most affectionate son,
Wm. Warre.
[8] William Warre was born in Portugal.