Departure from Badajoz—The wounded left to the protection of Page 218 Spanish soldiers—Subsequently removed to Elvas—The author leaves Elvas to join the army—Spaniards and Portuguese—Rodrigo revisited—A Spanish ball—Movements of Marshal Marmont—Fall of the forts of Salamanca—Amicable enemies CHAPTER XX State of the opposing armies previous to the battle of Page 232 Salamanca—Preliminary movements—The Duke of Ragusa's false movement—Pakenham engaged with the enemy’s left—Defeats the division under General Thomières—Reinforced, they again advance to the attack—Their destruction by a brigade of British cavalry—The Portuguese repulsed—Desperate exertions of the French—Final charge of Clinton’s division—Complete defeat of the French army CHAPTER XXI Importance of the battle of Salamanca—Anecdotes of the Page 255 88th—Gallantry of Captain Robert Nickle—Pursuit of the defeated army of Marshal Marmont—French infantry in square broken and destroyed by cavalry—March on Madrid—Frolics at St. Ildefonso—Sudden attack of the French Lancers—Disgraceful conduct of the Portuguese Dragoons CHAPTER XXII The British army approach Madrid—Enthusiastic Page 267 welcome—Preparations to carry by assault the fortress of La China—It surrenders—Description of Madrid—The Puerto del Sol—The Prado—Unsociability of English officers—Seizure of a Spanish priest—Proved to be a spy in the service of the enemy—His execution by the garrotte CHAPTER XXIII Arrests at Madrid—Advantages of speaking French—Seizure of Page 282 Don Saturio de Padilla by the police—The author effects his liberation—A bull day at Madrid—Private theatricals—French and English soldiers—Blowing up the Retiro—Retreat from Madrid—A pig hunt CHAPTER XXIV Sufferings of the army on the retreat—Jokes of the Connaught Page 302 Rangers—Letter of Lord Wellington—The junior officers—Costume of the author during the retreat—An unusual enjoyment CHAPTER XXV End of the Burgos retreat—Cantonments in Portugal—Rest at Page 314 last—Shocking effects of excess in eating—The neighbourhood of Moimento de Beira—Wolves—The author employed to cater for his regiment on St. Patrick’s day—Is attacked by wolves on his return—Measure for measure CHAPTER XXVI Ordered home—Priests carousing—San Carlos gambling-house at Page 322 Lisbon—Cocking the card—The author quits the Peninsula—Adventures on the road—The author’s return to Ireland CHAPTER XXVII