The Seventy-first was now ordered up in support, and, commanded by Lieut.-Colonel the Honourable Henry Cadogan, charged the enemy through the village and across the Duas Casas, taking ten officers and about a hundred men prisoners. The corps retained its conquest that night and the whole of the next day, but upon Sunday, the 5th of May, the French having succeeded in turning some troops to the immediate right, was obliged to give way; but having been promptly supported by the Seventy-fourth and Eighty-eighth Regiments, it again advanced, took possession of and retained the village until the conclusion of the action. A struggle of such duration could not be carried on without great loss, and the Seventy-first suffered severely. It went into action about 320 strong, and lost nearly one-half of its number in killed and wounded. The Seventy-first had Lieutenants John Conseil, William Houston, and John Graham, and Ensign Donald John Kearns, together with 4 sergeants and 22 rank and file killed. Captains Peter Adamson and James M^cIntyre, Lieutenants William M^cCraw, Humphrey Fox, and Robert Law (Adjutant), Ensigns Charles Cox, John Vandeleur, and Carique Lewin, 6 sergeants, 3 buglers, and 100 rank and file, were wounded. 2 officers, with several men, were taken prisoners. In commemoration of the gallantry displayed in this prolonged action, the Seventy-first subsequently received the royal authority to bear the words “Fuentes d’Onor” on the regimental colour and appointments. The following letter from Lord Fitzroy Somerset will serve to show the opinion entertained by Lord Wellington of the conduct of the Seventy-first on this occasion. “_Villa Formosa, 8th May, 1811._ “Sir, “Lord Wellington being highly gratified with the conduct of the Seventy-first Regiment, has directed me to request that you will transmit to me the name of a non-commissioned officer who may be eligible for a commission, in order that his Lordship may recommend him for an Ensigncy on the present occasion. “I have the honour to be, Sir, “Your most obedient servant, “FITZROY SOMERSET. “_Lieut.-Colonel “The Honourable Henry Cadogan, “Seventy-first Regiment._” According to his Lordship’s recommendation, Quartermaster-Sergeant William Gavin was shortly afterwards promoted to an ensigncy in the regiment. The Seventy-first upon the 14th returned to their old quarters at Albergaria, and remained there until the 26th of May, when the brigade was ordered to the Alemtejo frontier, as a reinforcement to Marshal Sir William Beresford’s army, at this time besieging Badajoz, and threatened by the advance of Marshal Soult from the south of Spain. [Sidenote: 2nd bat.]