History of the Peninsular War, Volume 2 (of 6)Southey, Robert
History
History of the Peninsular War, Volume 2 (of 6)
Southey, Robert
Peninsular War, 1807-1814
This latter account made him conclude that there was no danger of
being attacked by superior numbers before his reinforcements reached
him; and he determined to land, both for the sake of the troops, and
because he knew that the Portugueze, who were much discouraged at
seeing the men remain so long on board after their arrival in Mondego
Bay, would suspect either the inclination of the English to contend
with the French, or their ability, if the landing were still deferred.
It was now found that the Coimbra students had performed a service of
real importance in winning Figueira from the enemy; the landing in the
Mondego being so difficult, that with all the zeal and ability of the
navy, it would have been impossible to effect it without the cordial
assistance of the Portugueze. They began to disembark on the first of
August. The weather was so little favourable, and the surf so high,
that the whole of the troops were not landed till the 5th, and on that
day General Spencer arrived, his corps following him the next. He had
embarked immediately upon learning the surrender of Dupont, not waiting
for instructions. This corps was disembarked on the 7th and 8th, on
which night the whole army were in readiness to advance: the march of
the main body was, however, delayed till the 10th, at the desire of the
Portugueze general officers. Sir Arthur conferred with them at Montemor
o Velho, and arranged the plan of operations: he armed and inspected
their troops, recommended and superintended their organization, and
offered as large a sum as his military funds could afford, to defray
the expenses of their equipment: this, however, was declined by their
officers. While the troops were landing, a party of the police cavalry
arrived at Coimbra, having effected their escape from Lisbon. This
hazardous attempt was planned and conducted by Eliziario de Carvalho.
A serjeant, by name Gamboa, as soon as their flight was discovered,
was dispatched to the French commander at Santarem, with orders to
intercept and make an example of them, according to the system of the
French tyranny. Gamboa, however, with the party under his command,
followed and joined his countrymen; and they accomplished their
dangerous march in safety.
♦THEY ADVANCE TO LEIRIA.♦
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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