History of the Peninsular War, Volume 4 (of 6)Southey, Robert
History
History of the Peninsular War, Volume 4 (of 6)
Southey, Robert
Peninsular War, 1807-1814
The attack upon the centre was made at the same time. General
Campbell was supported by Eguia and Henestrosa, and by a regiment of
Spanish horse; the allies repulsed the enemy, and while the Spaniards
turned their flank, the English took their cannon. A column, chiefly
consisting of Germans, advanced with excellent steadiness through a
heavy fire of artillery, like men who, having obtained the highest
military character, were resolved to keep it. They were received by
Lieutenant-General Sherbrooke’s men with a volley of musketry which
staggered them; the whole British division then rushed forward with
the bayonet, and by that irresistible charge the enemy were driven
back with great slaughter. But the brigade of Guards advanced too
far in pursuit; they were attacked by the French reserve, they were
cut down by a close fire of artillery from a wood; in a few minutes
all their mounted officers were killed, with more than 500 men, and
at that moment the fate of the day appeared worse than doubtful. But
Sir Arthur’s foresight secured the victory which had been so long
contested. Seeing the advance, and apprehending the consequence, he
moved a battalion of the 48th from the heights to their support; and
this timely succour, with the assistance of the second line of General
Cotton’s cavalry, saved the brigade from that total destruction which
must else have been inevitable. The broken Guards passed through the
intervals of the 48th, re-formed behind it, and then in their turn
supported the regiment which had preserved them. Upon their advance,
the enemy, whose heart now failed them, retired: the Guards renewed the
huzzas with which they had advanced, and the cry was taken up along
the whole line. It was the shout of victory on the part of the allies;
for though the light troops continued to fire, and from time to time a
heavy cannonade was renewed, the enemy made no further attempt.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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