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
there, was neither wanting in principle nor in ♦OCT. 9.♦ conduct. His
measures for defence were well taken and well executed, and after a
four hours’ action, the enemy retreated with the loss of more than 200
men.
♦BATTLE OF TAMAMES. OCT. 18.♦
A movement of more importance was presently undertaken against the
Duque del Parque, who had taken a strong position on the heights near
Tamames. Marchand commanded the French corps, consisting of 10,000
foot, 1200 horse, with fourteen pieces of cannon; and nothing but
his contempt of the enemy could have induced him to attack them in
such a post. He came on in full confidence, forming his columns with
ostentatious display, as if to exhibit the perfect facility with which
their evolutions were made. As it was soon apparent that the main
attack would be upon the left, being the weakest part of the position,
the Duke ordered Count de Belveder, with half the reserve, to support
this point. Carrera, who commanded the left wing, stood the attack
well; a small party of cavalry, still further to the left, were posted
in a wood, from whence it was intended that they should issue, and
charge the flank of the enemy; but Carrera’s second brigade making
a movement for the purpose of allowing their artillery to play, the
French horse charged them at full speed before they were well formed,
broke in upon them, and cut down the Spaniards at their guns: ... for a
moment the day seemed lost. The Duke, with his staff, came up in time
to the place of danger. Mendizabal, who was second in command, sprang
from his horse, and rallied those who were falling back; the young
Principe de Anglona distinguished himself in the same manner; and
Carrera, whose horse had received two musket-balls, and one wound with
a sabre, put himself at the head of his men, charged the French with
the bayonet, routed them and recovered the guns. Meantime an attack
was made upon the right and centre; but here the Spaniards were more
strongly posted, and D. Francisco de Losada, who commanded in that
part, repulsed them. They retreated in great disorder, leaving more
than 1100 on the field; their wounded were not less than 2000.
♦THE FRENCH RETIRE FROM SALAMANCA. OCT. 21.♦
On the third day after the battle, the Duke moved forward, hoping to
surprise the enemy in Salamanca. He crossed at Ledesma on the 23d, and
marched all the night of the 24th; at daybreak he reached the heights
which command Salamanca to the northward, but the French had retreated
during the night to Toro, carrying with them the church plate and all
their other plunder. They had remained five days in hope of receiving
a reinforcement from Kellermann, who, with a weak corps, occupied the
country between Segovia and Burgos; but seeing no succour approach, the
loss which they had sustained rendered it necessary for them to retire
with all speed, upon the unexpected intelligence that the Spaniards
were within three leagues of the city.
♦MARSHAL SOULT APPOINTED MAJOR GENERAL.♦
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account