History of the Peninsular War, Volume 6 (of 6)Southey, Robert
History
History of the Peninsular War, Volume 6 (of 6)
Southey, Robert
Peninsular War, 1807-1814
It was evident from Marmont’s manner of manœuvring, that he did not
mean to attack the allies, unless at such advantage as might seem to
render his success certain; and it seemed not less evident, that by
pursuing this system, turning their flank and keeping possession of
the heights, he would drive them to the frontier if they continued
to act upon the defensive. All the stores which were at Salamanca
were ordered to the rear of the army, and the inhabitants were in the
utmost consternation, apprehending, not without good apparent reason,
that they should presently be brought under the yoke of the French
again. Lord Wellington had placed the troops in a position, the right
of which was upon one of two heights called the two Arapiles; and the
left on the Tormes below the ford of Santa Martha. The enemy had still
a large corps above Babilafuente, on the right of the river; for this
reason, the 3rd division and Brigadier-General D’Urban’s cavalry were
left on the same side at Cabrerizos; and Lord Wellington thought it
not improbable, that when Marmont should find in the morning that the
allies were prepared for him on the left of the Tormes, he would alter
his plan, and manœuvre by the other bank. In the course of the night
he was informed that the cavalry and horse-artillery of the army of
the north had arrived at Pollos to join Marmont, and that they would
effect a junction with him the next day, or the day after at latest.
During the night the enemy took possession of Calvarasa de arriba,
and of a height near that village called Nuestra Señora de la Peña;
the allied cavalry were in possession of Calvarasa de abaxo, which is
between three and four miles from the upper village, and near the river.
♦JULY 22. BATTLE OF SALAMANCA.♦
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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