History of the war in the Peninsula and in the south of France from the year 1807 to the year 1814, vol. 2Napier, William Francis Patrick
History
History of the war in the Peninsula and in the south of France from the year 1807 to the year 1814, vol. 2
Napier, William Francis Patrick
Peninsular War, 1807-1814
6th.--It may be said that the majority of the besieged, not being
animated by any peculiar fury, a system of terror could not be
carried to any great length; but a close examination explains this
seeming mystery. The defenders were composed of three distinct
parties,--the regular troops, the peasantry from the country,
and the citizens; but the citizens, who had most to lose, were
naturally the fiercest, and, accordingly, amongst them, the system
of terror was generated. The peasantry followed the example, as
all ignorant men, under no regular control, will do; the soldiers
meddled but little in the interior arrangements, and the division
of the town into islands of posts rendered it perfectly feasible
for violent persons, already possessed of authority, to follow
the bent of their inclinations: there was no want of men, and the
garrison of each island found it their own interest to keep those
in front of them to their posts, that the danger might be the
longer staved off from themselves.
7th.--Palafox was only the nominal chief of Zaragoza, the laurels
gathered in both sieges should adorn plebeian brows, but those
laurels dripped with kindred as well as foreign blood. The energy
of the real chiefs, and the cause in which that energy was exerted,
may be admired; the acts perpetrated by this ruling band were,
in themselves, atrocious; and Palafox, although unable to arrest
their savage proceedings, can claim but little credit for his own
conduct. For more than a month preceeding the surrender, he never
came forth of a vaulted building, which was impervious to shells,
and in which, there is too much reason to believe, he and others,
of both sexes, lived in a state of sensuality, forming a disgusting
contrast to the wretchedness that surrounded them.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE FRENCH OPERATIONS.
1º. Before the arrival of marshal Lasnes, the operations were
conducted with little vigour. The want of unity, as to time, in the
double attack of the Monte Torrero and the suburb, was a flagrant
error, that was not redeemed by any subsequent activity; but, after
the arrival of that marshal, the siege was pursued with singular
intrepidity and firmness. General Rogniat appears to disapprove of
Suchet’s division having been sent to Calatayud, yet it seems to
have been a judicious measure, inasmuch as it was necessary,--
1st. To protect the line of correspondence with Madrid.
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.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account