General Ross’s brigade of the fourth division was posted on this strongly contested height, having a Portuguese battalion (the seventh caçadores, tenth regiment) in his front, with its flank resting on the chapel. “The seventh caçadores shrunk abashed, and that part of the position was won.” Napier, _ibid._ The inequality with which the Portuguese fought was remarkable throughout the Peninsular War. They fought well, or gave way, in great measure according to the impulse of the movement. Here they gave way, then inspired by the example of Ross’s brigade renewed the combat, but again gave way. “Soon, however, they rallied upon General Ross’s brigade * * and the tenth Portuguese regiment fighting on the right of Ross’s brigade yielded to their fury.” Napier, _ibid._ Sometimes they fought extremely well. XLIII. “Ev’n gallant Ross.” This epithet was well deserved by general Ross, and is assigned to him by Napier. “That gallant officer.” Book xxi. c. 5. I am proud to record the exploits of my countryman, whose name and achievements are endeared to me by early recollections. A lofty column is erected in his honour at the beautiful village of Rosstrevor, within seven miles of which, at Newry, my early years from infancy to the period of my going to College were passed. All my summers were spent in and near Rosstrevor, one of the most charming sea-bathing spots in the British dominions. The noble Bay of Carlingford stretches before it, girt by an amphitheatre of lofty hills, and Killowen Point, the Wood-house, Greencastle, the light-house, and Grenore, with the ancient and picturesque town of Carlingford, the stupendous mountain overhanging it, and the bleak tract extending along to Omeath, contrasted with the sunny and wooded slopes beyond, have left impressions indelible even during much travel in foreign lands. I rejoice to perceive that a railway is about to open up this magnificent region, and trust that this new means of intercourse will be eminently beneficial to the warm-hearted inhabitants of all the surrounding district. “But to return next instant with no lack Of desperate courage.” Φεύγειν μὲν οὐκ ἀνεκτὸν, οὐδ’ εἴωθαμεν. Eurip. _Iphig. in Taur._ 104. “For to fly is not tolerable, neither has it been our custom!” “Each gains and yields by turns--the sod is dyed with gore.” This action between Ross’s brigade and Clauzel’s second division was one of the most terrific during the war. “The fight,” says Napier “raged close and desperate on the crest of the position, charge succeeded charge, and each side yielded and recovered by turns.” XLV. “So stood Leonides, with Persia’s life-blood red.” ἐν Σπάρτᾳ δ’ ἐρέω πρὸ Κιθαιρῶνος μάχαν: ταῖσι Μήδειοι κάμον ἀγκυλότοξοι: Pind. _Pyth._ i.