Spanish and Portuguese South America during the Colonial Period; Vol. 2 of 2Watson, Robert Grant
History
Spanish and Portuguese South America during the Colonial Period; Vol. 2 of 2
Watson, Robert Grant
America -- Discovery and exploration; South America -- History -- To 1806
SIR,--I have the honour to report to you, for the information of
the Lieutenant-General Whitelocke, that the advanced corps under my
command, consisting of three companies of the 95th light battalion,
36th and 38th regiments, with two 3 and two 6-pounders, advanced
from the position I had taken up in front of the village of
Reduction; and, after making a considerable detour from the badness
of the roads, I crossed the _Chuello_ at the _Chico_ Pass; from
thence I continued my route, though very strongly enclosed, and
difficult ground, till the head of the column arrived at the
junction of two roads, about 500 yards from the Canal of
_Miserala_. At the same moment that we discovered the enemy, they
commenced a heavy, though, after the first round, not well-directed
fire of shot and shells, my artillery having been left in the rear,
under the protection of three companies of Brigadier-General
Lumley’s brigade, owing to the inability of the horses to bring it
up at the same rate at which the infantry marched. I directed an
immediate attack to be made on their left flank with the bayonet,
which was executed by Brigadier-General Craufurd in the most
perfect manner, with his brigade, and he was so well seconded by
the gallantry of Lieutenant-Colonel Pack and Major Travers, the
officers and men of the 95th, and light battalion, that in five
minutes the enemy’s force, though strongly posted behind hedges and
embankments, gave way, leaving about 60 killed and 70 prisoners,
with all their artillery, consisting of nine guns, one howitzer,
three tumbrels with limbers complete.
I beg to state that the conduct of every officer and soldier
engaged was admirable; and that I am also under great obligation to
Brigadier-General Lumley, for his exertions to take a share in the
action, but which alone the very exhausted state of his regiments,
from the severity of the march, prevented. Immediately after I
formed, I found that he had taken a good position on the right of
the light brigade, to support it in case of re-attack.
I am happy to add our loss has been but trifling, not exceeding 14
rank and file killed, 5 officers, and 25 rank and file wounded. The
exact returns I have not been able to obtain.--I have the honour to
be, &c.
(Signed) J. LEVISON GOWER,
Major-General.
Lieutenant-Colonel Torrens,
Military Secretary.
II.
Extract of a Letter from Sir S. Achmuty to Mr. Wyndham.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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