This little town stands at the base of a steep and rugged mountain, one of the extreme ridges of the Sierra de Montanches. The height that overlooks it is nearly inaccessible, forming a crescent behind the town, whose points are about two miles apart. Beneath the eastern point, the Truxillo road is carried; while that of Merida runs at right angles with that of Alcuescar--and the Medellin road between the former two. A plain stretches between Arroyo and Alcuescar, interspersed with a few patches of oaks and cork-trees. To occupy these several roads, and thus cut off Girard’s retreat, was Hill’s great object. By a forced march he reached Alcuescar in the evening, lay under arms for the night, moved at two in the morning, and, undiscovered, halted within half a mile of the French corps, who were leisurely preparing to resume their march, and little dreamed of his dangerous proximity. The bad roads, however, delayed Hill’s advance; and it was past six o’clock before the columns of attack were formed. The first brigade, under Lieutenant-colonel Stewart, was ordered to attack the town. The second, under Howard, moved rapidly to the right of Arroyo, and occupied the Medellin road. Between these columns, the cavalry of Villemur was posted, to charge, if necessary, or support either corps that might require it. The weather, though distressing to the troops, was favourable for a surprise. It rained heavily, and a storm of wind was raging. No enemy interrupted the allied advance--for their outlying picket had returned to the town, as Girard had ordered his division to march at daybreak. When the attack was being made, the first French brigade were filing from the streets of Arroyo by the Merida road, under a perfect assurance that their march would be unmolested; when suddenly a dragoon galloped in, announcing that a body of men were marching rapidly towards the town, but the mist was too thick to permit their uniform to be seen. Girard was convinced that these troops were Spanish, and jocosely remarked, that “Messieurs les Anglois lay too long a-bed, to be stirring by times on such a morning.” But a few minutes undeceived him,--a loud cheer was heard, and instantly the Highland regiments appeared, their bagpipes playing “Hey, Johnny Cope, are ye waking yet?” They entered with unloaded muskets--the bayonet was to do all--no prisoners were to be secured--they were directed to press on--bear down all resistance--and push directly for the point of the mountain.