Strict measures were taken on the second day by Lord Wellington to repress these desperate excesses,[172] and save the infuriated soldiery from the fatal consequences their own debauchery produced;[173] a Portuguese brigade was brought from the rear, and sent into the town, accompanied by the provost marshal and the gallows. This demonstration had its due effect, and one rope carried terror to rioters, whom the bayonets of a whole regiment could not appal. RETREAT OF THE FRENCH. Soult retreats.--Cavalry affair at Usagre.--Marmont invades Portugal.--Affair with the militias.--Retires into Spain.-- Surprise and destruction of the works and bridge at Almarez.-- Failure of Ballasteros at Bornos. Marshal Soult had come up within two marches of Badajoz before he was apprised that the city had been carried by assault. Nothing could exceed his astonishment,[174] for he had been perfectly assured that the fortress was in no immediate danger; and he felt confident with Marmont’s assistance, by attacking the covering army, to save Badajoz from falling. On ascertaining the disastrous issue of the siege, the French marshal instantly retreated, and the British cavalry actively pursued him. At Usagre, by a rapid night-march of Anson’s and Le Marchant’s brigades, Sir Stapleton Cotton overtook Soult’s rear-guard, under the command of Peyreymont. The French having only observed Ponsonby, who led the advance, supposed that he was unsupported, and formed on a rising ground behind the Benvenida road. For a time, the English general delayed them by skirmishing, while Le Marchant, concealed by the heights, was getting quickly in their rear. This effected, Ponsonby charged boldly in front, while the fifth dragoon guards galloped round the hill, and unexpectedly threw themselves upon their flank. The French broke, and retired in great disorder, followed by the English cavalry, who for several miles pursued the flying enemy, cutting down numbers, and securing one hundred and thirty prisoners. The affair was a very gallant one,--and the more creditable to the victor, as the force on each side was nearly equal.[175] Marmont, on his advance from Salamanca, after blockading Ciudad Rodrigo and investing Almeida, had pushed forward into Portugal, driving the militia back. Their leaders, Trant and Wilson, expecting assistance from Silviera, took a position at Guarda, to protect the magazines at Celerico; while the French marauding parties overran the lower Beira, wasting and plundering the country, and treating the peasantry with shameful cruelty. Unable from his weakness, to hold Castello Branco longer, Le Cor, after removing the hospitals and destroying the magazines, fell back to Sarnadas.