Another mischievous breach of discipline had become very general. Numerous herds of swine were found among the woods--and the soldiers broke from their columns, and commenced shooting pigs wherever they could be found. The spattering fire kept up in the forest by these marauders, frequently occasioned an unnecessary alarm, and thus disturbed the brief space allowed for rest to the exhausted soldiers. Nothing but the greatest severity checked this most dangerous offence-- and though some of the delinquents, when taken “red-handed” and in the very fact, were hanged in the sight of their guilty comrades, the evil was but partially abated by the example; for hunger had made the starving soldiery indifferent to the desperate consequences their offending was certain to draw down. The excesses committed during the retreat, drew from Lord Wellington an official letter, addressed to the commanding officers of regiments, that occasioned at the time considerable dissatisfaction.[215] Probably, the terms in which his censure was conveyed, were stronger than they should have been. The sufferings of the troops were great beyond belief--men marching night and day, under an incessant deluge, knee-deep in mire, without shelter or a place to rest upon, their whole sustenance a scanty ration of over-driven beef, frequently devoured half-raw--all these should have been well considered--and while the soldiery could not be justified in acts of violence and rapine, still they might urge much in extenuation of crimes committed under the influence of want, misery and despair![216] Honours, in the mean time, were conferred upon the able, but unsuccessful besieger of Burgos. At home, Lord Wellington was advanced to a Marquisate in the peerage, while Parliament added 100,000_l._ to assist him to support this dignity. He was also appointed to the Colonelcy of the Blues--while the rank of Duke of Vitoria was conferred upon him by the Prince Regent of Portugal, with emoluments attached to it valued at 15,000 dollars annually. The honour bestowed upon him the Marquis of Wellington accepted--but the income, with becoming dignity, he respectfully declined. After the French retired behind the Tormes, the allies took up their winter cantonments. Hill passed the Sierra de Gata, and established his corps in the province of Coria, with posts at the passes of Bejar and Banos. The remaining divisions were comfortably disposed of--part of the brigades occupying quarters in the district of Beira, while the others were cantoned upon the banks of the Douro. ADVANCE FROM THE DOURO TO THE ZADORRA. British army organized anew.--Reinforced from England.--Relative strength and positions of the rival armies.--Joseph retires.-- General appearance of the French corps d’armée.--Wellington suddenly advances.--His bold and successful operations.-- Beautiful scenery.--Affairs of Saint Millan, Osma, and the Bayas.--Joseph enters Vitoria.