The Enquirer

(Vol. 8. ..No. 20.

Europe

Further Extracts from late Lisbon Papers received at the Office of the Mercantile Advertiser, by the ship Oronooka, capt. Richards.

Gen. Beresford's official details of the battle of Albuhera.

Lisbon, May 28

Copy of a dispatch from his Excellency Marshal Beresford, to his excellency Marshal General Lord Wellington.

My Lord,

In conformity to the instructions which your Excellency gave me on the 24th of last month: in consequence of the state of the weather, and of our means of communication across the Guadiana, having been destroyed by the sudden rise of that river ; and having my cavalry at Zafra, Los Santos and Villa Franca, I posted the infantry with the head-quarters in Almendralejo, Azuachal and Villafranca, in which places were the divisions of General Wm. Stewart, and Major General Hamilton, and the division of Major General Cole, with the brigade of Brigadier General Madden, of the Portuguese cavalry in Merida, the brigade of infantry commanded by Brigadier Gen. Kemmis, and the one intended for the attack of Fort St. Christoval, in Murcia, the light brigade of the German Legion, under the orders of Major Gen. Baron Alten, in Talavera Real, having the light battalion of the Lusitanian Legion in Olivenza

I expected that the waters of the Guadiana would fall, and our bridge be re-established, it being of considerable importance to drive away the enemy from us as much as possible during the siege, seeing that they had, after we obliged them to retreat from Llerena to Guadalcanal, kept possession of the latter place which enabled them to raise contributions and maintain themselves in the province of Estremadura, I determined that a small column of 2000 men, composed of the first brigade of the second division, commanded by Col. Colborne, with two squadrons of cavalry and 2 Spanish squadrons. should march from Almendralejo by way of Ribeira and Maquilla towards Azuaga, in order to threaten their right, sending at the same time four squadrons of cavalry of Brigadier General Long. from Villa Franca to Llerena, to support the Count de Penne Villemur, who was there with the Spanish cavalry of the corps of Gen. Castanos, and to make them fear an attack in front, while Gen. Ballesteros, marching from Monasterio by way of Montemolin, threatened their left. These manoeuvres had the desired effect; scarcely did the enemy see Lieut Col. Colborne advance near Azuaga, where they had 500 infantry & 300 horse, when they precipitately abandoned the place, and retired towards Guadalcanal, and that place General Latour Maubourg, with the 5th corps, quitted two hours after the arrival of this detachment, and at 11 at night retreated to the vicinity of Constantia. Lieutenant-Colonel Colborne performed this service in the most noble and judicious manner.

The weather having for some days been fine the waters of the Guadiana having fallen, & our preparations for the siege of Badajoz being. through the activity of Lieut. -Col. Fletcher. nearly completed, on the 3d of May, I ordered three brigades of Infantry, one brigade of the 6th of the guards, and 2 squadrons of cavalry, under the orders of the hon. W. Stewart, to invest Badajoz more closely, on the south side of the river which he did with his usual zeal and vigilance on the 14th. On the 6th inst. I ordered the remaining divisions to march towards Badajozs one by way of Albuhera, the other by Talavera, the cavalry remaining posted as before. On the 7th I came before Badajoz with these divisions. Gen. Castanos also gave 2000 men to co-operate in the siege, under the orders of Brigadier Gen Don Carlos d'Espagne. On the 8th I ordered the brigade of Brigadier Gen. Kemmis, which was previously posted upon the Zevora, to proceed to Torre de Santa Engracia, about 2 miles from Badajoz, on the road to Campo Mayor, & there to form a junction with the Portuguese regiment 17, & two squadrons of cavalry of the 4th and 6th from Elvas, who were to march at three in the morning : the whole remain under the orders of the hon. Major Gen. W. Lumley, to invest the north side, and attack the fort of San Christoval.

By some accident that happened to the bearer of the orders for Brigadier Gen. Kemmis, that officer did not arrive at his post until 9 'clock :& on the Hon. Maj. Gen. Lumley's joining the light companies of the brigade which was advancing towards the city. with the force that he brought from Elvas, the garrison made a sortie upon him, but was immediately repulsed, and the grenadiers of the regiment commanded by Col. Turner, particularly. distinguished themselves in charging the enemy. The detachment suffered the loss which is stated in return No.1.

On the 8th Lieut. Col. Fletcher constructed batteries against Pardalleras & Picurina, upon the heights which command those places at a considerable distance; & capt. Squire, when the Lieut. Col. had sent to inspect the work, determined to order them to be raised against St. Christoval.

The operations commenced on the 9th : the Opening of the trench on that side immediately caused great alarm to the enemy; and they opposed it with a most heavy fire of balls and bombs ; and on the morning of the 10th made a sortie against the battery which was constructing, with. 1200 men; being only 400 yards from it, they very soon reached it, and there being in it of the corps that covered it, only one company of light infantry, the enemy took. possession of it, but did not retain it two minutes, for the whole corps which covered it, and which was very nigh in the declivity of the mountain, immediately seized their arms, and drove out the enemy with considerable loss ; but I regret that I have to say that ours on this occasion was greater ; because our troops were exposed to the balls and bombs from the city, and from the fort of San Christoval, and to the musquetry from the latter. I annex the return of our loss on this day ; and have to lament being deprived of the services of Col. Turner, who, in the short time that he was in the Portuguese service gave me the greatest satisfaction, and in these two days the most evident proofs of his valour.

I herewith transmit the returns of our subsequent loss of men during our operations against Badajoz , & the accounts of the hon. Maj. Gen. Lumley, relative to the circumstances and consequences of the enemy's sorties.

The loss was wholly on the north side , for the enemy turned his whole attention to oppose our. progress, on that side, and inundated our works with balls and bombs; and we have to lament the loss of a greater number of officers and soldiers than we had reason to expect.

On the 12th I received intelligence from Gen. Blake, that Marshal Soult had left Seville on the 10th, and with the declared intention of coming to Badajoz. It was said that his force 57,000 men and 9,000 horse had again advanced, and occupied Guadalcanal and Llerena, from which places the Count d'Espin Villemur, was obliged to retire. As Lien. Blake, in conformity to the plan of operations proposed by your Excellency, had come to Noregenal, and Gen. Ballasteros from Monasterris extended his advanced guards until within a league of Seville, I could not suppose that this march of Marshal Soult was merely to oblige those Generals to retire, and leave him quiet in Seville, or, as was actually stated, against me, and for the purpose of raising the siege of Badajoz: and consequently I continued my operations against the place until the ulterior movements of Soult should determine this point more clearly: and in the night of the 10th inst. Lieut. Colonel Fletcher opened his trenches on the south side of the Guadiana; But in the middle of the night I received information from Gen. Blake, and from other quarters of the rapid advance of Marshal Soult, which left no doubt as to his intentions.

I immediately ordered the operations against Badajoz to be suspended, and commenced withdrawing towards Elvas our artillery and stores, which unfortunately comprised nearly all that was necessary for the siege to withdraw the whole appeared to be a very dangerous operation, as well as a most laborious one, under the circumstances of being obliged to prepare ourselves to receive Marshal Soult. However I determined to use every effort to prevent any thing from falling into the hands of the enemy, and through the great exertions of Lieut Colonel Fletcher, of the Royal Engineers, and Major Dixon, of the artillery, every thing was withdrawn in the afternoon of the 15th.

It is but justice to state, that to the zeal and incessant activity in every branch of the service, and for the good of his country, of Lieut. Gen. Leite (Governor of the province of Alen Tejo) we are indebted on all occasions, and particularly on this, for having furnished us with the necessary conveyances and assisted in every respect in which he could be serviceable to us.-- I avail myself with pleasure of this opportunity to give to Lieut. Gen. Leite that praise which he has amply deserved.

I was obliged in order to cover the withdrawing of the stores, to leave the division of Major-Gen. the hon. G. L. Cole, before Badajoz, and doubtless, as your Excellency will perceive by my next dispatch, the arrangements to avoid the unpleasantness of abandoning some of our stores to the enemy and to prepare for fighting Marshal Soult, were as perfect as possible: since Major General Cole marched from before Badajoz, to join this army at two in the morning of the 15th, and arrived half an hour before the enemy began the attack.

I have however the satisfaction to inform your Excellency, that the enemy cannot boast of having taken the smallest part of our stores; all of them were safely collected at Elvas; and with the exception of the brigade of Brigadier Gen. Kemmis, which was to the northward of the Guadiana, our troops were all united in the morning of the 16th to receive the attack, and oppose the advance of Marshal Soult. I have the Honor, &c.

(Signed)
W. C. BERESFORD,
Marshal & Lieut. Gen.
To his Excellency Marshal General
Lord Viscount Wellington, K. B.

Copy of a dispatch from his Excellency
Marshal W. C. Beresford, to his Excellency
Lord Viscount Wellington.

ALBUHERA, May 18, 1811.

VICTORY OF ALBUHERA.

I have infinite satisfaction in communicating to your Excellency, that the allied army united at this place under my orders, gained on the 16th inst. after a very sanguinary battle, a complete victory over that of the enemy, commanded by Marshal Soult; and I proceed to relate to your Excellency the particulars of it.

In a former dispatch I acquainted your Excellency of the March of Marshal Soult from Seville, and that in consequence I judged it prudent to raise completely the Siege of Badajoz, and to prepare to fight him with our combined forces, rather than by attending to two objects at the same time, to risk the loss of both. It appears that Marshal Soult was using every means to collect a force that he thought fully sufficient for his object, the relief of Badajoz; and for that purpose he drew sufficient troops from the Corps of Marshal Victor, and Gen. Sebastiani, and I believe also from the French Army of the centre: having thus completed his preparations he marched from Seville on the 10th inst. with a corps estimated then at 15 or 16,000 men; and on his descent into Estremadura he formed a junction with the corps of Gen. Latour Maubourg, estimated at 8000 men. His Excellency Gen. Blake, instantly on learning the movement of Marshal Soult, in strict conformity to the plan proposed by your Excellency, marched to form a junction with the corps under my command, and arrived at Valverde in person on the 14th inst. Having then consulted with his Excellency Gen. Castanos, it was resolved to go and meet the enemy and give him battle.

Learning the determination of the enemy to relieve Badajoz, I marched from before that place with the infantry to the post opposite Valverde except the division of the Hon. Maj. Gen. G. L. Cole, which I left with 2000 of the Spanish troops to Cover the Retreat of our stores,

The cavalry, which according to my orders was retiring, in proportion as they advanced, formed a junction in Santa Martha with the cavalry of Gen. Blake; that of Gen. Castanos commanded by the Count de Penne Villemur, continued united with ours.

As halting at Valverde, though a stronger position, left Badajoz completely open, determined to take position (such as could be found in this open and level country) in this place, being thus directly between the enemy and Badajoz.

The army was consequently united here on the 15th inst. the corps of Gen. Blake, though I made a forced march for the purpose, only joined that night, and could not take its position before the morning of the 16th, when the division of Gen. Cole also joined, with the Spanish brigade of Don Carlos D'Hespantia, a little before the beginning of the action. Our cavalry had been obliged in the morning of the 15th to retire from Santa Martha and join here.

In the afternoon of this day the enemy appeared on our front; on the following morning our dispositions were made to receive them, being formed in two lines almost parallel to the river of Albuhera at the high water mark, and covering the roads to Badajoz and Valverde; though your Excellency knows that the whole superficies of this country is passable in every part by troops of all descriptions.

Gen. Blake's corps was on the right in two lines, his left on the road of Valverde, joined on the right to the division of Maj. Gen. the Hon. W. Stewart; its left reached the road of Badajoz where commenced the right of the division of Maj. Gen. Hamilton, which terminated the line on the left; Gen. Cole's division with one Brigade of Gen.

Hamilton formed the second line of the British and Portuguese Army.

The enemy on the morning of the 16th was not tardy in making the attack; at 8 o'clock he was in motion, and his cavalry was seen to pass the brook of Albuhera considerably above our right; shortly afterwards he sent out of the wood which was in front of us, a great force of cavalry, and two heavy columns of infantry, which marched towards our front, as if intending to attack the village and bridge of Albuhera, during this time, under the protection of his very superior cavalry, he caused the principal corps of his infantry to defile near the river, beyond our right, shortly after which it appeared to be his intention to turn us on that side and cut us off from Valverde. I ordered in consequence Major Gen. Cole's division to form an oblique line in the rear of our right, and its right to be thrown back; and it becoming evident that the enemy's intention was to attack our right, I requested Gen. Blake to form a part of his 1st line, and the whole of his second in the same way, which he did. The enemy commenced his attack at 9 o'clock, continuing at the same time to threaten our left: and after a strong and brave resistance from the Spanish troops, he gained the heights upon which they were formed. In the mean time the division of the Hon. Major General W. Stewart was brought up to support them; and that of Maj. Gen. Hamilton brought up toward the left of the Spanish line, and formed into battalions with contiguous open columns, so as to be able to move in any direction.

The Portuguese brigade of cavalry, commanded by Brig. Gen Otway, remained at some distance upon the left, in order to oppose any attempt of the enemy below the village.

As the heights which the enemy had gained overlooked, and completely commanded the whole of our position, it became necessary to use every effort to retake and keep them: and a very noble one was made by the divisions of Gen. Stewart, with that brave officer at their head. From almost the commencement of the enemy's attack it began to rain hard, which, with the smoke, rendered it impossible to discern any thing distinctly; which circumstance, together with the nature of the ground, was very favorable to the enemy in forming his columns, and in his subsequent attack.-

The brigade on the right of Gen. Stewart's division, commanded by Lieut. Col. Colborne, was first in action, and behaved in the bravest manner: and finding that the enemy's could not be dislodged by firing, proceeded to attack it with the bayonet; and in the act of attacking, a body of Polish lance-men (cavalry) whom the obscurity of the atmosphere and this nature of the ground had concealed (and besides when seen, were mistaken by the brigade for Spanish cavalry, and consequently not fired on) turned it: and being thus unexpectedly attacked in the rear, was unfortunately broken, and suffered greatly. The 31st regt. forming to the left of the brigade, alone escaped this charge, and under the orders of Maj. L'Estrange, maintained its ground until the arrival of the third brigade, under the orders of Maj. Gen. Houghton: the conduct of this brigade was evidently very brave; nor was that of the 2d brigade, under command of the Hon. Lieut. Col. Abercrombie, inferior.

Maj. Gen. Houghton, while exciting his brigade to a charge, fell covered with wounds. Though the principal attack of the enemy was upon this part of the right, he also made a continued attempt upon that part of our original front in the village and bridge, which were defended in the bravest manner by Major General Baron Alten and the brigade of light infantry of the German Legion, whose conduct was in every point of view, evidently good. This point now formed our left and Major General Hamilton's division had been sent thither, and was left to direct the defence of that point, while the attack of the enemy continued upon our right.

A considerable proportion of the Spanish troops defending this place, the enemy's cavalry attempting to force our right, had endeavoured to turn it; but by the able manoeuvres of Major General the hon. W. Lumley, commanding the allied cavalry, though greatly inferior in number to that of the enemy, their attempts were frustrated.

Major General Cole, seeing the attack of the enemy, very judiciously changed the position of his left a little, marched in a line to attack the enemy's left, and arrived very opportunely to contribute with the charges of the brigade of General Stewart's division, to force the enemy to abandon their situation, retreat precipitately and take shelter behind their reserve. Here the brigade of fusileers particularly distinguished itself. The enemy was pursued by the allies to a considerable distance, and as far as I judged prudent, considering their immense superiority in cavalry, and I contented myself with seeing them driven beyond Albuhera.

I have every reason to speak very favorably of the manner in which our artillery was served and fought; and Major Hartman, commander of the English, and Major Dixon, commander of the Portuguese, and the officers and soldiers are entitled to my thanks. The four pieces of horse artillery, commanded by Captain Lefebure, made great havoc among the enemy's cavalry, and a brigade of Spanish artillery (the only one in the field) shewed equal good conduct and bravery.

We lost in the misfortune that befel the brigade commanded by Lieut. Col. Colborne (respecting whom General Stewart states, that he acted, and was then acting in the most noble manner, leading the brigade in admirable order) one howitzer, which the enemy, before the arrival of the brigade of the brave General Houghton, had time to withdraw, with 20 or 30 prisoners of that brigade.

After he was routed in his principal attack, he still continued near the village, from whence he could never make any progress, or pass the brook; notwithstanding that I had been obliged to draw from thence a large proportion of troops to support the principal point of the attack; but the enemy seeing his principal attack frustrated, relaxed his efforts in the other quarter.

The Portuguese division of Major General Hamilton, shewed on all occasions the greatest firmness and courage, and manoeuvred as well as the English.

The Portuguese brigade of General Harvey, belonging to General Cole's division, had an opportunity to distinguish itself, when it marched in a line along the plain, with the utmost firmness a charge from the enemy's cavalry.

It is impossible to enumerate all the instances of discipline and valour exhibited in this strongly contested action; but never did troops more bravely or gloriously sustain the honour of their respective countries.

I am not able to particularise the Spanish divisions, brigades or regiments that were engaged in the battle, because I know not their denominations, or names; but I have great satisfaction in saying that their conduct was brave and honourable: and although, by reason of the superior number and weight of the enemy's force, the portion of troops that was in the attacked position, was obliged to give ground, it was after an obstinate resistance, and they continued to support their allies in good order, and doubtless his Excellency General Blake will do ample justice in this respect, by making honourable mention of those who deserve it.

The battle commenced at 9 in the morning, and continued without interruption until 7 in the afternoon, when the enemy were driven beyond Albuhera: in the remainder of the day there was only firing of great guns, and skirmishing.

It is impossible to do justice by words to the valour of the troops: every individual most nobly did his duty; as is proved by the great loss we have sustained; notwithstanding that we repulsed the enemy: and it was observed that our killed, particularly those of the 57th regiment, lay, as they had fought, in files, and the wounded received their wounds in front.

The hon. Maj. Gen. W. Stewart distinguished himself very particularly, and contributed much to the honour of the day.-- He received two contusions, but did not quit the field. Maj. Gen. the hon. G. L. Cole also deserves the highest praise, and I have to regret being deprived of his services for some time, by reason of the wound he received. The Hon. Lieut. Col. Abercrombie, commanding the 2d brigade of the 2d division, and Major L'Estrange of the 31st regiment deserve to be particularly mentioned: and nothing can exceed the conduct and bravery of Col. Hely, at the head of his regiment. I am particularly obliged to the hon. Major General W. Lumley for the very able manner in which he opposed the numerous cavalry of the enemy, and frustrated their intention. I am also much obliged to Maj. Gen. Hamilton, who commanded the left during the violent attack on our right; and the Portuguese Brigade of Briga. Gen. Fouseca & Campbell deserve to be mentioned.—I must highly praise Maj. Gen. Alten, and the excellent brigade under his command and it is with great satisfaction that I assure your Excellency that the good conduct and bravery of every corps and individual was suitable to the opportunity that they had to distinguish themselves. I know not of a single individual who did not do his duty well.

I have to lament the loss of Col. Collins, Commander of Portuguese brigade; a cannon ball took off one of his legs; he is an officer of great merit: and I deeply lament the death of Major Gen. Houghton, and of great hopes—Lieut. Col sir W. Myers and Lieut. Col. Duckworth.

I have great satisfaction in informing your Excellency, not only of the firm and brave conduct of our allies, the Spanish troops, commanded by his Excellency Gen. Blake, but also to assure you that there was a perfect harmony between us; and that Gen. Blake not only conformed in every respect to the general plan proposed by your Excellency, but in the details, and in every thing that I suggested to his Excellency, I received the most immediate and cordial consent and co-operation, and nothing was omitted on his part to secure the success of our arms. During the battle he contributed most essentially, by his experience, knowledge and zeal, to this happy result.

His Excellency Capt. Gen. Castanos, who had joined the few troops that he had fit for service, to those of Gen. Blake, and placed them under his orders, assisted in person in the field; not only on this, but on all occasions, I owe much to Gen. Castanos, who is always eager to do whatever can contribute to the success of the common cause.

Though unfortunately I cannot designate the corps or the many individuals of the Spanish troops who distinguished themselves, I will not however omit the names of Gen. Ballasteros, whose valor was conspicuous; as was also that of the corps under his command, and likewise that of Gen. Zayas, and of Don Carlos D'Hespantia.—The Spanish cavalry behaved extremely well, and the Count de Penne Villemur merits to be particularly mentioned.

I annex the return of our loss in this action which is very heavy: to it we must add the loss of the troops under the command of his Excellency Gen. Blake in killed, wounded and missing, but of which I have not the return.—Though I cannot know the loss of the enemy with certainty, it must be still greater: they left about 2000 dead on the field of battle, and we made from 900 to 1000 prisoners; they have 5 generals killed or wounded; of the former the Generals of division Merle and Pessin; Gazan, and two others among the latter. Their force was much more considerable than we were informed at first, and they had certainly 4000 horse, with a numerous and heavy artillery.—Their numerous cavalry suspended and limited all our operations, and with their artillery saved their infantry, after it was routed.

They retreated after the battle to the ground which they had previously occupied; and this morning, or rather during the night, commenced their retreat by the road by which they came towards Seville, and abandoned Badajoz to its fate. They left a number of wounded in the camp from which they retreated, to whom we are giving all the assistance in our power. I have ordered our cavalry to pursue the enemy: but he is too strong in that description of troops for us to attempt any thing in the plains that he is crossing.

We have thus reaped the advantages that we had proposed to ourselves when we opposed the attempts of the enemy; and as he was obliged to abandon the object, on account of which he had nearly stripped Andalusia of troops, instead of fulfilling the arrogant boasts and promises which Marshal Soult made to his troops on the setting out from Seville; he returns thither with a defeated army, and what perhaps is still more prejudicial with a diminished reputation.

In enumerating the services which I have received from the officers of my staff, I ought particularly to call your Excellency's attention to those of Brig. D. Urbano, Quarter-Master General of the Portuguese army, which it is impossible to praise sufficiently: on all occasions I have experienced the benefit of his talents and services, and more especially on this. He contributed to the triumph of this day; nor can I here omit the name of Col. Hardinge, Deputy Quarter-Master General of the Portuguese army, whose talents and exertions deserve my thanks. I am indebted for his assistance to Brig. Gen. Mozinho, Adjutant General of the Portuguese army, and to Lieut. Gen. Rooke, Assistant to the Adjutant General of the united British and Portuguese forces, Brig. Gen. Lemos, and to the officers of my own staff.

I also owe much to the services of Lieut. Col. Arbuthnot, (Major in His Majesty's service) and he is the bearer of this to your Excellency, and is fully able to give you any information that you may desire, and is very deserving of any favour that your Excellency may think proper to solicit for him from his Royal Highness the Prince Regent.

I have the honor, &c.

(Signed)
W. C. BERESFORD,
Marshal and Lieut. General.
To his Excellency the Marshal-General Lord Viscount
Wellington, K. B &c.

P.S. Maj. Gen. Hamilton's division & Brig Gen Madden's brigade of Portuguese cavalry march to-morrow morning to again invest Badajoz on the south side of the Guadiana.

Total loss of the Portuguese—1 general officer of the staff; 1 officer of the staff. 2 serjeants, 98 non-commissioned officers and soldiers, nine horse killed, a general of the staff. 1 lieut. Col. 1 major, 5 capts. 5 lieuts. 2 ensigns, 1 officer of the staff, 14 serjeants, 1 drummer, 230 non commissioned officers & soldiers, 9 horses wounded, one drummer, 25 non-commissioned officers and soldiers missing—sum total. 399 men, 18 horses.

Total loss of the English—1 general of the staff, 1 lieut col. 1 major, 7 capts. 13 lieuts. 9 ensigns, 31 sergeants, 4 drummers, 315 non-commissioned officers & soldiers, 54 horses killed, 7 officers of the general staff, 4 lieut. cols. 4 majs. 43 capts. 81 lieuts. 28 ensigns, six officers of the staff, 132 sergeants, 9 drummers, 2426 non-commissioned officers & soldiers, 26 horses wounded. 1 major, 4 capts. 8 lieuts. 1 ensign, 28 sergeants, 10 drummers, 492 non commissioned officers & soldiers, 17 horses missing—Sum total, 4158 men and 97 horses.