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Alexandria Daily Gazette, Commercial & Political
Alexandria, Virginia
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Lord Wellington's despatch from April 2, 1811, details allied army movements in Portugal from March 28, dislodging French from Guarda, taking prisoners, and pursuing to the Coa River, with the loss of Major Stewart.
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LISBON, April 9.
Copy of a despatch from Lord Wellington, to his Excellency Don Miguel Pe.reria Forjas, dated.
"Head Quarters, Muraeleiro, April 2, 1811.
"Excellent Sir,
"The allied army moved towards the neighborhood of, and opposite to Celorico on the 28th ult. in order to dislodge the enemy from the position he had taken up on Guarda, which he still occupied in great force, the possession of which he probably wished to maintain. On the same day a patrole of light infantry, belonging to gen. Campbell's division and commanded by the hon. col. Ramsay, obtained some advantages over a detachment of the enemy in Avelans; as also a party of light horse and a detachment of the 95th regiment, under the command of maj. gen. Lade, obliged the enemy to retire from Lugar to Frexedas. This patrole and detachment took many prisoners from the enemy: but it is with the utmost regret, that I have to mention to your excellency the loss of major of brigade Stewart, who was at the time with the detachment, and was unfortunately killed.
"On the morning of the 29th, the 3d, 6th. and light divisions, the regiment of light dragoons No. 16, and that of Hussars commanded by Generals Picton, Campbell and Sir William Erskine, moved upon Guarda, in five columns, supported by the 5th division in the valley of Mondego, and by the 1st and 7th divisions from Celorico, at the same time the militia under the command of Colonels Trant and Wilson covered in Aiverca this movement, against any attempt the enemy might make to hinder it.--The enemy then abandoned the position of Guarda without firing a shot, and retreated to Sabugal upon the Coa; he was pursued by our cavalry, which took a number of prisoners.
"On the 30th, Sir William Erskine with the cavalry and artillery mounted, attacked the rear guard of the 2d corps, which having been near Belmonte, had moved during the night towards the Coa; in this encounter he killed many of the enemy, and made a number of prisoners.
"After this action the enemy took post upon the Coa, keeping on this side of the river an advanced guard. The allied troops re-united this day upon the left of the river.
"I have the honor, &c.
"WELLINGTON."
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Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Guarda
Event Date
March 28 To April 2, 1811
Key Persons
Outcome
allied loss: major of brigade stewart killed. enemy: many prisoners taken, advantages over detachments, abandoned guarda without firing, retreated to sabugal, many killed in rear guard action.
Event Details
Allied army moved to dislodge enemy from Guarda on March 28, with patrols gaining advantages and taking prisoners in Avelans and Frexedas. On March 29, divisions advanced on Guarda, enemy abandoned position and retreated to Sabugal, pursued by cavalry taking prisoners. On March 30, Sir William Erskine attacked enemy rear guard near Coa, killing many and capturing prisoners. Enemy posted on Coa with advanced guard; allied troops reunited on left bank.