The Hillsborough Recorder

Trick of the Spanish Mule Driver.

(Related by an eye-witness.)

It is customary in Spain to guide the mules without reins, and mostly by calling them.—The animal when called by its name, punctually follows the order of the driver. But it is a very peculiar circumstance, that they must always be yoked at the very same place to which they have been accustomed, otherwise they will not draw. After the battle of Ocaña, several waggons were required to carry away the effects of king Joseph and Napoleon, from Madrid. While the waggons were loading most of the drivers unyoked their mules, under pretence of feeding them, and then put them to again at an unaccustomed place. The animals refused to draw. The drivers at first seemed to give themselves all possible trouble to make them go on. The French who escorted the train, attempted to assist, and liberally dealt out their blows on all sides. The Spanish drivers, however, contrived to get out of the way, and the mules kept their place, in spite of all this beating. This occasioned a long delay, for the French sought in vain the cause of the obstinacy of the mules. At last, a part of the escort of the cavalry were obliged to dismount, and their horses were harnessed to the waggons. But, during this time, a part of the Spanish cavalry, whose approach appears to have been known to the drivers, had made a detour about Madrid, and captured almost all the baggage of king Joseph, who is said to have narrowly escaped being made prisoner.