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Foreign News
May 23, 1811
Virginia Argus
Richmond, Virginia
What is this article about?
Report on the Battle of Barrosa near Cadiz on March 5, 1811, where British forces under General Graham defeated the French despite heavy losses and lack of Spanish support from General La Pena. Tensions between British and Spanish allies highlighted, with another failed expedition and ongoing French shelling of Cadiz.
Merged-components note: These components form a single coherent report on the battle near Cadiz, with sequential reading orders and continuous text across pages 2 and 3, including details from Baltimore, Philadelphia extracts, and general orders.
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BALTIMORE, May 7.
LATESTS FROM CADIZ.
The brig Eliza and Mary Wood, Terwiligher, arrived here yesterday in 23 days from Cadiz.
Capt. Terwiligher and a Mr. McL-vain informs that the report lately received of the battle fought by general Graham and the French is true in all its circumstances. Another expedition since then was attempted, but failed, owning, it is said, to the treachery of pilots who were entrusted with the direction. A very general jealousy exists between the Spaniards and British, which appears to defeat every exertion of the English, and is likely to be attended with very serious consequences. Gen. La Pena was to be tried by a court martial. The French (about 7000) still retain their posts and frequently throw shells into the town, which does sometimes damage. When the Eliza and Mary left Cadiz it was said another expedition was intended under General Graham. Reports stated that in all the skirmishes to the westward the Spaniards were generally successful.
PHILADELPHIA, May 17.
Extracts to the Editor of the Aurora.
"Cadiz, 9th March, 1811:
On the 5th inst. a severe battle was fought by the British and French troops on the plain of Barrosa, about fifteen miles from Cadiz, and 5 miles from the Isla. The French force consisting of about 8000 and the British of 5500 men, in which after one of the most sanguinary conflicts, proportioned to the numbers, that has occurred since the commencement of the war, the French were defeated with the loss of an eagle, two general officers, four standards, five pieces of artillery, between 4 and 500 prisoners (now at the Isla) and upwards of 2000 killed. The British, out of 5000 at the commencement of the action, I am informed, when it was over, could barely muster 2500, the returns made public only admit of 1241 killed and wounded. One regiment alone, the guards, lost 17 officers and 400 men; the loss of the other regiments was little inferior. The total loss of officers is above 74.
This battle was fought in the presence of 15,000 Spaniards under general La Pena, who was commander in chief, without their making the least effort to assist, tho' general Graham sent frequent messages stating his desperate situation.
This brave old man [Graham] had his hat knocked off by an eighteen pound shot and shortly after had a musket ball through it. The French turned all their force against the British, and nothing but the most extraordinary bravery and steadiness could have saved even a part of those fine fellows, about to be sacrificed to perfidy and cowardice. The enclosed general orders issued next morning will shew you how sensible General Graham was of his critical situation--had one company given way--all was lost.
The British kept possession of the field of battle that night, and next day returned to the Isla where they still remain, leaving the Spaniards to occupy the ground they had so nobly won.
The day following this action (the 6th) a few hundred marines and sailors were landed on the opposite side of the bay, in the neighborhood of St. Mary's & Rota: and destroyed a few small batteries, stores, &c. and summoned Fort Catalina to surrender, but the sudden appearance of about 2000 troops, compelled them to embark with all possible haste, and regain their ships, bringing off about 30 prisoners, with the loss of about 20 men killed and wounded.
The Spaniards arrived, as usual, when this little affair was over, and had the honor of joining the British in their retreat!
Thus has ended an expedition, upon which much was calculated. The British officers and men express themselves in strong and unreserved terms of their disapprobation of the conduct of the Spaniards: the Spaniards on the other hand, are sensible they merit it, and without appearing to consider themselves much obliged to their protectors; from this situation of things you must draw your conclusions.
It appears that the British were
too much fatigued to pursue the retreating enemy, having had a long march on that day, and the four preceding ones, thro' a country almost impassable from its mountains and bad roads. The distance from where they landed (Tarifa and Algeciras) to the scene of action, is not more than fifty miles in a direct course, but the Spanish, either through ignorance or design, led them a zig-zag distance of one hundred and nineteen.
"When the expedition was landed it amounted to upwards of nineteen thousand men; but the tardiness of its preparation gave the French time to get reinforcements from Seville and Badajos. It was publicly spoken of six weeks ago, and the French were long in expectation of it. All the movements of the Spaniards seem to go at a snail's pace, and nothing like harmony can be expected to subsist between them and the British hereafter.
"It pains me to hear and see so many brave fellows being sacrificed in the cause of the most contemptible set of devils in the creation."
GENERAL ORDERS.
6th March, 1811.
The disadvantages under which the action of yesterday was begun, were so striking, that it is necessary the lieut. general should state to the troops, that he considered the safety of the whole allied army (circumstanced as it was at the time) depended on defeating the enemy.
While he sincerely laments the sacrifice of the lives of so many gallant men, he trusts that it must be thought a necessary one.
The enemy's number and position were no longer objects of calculation, for there was no retreat. He confided in the known valor of British troops, and his expectations were amply fulfilled.
The fatigue of a night's march of 16 hours was forgotten by every man in the division.
When such universal praise is due to the incomparable behaviour of all, it is impossible to particularize by name, those who distinguished themselves—all did.
He requests, however, that brigadier general Dilkes, and col. Wheately, will accept themselves; and convey to the commanding officers of the corps composing their respective brigades, and all the officers of them, the assurances of his most grateful admiration of their conduct.
The same testimony of gratitude & high approbation, is due to lieutenant col. Barnard, of the 95th, and lieut. col. Brown, of the 28th, commanding flank battalions, and to all the officers under them. To major Duncan, and the officers of the royal artillery, to capt. Birch, and the officers of the royal engineers, to major Busche, and the officers of the 2d Hussars.
The intrepid charge made by a squadron of the hussars, headed by capt. Busche, attracted the notice of every one. The liut. general's obligations to lieut. col. Macdonald, the hon. lieutenant col. Cathcart, and the officers of the adjutant and quarter master general's departments, and to captain Hope, and all the other officers of his personal staff, for their exertions and assistance during the action, are deeply impressed on his mind.
The British troops saw with admiration how nobly the detachment of the 20th Portuguese, under lieut. col. Busche, upheld the character our allies have so fortunately established.
The lieut. general requests that major general Whittingham and captains Miranda and Houghton, of the Spanish service, will accept his best thanks for their zeal and gallantry.
The general of division, Rufin, the general of brigade, Rousseau, an eagle and 5 pieces of artillery, are the trophies of the day.
The loss on both sides, from the appearance of the field of battle, must be severe.
The different corps and detachments will transmit to the Dy. adjt. general as soon as possible, returns of the killed, wounded and missing in the action of yesterday, with the French corps d'armee, commanded by marshal Victor.
At the bottom of each return will be specified at full length, the rank, name and regiment of each officer killed or wounded, and opposite the name of each officer will be mentioned, whether the wound be severe, dangerous or slight.
Signed
GRAHAM.
LATESTS FROM CADIZ.
The brig Eliza and Mary Wood, Terwiligher, arrived here yesterday in 23 days from Cadiz.
Capt. Terwiligher and a Mr. McL-vain informs that the report lately received of the battle fought by general Graham and the French is true in all its circumstances. Another expedition since then was attempted, but failed, owning, it is said, to the treachery of pilots who were entrusted with the direction. A very general jealousy exists between the Spaniards and British, which appears to defeat every exertion of the English, and is likely to be attended with very serious consequences. Gen. La Pena was to be tried by a court martial. The French (about 7000) still retain their posts and frequently throw shells into the town, which does sometimes damage. When the Eliza and Mary left Cadiz it was said another expedition was intended under General Graham. Reports stated that in all the skirmishes to the westward the Spaniards were generally successful.
PHILADELPHIA, May 17.
Extracts to the Editor of the Aurora.
"Cadiz, 9th March, 1811:
On the 5th inst. a severe battle was fought by the British and French troops on the plain of Barrosa, about fifteen miles from Cadiz, and 5 miles from the Isla. The French force consisting of about 8000 and the British of 5500 men, in which after one of the most sanguinary conflicts, proportioned to the numbers, that has occurred since the commencement of the war, the French were defeated with the loss of an eagle, two general officers, four standards, five pieces of artillery, between 4 and 500 prisoners (now at the Isla) and upwards of 2000 killed. The British, out of 5000 at the commencement of the action, I am informed, when it was over, could barely muster 2500, the returns made public only admit of 1241 killed and wounded. One regiment alone, the guards, lost 17 officers and 400 men; the loss of the other regiments was little inferior. The total loss of officers is above 74.
This battle was fought in the presence of 15,000 Spaniards under general La Pena, who was commander in chief, without their making the least effort to assist, tho' general Graham sent frequent messages stating his desperate situation.
This brave old man [Graham] had his hat knocked off by an eighteen pound shot and shortly after had a musket ball through it. The French turned all their force against the British, and nothing but the most extraordinary bravery and steadiness could have saved even a part of those fine fellows, about to be sacrificed to perfidy and cowardice. The enclosed general orders issued next morning will shew you how sensible General Graham was of his critical situation--had one company given way--all was lost.
The British kept possession of the field of battle that night, and next day returned to the Isla where they still remain, leaving the Spaniards to occupy the ground they had so nobly won.
The day following this action (the 6th) a few hundred marines and sailors were landed on the opposite side of the bay, in the neighborhood of St. Mary's & Rota: and destroyed a few small batteries, stores, &c. and summoned Fort Catalina to surrender, but the sudden appearance of about 2000 troops, compelled them to embark with all possible haste, and regain their ships, bringing off about 30 prisoners, with the loss of about 20 men killed and wounded.
The Spaniards arrived, as usual, when this little affair was over, and had the honor of joining the British in their retreat!
Thus has ended an expedition, upon which much was calculated. The British officers and men express themselves in strong and unreserved terms of their disapprobation of the conduct of the Spaniards: the Spaniards on the other hand, are sensible they merit it, and without appearing to consider themselves much obliged to their protectors; from this situation of things you must draw your conclusions.
It appears that the British were
too much fatigued to pursue the retreating enemy, having had a long march on that day, and the four preceding ones, thro' a country almost impassable from its mountains and bad roads. The distance from where they landed (Tarifa and Algeciras) to the scene of action, is not more than fifty miles in a direct course, but the Spanish, either through ignorance or design, led them a zig-zag distance of one hundred and nineteen.
"When the expedition was landed it amounted to upwards of nineteen thousand men; but the tardiness of its preparation gave the French time to get reinforcements from Seville and Badajos. It was publicly spoken of six weeks ago, and the French were long in expectation of it. All the movements of the Spaniards seem to go at a snail's pace, and nothing like harmony can be expected to subsist between them and the British hereafter.
"It pains me to hear and see so many brave fellows being sacrificed in the cause of the most contemptible set of devils in the creation."
GENERAL ORDERS.
6th March, 1811.
The disadvantages under which the action of yesterday was begun, were so striking, that it is necessary the lieut. general should state to the troops, that he considered the safety of the whole allied army (circumstanced as it was at the time) depended on defeating the enemy.
While he sincerely laments the sacrifice of the lives of so many gallant men, he trusts that it must be thought a necessary one.
The enemy's number and position were no longer objects of calculation, for there was no retreat. He confided in the known valor of British troops, and his expectations were amply fulfilled.
The fatigue of a night's march of 16 hours was forgotten by every man in the division.
When such universal praise is due to the incomparable behaviour of all, it is impossible to particularize by name, those who distinguished themselves—all did.
He requests, however, that brigadier general Dilkes, and col. Wheately, will accept themselves; and convey to the commanding officers of the corps composing their respective brigades, and all the officers of them, the assurances of his most grateful admiration of their conduct.
The same testimony of gratitude & high approbation, is due to lieutenant col. Barnard, of the 95th, and lieut. col. Brown, of the 28th, commanding flank battalions, and to all the officers under them. To major Duncan, and the officers of the royal artillery, to capt. Birch, and the officers of the royal engineers, to major Busche, and the officers of the 2d Hussars.
The intrepid charge made by a squadron of the hussars, headed by capt. Busche, attracted the notice of every one. The liut. general's obligations to lieut. col. Macdonald, the hon. lieutenant col. Cathcart, and the officers of the adjutant and quarter master general's departments, and to captain Hope, and all the other officers of his personal staff, for their exertions and assistance during the action, are deeply impressed on his mind.
The British troops saw with admiration how nobly the detachment of the 20th Portuguese, under lieut. col. Busche, upheld the character our allies have so fortunately established.
The lieut. general requests that major general Whittingham and captains Miranda and Houghton, of the Spanish service, will accept his best thanks for their zeal and gallantry.
The general of division, Rufin, the general of brigade, Rousseau, an eagle and 5 pieces of artillery, are the trophies of the day.
The loss on both sides, from the appearance of the field of battle, must be severe.
The different corps and detachments will transmit to the Dy. adjt. general as soon as possible, returns of the killed, wounded and missing in the action of yesterday, with the French corps d'armee, commanded by marshal Victor.
At the bottom of each return will be specified at full length, the rank, name and regiment of each officer killed or wounded, and opposite the name of each officer will be mentioned, whether the wound be severe, dangerous or slight.
Signed
GRAHAM.
What sub-type of article is it?
Military Campaign
Diplomatic
War Report
What keywords are associated?
Battle Of Barroso
British French Engagement
Spanish British Tensions
General Graham
Cadiz Siege
Peninsular War
What entities or persons were involved?
General Graham
General La Pena
Marshal Victor
General Rufin
General Rousseau
Where did it happen?
Cadiz
Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Cadiz
Event Date
5th March, 1811
Key Persons
General Graham
General La Pena
Marshal Victor
General Rufin
General Rousseau
Outcome
french defeated with loss of an eagle, two general officers, four standards, five pieces of artillery, 400-500 prisoners, over 2000 killed; british losses: 1241 killed and wounded out of 5000, including 74 officers; british retained field initially but returned to isla, leaving ground to spaniards; subsequent small british landing repelled with 20 british casualties and 30 prisoners taken.
Event Details
British forces under General Graham fought and defeated French troops under Marshal Victor at Barrosa plain near Cadiz on March 5, 1811, despite no assistance from 15,000 Spaniards under General La Pena. Battle involved 5500 British vs 8000 French in a sanguinary conflict. British too fatigued to pursue due to prior marches. Tensions and jealousy between British and Spanish allies evident, with Spanish tardiness and possible treachery contributing to failures. Another expedition attempted but failed due to pilot treachery. French (7000) hold posts and shell Cadiz. Gen. La Pena to face court martial. Spaniards successful in western skirmishes. Small British marine landing on March 6 destroyed batteries but retreated upon French approach, Spaniards arriving late.