Hide
hide
Hide
By Sergt. Peter Facey
1811 - To Lisbon via Gibraltar
- Arrival at Lisbon
- Description of Lisbon
- The March to Villa Vicosa
- From Villa Vicosa to Portalegro
- To Asumar and Aranches
- Proceeding to San Vincenta
Back to the Introduction
Go on to chapter 4
TO LISBON VIA GIBRALTAR
We set sail for Gibraltar where we arrived on the 17th March, (1811) leaving our wounded in Cadiz. We remained in Gibraltar until the 10th July when we once more embarked for to search for new adventures. We embarked at 12 o'clock in the day at the New Mould on board His Majesty's Ship 'The Leydon' of 64 guns, and 'The Freya' of 36 guns. At 2 pm. the signal was made for sea, the ships immediately got under weigh. At 6 o'clock, the wind (was) shifting to the west immediately after a flat calm which drifted us to the eastward with the current which runs constantly up the straits. On the morning of the 11th we found we had drifted several leagues to the east of Titawon? on the coast of Barbary. At sunrising, the breeze springing up from the east, 'The Freya' being the lightest ship, cleared the Straits of Gibraltar by 5 in the evening, at which time 'The Leydon' was still lying under centre which occasioned the other ship to lie too.
During the night, at the same time, The Leydon' took an advantage of the land breeze and got so far ahead of the 'Freya' unperceived that the 'Freya' did not come up with her until the day following, the wind continuing from the west we lost sight of land off Cape Trafalgar, nor did we see it until we made the mouth of the Teagus on the morning of the 20th. At 6 o'clock the same evening we anchored off Pasa de Ares; on the morning following we weighed anchor again and arrived safe above Billam Castle. On the morning of the 23rd the regiment landed at Black Horse Square at Lisbon and marched into a convent in the centre of the city.
Back to the Beginning
ARRIVAL AT LISBON
Lisbon is of an oblong square, beautifully situated on the banks of the Teagus, finely adapted for commerce with all parts of Europe as well as the western part of the world. The Teagus is constantly crowded with ships from all countries (France and Holland excepted). Large fleets trade annually from this river to the Brazils, which imports large quantities of rum, tobacco, cotton, indigo, logwood, etc., etc.
There are all sorts of merchants to be found in this city, goldsmiths, jewellers, silver, copper, brass and tinsmiths in abundance together with a few small woollen manufacturers. Lisbon is well fortified on the mouth of the river, Castigo? is situated on the west, and Fort St. Julian on the east entrance surrounded by water at flood tide. At low water it communicates with the mainland. Pasa de Ares is fortified by a strong line wall and a range of batteries along the bank of the river. Billam Castle is a strong fortification. It is situated about 3 English miles to the west of Lisbon and communicated with the city by the Bridge of Alentra. At present Billam is the chief depot for the troops in this country as it is so near the capital, and well supplied with water, and all kinds of vegetables in abundance, as also the chief fortification facing the ocean, in case of any sudden attack from that quarter. The troops are immediately ranged along the banks of the Teagus within half musket shot of the water.
Back to the Beginning
DESCRIPTION OF LISBON
As I have before given a short sketch of Billam, I shall give a little more description of Lisbon. There is a strong castle at the east end of the city with a strong wall and deep ditch surrounding it. It contains two strong gates, the entrance of them is guarded by 4 pieces of cannon. This castle is situated on an advantageous ground on the top of a hill so that it commands the whole of the city and river for several miles. This castle is sufficient to contain 300 men. There is a monument erected about the centre of the city, longways close to the water. This represents one of the ancient Kings of Portugal in full blue armour, riding a fiery steed, in the act of overthrowing two of the Indian Princes. On the right is a Prince dismounted from his elephant, most desperately wounded. On his left is his brother, dismounted from a fine Arabian, with a spear stuck in his breast, weltering in blood under his horses feet. In front of the monument is an emblem of a ship, navigated into the Teagus by two eagles, with one perching upon the bough, the other like a true pilot, sitting on the starboard quarter. The city of Lisbon is well supplied with water, they have tanks and containers within ... yards of the salt water, nevertheless the water is clear and wholesome. On the south-east bank of the Teagus stood old Lisbon, which was destroyed by an earthquake in the year of our Lord 1755 - the place where the old city stood is now totally under water
Back to the Beginning
THE MARCH TO VILLA VICOSA
On the 20th at 3 o'clock am. we marched for Villa Vicosa where we arrived about 10. Villa Vicosa is situated about 12 English miles from Estramoze on a plain surrounded by hills covered with olive and fig trees. There was no kind of defence but a ruinous castle. Now it is capable of being put in a state of defence as the adjacent hills command the town in all directions. The streets of Villa Vicosa are more broad and cleaner than we in general meet with in this country. The populace may amount to about 3,000.
In this town is situated a most elegant palace, subject of the Queen of Portugal, this beautiful and ancient piece of building is situated at the west angle of the town in which our regiment was quartered. It is built 4 storeys high, its front is built with blue hewn stone with a wing at the left angle in which stands a private chapel which contains a large clock and five bells, also the Queen's closet, which is the only apartment that retains its former grandeur. The front of the palace is about 1200 feet in length, the front door is situated in the centre which immediately on entering there is a case which stands directly at the front, presents itself 2 armies engaged in battle, drawn in a most elegant but ancient style. At the head of the stairs, on the left hand, is the audience chamber. It is 40 feet long and about 24 broad, the roof is adorned with portraits of the ancient Kings and Queens of the House of Portugal, drawn by the most able of masters. The next apartment is by appearance the Levee Room. It is also decorated with the Heaven? goddesses in full. This is the most beautiful painting I ever met with in my travels.
The ballroom is situated on the South-East angle of the building. Its length is about 90 feet, its breadth about 50, with three crystal branches suspended from the roof, each of these branches contains 200 wax candles beautifully ornamented with gilt brass laples which are suspended from the top of the branches so as to give an additional lustre to the several lights. In this place I numbered 372 different apartments and 500-some odd windows. In a number of these apartments are various curiosities very worthy of remark which would require a more able pen-man than me to describe. At the east extremity of the palace stands a very elegant Nunnery and a Chapel, in the centre of which, on a pedestal stands a Golden Ship, fully rigged, sails set and yards square. It stands on four golden wheels, its length is about 2 feet 6 inches, the sails are made of costly needlework fringed with gold lace. In this ship is stretched the statue of the Queen of Portugal cut out in marble, apparently sleeping. The whole piece adorned with made flowers of the most beautiful kind. At about 600 yards to the east of the palace, at a seat, is situated an elegant garden which represents the whole map of the principal towns and garrisons in Spain. The walk through the garden formed the roads from the capital to the different towns, garrisons, etc. On arriving, there present to view the different batteries with guns mounted, piles of shot and shell with magazines, etc. The guns on the different towers are made of brass, supporting a 24 pounder to be about 3 inches round, and about 8 inches long, and so in proportion from the small to the largest size of the batteries.
Back to the Beginning
FROM VILLA VICOSA TO PORTALEGRO
'We remained at Villa Vicosa until the 3rd Sept. 1811 at which time the whole of the division, consisting of the 28th, 34th, 39th, 50th, 71st and 92nd Regiments of British Infantry, 2 companies of the 60 German Rifle Corps, three Brigades of Artillery, the 6th and 18th Regiment of Casadores, the 19th Light Dragoons and 3 squadrons of the 2nd, or Queens German Hussars, formed the second division commanded by Lieut. Gen. Sir Rowland Hill. We marched from Villa Vicosa at 3 o'clock am. passing through a pleasant and fruitful country to Mont Fort, the distance being 4 long leagues, and the day very hot. A number of men fell in the rear, but the major part joined at Mont Fort the same evening. At 4 o'clock the following morning we proceeded on our march for Portalegro, passing through a level road adorned with a beautiful pine wood on each side for a considerable distance. We arrived at Portalegro about 10 o'clock.
This town, at a distance, appeared to be in a valley, but it is situated on a rock, the road leading to it for an English mile and a half, is quite narrow, and so very steep that it is difficult for horses, mules or oxen to pass, or even for foot passengers in the rainy season. The streets in this town are quite narrow and irregular, the rock answering for the pavement, and in many parts it is equal to going up stairs. This was once a fortified town, but time has much reduced it, likewise an exceedingly large hill on the north of the town being several hundred yards higher than the town, consequently commanding the town and adjacent valley.
Back to the Beginning
TO ASUMAR AND ARANCHES
On the 16th of October about 7 am. we commenced our march for Asumar, a small town situated about 3 leagues from Portalegro. Its inhabitants appear to be in a poor and distressed state. Nothing worthy of remark occurred during our stay here.
We remained at Asumar until about 5 o'clock on the morning of 20th October when we proceeded on our march for Aranches, passing through a tolerable well cultivated country, producing olive trees and vineyards in abundance, with other numerous plantations including pine woods, rivulets which make the country appear delightful. We arrived at Aranches at 11 o'clock. This town and Citadel appears to have been very formidable but the unlimited negligence of its inhabitants has, like the greatest part of the country, allowed it to reduce through want of timely repair. Although the town is situated on an advantageous ground almost surrounded by a rapid river, the Citadel is situated several hundred feet higher than the town. Here all military stores are deposited, also the Governor's residence. This town is well supplied with excellent water. There are several houses of worship here, but have been totally destroyed by the calamities of war, and converted into stables or hospitals, a necessity maybe required. The guards of the town consist of a kind of hermits, clothed in rags of odd colours, aged from 50 to70, armed with old bayonets fixed on pales. Others with pieces of iron sharpened and driven into pales about 8 feet long, in this mode they mount guard, parade, etc. as described in the town of Estrasmoza.
In the morning of the 21st October we commenced our march again, passing through a mountainous country, and about 3 pm. arrived at a small dusty village in Spain named Cordecarios distant about 3 leagues from Aranches. When Lieut. Gen. Hill, arriving with his staff immediately after, obliged us to leave the quarters we had occupied in the village, and bivouaced within a quarter of a mile of it. We no sooner took up our line of encampment than it commenced to rain to such a degree that all were wet as water could make us in half an hour. In this situation we remained all night. In this place was a large grove of chestnut trees, although not ripe, were gathered, boiled and eaten as a substitute for bread.
Back to the Beginning
PROCEEDING TO SAN VINCENTA
About 9 the following morning we proceeded on our way for San Vincenta crossing over a large ridge of mountains, soon arrived into an intensive valley several leagues in circumference, producing immense quantities of olives, grapes, etc. etc. The division now separated and took different directions. Our brigade arrived at San Vincenta at 4 pm. and took up our contoonments for the night. On the 23rd we marched four and a half leagues and bivouaced near Cassa de Castelonia. It is to be remarked that during this days march, although it exceeds 22 English miles, not a single house was to be found. On the evening of the 23rd we again proceeded on our march through a more level country interset with trees, shrubs and groves. On this march likewise, neither house nor habitation was to be seen for the distance of near 50 miles, except for one before mentioned. About 8 o'clock pm. we arrived at a pleasant town called Ario del Purco. This place is without any fortification of commerce, however we have received information that the French Army had marched out of the town about 11 o'clock in the forenoon taking with them all the provisions and forage they could find. On the 30th October we marched from this place about 5 o'clock am., the roads excessive bad. After crossing a ridge of mountains we descended into a beautiful plain which appeared to be about 40 miles in circumference, and so level that any wheeled carriage may travel with great ease. At 12 o'clock we arrived at the shattered, broken down, poverty struck village of Malpertido, which heap of ruins is situated on the plain. There is a small square and part of a chapel in the centre of the ruins which was converted into soldiers quarters, but quite insufficient to shelter us from the rain which was falling in torrents.
After a few hours we were joined by the major part of our division, and Lieut. Gen. Hill, early on the morning of the 27th, we commenced our march along the plain. The morning being fine we advanced rapidly passing several small villages apparently of little note, continuing our march from 5 in the morning till 7 in the evening. A march of 14 hours, and heavy laden proved to the army very fatiguing with the unpleasantness of fording several rivers. After a distance of 32 English miles we arrived within a mile and a half of a village called Alquerque and took up our position on a wet swampy common with the right of our army near the village, and the left by a thick pine wood. We were here informed that the enemy was within 2 leagues of us, therefore special orders were given that no fire or candle could be allowed. Three troops of the 25th Hussars were despatched to reconnitre the enemy's position, and the flank companies of the 28th Regiment to keep possession of the village. By this time the night became so dark and the rain falling in such torrents that it was impossible to distinguish any object at a short distance. Every individual was now endeavouring to use his utmost exertions to keep as dry as possible his ammunition, but by having the watch coats on, and the accoutrements on the outside it was an impossibility of preventing the rain from penetrating into the poncho.
On this forlorn situation we remained standing up, for a very good reason, because we could not lie down, the water being over our shoes, until about 3 o'clock in the morning of the 28th when the officer of the Hussars returned making a favourable report, that the enemy were contooned in the village of Araz de Molenia. Accordingly the whole of the troops were silently ordered to stand to their arms, the wind and rain still increasing, that all the troops appeared to be the same
- [a small portion of the diary here is illegible] -
... ... Our commander then made a short halt in order that the stragglers might come up who had fell in the rear, through the badness of the roads, the excessive rain and darkness of the morning. Immediately the army was divided into 3 brigades with orders that one brigade should flank the right, one the left, and the other to march directly on the town with a proportion of cavalry and artillery to each brigade. Daylight beginning to appear, our hero, finding no time could be spared, ordered an advance in double quick time. The centre brigade advanced within half a musket shot of the town before the enemy perceived them, and immediately opened a heavy fire from their cannon on our column, but without any great effect. This could not but faintly be answered by us from the wetness of our arms and ammunition, but immediately on our arrival made a most desperate charge into the town carrying every thing by the point of the bayonet. The enemy at the same time were under orders for marching, had their baggage loaded and a great part of their men were in the street ready to fall in, in marching order. They immediately made a desperate push through the town in all disorder and confusion, closely pursued by the British troops. On their quitting the town they were, to their sorrow, spectators of a British Brigade with cavalry and artillery in proportion on each side of them. Consequently had no recourse but to push forward on a level ground for the distance of an English mile and a half. Our artillery immediately took the advantage of a small height on the outside of the town on which we placed four pieces of cannon, and opened such a heavy and well directed fire on them that they ran in all directions. The enemy returned us a few shots as they retreated and at the same time made a grand push to ascend the mountain which a very few of them obtained, and even those that did were brought back by the scruff of the neck, for we were not far behind them. As the centre brigade was marching directly after them, and 2 flank brigades had nearly closed on them, the enemy having 4 elegant pieces of ordnance, each drawn by 6 or 8 mules. In the front of the guns, in a carriage, drawn by 6 choice mules, rode the Duke and Duchess de Arrenburgh, who, the 2nd Hussars observing, made a charge with sword in hand and surrounded the carriage. At that instant the Duke, refusing to be taken prisoner, presented his pistol at the Hussar who was riding up to the carriage window, and shot him, whose comrades seeing his blood so vainly flow, gallops up to the carriage window with uplifted sword and would have instantly run the Duke through the head had not the Duchess craved mercy, speaking in the Dutch language, which occasioned the Hussar to suspend the blow, and their lives were spared.
On our mounting the top of the rock, the enemy, finding our determination contented themselves by breaking their firelocks, throwing away their ammunition and appointments and giving themselves up prisoners of war. Thus ended one of the best planned movements that had been ever done.
The result of the day is the capture of the Duke and Duchess de Arrenburgh, one General of Cavalry (Brune), one Lieut. Colonel in Chief, one Aide de Camp of General Girard, one Commisary de Guerre, about 42 inferior officers, 4 pieces of cannon, 2 tumblers, 1700 soldiers and about 200 horses and mules and other beasts of burden loaded with considerable stores.
Losses on our side - 7 Rank and File and 5 horses killed, 1 Lieut. Colonel, 2 majors, 4 Captains, 4 Sergeants, 47 Rank & File, 11 horses wounded - and one General Staff missing.
Back to the Beginning or on to Chapter 4
Colleytown, Chittlehampton.
This page last updated on 15 Jul 2004