25 chapters
10 hour read
Selected Chapters
25 chapters
CHAPTER I.
CHAPTER I.
Initiation into military life—State of the militia force—Preparations against the expected invasion from Boulogne—French prisoners—An accident—The author occupies a dull post near Grimsby—An enlivening incident connected with the tender passion—Love cooled by aqueous immersion, and rekindled by bright eyes—Earl Fitzwilliam—Quarters in Bristol—A fatal affray—Clifton—The author engaged in an affair of honour—Anecdote—The author enters the line—Return of the British army from the Peninsula—Severe d
33 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER II.
CHAPTER II.
Scene of embarkation for foreign service at Deal—A character—Force and objects of the expedition—Arrival off Walcheren—Siege and capture of Flushing—Disastrous sickness among the troops—Evacuation of Walcheren, with the author's adventure on the occasion—The return to England—Napoleon's situation at that period. In June 1809 we left Colchester with other corps, for the purpose of embarkation; our route lay through Chelmsford, Gravesend, Maidstone, to Shorncliff barracks (in Kent) placed on the s
19 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER III.
CHAPTER III.
Progress of distemper on the re-landing of the regiment in England—Change of quarters—Amusements—Colchester—An eventful water party—The author obtains leave to join the detachment proceeding to Portugal—A Review—A tale of dental dislocation—Embarkation at Spithead—Landing in Portugal—Incidents of an evening—Amusements at Lisbon, and departure from that city. The regiment soon re-landed in England, and marched to Colchester, where a vast number of the men died, of ours as well as all the other co
16 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER IV.
CHAPTER IV.
March to Santarem and Abrantes—Scenery and incidents at Aronches—Junction with some other regiments—Military scene in a wood—Anticipatory reflections on the fate of some of the author's comrades—Quarters at Portalagre, Castello de Vida and Marvao—Bridge of boats across the Tagus—Contiguous scenery—Horrors of travelling for invalids in the Portuguese cars. Our animals and baggage having joined us the next day, we took the road towards Santarem, and about dusk reached the causeway leading up a ste
14 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER V.
CHAPTER V.
March continued—Wild and striking aspect of the country—Excellence of discipline—Camp followers—Spanish peasant girls and men—Plain of Fuente de Guinaldo—Reflections on a soldier's life—A vegetable conflagration—Village of Martiago—Difficulties of the French—Arrival in cantonments—The paymaster's peculiarities. Continuing our route through the town of Castello Branco and several villages, we obtained to the left a view of the tremendous ridge of snow-capt mountains of the Sierra d'Estrella. The
14 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER VI.
CHAPTER VI.
The author is attacked by illness—Miseries of military travelling in that condition—Quarters at Celorico—The author's difficult recovery—Grievous sufferings endured by the soldiers affected with fever in the sickly season—Death of the Paymaster—The author rejoins his Division—Movements of the French—A clerical case of disaster—The contested mattress—A dance—Expensive celebration of Christmas—Story of the German suttler—Village and neighbourhood of Fuente de Guinaldo—Theatrical representations by
13 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER VII.
CHAPTER VII.
Preparations for the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo—A review of the light Division by Lord Wellington—The fort and convent of Saint Francisco taken—Storming the breach—Capture of the place—Regulations for the prevention of plunder—Disorders committed in the city—Remarks and anecdotes connected with the siege—Burial of General Craufurd—Removal of quarters to El Bodon—Vestiges of the previous engagement near that place—Ciudad Rodrigo consigned to a Spanish garrison—March towards Badajoz—Castello de Vida—
20 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER VIII.
CHAPTER VIII.
March from Elvas to Badajoz—Defences of that city—The investment—A sortie—Operations of the batteries—Capture of fort Picurina—Preparations for the grand assault—Advance of the "forlorn hope"—Desperate encounter at the breaches—Loss of life experienced by the British—The mode of attack changed to escalade with success—The city sacked by the British troops—Reflections respecting the conduct of the siege—Incidental anecdotes. On the morning of the 17th of March we formed contiguous columns, outsid
24 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER IX.
CHAPTER IX.
Movements of the enemy after the fall of Badajoz—March of the British light and third divisions towards Ciudad Rodrigo—Dispositions for a fresh campaign—Excellent marching arrangement of the light division—Occupation of Salamanca by the British, and investment of the forts—Advance of the French army—Skirmishing and cannonading—Surrender of the forts by the French—English quarters at Rueda, and amusements there—Movements of the author's division—A breakfast party broken up—Personal escape of the
33 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER X.
CHAPTER X.
Well-performed retreat of the French after the battle of Salamanca—Progress of the English troops—Description of the Spanish plains and towns—Custom of the Siesta —Movements of Joseph Bonaparte—Bivouac at Olmedo, and ball given there by Lord Wellington—Advance of the British army, and entry into Valladolid—A swimming adventure—Illness of the author, and his removal to the town of Cuellar—Timorous conduct of the Portuguese dragoons—The English army enters Madrid—Incidents attending the author's f
20 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XI.
CHAPTER XI.
The author becomes convalescent, and proceeds to rejoin the army—Guadarama mountains—Park and palace of the Escurial—An enthusiastic native—A Spanish bandit—British quarters in Madrid, and description of the city—English theatricals—Renewed activity of the contending armies—The British troops evacuate Madrid—Romantic attachments—Alba de Tormes—Re-occupation of Salamanca—Military discomforts—Skirmishing affairs—The French obliged to desist from pursuit through fatigue—Various positions of the Bri
31 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XII.
CHAPTER XII.
The light division reviewed by the Commander-in-chief—Reinforcements from England—The army again in motion—Encampment of the light division between Rodrigo and Salamanca—The German hussars—March to Salamanca, the French retreating—Scene in the Cathedral at Salamanca—Crossing the Tormes, and progress of the march—Passage of the Esla—Affair at Toro with the French heavy horse—Concentration of the whole army, and march through Valencia towards Burgos—An accommodating priest—Capture of French baggag
31 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XIII.
CHAPTER XIII.
Pursuit of the enemy after the battle of Vittoria—Curious spectacle and adventure in a French bivouac—Advance towards Pampeluna, and repulse of the French rear-guard—Retreat of the main body of the enemy into France—Reflections on the policy of King Joseph—Change of the British route, and encampment at Sanguessa—A casual dance—Return to Pampeluna—Expulsion of the French from the valley of Bastan—The Basque peasantry—Town of Bera—Position for covering Pampeluna and St. Sebastian—Preparations for
26 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER XIV.
CHAPTER XIV.
Offensive operations of the Duke of Dalmatia—Partial retrogression of the British—Ill success in the storming of the breaches at St. Sebastian—Movements of the various divisions—Great extent of the British line along the Pyrenees—Interesting domestic scene attending the departure of the Author's Division from the town of Bera—Battle of Pampeluna—Embarrasing situation of the light division through an accidental separation from the army—Successes obtained over the French, and their consequent retr
21 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
NAVAL AND MILITARY TALES, LATELY PUBLISHED BY MESSRS. COLBURN AND BENTLEY.
NAVAL AND MILITARY TALES, LATELY PUBLISHED BY MESSRS. COLBURN AND BENTLEY.
1. TALES OF A TAR. By one of the Authors of "The Naval Sketch Book." In 1 vol. post 8vo. Contents :—The Breeze at Spithead—Jack a Biographer—Kind Inquiries—Command O'Mind—Sailor Sal—Dreams at Sea—A Brush in the Boats—A "Call" for the Cat. 2. SAILORS AND SAINTS. By the Authors of "The Naval Sketch Book." In 3 vols. post 8vo. "While reading 'Sailors and Saints,' the floor of our room has seemed to reel; we have fancied we have felt the salt spray of the sea on our face—so completely have we been a
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER I.
CHAPTER I.
Dwellings and habits of the farming classes in Navarre—Military quarters—The Author obtains leave to proceed to St. Sebastian as a spectator of the assault—Situation of that city, and appearance of the breaches—Groups collected from the neighbouring parts to witness the storming—Advance of the "forlorn hope," and death of Lieut. Mac Guire—Critical situation of the attacking troops—Seasonable measure adopted by General Graham—Effect produced by the heavy artillery—Destructive explosion among the
14 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER II.
CHAPTER II.
The Duke of Dalmatia crosses the Bidassoa—Sharp contest at the heights of St. Marzial and the Bridge of Bera—Touching scene witnessed by the Author on his way to rejoin his division at Santa Barbara—A present from England—Passage of the Bidassoa by the English troops on the 6th of October—Active fighting—The French driven over the mountains into their own territory—Delights of good quarters after hard work—Reconnoitring—Habits and condition of the Spanish soldiery—A mock fight—Military pastimes—
23 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER III.
CHAPTER III.
Advance of the light division—Singular nocturnal orgies—Skirmishing preliminary to the battle of the Nivelle—Details of that battle—British head-quarters established at St. Jean de Luz—More skirmishing, and a slight reverse—Combative anecdotes—Advance of the British line of picquets. On the evening of the 9th of November, the division received orders to move during the night, for the purpose of taking up its ground previously to the attack on the enemy's position in France, on the following morn
16 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER IV.
CHAPTER IV.
Tolerable quarters—Beguiling of time on picquet duty—The army again in motion—A critical position—French cunning, and occasional politeness—Skirmishing affairs preceding the battle of the Nive—Details of that engagement—Its advantageous consequences to our army—Acts of complaisance between the vanguards of the opposed forces—Christmas festivities. The weather continued variable, intermixed with cold winds, sleet, and heavy rains. However, as we were pretty well housed, the hardships of other cam
17 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER V.
CHAPTER V.
An unproductive alarm—The Duke d'Angoulême visits the British army—Orders received by the Duke of Dalmatia—General position of Napoleon's affairs—The author visits Bera on leave of absence—Remarks on the mischiefs committed by camp followers—A scene for contemplation—The author's friends at Bera—Love inimical to harmony—Return to quarters—Movements for penetrating into the interior of France—The author's regiment enters St. Palais, crosses the Gave, and passes through Sauveterre to Orthes. On th
15 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER VI.
CHAPTER VI.
A wrong direction—An affair with the enemy's cavalry—Bivouac in a wood—A ludicrous mistake in the dark—Arrival at St. Sever—Welcome supply of bread—The Duke of Dalmatia leaves Bordeaux unprotected, to preserve the communication with Toulouse—Reception of the English at Mont de Marsan—A dancing scene and other amusements at the village of Brinquet—The disappointed purveyors—The author regains his corps—Adventure gained over the enemy by General Hill—Gascon peasantry—Various movements of the oppos
14 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER VII.
CHAPTER VII.
Advance towards Tarbes—Sharp and successful encounter of the riflemen with the French, who are forced to retire from Tarbes—A beautiful coup-d'œil—Retreating movement of the enemy towards Toulouse—The little French cobbler and his daughter—A burdensome benefactor—Inconveniences of a miry march—The author's adventure at a farm-house—The conscious hosts—A true French château—Approach of the troops towards Toulouse—Critical situation of the author and another officer. We did not halt and encamp unt
13 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPTER VIII.
CHAPTER VIII.
Flank movement to the right—Method of feeding cattle in Gascony—Catching a goose—Halt at St. Simon—Cross the Garonne and advance on Toulouse—The French take up a position to the east of that town—The Spaniards attack the heights of La Pugade—Their terrible slaughter and precipitate retreat—The enemy advance against the fourth and sixth divisions—The sixth division carry the front of the enemy's position—Retreat of the French from Toulouse towards Carcassonne. In the middle of the night we were a
16 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
AN ACCOUNT OF THE BRITISH CAMPAIGN OF 1809, UNDER SIR ARTHUR WELLESLEY, IN PORTUGAL AND SPAIN: BY THE EARL OF MUNSTER.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE BRITISH CAMPAIGN OF 1809, UNDER SIR ARTHUR WELLESLEY, IN PORTUGAL AND SPAIN: BY THE EARL OF MUNSTER.
NOTICE TO THE READER. The following Narrative of one of the most brilliant and important Campaigns of the British Army on the Peninsula, was originally published, in parts, (commencing in May 1829) in the United Service Journal, under the head of "A revised Journal of an Officer on the Staff of the Army." Though anonymous, it was soon discovered by internal evidence to be the production of Colonel Fitzclarence—now Earl of Munster,—who served throughout the whole of the Peninsular Campaigns, with
50 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
NARRATIVE OF THE CAMPAIGN IN HOLLAND IN 1814, WITH DETAILS OF THE ATTACK ON BERGEN-OP-ZOOM: BY LIEUT. J. W. DUNBAR MOODIE, H. P. 21st FUSILEERS.
NARRATIVE OF THE CAMPAIGN IN HOLLAND IN 1814, WITH DETAILS OF THE ATTACK ON BERGEN-OP-ZOOM: BY LIEUT. J. W. DUNBAR MOODIE, H. P. 21st FUSILEERS.
(ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE UNITED SERVICE JOURNAL.) NARRATIVE OF THE CAMPAIGN IN HOLLAND IN 1814. There are certain events in the life of every man on which the memory dwells with peculiar pleasure; and the impressions they leave, from being interwoven with his earliest and most agreeable associations, are not easily effaced from his mind. Sixteen years have now elapsed since the short campaign in Holland, and the ill-fated attack on Bergen-op-Zoom; but almost every circumstance that passed un
55 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter