two columns, taking my direction by the skirts of the woods, and establishing my camp between Alba de Tormes and Salamanca. My object in taking this direction was to continue the movement by my left, in order to drive the enemy from the neighbourhood of Salamanca and fight them with greater advantages. I depended upon taking a good defensive position, in which the enemy could undertake nothing against me, and, in short, come near enough to them to take advantage of the first faults they might make and vigorously attack them.On the 22d, in the morning, I went upon the heights of Calbaraca de Azzeva to reconnoitre the enemy. I found a division which had just arrived there, others were in march for the same place. Some firing took place, for the purpose of occupying the posts of observation, of which we respectively remained masters. Every thing announced that it was the enemy's intention to Occupy the position of Tesares, which was a league in the rear of that in which he then was, distant a league and a half from Salamanca. They, however, assembled considerable forces upon this point, and as their movement upon Tesares might be difficult, if all the French army was in sight, I thought it right to have it ready to act as circumstances required.There were between us and the English some isolated points, called the Aropiles. I ordered General Bonnet to occupy that which belonged to the position we ought to take; his troops did so with promptitude and dexterity. The enemy ordered theirs to be occupied, but it was commanded by ours at 250 toises distance. I had destined this point, in the event of there being a general movement by the left, and a battle taking place, to be the part and point of support of the right to all the army.-The first division had orders to occupy and defend the plain of Calbaraca, which is protected by a large and deep ravine. The third division was in the second line, destined to support it, and the 2d, 4th, 5th, and 6th were at the head of the wood en masse, behind the position of Aropiles, and could march equally on all sides, whilst the 7th division occupied the left head of the wood, which formed a point extremely uneven, and of very difficult access, and which I had lined with 20 pieces of artillery. The light cavalry was charged to clear the left, and place itself in advance of the 7th division. The dragoons remained in the second line to the right of the army. Such were the dispoşitions made towards the middle of the day. -The enemy had his troops parallel to me, extending his right by leaning towards the mountain of Tesares, which always ap peared to be his point of retreat.There was in front of the plain occupied by the artillery another vast plain, easy of defence, and which had a more immediate effect on the enemy's movements. The possession of this place gave me the means, in casé I should have manoeuvred towards the evening, of carrying myself on the enemy's communications on Tamames. This post, which was otherwise well occupied, was impregnable, and in itself completed the position which I had taken. It was, besides, 'indispensably necessary to occupy it, seeing that the enemy had reinforced his centre, from whence he might push forward en masse on this plain, and commence his attack by taking this important point. In consequence, I gave orders to the 5th division to take position on the right extremity of this plain, the fire from which exactly crossed that from Aropiles, to the 7th division, to place itself in a second line to support this, to the 2d to hold itself in reserve to the latter, and to the 6th to occupy the plain at the head of the wood, where a large number of pieces of artillery were yet remaining.I gave like orders to General Bonnet to cause the 122d to occupy a point situated between the great plain and the point of Aropiles, which defended the entrance of the village of Aropiles; and, finally, I gave orders to General Boyer, Commandant of the Dragoons, to leave a regiment to clear the right of the General, and to push the three other regiments to the front of the wood, on the flank of the second division, in such manner as to be able, in case the enemy should attack the plain, to attack them by the right of this plain, in the mean while that the light caThe most valry should charge his left. part of these movements were performed with irregularity. The fifth division, after having taken the post assigned to them, extended itself on its left without any cause or reason. The seventh division, which had orders to support it, marched to its position, and, in short, the second division was still in the rear. I felt all the consequences which might result from all these irregularities, and I resolved on remedying them myself on the spot, which was a very easy matter, the enemy as yet not having made any movement at all. At the same time I received the report of the enemy having caused fresh troops to pass from his left to his right; I ordered the 3d and 4th divi sions to march by the skirts of the wood, in order that I might dispose them as I found needful. It was half past four o'clock, and I went to the place which was to be the object of a serious dispute, but at this moment a shell struck me, and broke my right arm, and made two large wounds in my right side. I thus became incapable of taking any kind of part in the command. -The previous time which I should have employed in rectifying the placing of the troops on the left, was fruitlessly passed, the absence of the Commander gives birth to anarchy, and from thence proceeds disorder; meanwhile the time was running away without the enemy undertaking any thing. At length, at five o'clock, the enemy, judging that the situation was favour able, attacked this ill-formed left wing with impetuosity. The divisions engaged repulsed the enemy, and were themselves repulsed in their turn, but they acted without concert and without method. The division which I had called to sustain the first, found themselves in the situation of taking part in the combat without having foreseen it. Every General makes extraordinary efforts to supply by his own particular dispositions, those which are in the whole requisite, but if he can attain it in part, yet he cannot effect it completely. The artillery covered itself with glory, performed prodigies of valour, and in the midst of our losses, caused the enemy to suffer enormously. He directed his attacks against Aropiles, which was defended by the brave 120th regiment, and was there repulsed, leaving more than eight hundred dead on the spot. At length the army retires, evacuates the plains, and retires to the skirts of the wood. There the enemy makes fresh efforts. The division of Foy, which, by the nature of the business, was charged with the covering of the retrograde movement, was attacked with vigour, and constantly repulsed the enemy. This division merits the greatest eulogy, as does likewise its General. From this moment the retreat was effected towards Alba de Tormes, without being disturbed by the enemy. Our loss amounts to about 6,000 men hors de combat.We have lost nine pieces of cannon, which being dismounted, could not be carried off. All the rest of the baggage, all the park of artillery, all the materials belonging to the army have been brought away.- It is difficult, M. le Duc, to express to you the different sentiments which agitated me at the fatal moment when the wound which I received caused my removal from the army. I would with delight have exchanged this wound for the certainty of receiving a mortal stroke at the close of the day, to have preserved the faculty of command, so well did I know the importance of the events which had just taken place, and how necessary the presence of the Commander-in-Chief was at the moment when the shock of the two armies appeared to be preparing, to give the whole direction to the troops and to appoint their movements. Thus one unfortunate moment has destroyed the result of six weeks of wise combinations, of methodical movements, the issue of which had hitherto appeared certain, and of which every thing seemed to presage to us that we should reap the fruit. On the 23d the army made its retreat from Alba de Tormes on Penaranda, taking its direction towards the Douro. The whole of the enemy's cavalry harassed our rear, composed of the cavalry of the first division. This cavalry fell back, and left the division too much exposed, but it formed itself in squares to resist the enemy. One of them was broken; the others resisted,, and especially that of the 69th, which killed 200 of the enemy's horse, by the push of the bayonet. After this time they made no attempt on us. -General Clausell has the command of the army, and takes such measures as circumstances require. I am going to have myself transported to Burgos, where I hope by repose and care taken, to recover of the severe wounds I have received, and which afflict me more from the dire influence which they have had on the success of the army, than from the sufferings which they have caused me to endure.I cannot do sufficient justice to the bravery with which the Generals and Colonels have fought; to the good disposition which animated them in that difficult circumstance. I ought particularly to mention General Bonnet, whose reputation has been so long established. I should likewise name General Taufin, who commanded the sixth division; General Clausell, though wounded, did not quit the field of battle, but to the end gave an example of great personal bravery. The General of Artillery, Terlet, and Colonel Digeon, commanding the reserve of artillery, particularly distinguished themselves.In this day, unfortunate as it has been, there are a multitude of traits worthy of being noticed, and which honour the French name. I will collect them, and solicit from his Majesty rewards for the brave men who have deserved them.- -I ought not to de fer mentioning the gallant conduct of the brave Sub-Lieutenant Guillemat, of the 118th regiment, who sprung into the enemy's ranks to obtain a flag, which he seized, after having cut off the arm of the person who carried it; he has brought this flag into our ranks, notwithstanding the several bayonet wounds he has received.- -We have to regret the loss of the General of Division Fuey, dead of his wounds; of General Thomieres, killed upon the field of battle; and of General Desgravurs. Generals Bonnet and Clausell, and the General of Brigade Menne, are wounded. I beg your Excellency to receive the assurance of my high consideration. (Signed with the left hand) THE MARSHAL DUKE OF RAGUSA. day's date, reporting the entry into Seville of the allied corps under General Le Cruz and Colonel Skerrett; I have received a dispatch from the latter, of which I transmit a copy herewith, and a return of the killed and wounded of the British detachment. I have the honour to be, &c. GEO. COOKE, Major-General. SEVILLE, Aug. 28, 1812: Sir, I have the honour to report the movements of the detachment under my orders since the date of my last. The result of which, the capture of the city of Seville by assault, defended by eight French battalions and two regiments of dragoons intrenched, will, I trust, be considered as honourable to the allied arms and serviceable to the cause of Spain.On the 24th instant, General Cruz Mourgeon, commanding the Spanish troops, and myself, judged it advisable to make a forward movement on Seville; for this purpose it was advisable to force the enemy's corps of observation of three hundred and fifty cavalry and two hundred infantry, at St. Lucar la Mayor. I marched from Manzanilla with eight hundred troops, composed of the 1st regiment of guards, the 87th, and the Portuguese regiment, Brigadier-General Downie, accompanied with six hundred Spanish troops. The Spanish column attacked on the right, and the British and Portuguese on the left. The French were driven through the streets with precipitation, leaving some killed, wounded, and prisoners. We took post at After the first movements of the English army, his Catholic Majesty, under whose orders were placed all the French armies in Spain, was determined to unite all the disposable troops he had belonging to the army of the centre, to march at the same time with the Marshal Duke of Ragusa against the enemy. On the 20th July his Majesty had in effect assembled a considerable corps, at the head of which he had advanced between the 21st and 24th of July to Arevalo.The retreat of the Army of Portugal having taken place before his Majesty could join it, he was obliged to confine himself to checking Lord Wellington's army, which he has successfully done by this diversion. The greater part of the enemy's forces having marched upon the San Lucar without the loss of a man.-On army of the centre, his Catholic Majesty at the 26th inst. Gen. Cruz and myself having first thought of covering Madrid, and send- judged that it would be attended with the ing from it the persons most attached to his most beneficial effects, both on the public service, and the most important objects. A opinion and in saving the city from being considerable convoy, escorted by Darmag-plundered, if the French could be precipinac and Palombini's divisions, have been fortunately conducted towards Valencia. On the 18th August the King had his head-quarters at Villa Robledo. The intention of his Majesty was to unite the troops of the Army of the Centre, according to circumstances, either with the Army of the South or the Army of Arragon, to fight the English with advantage. SEVILLE TAKEN.- -DOWNING-STREET, Sept. 23.-A Dispatch, of which the following is a Copy, has been this day received at Earl Bathurst's Office, addressed to his Lordship by Major-General Cooke, daled Cadiz, Aug. 30, 1812. CADIZ, Aug. 30, 1812. My Lord,-Since my letter of yester tated in their retreat from Seville; the allied troops, in consequence, marched for this purpose, and arrived at the heights of Castillejos de la Cuesta, immediately above Seville, on the morning of the 27th, at six o'clock. The Spanish troops formed our advance. The French advance was driven in; the cavalry retired, leaving the infantry in the plain, which last were charged by the Spanish cavalry, who made many prisoners. -The Spanish troops attacked a redoubt on our left, and lost a good many men. The columns advanced into the plain, by which movement this redoubt was turned, and its communication cut off; the Spanish troops under General Cruz took the right, and made a detour to arrive and attack on that flank of Triana (the suburbs of Seville). I ordered the redoubt to be Lieutenant Brett, royal artillery, who was masked by a detachment of the 20th Por- P. S. A return of the guns and military stores taken, will be sent as soon as the quantity can be ascertained. Two of the field-pieces which the enemy advanced against us, fell into our hands. NORTHERN WAR.-Fifteenth Bulletin of ing 800 baggage-waggons, which the enemy the Grand French Army.- Slawkovo, 27th Aug. 1812. could neither carry off nor destroy. The Russian army, under Tormasow, has lost The General of division Zayoneheick, almost all its baggage.-The equipage for who commanded a Polish division at the the siege of Riga has begun to move from battle of Smolensk, was wounded. The Tilsit for the Dwina.--General St. Cyr, behaviour of the Polish corps at Smolensk has taken a position on the Drissa. The astonished the Russians, who used to de- rout of the enemy at the battle of Polotsk spise them. They were struck with their on the 18th was complete. The brave Ba-, steadiness, and the superiority which they varian General Deroy was wounded on the displayed over themselves.--At the bat- field of honour, at the age of 72, after tles of Smolensk and Valontina, the enemy nearly 60 years' service. His Majesty has lost twenty Generals killed, wounded, or nominated him a Count of the Empire, taken, and a very great number of officers. with a revenue of 30,000 francs. The BaThe number of men killed, taken, or wound-varian corps behaved with much bravery. ed, on these occasions, may amount to from His Majesty has granted it rewards and 25 to 30,000 men.- On the day after honours.The enemy gave out that he the battle of Valontina, his Majesty gave would make a stand at Doroghobouj. He the 12th and 21st regiments of infantry of had, according to custom, thrown up earth the line, and the 7th regiment of light in- and constructed batteries. The army havfantry, a number of decorations of the Le-ing shewn itself in order of battle, the Emgion of Honour, to be bestowed on the peror repaired thither; but the enemy's Captains, Lieutenants, Subalterns, and Sol-General thought better of it, beat a retreat, diers. The selections were made on the field, in a circle before the Emperor, and were confirmed with acclamations by the troops.The following are the names of those who obtained this honourable distinction:-[Here follows a list of the respective individuals.]-Number of decorations granted, to the 12th regiment 30; 21st do. 25; 7th light do. 32-Total, 87. -The enemy's army, in retiring, burn the bridges and destroy the roads, in order to retard the march of the French army as much as possible. On the 21st, they had repassed the Borysthenes at Slob Pniwa, always closely followed by our advanced guard.――The commercial establishments at Smolensk were quite untouched on the Borysthenes, in a fine suburb, to which the Russians set fire, for the sole purpose of retarding our march a single hour. Never was war conducted with so much inhumanity: the Russians treat their own country as they would that of an enemy. The country is fine, and abundantly supplied with every thing. The roads are admirable.--Marshal the Duke of Tarentum continues to destroy Dunabourg. The wooden materials, palisades, &c. which the 30th at Viasma; the army marching were immense, served to make feu-de-joie in honour of the 15th of August.—Prince Schwartzenberg writes from Ossiati, on the 17th, that his advanced guard has pursued the enemy on the road to Divin, that he has taken some hundreds of prisoners, and obliged the enemy to burn his baggage. General Bianchi, however, who commands the advanced guard, has succeeded in seiz and abandoned Doroghobouj, a city con- Sixteenth Bulletin of the Grand Army. The head-quarters of the Emperor were, on the 27th, at Slawkovo; on the 28th, near Senlovo; on the 29th, in a Castle one league in the rear of Viasma; and on in three columns-the left, formed by the Viceroy, proceeding by Kanoochkino, Znamenkoi, Kosterectkovo, and Novoethe centre formed by the King of Naples, the corps of the Prince of Eckmuhl, the Duke of Elchingen and the Guards marching on the grand road, and the left by the Prince Poniatowski marching on the left bank of the Osna by Volosk, Louchke, |