Chapter III

Four companies of our 2d battalion embark. Sail to Cork, and join
an expedition. Its destination. Boating excursions. The
expedition sails. We anchor in Mondego Bay. Brigadier-General
Fane’s brigade. The army disembarks in Portugal. Monks, friars,
padres, and Portuguese females. March to Lavaos. Joined by
troops under General Spencer. A present from the Portuguese
junta. A Dutch concert. The army advances. Features of the
country. Reach Lyria. Swiss deserters. Affair with the French
near Obidos. Battle of Roleia. A close shave and a narrow
escape. Lieutenant Cockrane. March to Lourinha. Reinforcements
join the army from England. Battle of Vimiera. Sir H. Burrard
arrives to take the command. A flag of truce. Convention of
Cintra. Reflections thereon. Sir John Moore arrives. The British
army encamps near Lisbon. Amity between the French and English
soldiers in Lisbon. Lisbon. Its opera, &c. &c. An eccentric
Highland chieftain. Fevers and agues; and by what means a person
so afflicted may be rendered still more miserable. 40

CHAPTER IV.

The army under Sir John Moore leaves Lisbon. Marches to Salamanca.
Sir John Hope joins Sir John Moore near Salamanca. Sir David
Baird lands at Corunna. The whole army is concentrated. Affairs
of cavalry. The army moves to attack Marshal Soult. Suddenly
countermanded. Distribution of our first and second battalions.
Gallant affair of cavalry near Mayorca. General Crawford’s light
brigade destroys a bridge. The French endeavour to interrupt
them in their work. General Crawford marches to Benavente.
Brilliant action of cavalry near Benavente. Two light brigades
sent to Vigo. Their march thither, and embarkation. Cursory view
of Sir John Moore’s retreat to Corunna, and his death. The army
returns to England. Our third battalion is formed. 59

CHAPTER V.

The Light Brigade composed of the 43d and 52d regiments of Light
Infantry, and the 1st battalion 95th Rifle Corps. Embark for
Lisbon under Brigadier-General Robert Crawford. Arrive at
Lisbon. Proceed by water to Vallada. Santarem. Convents and
nuns. March from Santarem to join Sir Arthur Wellesley. Sketch
of the march. The Pass of Villa Velha, Castello Branco, Zarza
Maior, Coria, Orapeza, &c. Extraordinary long march on 28th
July, and want of water. We join the army at Talavera. Slight
sketch of the field of action. 67