Chapter VI

Scarcity of provisions. Horrid stench from the unburied bodies of
men and horses. I lose my horse, and with him all my campaigning
comforts. The British army marches on Orapeza to attack Soult.
Conduct of General Cuesta at Talavera. The British army crosses
the Tagus at Arzobispo. Desperate attack made by General
Crawford’s troops on a herd of swine. How to dress pork in the
most expeditious manner. The army retires towards Delatosa.
General Crawford’s division proceeds to the bridge of Almaraz.
Long and harassing marches thither. Parched peas and boiled
wheat our food. A fortnight at Almaraz. Scanty diet of bran
cakes and goat’s flesh, without salt. How to reduce a corpulent
person. The army falls back to the southern frontier of
Portugal, and is cantoned near the Guadiana. A short account of
our retreat. Maravao. Castello de Vide. Jollification in the
woods near it. Shooting party on the 1st of September.
Portalegre. General Catline Crawford’s brigade. Aronches.
General Crawford’s division reaches Campo Maior. 87