Chapter VII

The country near Campo Maior, and the climate of Alemtejo. The
army becomes very sickly. Fate of General Cuesta’s army after we
parted company with it at Talavera. Various descriptions of
field-sports near Campo Maior. How to keep off fevers, agues,
&c. Shooting excursions in the forest of Albuquerque. Wild
boars, wolves, and red deer. Bathing excursions of our
battalion, and its march to and from the Caya. Destruction of
hares, rabbits, and partridges. Riding down red-legged
partridges. Lieut.-Colonel Sidney Beckwith’s system contrasted
with that of many commanding officers of regiments. Rumours of
the army being about to return to England. The army continues
sickly. The army leaves its cantonments on the Guadiana, and
proceeds to the northern frontier of Portugal. Our march to that
point. Students and young padres at the University of Coimbra
uselessly employed. Sketch of the country between Coimbra and
Pinhel, and our march through it. The 95th Rifle Corps and 1st
German Hussars cross the Coa, and take up the outposts. The
manner in which we passed our time in the outlandish regions
between the Coa and Agueda, until the campaign of 1810 opened.
Various amusements for the soldiers encouraged by Lieut.-Colonel
Beckwith. 104