Chapter VIII

A skirmish with the French near Barba del Puerco. The whole of our
battalion moves up to the Agueda, and occupies an extended line
of posts. Massacre of a French soldier by some Spanish
shepherds, near Almofala. Night attack made on four companies of
our battalion at the pass of Barba del Puerco. The enemy is
repulsed with loss. Observations. Letter from Lord Wellington to
Colonel Beckwith, expressing his approbation of the conduct of
his corps on the occasion. General Crawford also thanks the
regiment in orders. The French force at San Felices reinforced
from Salamanca. Character of General Loison. General Crawford
withdraws the troops from Barba del Puerco. We occupy Villa de
Ciervo. Our ten companies reduced to eight, and some officers
sent to England to recruit. Fine specimens of crystal found near
Villa de Ciervo. My establishment is augmented by a young wolf.
Two Portuguese light battalions join General Crawford. We are
reinforced also by a troop of horse artillery, the 14th and 16th
Light Dragoons. Extensive line of posts guarded by General
Crawford’s corps. A large army under Marshal Massena assembles
near Ciudad Rodrigo, intended to invade Portugal. The three
different corps which composed it. By whom commanded. Massena’s
proclamation to the Portuguese. He lays siege to Rodrigo. The
Light Division watch him closely, and are constantly getting
under arms from various causes. Invidious feeling of certain
persons in the army towards the Light Division. The French
batteries open on Rodrigo. Their cavalry drive our pickets over
the Azarva. Prognostications of some wiseacres in the army that
the siege of Rodrigo would be raised by Lord Wellington. General
Junot crosses the Azarva to reconnoiter our force. Captain
Krauchenberg, of the 1st German Hussars, distinguishes himself.
General Crawford retires across the Duas Casas, and takes up a
position behind the Touron. General Junot’s cautious manner of
advancing. Query: Why did Massena never attempt to cut off the
Light Division from the Coa with his numerous cavalry? Rodrigo
surrenders to the French. General Crawford surprises a French
detachment. Colonel Talbot, of the 14th Light Dragoons, killed.
Gallantry of his regiment. Exemplary conduct of the French
infantry in square. Observations. 123