Starting to join his Regiment.
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Title: The Military Adventures of Johnny Newcome
With an Account of his Campaign on the Peninsula and in Pall Mall
Author: David Roberts
Illustrator: T. Rowlandson
Release Date: November 17, 2013 [EBook #44201]
Language: English
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THE MILITARY ADVENTURES
OF JOHNNY NEWCOME
Starting to join his Regiment.
WITH AN ACCOUNT OF HIS CAMPAIGN
ON THE PENINSULA AND IN PALL MALL
AND NOTES
BY AN OFFICER
WITH FIFTEEN COLOURED SKETCHES
BY T. ROWLANDSON
A NEW EDITION
METHUEN AND CO.
LONDON
1904
This Issue is founded on the original Edition printed for Patrick Martin in the year 1816.
I shall, I trust, be acquitted of any servile view, when, in dedicating this humble Essay to the Subalterns of the British Army, I adopt the only means in my power of shewing how much I honour and admire them.
END OF PART I
Johnny Newcome going to lay in Stock.
Getting into his Billet.
1 This species of partial puffing is carried too far. It reminds me of something of a similar tendency, that panegerized a young Count who was killed by a Broad-Wheeled Waggon.
2 The intention of government was no doubt to consult as much as possible the convenience of the Officers; but, the arrangement was, and is, shameful, respecting their treatment when embarked and on board Transports. In the first instance, hurried to get on Board, they immediately find they have nothing to expect but a hard berth, the use of the Cabin, and Rations; no utensils to cook with, or to use; no person to cook for them; in short, all must depend on their individual exertion. Conceive a young Lad, without a servant, and with a scanty purse, thus situated, expecting a voyage of a month or six weeks’ continuance!
3 With respect to the Officers at Lisbon, who were there either on duty, or leave, or otherwise, the variety of their dress became at length so ridiculous that Major-General Peacock was obliged to issue a severe Order, restricting them to the use of the Regimental Great Coat, and Hat, or Cap.
Lord Wellington, in consequence of the heat of the weather, indulged the Officers in wearing loose Great Coats; but this was soon followed up with waistcoats of all sorts, and colours, with filagree gold, or silver buttons, and what were called Forage Caps, of all fancies and shapes. They only wanted the appendage of Bells.
4 All Officers under the rank of Field-Officer, on landing at Lisbon, were ordered to report themselves at the Town-Major’s Office, and were from thence sent to the Belem Depôt, to be disposed of by the Commandant there.
5 ‘No intende,’ in Portuguese, signifies ‘don’t understand.’
6 The Barracks at Belem were assigned as a general receptacle for Detachments coming from England, and all recovered Men. Captain Brown, of the 23rd Regiment (than whom no Officer could have managed the duties of Commandant more properly, reputably, and honourably), made the arrangements for the march of Parties to join the Army, apportioned the number of Officers; and gave them orders, and directions for their conduct. Sometimes he permitted Officers to proceed alone to join their Regiments, but generally they were attached to Parties.
One general Rout to the Army was established, and the distances so divided, and Depôts formed, that the parties could be provisioned every three or four Days; a Commandant, and Adjutant, with requisite non-commissioned officers, being established at each Depôt, together with a Commissariat and an Hospital; and though last, not, unfortunately, the least necessary, a Provost-Marshal.
7 At the commencement of the Campaign on the Peninsula, the Portuguese certainly treated the British Officers in the most generous manner,—voluntarily and hospitably received them into their Houses, and externally carried their liberality to great excess; giving up their most elegant Apartments, supplying them with a proportion of Plate, Linen, Fuel, and Wax Candles; but it is with regret that I am obliged to state that this indulgence and hospitality was, in many instances, scandalously abused, and the most ungentlemanlike, ungrateful, indecent, and ungenerous returns were often made. What was the consequence? So many complaints were made against the Officers for abusing their Billets, that a General Order was issued, stating the number of rooms each rank was entitled to, and restricting the quantum of Furniture to one Table, one Chair, and one Lamp, and an allowance of Oil for each Apartment, with the use of a Kitchen. The consequence follows, that whatever inconvenience, mortification, rudeness, or inhospitable treatment Officers have since experienced, results from the misconduct (I hope only comparatively) of a few. Circumstances in the outset may have imposed a sentiment on the Natives, perhaps rather foreign to their disposition; but the change of circumstances, and the conduct of our Officers, seem to have left a disposition in the Portuguese to treat us roughly, and to get rid of us altogether.
8 The opening of the Odoriferous Sluices generally commences about 9 o’clock P.M. and continues, without intermission, for about two hours, and woe to those unfortunates whose business, or pleasure, leads them forth during this display of Portuguese cleanliness!
There are certain regulations respecting this filthy outrage, such as requiring those people to call out three times, by way of warning the Foot-passenger of his danger, and the offenders are likewise liable to be called to some sort of reckoning; but the Laws, and the administration of the Laws, are altogether so defective, that it is very difficult to get redress, in cases in which robbery, or even murder, have been committed. Nay, I this moment see a Villain at large, who, without receiving any offence, but what he chose to consider one, on a young Officer’s looking at a Girl, actually followed him, and struck him from behind with a stick so heavily as to brake his arm. The fellow was taken up, and evidences produced, proving the fact: but he is protected by his master (a fidalgo, i.e. a gentleman), and at this moment insolently stares a British officer in the face.
9 It was customary for the British Officers who came to Lisbon for the purpose of joining the army, to provide themselves with a Mule or two, to carry their baggage. The only convenient opportunity to make this purchase was at a sort of fair, held every Tuesday in the lower part of the town. There, Horses, Mules, and Donkies were bought and sold; and, as in all Markets, the price chiefly depended on the demand. The Portuguese Horse-dealer has all the avidity of an English jockey to pick your pocket, but they are not so au fait at the business. At this Fair, you buy or sell your Animal. The bargain is struck, the Money paid, and the contract is indissoluble.
English Guineas, at that time, had no attraction. The Dollar, or Moidore, was the medium; but since the Guineas have been introduced in payment of the Army, the Portuguese seem to appreciate their value.
It was customary for Officers who wanted Cash to give their Draft on some House in London, &c. &c.; but it was purchasing Money very expensively, giving at the rate of six Shillings and Sixpence for a Dollar that would bring only five Shillings; thus losing eighteen-pence on every five Shillings.
10 The Portuguese greeting each other, embrace; a practice certainly strange to a Briton, and recollecting the effluvia of garlic, is horribly offensive.
11 Messrs. Smith and Co. opened a Warehouse of English goods, where an Officer might suit himself (paying rather dearly) with every article of wearing apparel, and furniture for the animals, &c.
12 The scarcity of forage rendered it necessary to curtail the quantity of animals allowed for the use of the army. This fell somewhat hard on Subaltern Officers, who were obliged so to contract their baggage as to deprive themselves of many articles actually necessary to their convenience. That something to wear—something to sleep on—something to eat—and something to cook with—were really necessary for existence; and only one miserable animal was allowed to carry what was so essential for two Subaltern Officers; but it was unfortunately the case.
13 Senhor Cavigole, as well as many others, Misters and Senhors, kept shops replete with stores of all sorts, which they sold at a very high price, but with which officers knew they must be supplied; for the hungry French had deprived the Portuguese of that little they possessed; and it did happen, and not unfrequently, that divisions had been so scantily supplied with rations, that even a private soldier has been known to give a Dollar for one biscuit, and glad to satisfy his hunger at that enormous rate.
14 The Juis de Fero is the Magistrate. The soldiers contracted the appellation to Jewish.
15 The Subaltern Officers, in the Portuguese service, were taken from very humble situations, and of course are not treated by their countrymen with the distinction and respect which British Officers claim; consequently, where Quarters or Billets are disposed according to rank, the Portuguese Alfares, or Ensigns, are thrust into any wretched hovel, and, from the ignorance of the country magistrates, the British Subaltern Officers were not unfrequently treated with as little ceremony: many of them were billeted in the most wretched, filthy, miserable dwellings, which among a race of people so excessively nasty in themselves, rendered the officers particularly uncomfortable.
16 Immediately in the vicinity of Lisbon, a person may contrive at the inns, or rather wine houses, to be somewhat better accommodated than at a Subaltern’s billet.
17 No disrespect is intended, but until one can ‘make a Silk Purse of a Sow’s ear,’ we must be content to submit to the ‘insolence of Office.’
THE MILITARY ADVENTURES
OF
JOHNNY NEWCOME
PART II
Taking his Breakfast.
Introduced to his Colonel.
Smells powder for the first time.
Johnny writes an account of the Action to his Mother, which afterwards appears in the Star.
Half Rations.
Learning to Smoke and drink Grog.
Poor Johnny on the sick List.
Going Sick to the Rear.
Johnny safe returned to his Mama.
END OF PART II
18 It was shocking to behold the number of dead bodies (chiefly of the French Army) with which the Highway was crowded.—They were in a horribly disgusting state of Nudity, and half devoured by Wolves, and Birds. The Armies had no time to bury the Dead, and the Inhabitants were either too indolent, or for some other reason neglected to do it. But to such a state of Barbarism had the natives of Portugal and Spain attained, that Boys and Girls have been seen throwing human heads at each other, by way of amusement; and a little Urchin, ten years old, Servant to an Officer, was heard frequently to boast, after the Battle of Salamanca, of having stolen slily on the wounded Frenchmen, struck them on the head with a Stone, in order, if possible, to kill, for the purpose of plundering them.
19 The Army, not having tents, were obliged to lay out exposed to the Weather.
20 In consequence of the difficulty of transporting Baggage, and from other causes, a Regiment on active Service in the Peninsula, could not keep up a regular Mess, as in England. Each Officer was obliged to manage for himself. They were generally divided in mess-parties of twos and threes. This greatly incommoded the Subaltern Officer: allowed only the carriage of half an Animal, it was not possible to admit, for the purpose of having eatables, any addition to his share of Baggage. The mere Ration was all that could be carried, with a Camp-kettle for culinary purposes. Besides, we must recollect the difficulty of obtaining extra articles, and also the want of Money: so that the bit of Beef, and the portion of Biscuit, was the general fare for at least two-thirds of the Officers, with a small allowance of Ration, Rum, and Wine (generally execrable stuff): the prime luxury was a drop of Brandy and a Segar.
With respect to the article of dress, the contents of a very small Portmanteau was all that could be taken, and, if an Officer wore out, or lost his Regimental Jacket, his great Coat was the substitute. As for waistcoats, they were as fancy directed, but generally black, blue, or green, of either silk or velvet.
An enormous pair of Mustachios and Whiskers were frequently seen to protrude from the delicate countenances of some of our Bond Street Beaux.
21 For the purpose of getting Liquor, the invincible British Soldier will commit every species of depredation: he will rob a House, plunder a Church, steal from his Comrade, and strip his own Officer in the midst of death and slaughter. Instances are known, and too frequently have they occurred, of Scoundrels having, under pretence of aiding a wounded Officer, rifled and stripped him of his apparel; and all this was effected before death had sealed his doom—before his gallant spirit, that through Life had led them to victory, or protected them in Retreat, had quitted its earthly Mansion!
22 In the Portuguese language various meanings are attached to the same term. For instance, ‘Viva’ is generally intended for, ‘How do you do?’ ‘God bless you.’—‘Rompi’ is used ‘to beat, to tear, to scratch, to plunder.’—‘Patron’ is ‘the father of a family, the husband, the master.’—‘Sparum,’ ‘stop, be quiet, be easy, have done.’—‘Poke,’ from ‘poco,’ ‘a little, directly, quietly.’
The Portuguese driver perfectly resembles the English wagoner; except that the one is obstinate from stupidity, the other from insolence.
23 It is a general observation, ‘that One Campaign at St. James’s is more efficacious in the attainment of promotion than half-a-dozen Campaigns in active service.’ Military observers can easily appreciate the justice of that remark.
The fact is, that had his Royal Highness, the Commander-in-Chief, the uncontrolled power in the guidance of the Army, Interest and Wealth would give place to Justice, Merit, and Desert.
I shall take the liberty to relate an anecdote which is of so recent a date, that a reference may be had to it without difficulty. Attached to Lord Wellington’s dispatches, relative to the victory of Vittoria, it pleased the higher powers to subjoin the names of certain Officers, with the promotion honourably granted to them, of course, and in consonance with the recommendation of the noble chiefs—so many Majors to be Lieutenant-Colonels, so many Captains to be Majors.
Before I allude to this particular circumstance, and one which gives validity to the above ‘general observations,’ I beg to be understood, that in being obliged to bring forward this case as one in point, the Officer alluded to is universally esteemed; he is not only active, but intelligent: he stands high in the estimation of his superiors, for a knowledge of the duties of his profession, as well as zeal, and courage, in their performance.
This gentleman’s name was not introduced in the above promotion at the Tail of the dispatch. Some time afterwards we saw it in the Gazette, but in another class of name for the Brevet of Lieutenant-Colonel, and bearing date (I think on account of the action) the same day, videlicet, that of the 21st June. But we now observe this Officer’s name with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, his Commission bearing date the 2nd of June, by which he has been promoted; over whom? He, a young Major, over Lieutenant-Colonel O’Toole. I have not the honour to be acquainted with that gentleman, but it is generally known that he has been in every action of the last three campaigns. He has been promoted from a Company, to a Majority, and Lieutenant-Colonelcy for his meritorious conduct; in the last instance, for his gallantry at the Battle of Vittoria.
The Hussar Brigade came out in 1813; and all, I believe, that was ever known of their gallantry, was a little affair of cavalry on the 2nd of June, detailed to Lord Wellington in a flourishing letter from Colonel Grant.
24 Lieutenant Dyas, of 51st Light Regiment.
SEQUEL
TO THE
MILITARY ADVENTURES OF
JOHNNY NEWCOME
PART I
END OF PART I. OF SEQUEL
Dash’d with his Suite for Santarem that Night.
25 At the close of the American War, such a number of Officers retired so astonishingly enriched, that it is imagined it excited the jealousy of Government. Hence enquiries and investigations were made; means were taken to put a stop to such iniquitous practices; and His Royal Highness, the Commander-in-Chief, has since taken measures to put an effectual termination to such disgraceful conduct.
I speak from authority when I assert, that when the Peace of 1783 took place, one Military Officer retired to his own Country (a Sister Kingdom) with the enormous Sum of £190,000, when the income arising from his Regimental Commission, together with his Staff situation, could not have been equal to £1000 a-year. He was seven years on service in America.
26 It is certainly a gross imposition on the Public, but falls particularly heavy on the Naval and Military departments.
27 The Officer whose gallantry took a praam in Boulogne Harbour, in sight of Buonaparte.
28 We have seen M——rs of P——t driving to places, and scrutinizing into matters that did not concern them; when, had they turned their active powers to the circumstances above mentioned, they at least would have obtained more credit, and perhaps not have subjected themselves to a disgraceful defeat and general contempt.
29 It has been whispered, that strange means were resorted to in order to get at the opinions of men in high rank, respecting the operations on the Peninsula. I own I do not credit the malicious story, but, as Sir John was conversant in state politics, I must leave him to form his own conjectures, and his directing his son to write typically might be defended.
30 A true Bill.
31 Many ‘wise Men have come from the East,’ of late Years.
32 The Right Honourable Sir Charles Stuart, K.B., &c. &c.
33 Major-General Peacocke, of the Guards.
34 The custom was introduced by H.R.H. the Duke of York, and is as follows: if any Officer, no matter the Rank he may hold, is desirous to pay a dutiful respect to the Commander of the Forces, or may have business to transact with His Royal Highness, he is directed to repair to the Horse-Guards at an early hour, on the day appointed for the Levee, and write down his Name and Rank in a list presented to him. He is then told at what hour the Duke commences his Levee, and according to the situation of the Signatures on the list, he is introduced.
A similar system is observed at the Offices of the Adjutant and Quarter-Master-General.
35 I am afraid I expose my ignorance in making this remark; but, as I observed, those Gentlemen were not all dressed in the same kind of Uniform: (for instance, one in the Uniform of the Guards; another in the Uniform of some Militia Corps; a third, in the Uniform of a Light Regiment; but all with two blazing Epaulettes) I must own I was puzzled in endeavouring to account for this Masquerading.
36 This has happened in a variety of instances; but particularly at the storming of St. Sebastian, where our Soldiers were seen arm in arm, Drunk, with the French Soldiers, and actually tumbling over the Bodies of their dead Companions.
37 This is a melancholy truth. The immorality of the British Soldier is disgusting, and it is only by strict attention and severe discipline it is at all kept within bounds.
38 The astonishing difficulties against which Lord Wellington had to struggle, from the disorganized state of his Army, may, in some respect, be understood by reverting to his Lordship’s General Orders. Three volumes are filled with recapitulations of General Courts-Martial.
39 The handsome addition of Pay to General Officers is highly creditable to those who originally were the promoters of so well-timed a remuneration.
40 I am but a poor Poet, and if I have taken the advantage in the invention of the word achievance in this instance, I hope I may be excused, as we have instances of the richest Poets having done the same.
In respect to the term Grievance, I conceive it does not require explanation in our Military classes.
SEQUEL
TO THE
MILITARY ADVENTURES OF
JOHNNY NEWCOME
PART II
Johnny on Duty with his Chief.
Presenting the Trophies.
N.B. It has been reported that his R——l H——s the P——e R——t has signified his acquiescence that the Arms of the Newcome Family be as follows: A bit of old Hat, supported by two Batons—Crest, a Cock’s Spur—Motto, ‘I felt it.’
THE END
41 The thermometer of Mr. John Bull’s spirits is so delicately compounded, that the smallest variation in the political atmosphere raises, or depresses, to a point verging on Insanity.
42 I have, in former days, I confess, been rather puzzled to account for a sort of tergiversation in the memory of many young men. I was foolish enough to expect that high-titled Honourables were of similar opinions, in respect to intimacies and friendships, in common with other folks; but, to my astonishment and disgust, I then found, as I have frequently since experienced, that the man who could bend in the country to a sociable intimacy—changing his ground, changed his deportment; that the men with whom I have in the country domesticated—have been admitted to a very familiar intimacy, when I met them in Town seemed to have totally lost sight of me, and returned my salute with a careless insolence, if they condescended to return it at all; this appeared to me ridiculously capricious, unaccountably foolish. At length an old Friend told me it was the way of the world, and that there was a wonderful difference between the Companions in the Country, and the associate in London. Now I do think this is a fair hint to all Johnny Newcomes, a warning to make up their minds, that, however my Lord or Sir Toby may condescend to an Intimacy in the Country (which, perhaps, may arise from a selfish principle in these Honourable Worthies) they must expect the Cut direct in Town.
43 Another instance of effect on Memory: how many young Men have we seen in such situations, who have acted like the veriest Simpleton, and by their arrogance, and presumption have excited the contempt of their Equals.
44 Her Majesty of Portugal having, unfortunately, a great debility of mind, her Son assum’d the Government as Regent.
45 Priests of every description. The Regent evinced his predilection for those Gentry, in having, it is said, 30,000 who lived on the fat of the Land.
46 People are mighty apt to judge with extreme severity on the conduct of Kings and Princes, &c. &c.; and it generally happens that Men, who indulge themselves in the practices of Vice, are very liberal in the abuse of their Superiors in Rank and Fortune that shew a similar disposition, totally forgetting that themselves have been accustomed, in the course of Education, and in their commerce with the World, to the sound of wholesome Truths.
In former days a very useful and entertaining Personage was always an Appendage to the Pageantry of Courts, and in great Families—(yclept) a Fool: thro’ this lively Oracle, Truth reached the ears of the Great: but this wise custom has fallen into disuse, and unfortunately the familiars of the Great are now frequently composed of Naturals.
If those in Rank and Dignity enjoyed the advantages in common with the Mass of Mankind, and should then give themselves up to excesses, censure might be just, if that censure came from clean hands. But with the disadvantages they labour under from the earliest Age, the harsh animadversions on their conduct are Indecent, Malicious, and Uncharitable.
47 The French Army.
48 Our most gracious Sovereign.
49 Fleets and Armies.
50 Generals, Commissaries, Medical Staff, Cavalry.
51 Subjects.
52 It was supposed the intention of Buonaparte, after having subjugated the Peninsula, was to have invaded England and Ireland.
53 Sir A. Wellesley was sent to Portugal with a small force.
54 Vide the Battle of Vimiera.
55 Sir H——y B——d and Sir H——w D——e.
56 Officers.
57 Lieutenant-Generals and Major-Generals.
58 There is no doubt many intelligent Major-Generals came out, whose bad health would not admit their continuing in the Country, and who much regretted their inability to Serve.
59 Portugal.
60 F——d M——l B——d.
61 The Q——r M——r G——l.
62 The A——t G——l.
63 The M——y S——y.
64 The A——s d— C—— to the Commander of the Forces on the Peninsula.
65 The P——ce of O——ge.
66 Commissaries.
67 The Medical Officers.
68 Dr. M——r.
69 Divisions and Hospitals.
70 Return of killed and wounded.
71 Artillery.
72 Brigades.
73 Great guns and mortars, &c. &c.
74 The O——r C——g the Artillery.
75 Artillery Officers.
76 Provost Marshals.
77 Light and Heavy Cavalry.
78 In respect to the British Cavalry, many instances were witnessed of gallant conduct of Regiments, Squadrons, and Individuals: they are all Brave—but certainly the Officers are generally deficient in knowledge of Cavalry Tactics; and the men have not that proper regard, and affection, I may call it, for the noble animal that bears them.
A German Soldier will sell his Bread to feed his Horse—a British Soldier will sell the Corn to purchase Drink.
The German Officer, and Soldier, are superior to the British, for both Officer, and Soldier, in the German Cavalry, know their Duty, and feel a pride in it.
It is not a whimsical Uniform, or a monstrous pair of Mustachios, that make the Cavalry Officer: but there seems so much attention now-a-days paid to the external embellishment, that the interior is left to bare Walls—empty Chambers.
Even the French Cavalry boasted, ‘that give them English Horses, and they would drive the British Cavalry from the Field’; and there are folks who are inclined to believe them: then as for Cavalry Generals—I wish there was a School for Generals.
79 L——t G——ls and M——r G——ls commanding divisions.
80 Lt.-Gen. Sir R——d H——l.
81 Lt.-Gen. Sir T——s G——m.
82 Lt.-Gen. Sir S——n C——n.
83 Lt.-Gen. E——l D——e.
84 Lt.-Gen. C——n.
85 Maj.-Gen. P—k—m.
86 Lt.-Gen. Sir T. P——n.
87 Maj.-Gen. C——e.
88 Maj.-Gen. Sir T. S——t.
89 Lt.-Gen. L——h.
90 M——r-G——l, Ass——t Adj——t-G——l, Ass——t Q——r-M——r-G——l.
91 Officers, Commissaries, Guns, Provost Marshals.
92 The P——se Army was originally contemptible. The great brilliant, and persevering exertions of F——d-M——l B——d, and the Officers under him, have been successful, by rendering the P——se Army efficient in point of Discipline, Activity, and interior Oeconomy.
93 F——d-M——l B——d.
94 Officers taken from the British and German regiments.
95 The H——r B——de.
Upon our approach to the River Eslar, it was expedient that a Lodgement should be made on the opposite side of that River, to protect the formation of the Pontoon Bridge, for the Army to cross the River; the Hussar Brigade, supported by the 51st Light Regt. and Light Regiment of Brunswick Oels (ordered to support the Cavalry) were ordered to attack, take, and maintain the Village. The River, at all times rapid, by the melting of the Snow, was swollen two feet in depth, and its current raged with increasing velocity: 100 Men of the 51st were advanced, with the advance of the Hussars, and passed at the Ford with safety, but drenched with Water; the two Corps followed, and it was directed that an Infantry Soldier should hold by the stirrup-leather of a Hussar. Whether it was the anxiety to pass the Ford, or some other cause, such was the press to enter the River, that the Ford was lost, and in one minute were seen Hussars scrambling, their Horses now on a Rock—next minute, plunging over head, the Infantry dragged hanging at the Stirrup, and Horses Tails; some by a jerk, or kick lost their hold, and were, struggling with the Torrent—others borne by the rapid Current of the Water, sunk, never to rise more;—others happily cast on bits of Islands. Hussars were seen plunging to get up the Bank, dragging three or four Infantry, half-drowned, so convulsed as to keep their grasp. Men’s Caps, Knapsacks, floating down the Stream: but the attachment of one Infantry Soldier to his Firelock was astonishing—he was seen by an Officer, who rode to the brink of the Rock; as the Man floated down the stream, supported as he lay on his back, by his Knapsack, the Officer said, ‘Can you swim?’ ‘No, your honour.’ ‘Then throw away your Firelock.’ ‘No, your honour; I’ll bring She to shore with me—I won’t part with She.’ Fortunately the current bore Him so near to the Rock, the Officer could reach his Bayonet, and the Man was saved. On this occasion it is not in words to give an adequate idea of the gallant and humane conduct of the Hussars. A Serjeant of the 18th Hussars was heard to exclaim, upon his seeing a very fine young Officer of the 51st struggling for life in the middle of the Torrent, ‘I’ll be D——d if the fine Boy shall be drowned,’ and plunged his Horse into the Stream, and, when he rose above the Water, pressed towards the Officer, caught him by the jacket, and lifted him on Shore.—Many other similar cases happened. During the time of passing the River, indeed, I have every reason to believe the Men of the Hussars that were drowned, on this occasion, died victims to their humanity. And it was admirable to see those gallant Fellows, when landed, and free from the grasp of the poor Infantry Soldiers, spring forward to ascend the Hill with an ardour to attack an Enemy they were instructed to expect would oppose them.
I wish it was in my power to have paid a similar compliment, for humane exertion, to an Officer of A——y.
96 The H——ld T——ps.—In respect of those fine Regiments, much, very much, should be considered in their favour.
Unaccustomed to Foreign service—unaccustomed to any duty but London duty, which Duty there are no Regiments can perform half so ably—distinguished from other Regiments in every respect, particularly in regard to pay and interior convenience, it was hardly fair, and assuredly inconsiderate, calculating the expence, to employ the Life Guards on such service.
Barring the absence of proper feeling in a few Officers, who rather too hastily returned Home, no Troops were more distinguished for Discipline, good Conduct, Sobriety, Zeal, and Gallantry, or for their patient, and cheerful submission to privations, and hardships resulting from the nature of the Service, and possibly somewhat increased by their inexperience: and I may observe without any possible risk of contradiction, had the Household Troops been fortunately pitted against the best Cavalry of the Enemy, the result would have given them a Celebrity in arms coequal to a general Character so highly creditable to those Corps.
97 F——d O——rs, Gold and Silver Sticks in the Court Regalia.
98 Ample Stores—of Provision—Forage, also for the Hospitals, and of various other descriptions.
99 The pay of the Army is six months in arrear; the Contingent allowance Ten months.
A more than actual sufficiency for the Men during the operations of active Warfare is injurious; the Soldier should not have wherewith to get drunk with, for that is always the result after the Balances are received, and, until the Money is exhausted, the Soldier is a Clog. The Officers, unfortunately, suffer by the withholding their Pay.
100 However formidable the Spanish Armies are on Paper, what we have seen of them in the Field does not entitle them to be ranked with any description of Troops in Europe; and I even doubt if the Americans would not speak slightingly of them. I will give the Spanish Nation all the credit for obstinacy and jealousy they can wish; but I for one give them no further: their conduct to their Allies, in many instances, has been unfriendly and suspicious—often Hostile. It may be politic to commend their conduct for Gallant Achievement in the Field; I of course shall not presume to contradict that: and much may be allowed for a Ragged, Starved, unpaid Host, and of whom the Officers are the first to run away. They have admitted some, but very few British Officers into their service; but if the selection has proved fortunate, I suppose it will be hereafter made known.
101 It was ascertained as fact, that King Joe was so certain of beating the Allied Army, it was his and Gazon’s intention to have attacked; and Joe had boasted he should beat the Enemy, and had actually prepared a grand Dinner for Lord Wellington and his Officers. They meant to attack on the 22d of June.
Joe always travelled with a Suite of Ladies, generally beautiful Women: it is said, there were ten ladies of his private Family with him. Those, with all his Wardrobe, Carriages, and Plunder from Madrid, were taken, and he only escaped with the Clothes on his Back, having lost his Hat. By way of replenishing his Goods and Chattles, he actually stole the Linen, Plate, and Clothes, from every place he stopped at, until he reached the French frontier—and also a Hat from a Priest.
The whole Baggage, Money, Artillery, and those of the French Army were taken—Carriages, and Animals, and a great many Ladies. The French Officers said they were so pinched, we did not leave them a Pinch of Snuff.
102 Such was the rapidity of the Conflict, and such the nature of the Ground, very few of our Gallant Cavalry were engaged; wide, deep, and watery Ditches intersected the Country in all directions. Had the ground admitted, our Cavalry must have intercepted Thousands.
The French could only take two small Field-pieces with them, which, from the rapidity of the pursuit, fell into the Conqueror’s hands before they reached Pampeluna; but in their usual depredatious way, they plundered all the Houses, and burned many.
103 The Hussars made a gallant charge through the Town, and in their progress attacked, and drove the Enemy’s Cavalry out.
104 King Joe, or, as the Spaniards properly style him, the Intruder, was so pressed, he jumped on a horse, lost his Hat, and galloped at full speed out of the Town; and, as Officers and Men, afterwards taken, assured the Author, he actually threw money to the French Soldiery to let him pass.
105 Madame, the Countess Gazon, a charming woman, was taken by the Hussars. Major R——t’s, 10th Hussars, it is said, had the Gallantry and Honour to protect her: she was allowed to follow her Husband a few Days after.—Part of the Cavalry only passed through the Town, the Army went right and left of it.
106 The numerous Carriages of all descriptions, and Tumbrils, so completely blocked the Road, and filled the contiguous Fields, it was difficult to pass; the Carriages were completely loaded with Baggage, and the miserable Animals pushed into Deep, and Wet Ditches. The four-wheeled Tumbrils were loaded with Ammunition, and Money. It is supposed that those who divided the Spoil were enriched: certainly the Soldiers got Thousands of Dollars and Doubloons. It is said, more Persons than Soldiers shared in the Spoil; one got £8000 of Doubloons. It is to be lamented that, in consequence of the hurry and confusion, the Money was thus distributed—but it was inevitable; and the good fortune fell to the lot of many who did not share in the Conflict.
Two hundred and five Pieces of Ordnance were taken, and five hundred Tumbrils; large quantities of Army Stores, and Mules, and Horses, and much inferior Plunder also.—Vittoria is a superior Spanish Town, and situated in a fertile Plain.
107 It was considered rather an uncommon instance of good fortune, the Noble L——d should, on any pretence, have been so unaccountably promoted in the same Gazette, Major and Lieut.-Colonel.
108 A Badge of Merit is a most honourable Distinction, as the reward of Merit and Gallant achievement; but its value is eclipsed from the influence of interest.
I should think a Board of Officers should be established to examine into the merits of Officers recommended for such honourable remuneration; and their fiat should either confirm the claim, or reject it altogether: a Badge of Merit would then be valuable. Indeed, if the power of the Board was extended to decide upon the merits for Brevet Rank, the service would gain by it. It is the value of a thing that makes it desirable.
If, in the examination of the merits of an Officer reported to the Board, for honourable distinction, the opinion of the Board should decidedly confirm the claim and right, a Patent should be sent to the Officer, signed and sealed by the President, stating the sentiments of the Board, &c. &c. Such would be an inestimable intimation of his claim to Merit—handing down to Posterity an honourable proof of Family desert.
But the conferring either Title, or Badge on men who have lolled away their time in Ease, and Affluence, is ridiculous, and truly absurd.
Printed by T. and A. Constable, Printers to His Majesty at the Edinburgh University Press
Transcriber’s Notes
The cover was created by the transcriber, using an illustration from the book, and is placed in the public domain.
Some page numbers do not appear due to removed blank pages.
The list of Contents was added for the reader’s convenience.
All punctuation errors were corrected.
Inconsistent hyphenation was retained.
In List of the Plates, the capitalization of some words was changed to match the captions in the text; “Santaren” was changed to “Santarem”.
Illustrations that accompany Part I were moved to the end of the poem. Illustrations that accompany the other poems were moved to stanza breaks.
The order of the illustrations “Half Rations” and “Johnny writes an account ...” in Part II was reversed to follow the order of the events in the poem.
Where the location of stanza breaks was uncertain, such as at the top of a page, the 1816 edition (see Note) was consulted to decide their positioning.
The following spelling changes were made:
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