Letters And Journals Of Field Marshal Sir William Maynard Gomm, G.C.B. , , From 1799 to Waterloo, 1815. by Field-Marshal Sir William Maynard Gomm G.C.B

Author:Field-Marshal Sir William Maynard Gomm G.C.B [G.C.B, Field-Marshal Sir William Maynard Gomm]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781908902054
Barnesnoble:
Publisher: Wagram Press
Published: 2011-08-27T00:00:00+00:00

'Before Santarem: November 21, 1810.

'The French left their position in front of our lines, I think, the day after I wrote my last letter to you, in full retreat upon Santarem. Lord Wellington put the army in motion immediately, and the 5th Division arrived at Cartaxo yesterday, two leagues from Santarem. An attack has been meditated upon the French position by the light troops, 1st and 5th Divisions of the army. It was intended to have taken place yesterday, but the heavy rains which began to fall at day-break, and continued almost without interval during the whole course of it, rendered the rivers necessary to be crossed, fordable in general, impassable for the time; and the attack has been, at least, suspended. Added to this, however, there are other circumstances which render an attack on our part very doubtful, and I do not think we shall make any. When the head of our column arrived before Santarem, I believe it was occupied by a very small corps, and it is certain that Massena left it several days ago. But intelligence has this morning been received that he has returned with 6,000 men to its defence; and the position is such that I cannot think Lord Wellington would attempt to force it if he thought it well occupied. The 2nd Division of our army has crossed the Tagus, and recrossed it at Abrantes; and will threaten the French rear, and perhaps dispute their passage up the Zezere, which the elements are likewise doing most wrathfully. It is doubtful whether they have yet been able to re-establish their bridge over this river. It has been carried away once, and the force of the torrent is such at this season of the year that nothing of the kind can rest upon it with security. I take it for granted we are also looking to the right of the French in the direction of Rio Maior. All this may serve to loosen the joints of their position, and I really believe they would not stay at Santarem if we did not threaten a direct attack upon it. Their grand depôt has been at this place, and we followed them up so rapidly that they would perhaps have been forced to abandon a great deal had they obeyed our summons. We shall go beyond their hopes whenever we attack them. I believe they are, or were, retreating. They must be distressed for provisions. The 9th Corps is said to have entered Portugal, but of this we know nothing certainly Their movements have been strange if they really are waiting for reinforcements. We have taken some prisoners since we followed them. 1 am very well, and stand the weather like a ship. I have been fortunate in falling in with another excellent horse, which I paid for, however; but this is of little moment, situated as I am. I am, therefore, better mounted than habited, for my coats are all very shabby; but I expect a reinforcement from you, and shall fight in old clothes till they come.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.