The Personal Narrative of a Private Soldier by Anonymous

Author:Anonymous [Anonymous]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781787203013
Barnesnoble:
Publisher: Wagram Press
Published: 2016-11-11T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER XVIII.—THE SIEGE OF BURGOS.

IN a few days we reached within one league of Burgos, where we halted and bivouacked: next morning we marched in two columns upon Burgos, one going to the left and the other to the right of the town. The right column was to take possession of the town; but that was done with ease: the left was to storm and take a hornwork on a height in front of the castle. This height was called Mount St. Michael. Our division was in the left column. We marched left in front for this place, the 42nd being in front of the column; but the light companies of the brigade the first in advance. The enemy had piquets all round the height of St. Michael, on the summit of which the hornwork was constructed; and the advance of light companies was sent to drive them into their works and keep them there. The light companies accordingly made their attack, and in a short time they had possession of the most part of the heights, but it was with the loss of men. The light company of the 42nd lost twenty men in doing this. Our division was now halted right at the back of this height, and took up ground in different parts by brigades: we all knew then that we were to besiege the hornwork and castle of Burgos.

The enemy retreated from the hornwork, leaving, however, a strong detachment of men to garrison the works. It was on the 19th of September when we got here.

A few hours after we were halted orders came that the 42nd was to storm and take the hornwork on Mount St. Michael; and we were to be supported by some companies of Portuguese troops: this was to be done at eight o’clock at night; but if I say from eight to eleven at night, I will keep to the fact.

Colonel Stirling, of the 42nd, commanded the brigade; Major Dick commanded the regiment: he issued orders for a number of volunteers for the forlorn hope; and the number was soon made up. On these occasions, one may as well go as risk the ballot, or have his ears stunned with a summons he dare not resist: however, I will say, volunteers were never wanting when the word came for them.

We were to make the attack in three divisions—a division to each flank, or demi-bastion, and one to the front of the hornwork: those divisions were to keep up a constant fire on the top of the walls, while the storming and fatigue party were placing the scaling ladders against the escarpe. Another party of the 79th attacked, I think, a redoubt on our right.

About an hour after dusk we got under arms and marched up to the height, and about ten o’clock we advanced till we were within one hundred yards of the works. The night was very dark; but we were soon perceived by the enemy; and in an instant all the works opened upon us a most tremendous fire of round shot, shells, grape, and musketry.

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