1808: The Road to Corunna Read online

  The first organised soldiers I discovered were a half troop of Dragoons. As we trotted along the road they stopped and turned to aim their muskets at us.

  I held up my hand. “I have been sent by General Wellesley to speak with Marshal Junot.”

  The Major was a grizzled old warrior who reminded me of Albert, my former commanding officer in the Chasseurs. He had been wounded and his arm was in a sling.

  “Who are you?”

  “Major Matthews of the 11th Light Dragoons.”

  “I saw you leading Portuguese.”

  I nodded, “My regiment has yet to land. I was lending a helping hand.”

  “You have courage and skill.” He winced as he controlled his horse. “Is your army following?”

  There was little point in lying. “They will be coming down the road soon but your men are not in danger of being ridden down and attacked.”

  He laughed, “You English fight a strange war. You would have had our sabres in your backs before now if our positions were reversed.”

  I shrugged, “The generals are gentlemen.”

  “They are fools but I will take their generosity.” He nodded to a Brigadier, “Lafayette. Take the Englishmen to the Marshal.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I may see you again.”

  “I hope your wound is healed. I do not like to take advantage of an injured man.”

  The major laughed, “Do not worry Roast Beef, it is my left hand. I can still fight.”

  The presence of the Dragoon ensured a safe passage through the French army. We found Junot with the remnants of the Grenadiers who had been slaughtered on the ridge.

  “Marshal Junot, I have been sent by Sir Harry Burrard to arrange surrender talks.”

  The shock and surprise were clearly in evidence on the face of both Junot and his staff. He dismounted and invited me to do the same. He led me away from the road to an olive tree which gave some shade from the sun. He spoke quietly.

  “Is this a trick? Do you intend to attack us when our guard is down?”

  I shook my head, “You have my word, sir, as an officer and gentleman, that this is neither a trick nor a trap.”

  “Did this general command at the battle?”

  I shook my head, “No, sir. He arrived after the battle. Sir Arthur Wellesley was the general.”

  “And at Roliça?” I nodded. He smiled, “I am guessing that he does not approve of these talks of surrender.” I kept a neutral expression on my face. “I know you cannot say.” He appeared to consider the sky. “Tell your general, who seeks my surrender, that I will meet him at Sintra.” I nodded, “It is just north of Lisbon.”

  “Why there sir?”

  He pointed to the hills around us. “The Portuguese would love us to camp here and wait for your generals. Half of my sentries would never see daylight. Cintra is closer to Lisbon and safer. We will wait there. I will send word to Lisbon. If you give me your word we will not be attacked then I will tell my troops that hostilities have ceased.”

  “You have my word. Thank you sir.” I was about to go when I had a sudden thought. “Marshal Junot may I ask a question of you?”

  “Of course.”

  “A Portuguese lady, Donna Maria d’Alvarez was captured in Oporto and taken to Lisbon. She is a friend of mine and I would secure her release if I could.”

  His faced saddened, “I am afraid that is nothing to do with me. I cannot help you. She was taken with other hostages by officers sent by Fouché.” My face must have shown my recognition of the name of Bonaparte’s spymaster and spy catcher. “I see you have heard of him. When we have discussed the surrender and I am back in Lisbon I will do what I can but… I should tell you that Colonel Laroche is a cruel man. I would not have him serve under me.” He shrugged. “He is Fouché’s man. They were being held at Queluz.”

  “The Royal Palace.”

  He nodded and it was his turn to look surprised. “You seem well informed. Your French and your knowledge tell me you are no ordinary soldier.”

  “I serve my country, that is all.”

  “As do I. Tell your general I await him at Torre Vedras.”

  By the time I reached the army more troops had landed. We also heard that Sir John Moore was unloading the army at Oporto. I would soon be returned to my regiment. There was a massive contrast in the three generals. Sir Arthur was young and full of ideas. Sir Harry and Sir Hew looked like the old retired generals I had seen at Colonel Selkirk’s club.

  “Can we trust this fellow Junot, Major?”

  “We can but his army is defeated sir. There is no fight left in them. They have been beaten twice and taken heavy losses.”

  “You seem a useful sort of chap Major. Take a message to Lieutenant-General Moore. He should be in Oporto. Tell him to take command here.”

  I saw Sergeant Smith just before we boarded the fast sloop. “Good luck, Sergeant. When I have finished here I dare say I will be rejoining my regiment. The 20th will not be alone for much longer.”

  “Good sir and if they are all half as good and you and Sharpie, I for one will not be unhappy.” He saluted me.

  “Watch over your lads, Sergeant, they are good soldiers.”

  “I know sir.”

  It took a day to reach Oporto and the army had yet to fully disembark. Sir John had taken over a tavern close by the harbour. He was delighted to see me. He had heard of the victory at Roliça but not Vimeiro. “So we have driven the French from Portugal.”

  “Not quite sir. Sir Harry and Sir Hew are discussing peace terms.”

  “What? But, from what you say we have them.”

  “Aye sir. Sir Hew wants you at Torres Vedras with the rest of the army. They suggested you sail in the ‘Crocodile’.”

  “They might do but I have no intention of abandoning the army. They can wait. They do not need me to discuss peace terms for a battle I had no part in.”

  “Actually, sir, neither did they. It was all Sir Arthur.”

  He smiled, “You are a good fellow and very loyal. I admire that. We shall sail with the fleet and arrive together. However I shall travel with you in the sloop. I am anxious to discover what our enemies are like.”

  “Of course Sir John. Er if I might just visit with my squadron while the troops are embarking?”

  “Of course.”

  Sergeant Sharp and I walked down to the harbour and hired a ferry to take us to the ship which had been identified as the one carrying the 11th. Once at the tumblehome I shouted, “Sir John Moore’s aide seeking permission to board.”

  The Second Mate waved us up. “Come aboard sir.”

  Percy and William strode up to meet me. “Good to see you, sir. We have heard that Sir Arthur has had a great victory. Are we too late?”

  “No Percy. We are to sail to join the rest of the army I just popped on board to see how things were. Did the horses travel well?”

  Percy smiled, “Don’t worry sir Sergeant Seymour looked after Badger. He is right as rain.”

  “And the men?”

  “Fed up with being at sea and I dare say it will take some time for them to get their land legs again.”

  I turned to William, “How is the new officer working out?”

  “Cornet Williams? Keen as mustard and he is desperate to meet you. Your troopers have been filling his head with the tales of your adventures.”

  I groaned. That was all that I needed, hero worship. “One thing you ought to know. The 20th were in action and their commanding officer, Major DeVere,” the two officers recognised the name and looked at each other, “yes the same. He charged too far and he and half of his squadron were killed; over a hundred and twenty men died uselessly. I tell you this for two reasons: one it cuts down the number of cavalry we have and it means that the rest of the army do not trust Light Dragoons. We need to behave impeccably. Understood?”

  “Yes sir.”

  “Well I shall see you in Maceira Bay. I would suggest you find men who are good at swimming.” />
  “Why sir?”

  “It is a beach. There is no port!”

  It was almost a leisurely cruise south as we sailed at the speed of the slowest transport. I was able to give him all the details of the action and the performance of the different branches of the army. Sir John was both pleased with the performance of the light infantry and rifles as he was appalled at the lack of control of the cavalry. He was also delighted that we had Portuguese allies who could be relied upon.

  “It may well be, Major Matthews that I need you less as an aide and more as a commander of cavalry; although you seem to have been more than useful to Sir Arthur.”

  “I hope so sir although it took some time to get used to his ways.”

  He chuckled, “I have never met him but I have heard that he can be slightly abrasive.”

  I laughed, “Then those reports are accurate sir.”

  Chapter 14

  We reached Maceira Bay on the 24th and it took three days to unload the ships. Fortunately the seas were calmer for this landing and only a couple of soldiers were lost. Once again I stripped to my overalls and swam Badger ashore. It was much easier with a horse that I knew. Sharp was reunited with Maria and he was happy again.

  Generals Crauford and Hill took it upon themselves to tell Sir John of all that had happened including the peace which would allow Junot and his army to be repatriated in British ships. Sir John like the other two generals was appalled. Sir John, however, was a pragmatic man and he had said to the others, “We are soldiers and we obey orders. The responsibility lies with the senior generals. We must be ready to do all that we can. Where is the headquarters now?”

  “The generals are at Torres Vedras.”

  “Then I think we begin to move the army there as soon as is practicable. Major Matthews tells me that it will take some days to reach there.”

  They both concurred and on the 28th we began the long slow journey south. I could have ridden there in one day on Badger but we ponderously snaked our way south. Sir John allowed me to travel with my squadron and I pointed out the graves at the side of the road marking the final resting places of many Frenchmen. It felt better to be with my men but I knew I still had unfinished business. The scar faced henchman of Fouché, Colonel Laroche, had Donna Maria and other hostages. I knew that I could not rest until they were safe.

  When we reached Torres Vedras on the 2nd of September we discovered that the headquarters had moved to Cintra, just outside of Lisbon. Sir John was annoyed, “Major, you and I will go to headquarters once all of the army has arrived. We will take one of your troops with us as an escort. I know the French have surrendered but there may be those who have not heard the news yet.”

  It took another four days for rest of the army to reach Torres Vedra and with passing time I was increasingly worried about the hostages. Two weeks had passed since I had discovered their whereabouts. Who knew where they were? I used 7 Troop as an escort and left William and Cornet Williams with the others. It would do them both good to be without me looking over their shoulders all the time.

  Sir John visited with Sir Hew by himself and we cooled our heels outside. When he emerged he was less than happy. “I hate politics and it seems that we have nothing but politics here. I have been ordered to move the army to Lisbon.” He shook his head, “The Portuguese are less than happy with this peace and when the politicians at home read of it then I suspect that all hell will break loose. Come, we will head back to the army.”

  “Sir, if I might be permitted.”

  “Carry on Major Matthews. Sir Hew and Sir Harry were more than pleased with your efforts in the battle. Your star is on the rise.”

  That did not interest me but I inclined my head at the compliment. “Sir, I am anxious about these Portuguese hostages held at Queluz.”

  “Surely they would have been released by now?”

  “There are no British troops in Lisbon and the French army is not known for its mercy.”

  “But they surrendered.”

  “I heard that it was Bonaparte’s secret police which held them sir.”

  “Then you had better go. Take half of your troop. I would not wish you to come to harm.”

  “A sergeant and four men will do.”

  Joe Seymour handpicked the four troopers and the six of us rode to Lisbon. There was an ugly mood in the town. The local populace had been badly treated by the French and they could not understand this peace which allowed the French to wander around, free. Even worse was the news that some of the French generals were plundering the churches as well as stealing works of art. I would have much to report when I returned to Sir John.

  It was quiet around the pretty pink palace of Queluz. However I drew my pistol and turned to the others. “There may be French around. I have heard they are looting whatever they can to take back to France with them. Keep your weapons cocked.”

  The doors were ajar. The building had an empty feel to it. The last time we had visited it had been filled with courtiers and soldiers. There were signs of looting too. Cupboards and wardrobes were open and showed that they had been ransacked. The walls were devoid of paintings and the statues which had adorned it were all gone. I shouted, “Hello, anyone here?” There was no answer. The palace was empty.

  “Search the palace. Sergeant Sharp, come with me. We will search the stables.”

  There was a coach house and a stable block. We made our way towards it. The gaping door was an indication that our search would be fruitless. However as we neared it I heard a whinny. We made our way into the stables and there were two horses remaining. Neither of them looked to be in the best of condition. If there were horses then there would be someone watching them.

  I saw a movement from the hay loft. I raised my pistol and said, in French. “We are armed come out with your hands up.”

  There was no movement and I repeated it in Portuguese. A voice shouted, “I am coming, do not shoot me! I beg of you!”

  An old groom clambered down. “Where are the rest of the servants?”

  “The French took them last week when they fled.”

  “And the prisoners?”

  He nodded, “They took them with them.”

  “And how did you avoid being taken with them?”

  “I hid when they killed the others.”

  “Killed the others?”

  He nodded and led us to the back of the stable. The smell from the bodies was already becoming unbearable. The male servants had been shot. It looked like a firing squad. I saw one freshly turned grave with a crude cross upon it.

  “Why were they killed?”

  “The man with the scar said he wanted no witnesses.”

  “You speak French?”

  “He said it in Portuguese, sir. There were some traitors with him.”

  “And do you know where they were going?”

  “I think they said Badajoz.”

  “Thank you. You have done well.”

  “Will you follow them sir?”

  “I will.”

  “Then kill them for that was my son.” He pointed to the recently dug grave with fresh soil upon it.

  Sergeant Seymour joined us. “Nothing in the house, sir.”

  I pointed to the bodies. “We will have to bury these before we go.”

  After we had buried them I turned to the old man. “What will you do?”

  He stood proudly, “I am the last of the servants. I will stay here until the royal family return.”

  Sadly it would be many years before that happened.

  When we reached camp it was too late to report to Sir John but I found the other officers waiting up for me. Percy had served with me for years and he knew me well. There was a bottle of brandy waiting. “We thought you might need a drink sir. How did it go?”

  “They have been taken. It is a damned shame. We only missed them by a few days.”

  “The lads were talking with the 20th. They told us about the actions of their officers.” I gave Percy a disapprov
ing look. We did not discuss officers with the enlisted men. “I know, sir, but they were saying it wouldn’t have happened if you had still been leading them.”

  “But I wasn’t. There is no point in speculating about what might have been.”

  “No sir, but we were just saying that it was a lesson for us all. It is up to us to control our men.”

  “Lieutenant Austen, Captain Stafford until you are in a charge, do not presume to know if it is easy or not to control your men. I am not condoning Major DeVere but suppose he had not been attacked by dragoons and had broken their lines. What then? Would he not be a hero?” I could see them ruminating on my words.

  I was remembering a time in Italy when we had charged in just such a situation. We had been lucky; we had broken the Austrians. There was a fine line between success and failure.

  When I reported to Sir John the next day and told him of my news he was worried. “We should have soldiers in Lisbon. I will have to speak with Sir Arthur.”

  “You have not seen him yet?”

  “No, and that worries me. He knows what he is about. All the time we waste here the French across the border are getting stronger.” He suddenly looked at me. “Matthews, did you say the hostages were being held at Badajoz?”

  “Yes sir. Why?”

  “We can kill two birds with one stone but only if you think you can succeed.”

  I began to become excited. “Yes sir!”

  “Hear me out first.”

  I smiled, “Yes sir. Sorry.”

  “We need intelligence about the enemy. Could you take some horsemen to Badajoz and scout the French? If you could rescue the hostages then so much the better but I do not want you to take any risks! Both you and the cavalry are important. I would lose neither.”

  “Yes sir. I could take ten of the 11th and eleven Portuguese. That would be a small enough force to scout and yet large enough for a rescue.”

  “Very well then. I will write out your orders.”

  “There is no need sir; a verbal order is good enough.”

  He shook his head, “Always get your orders in writing Major Matthews. It makes life much simpler.”