1808: The Road to Corunna Read online

  Two officials raced down the stairs to greet us. From the looks on their faces I saw that they recognised Donna Maria. Even in Portuguese I recognised their words as abject apologies. We were taken to an antechamber. Food and drink were brought and a chair for Donna Maria. Sharp and I were considered bodyguards at best.

  The Prince Regent arrived and Donna Maria curtsied. We bowed. He was older than I had expected. The term prince implies someone younger. The man was forty and going grey already. He and Donna Maria spoke rapidly. There were glances in our direction. There were soldiers with the king and they viewed Sharp and me with a mixture of suspicion and interest in equal measure.

  Eventually they stopped talking and the Prince turned to us. His English was good but more accented than that of Donna Maria.

  “It seems, Captain, that our country owes you a great deal. Thank you for rescuing my mother’s cousin.” That came as a shock. I had been with royalty if we had but known it. ”Your timely news and the presence of your ships are fortuitous.”

  I was not certain if there was a hint of suspicion in his voice which mirrored that of his soldiers. Sharp and I must have seemed like shadowy characters at best.

  Just then a courtier entered and bowed. He spoke with the Prince. Donna Maria turned to me, “It seems your admiral craves an audience.” He smiled, “When he arrives we might actually find out who you really are?”

  I had met Sir Sidney Smith before and I nodded my recognition when he entered. I saw that as well as his Flag Lieutenant he had brought Jonathan who shrugged when he saw me.

  “Your Royal Highness, Captain Teer has informed me of the invasion of your country. I am here to place the resources of Great Britain at your disposal.”

  The Regent smiled, “And you have an army on your floating wooden fortresses?”

  Sir Sidney had the good grace to smile and shake his head, “No, Your Highness, but our presence may deter the French and I can send Commander Teer here back to England for reinforcements.”

  “Very laudable but the voyage would take time. The army would have to be prepared and by that time my country would be captured and we would be prisoners.”

  “We could take your family to Great Britain. You would be safe there until we could raise an army.”

  Donna Maria snapped, “You would abandon our country?”

  The Regent put his hand on her arm “I am afraid that we have little choice. Our army was defeated by the Spanish last year. The best troops, as you know, are in Brazil.” He rubbed his cheek thoughtfully, “We have the ‘Principe Real’ in port. If Sir Sidney will provide an escort then we will sail to Brazil and rule from there.” He smiled at the Admiral, “And hopefully Great Britain will send soldiers to free my country.”

  Sir Sidney bowed, “Of course, Your Royal Highness.”

  “Then we will sail this afternoon. Every moment we waste in talking allows the French to close with us. Donna Maria will you accompany us?”

  She shook her head defiantly. “I am too angry to travel half way around the world while my country is invaded. I will stay here and fight.”

  “I urge you to come with us. You would be of invaluable comfort to my mother.” She shook her head. “If you stay you may die.”

  “We all die, Your Royal Highness. It is the manner which is important. I shall stay.”

  I could see that he was unhappy about leaving this patriot to the French. “How will you get back to Oporto?”

  I coughed, “Perhaps Captain Teer could return her?” Jonathan nodded but I saw an irritated look flicker across the face of the Admiral.

  The Regent turned to me. “Ah the resourceful Captain er… what is your name?”

  I sighed, “Captain Matthews of the 11th Light Dragoons.”

  For some reason, that fact seemed to please the Regent. “Excellent. I do prefer openness. If that suits the Admiral?”

  “Of course, Your Royal Highness.”

  “Good, and, Captain Matthews, as a reward for rescuing Donna Maria d’Alvarez I appoint you a Colonel in the Alcatrana regiment of cavalry.” He nodded to an official who scurried off. “It is the least we can do but if what Donna Maria d’Alvarez tells me is true then I have high hopes for you.” He inclined his head and strode off.

  Donna Maria turned to me, “Thank you Roberto, I shall enjoy travelling with you and Alan one last time. I shall just go and say goodbye to the Queen. I fear I shall never see her again.”

  The British officers were now alone in the room and Sir Sidney turned to me. He was irritated more than angry. “I think you should allow the Royal Navy to offer passage, Captain! You take much upon yourself.”

  “I am sorry Sir Sidney. I didn’t think.”

  “Quite. Still working for Colonel Selkirk?”

  “Yes sir.”

  “And what did you discover?”

  “Just what we told the Regent. There are two French armies and they are led by Marshal Junot. One is heading along the Tagus and the other, the Douro. They will be in both cities within a few days at the most.”

  “How do you know?”

  Like a magician I pulled the maps and requisitions from my pocket. He glanced at them, nodded, and returned them to me.

  “You had better take these back to the Colonel. When Captain Teer has taken the lady home he can sail, post haste, to England. Wheels need to be put into motion.” He turned to his flag lieutenant, “Ellis go and tell the captain to prepare for sea. Have the marines deployed. When the Portuguese discover their Queen and Regent are fleeing then it might turn ugly.”

  After Ellis had gone he turned to me, “The title you were awarded may come in handy although there will be no money attached to it; you know that?”

  “Yes sir.”

  “Good, just so long as you know.”

  The official returned and handed me a document with a seal upon it. His English was heavily accented. “Here you are Colonel.” Behind him a servant hovered with an all white uniform, a cocked hat and a sword. “And this is your uniform sir. It may not fit.” He shrugged. “The last owner was somewhat larger than you are.” They left and Sharp took charge of the uniform.

  Sir Sidney allowed himself the hint of a smile. “Well done Matthews. You are a resourceful chap. You and Teer here make a good team.” He went over to a desk where there were pen and paper. He scribbled away for ten minutes. He applied his seal and handed the document to Jonathan. “Deliver this to the Admiralty in Whitehall.”

  Jonathan and I took Donna Maria directly to the ship. We had to get her back as soon as possible. I was also concerned to be away before the news broke. Like Sir Sidney I feared the Lisbon mob.

  Donna Maria stood at the stern as we headed out to sea. I joined her and she took my arm, “This may be the last time I see the city in which I was born Roberto.” I heard the catch in her voice and saw the tears as they trickled down her cheeks.

  “You do not know. You may return.”

  “I am not certain that I wish to but at least I can use my husband’s money to fight the French!” The tears were gone and defiance returned to her voice. She said, “Come, take me to my cabin I am tired. I am not used to this much excitement and I am no longer, what was it my mother in law used to say? Ah yes, a spring chicken.”

  I returned to the quarter deck having left Sharp to watch over our guest. Jonathan said, “A colonel eh?”

  “Honorary only.”

  “Still…” He looked up at the mast head. “It will be the middle of the night when we arrive in Oporto.”

  “And the French will be there. You will not be able to use the port itself.”

  “That is a blow but you are right. Where exactly is the old dear’s villa?”

  “Ssh! She might hear you.” Donna Maria was no ‘old dear’.

  He laughed, “I doubt it. Go on. Is it close to the town?”

  “No, it is on the coast west of Oporto. There is a path from the house and a small beach.”

  “Then we can take the long boat in
and drop her at the beach.”

  I shook my head. “We must escort her to her home.”

  He snorted in exasperation, “But for Heaven’s sake why? It is her country. She will be safe enough!”

  “If it had not been for her and her intervention with the barge then Sharp and I would be dead or prisoners. We owe it to her.”

  He laughed, “You are a knight in shining armour. Very well! But you shall pay for every hole in my ship.”

  We saw few ships whilst sailing north. We knew that there were hardly any French in the Atlantic but there were privateers who might risk the wrath of the navy by attacking a ship even one as small as ‘Black Prince’.

  Our passenger rose during the afternoon. The Bosun, Jack Harsker, made a real fuss of her and brought a chair out for her on the deck. He gave her some cocoa with rum in it. I know that it was not what she expected but it was the sort of thing the crew enjoyed. She was touched by the gesture.

  “This is delicious Bosun. You must tell me how you make it.” The delighted old sailor knuckled his head and back away as though she was the Queen of Portugal. “You have a fine crew Captain Teer.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I know I am causing you trouble. You can always drop me at the cove close to my home. I can make my own way from there.”

  Jonathan gave me an ‘I told you so’ look but he said, “That is not a problem, my lady.”

  “Besides,“ I added, “There are some things we need to do at your villa.”

  They both looked at me, and Sharp, too, had a puzzled expression on his face.”

  “What do we need to do?”

  “We have a horse to dispose of and a saddle. If the French find them, and they do search efficiently, believe me, then you will be in trouble. I shall take the saddle and drop it in the sea.”

  “And the horse?”

  I took a deep breath. I was not happy about what I was going to say but it was the only solution to the problem. “If we release the animal it will hang around the villa and the French will deduce what happened to their Brigadier. We will have to shoot the horse. It is for the best.”

  Like me Sharp loved horses. He exploded, “You can’t do that sir!”

  Even Jonathan was shocked, “I say Robbie, that is a bit harsh is it not? Is there no other solution?”

  Only Donna Maria d’Alvarez seemed unmoved. “You have steel in you Captain Matthews. It is the one thing you do not wish to do and yet you will do it to save someone you barely know. You were born out of your time.”

  “We can take it back to England, sir. You said yourself it was a fine horse.”

  “And how in God’s name would you get it aboard? It would sink the longboat!”

  “I will swim it out sir! Please do not kill a dumb animal whose only crime is that it saved your life!”

  That was as near to insolence as Sharp ever got. Jonathan smiled, “I’ll tell you what, Sergeant Sharp. If you can get it alongside the ship I will have it hoisted aboard in a sling. How’s that?”

  He grinned, “That’ll do me sir and I promise I will make her swim.” He looked at me, “Sorry for speaking out of turn, sir.”

  I relented, “I fully understand, Sharp.”

  It was after dark when we edged north past the mouth of the Douro; we were just sailing under reefed topsails. There were fires burning at the entrance to the harbour and Jonathan saw, through his telescope, that the Tricolour was flying. As we had suspected the French had arrived.

  We headed closer to the coast. Lookouts watched for the small beach which would mark our destination. Instead of using shouts, they whistled. We had the sails down in a flash as soon as it was spotted and the anchor half lowered in case we had to make a quick getaway.

  While the longboat was lowered Donna Maria said goodbye to the captain and the crew.

  “I doubt that I shall see any of you again but you have given me hope that the French monster can be defeated.” She kissed Jonathan on the cheek, “But find a good woman, Captain Teer and marry!”

  The shore party, led by Jack Harsker, were already aboard the boat as Donna Maria was lowered in the Bosun’s Chair. Sharp and I used the tumblehome. The sound of the oars was muffled by the surf on the small beach. Two men leapt ashore and pulled the longboat a foot or so onto the beach. Two others stood guard with muskets. Jack Harsker came with Sharp and I as we took the lady up the path to the darkened villa.

  We all had pistols and they were cocked although Donna Maria did not seem worried. She did frown when the door was locked and she rapped sharply upon it. The door opened and a worried looking Antonio appeared. We hurried inside and they spoke in Portuguese.

  “You must hurry. Antonio had news from Oporto that the French are moving from house to house. I think they are looking for arms and soldiers.”

  “Sharp, take Jack and get the horse and the saddle.” They disappeared. “It is not too late to come with us. We can take your people.”

  “You are more than kind Roberto, you are honourable. This is my land and all of those who live here are my people. We shall stay and, when you return, I hope you find me here still.” She pulled my face down so that she could kiss me on both cheeks. We heard the horse whinny. “Now go for you put me in more danger by staying here.”

  Jack had the saddle while Alan led the horse. I covered them from behind with my pistol and sword. I could hear shouts from the houses closer to Oporto as the French troops began to search. They were probably searching for treasure but they would question everyone. That was their way. It would not be easy to reach the beach unnoticed.

  “Farewell and stay safe, Donna Maria d’Alvarez.”

  I followed the other two. I had just slipped down the path when I heard the clatter of hooves as the Chasseurs rode up to Donna Maria’s villa. I prayed that Sharp’s horse would not whinny and alert them.

  When I reached the beach Sharp had slipped off his boots and trousers. I picked them up. He led the horse towards the water. I clambered into the boat with Sharp’s clothes. Jack and the crew began to pull away from the beach. The horse walked in as far as its hocks and then stopped. Sharp began to urge the horse on, into the water but it refused to move. I knew that the Chasseurs would investigate the path. “Come on Alan, talk to her… in French.”

  “My French is awful, sir!”

  “She’s not bothered by the accent. Speak to her. Give her a name.”

  He walked in front of her and put his face close to hers. “Allez, s’il vous plais… Maria!”

  Amazingly she began to walk into the water. Sharp slid across her back and urged her on. I held out my hand and clicked her on. She began to swim and follow the boat. “Keep her close lads.” I began to call her name and encourage her. Sharp had his face close to her ears and he, too encouraged her. I felt the longboat bump into the side of the ship and we were there. We had to rig the sling to lift her and I hoped that she would be compliant. The last thing we needed was a whinnying and thrashing animal to attract the attention of the French.

  “Sharp, give me the reins and get up the tumble home. If she hears your voice and sees your face she will be less nervous.”

  Jack edged the boat so that the horse was between us and the ship. The sling was lowered down. The Bosun looked at me. “Sir, if I hold the reins can you rig the sling underneath her? I am a sailor not a jockey.”

  I gave him the reins and I manhandled the sling under her middle. I made sure that the fastenings were tight and then said, “You can haul away, Bosun.”

  He gave a whistle and I heard, from the deck, “Heave!”

  Gradually the horse began to move. I could hear Sharp as he encouraged the horse.

  “Right sir, get on board and we’ll get the boat back aboard.”

  An hour after we had landed we were heading north. Our mission was completed and Sergeant Sharp had a new mount, Maria!

  Chapter 5

  The voyage home seemed never ending. The weather was against us; there were adverse winds a
nd early December rains. Poor Sharp had to virtually spend every waking moment with his new horse Maria. All of us were glad when the Thames hove into view.

  Sharp appeared to be the most relieved of all. The French saddle came in handy and he rode Maria up and down the docks to regain her confidence and to get her land legs back. I left Sharp to his horse and Jonathan and I hurried to Whitehall; he to the Admiralty and me to meet with Colonel Selkirk.

  Colonel Selkirk actually smiled, “You have done well Robbie. It was not necessarily what I intended for you to do but it has worked out better than I might have hoped. And you say Captain Teer has gone to the Admiralty?”

  “Yes sir.”

  He stood and rubbed his hands. “Then no-one in this building knows of the fall of Portugal! Excellent!” He almost propelled me to the door. “Well done, Robbie.” He held out his hand. “Show me the warrant from Prince João.”

  I gave him the document with the royal seal at the bottom. “It is only honorary, sir. A gesture, nothing more.”

  He shook his head, “My Portuguese is a little rudimentary but this is an official appointment. I should learn Portuguese if I were you.”

  “Why sir?”

  “Come on laddie you are a bright young man! We will be sending soldiers over to Portugal soon. We need boots on the ground. Hopefully we won’t make a mess of it this time like we did in the Low Countries. You will be over there again, either with or without your regiment. A colonelcy is useful.”

  “I don’t see how.”

  “You get to command the Portuguese and, when this is recognised by Horse Guards, then you become a major. More pay laddie! Leave this with me and I will show it our lords and masters. Don’t worry I’ll see you get it back. This is most fortuitous.”