Star.
London, England, 1812-06-18 00:00:00

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br dM 911114 of Delsresa, to relieve or withdraw the,
post which still remained in the tower of Mirabete.
The whole of the army of Portugal have likewise
made a movement to their left • the 2d division being
on the Tagus, and Marshal karmont's head quar-
ters have been removed from Salamanca to Fontieros.
By a letter from Sir Howard Douglas, of the 24th
instant, I learn that the troops under eneral Bon-
net, after having made two plundering excursions!
towards the frontiers of Gallicia, had again entered
the Asturias, and was on the 17th in possession of
Oviedo, Gijon, and Grado.
In the meantime the troops under General Men-
dizabel are in possession of the town of Burgos, the
enemy still keeping the castle ; and in all parts of the
country the boldness and activity of the Chiefs of
Guerillas are increasing ; and their operations against
the enemy are becoming daily more important.
I forward this dispatch by Major Currie, Aid-Ale-
Camp to Lieutenant-General Sir Rowland Hill,
whom I beg leave to recommend to your Lordship's
notice and protection.

Truxille, May 21, 1812.
MY LORDI have the satisfaction to acquaint your
Lordship, that your instructions relative to the cap-
tale and destruction of the enemy's works at Alma-
rim have been most fully carried into effect by a de-
tachment of troops under my orders, which marched
from Almendralejo en the 12th instant.
The bridge was, as your Lordship knows; pro-
tected by strong works thrown up the French on both
sides of the river, and further covered on the southern
side by the castle and redoubts of Mirabete about a
league off,. commanding the pass of that name,
through which runs the road to Madrid, being the
only one passable for carriages of any description by
which the bridge. can be approached.
The works on the left bank of the river were a tete-
du-point, built of masonry, and strongly entrenched,
and on the high ground above it, a large and welbcon-
structed fort, called Napoleon, with an interior in.
trench:new, and loop-holed tower in its centre. This
fort contained nine pieces of cannon, with a garrison
of between four and five hundred men. There be-
ing also on the opposite side of the river, on a height
immediately above the bridge, a very complete fort
recently constructed, which flanked and added much
to its defence.

On the morning of the 16th, the troops reached
,Taraicejo, and on the same evening marched in three
columns, the left column, commanded by tieute-
nant.General Chowne (28th and 34th regiments,
under Colonel Wilson, and the 6th Portuguese Ca-
;adores), cc% ards the Castle of Mirabete ; the right
column, under Major General Howard (50th, 71st,
and 92d reginCents), which I accirimpai.ied mYsegs
to a pass in the mountains, through whiCh a most
difficult and circuitous foot-path leads by the• village
of Romangordo zo the bridge ; the centre column,
under Major General Long (6th and 18th Portuguese
infantry, under Colonel Ashworth, and 13th Light
Dragoons, with the artillery) advanced upon the
high road to the pass of Mirabete.
. The two flank columns were provided with lad-
ders, andit was intended that either of them should ,
•proceed to escalade the forts against which they
were (Elected, had circumstances proved favourable;
the difficulties, however, which each bad to encoun-
ter on its march were such, that it was impossible for
them to reach their respective points before day-
break ; I judged it best therefore, as there was no
huger a possibility of surprise, to defer the attack,
until we should be better acquainted with the nature
and positions of the works, and the troops bivouacked
on the Leina.
I determined on endeavouring to penetrate to the
bridge by the mountain path leading through the
village of Romangordo, although, by that means,
I should be deprived of the use of my artillery.
On the evening of the 18th I moved with Major-
General Howartgs brigade, and the. 6th Portuguese
reg:ment for the operation,. provided.with _scaling
--
ladders, &c. Although the distance marched did.n
exceed five or six miles, the difficulties of the'read
were such, that with the united exertions sif officers
and pen, the column could not be formed for the at-
tack before daylight. Confiding, however, in the
valour of
,the troops, I ordered the immediate as-
' sault of Fort Napoleon. My confidence was fully
justified by the event.
The Ist battalion of the .50th, and. one wing of
the 71st regiment, regardless of the enemy's artil-
lery and musketry, escaladed the work in three
places, nearly at the same time.. The enemy seemed
at first determined, and his fire was destructive, but
the ardour of our troops was irresistible, and the gar-
rison was driven at the point of the bayonet, through
the several entrenchments of The fott and Tete-du-
Pont, across the bridge, which having been cut by
those on the opposite side of the river, many leaped
into the river and thus perished.
' The impression made upon the enemy's troops
was such, that panic soon communicated itself to
those on the right bank of the river, and Fort Ra-
gusa was instantly abandoned, the garrison flying in
the greatest confusion towards Naval Moral.
I cannot sufficiently praise the conduct of the 50th
and 71st regiments, to whom the assault fell. The
cool and steady manner in which they formed and
advanced, and the intrepidity with which they
mounted the ladders, and carried the place, was
worthy of those distinguished corps, and the officers
who led them.
Could the attack have been made before day, the
92d regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Cameron.
and the remainder, of the 71st regiment, under the
Honourable Lieutenant-Colonel Cadogan, were to
have escladed the tete-du-pont, and effected the de-
struction of the bridge, at the same time that the at-
tack was made on Fort -Napoleon. The impossibi-
lity of advancing deprived them of this opportunity
of distinguishing themselves, but the share which they
had in the operation and the zeal which they display-
ed, entitles them to my warmest commendation, and
I cannot avoid to mention the steadiness and good dis-
cipline of the 6th Portuguese infantry, and two com-
panies of the 60th regiment, under Colonel Ash-
worth, which formed the reserve to this attack.
CAIr operations in this quarter were much fa-
vowed by 4 diversion made by Lieutenant-General
.Chown, with the troops under his orders, against
the. Castle of Mirabete, which succeeded in inducing
the enemy to believe that we should not attach the
forts -near the bridge, . until we had finxasi she pass,
And tinks have pock way for our "'ninny, The
Lieutenant-General conducted this operation, as

.. . .
well as his (mistier sideline', entirely to tn.i t '
lion. I much that the peculiar situa
Mirabetarritld have prevented my allowing tha
gallant corps under his orders tizefdllow up an opera:
tion Which they had commenced with much spirit j•
and were so anxicluis led compleat.
I cann4t tab strongly express how much I am.
satisfied with the conduct of Major-General How-
ard through the whole '.of . Otter:idea, the most
arduous part of which hae;:falleiti• bless abdre ; • and
particalarly of the manna laivehkhir.iled his bri-
gade to the assault. He was tbly assisted by his
Staff, Brigade-Major Wemyes,. of the 50th, 'and
Lieutenant Battersby, of the 234 Light Dragoons.
To Major-General Long, I am alio indebted for'
his assistance, although his column was not imme-
diately engaged. •
.
Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart and Major Harrison,
of the 50th, and Major Cother, of the 71sl, com-
manded the three attacks, and led them in a most
gallant and spirited manner.
I have received the greatest assistance from Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Dickson, of the Royal Artillery,
whom, with a. brigade of twenty-four-pounders, a
company orßritish and one of. Portuguese Artillery,
your Lordship was pleased.to put -under my orders ;
circumstances did not permit his guns being
brought into play ; but his exertions, and those of
his officers and men during the attack and de•
struction of the place, were unwearied. In the lat-
ter service Lieutenant Thiele, of the Royal Ger-
man artillery, was blown up ; and we have to re-
gret in him a most gallant officer; he had parti-
cularly distinguished himself in the assault. Lieu-
tenant Wright, of the Royal Engineers, had also
rendered me very essential service ; he is a most in-
telligent, gallant, and meritorious officer ; and I
must not omit also to mention Lieutenant Hillier,
of the 29th regiment, whose knowledge of this
part of the country proved of great
.assistance.
Your Lordship will observe, from .the return of
ordnance and stores which I have the honour to en-
close, that Almaraz has been considered by the
enemy in the light of a most important station ; and
I am happy to state, that its destruction has been'
most complete. The towers of masonry which were
in Forts Napoleon.and Ragusa have been entirely de-
stroyed ; and the whole apparatus of the bridge, to-
gether with the workshops, magazines, and every
piece oPtimber which could be found, entirely le-
velled; the ramparts of both in great measure de-
stroyed. A colour, belonging to the 4th battalion of
the carps Etranger, wa; taken by the 71st regiment,
and I shall have the hcnour of forwarding it to your '
Lordship.
Our loss has not been severe, considering the cir-
cumstances under which the attack was made. I
enclose a liit of the killed and wounded. Captain
Candler, of the 50th regiment, (the only officer
killed in the assault) has, I am. sorry to say, left a
large family to deplore his loss. He was one of the
first to mount the ladder, and fell upon the parapet,
after giving a distinguished example to his men.
I have had frequent occasions to mention to your
Lordship in terms of the highest praise the conduct
of Lieutenant-Colonel Rooke, Assistant Adjutant
General. During the whole period I have had a
separate command in this country: that Officer has
been with me, and rendered most essential serviceau
my corps ; on the present expedition 'he has eminently
I distinguished himself, and I beg leave particularly to
notice his conduct. Your Lordship is also aware of
ithe merits of Lieutenant-Colonel Offeney, my As-
sistant Quarter-Master-General, of whose !likable
aid I have been deprived during. the latter part of
this expedition. Though labouring under severe ill-
ness, he accompanied me, to the serious detriment of
his health, ami until it was totally impracticable for
him to proceed. Captain Thorn, Deputy-Assistant
. Quarter-Master-General, succeeded to his duties ; and
I am indebted to him for his assistance, and also to
Major fill and my personal staff.
• . The Marquis do Almeida, Member of the Junta
of Estremadura, has done me the honour to accom
pany me, since I have been in the province : I have
received from him, as well as from the people, the
most ready and effectual assistance v.hich it was in
their power to bestow. •
Major Currie, my Aid-de-camp, will deliver to
your Lordship this dispatch, and the colour taken
from the enemy, and will be able to give you any
further particulars. I beg to reccmmend him to your,
Lordship.—l have the honour to be, &c.
(Signed) R. HreL,• Lieut. Gen. '
I er.close a return of prisoners, in number 259,
eluding the Governor, one Lieutenant-Colonel, and
fifteen officers. I also transmit a return of provisions
in the forts near the bridge, taken from one signed
by tle.cliief of the French Commissariat on the lath
of May. - ,
Return of Killed and Wounded of the Army under the Come
ntand of Its Excellency General the Earl of WIILL/NOTOXj
K. P. under the irnmetlate Orders of Lieutertant-6eggral lie
Rowin ND HILL, K.B. at the Stin:/11 and Capture l'aFt Sae
pokon, and tbe Enemy's other Works, in fete
of Almaraz, on the Morning of the 19th of Mar, fR
Royal Artillery—, rank and-171Z wounded.
Royal Engineers-1 Lieutenant wounded.
King's GL rman Artillery-1 Lieute-nant killed. ; , • , .
lit Batt. 28:k Regiment-2 rank and file wounded..
Ist Batt. 50th Regiment-1 Captain, 27 -rank and file, laillad
Captain, S Lieutenants, 2 Ensigns, 6 Serjeants, 87 rank gal
file wounded. •
Ist Batt. 71st Regiment-1 Strjeant, 3,rank and file, Mak 1
Captain, 1 leutenants, 1 Ensign,, 4 Serjeants, 1 Druggist,
23 rank and file, wounded.
Ist Batt. 924 Regiment-2 rank and file wounded. •
Total British loss-1 Captain, t Lieutenant, 1 Serj=::
rank and She, killed ; s Captains. 6 Lieutenants, 4
10 Serjeants, 1 Drummer, 117 rank and file, wounded. ,
Portuguese Artillery-2 rank and ale wounded
oth Cacadores-1 Ensign, 1 rank and file wounded. ' •
Total Portuguese loss-1 Ensign, S rank add Me
General Total---I Captain, 1 Lieutenant, 1111410112=
and file killed; 2 Captains, 6 lauteuants, b linelgns, 10
Serjeants, 1 drummer, 120 rank and file wounded.
Names of Officers killed and wounded.
Kitt-In.—Ring's German Artillery-.-Lieutenant Thiele, blown
up.-50th Regiment, Captain Candler.
WoullDzo.—Royal Engineer—Lieutenant Wright, slightly.
50th Foot—Captain Sandy., severely; Lieutenant Hennworth,
severely ; lieutenant Patterson, slightly ;lieutenant Richard-
son, ,tverely ; Ensign Goddard, severely ; Ensigns Crofton and
Godfrey, slightly.
71st Foot—Captain Grant, dangerously (since dead); Lieutenant
Lockwood, flevstsiy Lieutenant Rou and Ensign Ira' aasie,
slightly.
'6th Casadores—?4l Cobh°, severely.
Return of Ordigisiiitad Stores captured at - 9101*-"
ras, on the naindai of the lath of May,
under the commend of LienteGeneral
Farr NAloesgwr—Brass ordapee me
ere, one 6-pounder, one 4-pounder, three
Tr T x-rew-Ftesei.--linsa esdnanceaw
1 tea-tack howitzer.

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The length of the Gazatte Extraordinary prevegs
ys from making any observations on the new Budge,
today. An accurate detail of the vatiou► items which
it contains, will be found in our Reprt of the Par.
liamentary Proceedings.—Our Readers will lieu
with pleasure, that the ILrrack aystcm is to bests.
pended, at least for the present.
French Papers to the 14th instant, have beenre.
ceived. They state, that. BONAPARTE was cm the
2d instant at Thorn, and that MS Empress was
about to return to Paris. According to letters from
Berlin, Conn: RosiaNzow diedlattly, at Wilna, of
an apoplexy. The influence which this Minister pos.
sessed in the Russian Councils, and the general op.
nion th it that influence was exercised in favour of
France, renders his death at the present moment a
political event of great importance.

,1

Foal. Rarnisa.lStass o,..ltinth Moulted-3 teethe-
-2 six-pounders, 1 cm-lneb howitzer..
Total-7 twelve-pounders, 3 six-pounders, 1 fact •
1 ten-inch howitzer, 4 six-inch howliaers.-14.
A coned,,tahle proportion of powder In barrels and
fired to shot ; but as the magazine. were Mown up ismoo,4
tack after the capture by order of Lietatensas-Gelaral file . 1 lid, and every thing destroyed, the exact ipautity
ascertuned. +s ast
J 20,000 musket ball cartridges, tjo slat-tech shelli, nap
• • of ease shot of various ca.ibre, 413 muske:s with beyoue,,•
yg
: large pentode boats, composing the bridge, with timber, ctn.
piece, et/ carria
hges tor rinnoVing the same, and also fes th,
conveyance of eavy timber.
A large proportion of rope of various &lindens; also itch%
timber, war, and every thing complete, on a Large establish.
men', 'fur keeping the finidge and carriages ki a state of ups:,
(Shoed) A. 1.)1c awe:, 1.1430.-Cokindb
• • Commissary Lustre Artillery.
Return of Officers, non-aintnissioned officer., and seldlus,
sorters of war, taken at the storming of the enemy august
the Bridge of Almaraz, on the morning of ti pith May, apt
Governor and Staff-1 major, 1 captain, I sof, 4 mega,
missioned officer* and privalell.
3d regiment of Artillury-.-4 non-curaniesioucki ofixers
privates.
Engineers-1 captain, 1 private.
Puntontirt-6 non-cuiumisdoesed officers and ptiVetei.
Sappers-8 ditto.
6th Regiment Trench. Infantry (Light)-1 captain, IKA to
non-connuistitsued carers and rintes.
99th Regiment (of the Line)--1 Lieutenant-Colonel, y utti.
nant, 1 titaff, 04. Non.conunissitmed Officers and privets'.
4th Regiment of Foreiguers—.3 Captains, 2 Lhutemee, ygo
Nou-conntaisaiened ()lacers and privates.
Commissariat-4 Waif, 5 Nou-comniiseivred Mom osi •
privates.
Total-1 lieutenant-Colooel, 1 Major, 5 Captains, Lys.
tenants, 7 Sniff, BIZ Nmecommissioued M al
privates. (Signed) J. C. Roses,.
Lice•.-Col. and A.A.C..
State of previsions in the Forts at the Bridge of Altr.ara, eau*
morning of the lett, of May. 1812, takLo trona a rezure livad
by the French Commissary, dated the lath of May, 1111.
Rations—bread 39, biscuit t 9,561, rice t.5,96i, erg tables Cilt,
salt "3,926, ed 44e8, wine 1718, bi auGy 27,814, het gut
16,8411, salt meat 161,0116. (Signed) F. PORCHEL
A true eau*,
(Signed) • J. C. ROOK 2, Lieut.-Col. and A.A.C.