Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1808-10-22
OR EIGN.
MIA NEW-YORK.)
LONDON, Sept. 8.

1t Is 1act, THAT uiloI WdS iJSo4As
when Bonaparte first went to Toulon, and
was appointed to go round the ramparts
with him. Upon which occasion ne shew-
ca SO mu ch skill and spirit, that Bonaparte
solicited and procured tor him an epaulette,
and has never deserted him since.
On the first ult. the Bishop OF Oporto IS
sued proclamation, prohibiting the circu-
lation Of French money. British coin was
previously ordered to be current, at the rate
of s, $50 rees in the guinea.
The following letter contains some inter-
esting particulars of the recent victories IN
Portugal -
ssJ7meira, Aag,lst %.
6 Since wrote to YOU few days ago,
we have had most glorious memorable day
for England. The French attacked US yes
terday in our position, with their whole
force, near $1,000 men. The attack was
expected at day break, and would have
been so, had they not been delayed by the
roads. We had laid by our arms about
hours, after turning out before day break,
as usual, when the 10th, [part OF Gen. Fer
guson's brigade had their picquet driven
in, and we beat to arms.
{. Our noble Gen. (Ferguson) Of whose
ealantry and conduct it is almost Impossible
10 piye an idea, was soon on the mountain,
our quarters being about halt . mile OFT, IN
the small town of Vimeira. From thence
we could perceive the enemy advancing to
attack the centre OF the army, and q strong
col.,an marching with cavalry and artillery
to turn Tia kisl on which our brigade was
BUT as they h~d a considerable round TO
make, We had full time prepare.
~Sir A. Wellesley, who eommandea fe-;sIi.
Burrard not beng ;rledD ordered up seve-
raj bripades, and made most mastery DIS
position. Tne centre OF the army, from
which We were divided by deep Yaliey,Was
now attacked with great yIgor bus The
French received such a check, clat we soon
had the glory OF seeing them staggered, and
then relax In their attall,. At tEls time ge-
neral Ferguson's brigade, and that under
general Spencer, who commanded this wing,
were briskly attacked general Ferguson,
in about halt an hour after the fire conmenc-
ed, ordered his brigade to.charge, leading
himself, in = manner beyond all praise-lt
is enough to say, the commander in chief
considers him as having most contributed TO
the completest victory that could be obtain
ed without cavalry to follow it up.
6 The French gave way, and were follow
ed with three cheers by the whole brigade,
a Fart rallied but the Seth and list charged
them with an irresistible impetuositv, led on
bv general Ferguson, and drove them from
their puns, OF hich they took four, with rs
many tumbriiis. The victory was now Ger
tain, though they again rallied once more,
and were again dispersed by the 71st; our
artillery completed the triumph OF this glo-
rious day. The Ere for some time tremcn-
dous, and the field strewed with our brave
fellows. In charging the guns, my horse
beautiful creature had received but few
DAYS before fromOporto, and which cost me
SO moidore, was slot in several places aud
fell dead. | got on another belonging to a
dragon, but SO tired he could not move,
and had the cloak shot away from before
me. / thought it high time to dismount,
and Joined the seth, who were advancing,
and with them ! had the honor to remain
during the rest Of the action.
1.-The loss of the French was very great;
upwards of 5000 killed and wounded left on
the field, besides prisoners. Our army lost
about 700, and a good many officers.
6 The French army was commanded by
Junot, La Borde, Loison, Chailot, and
Brenier the two latter were taken with
great many officers, and IS pieces OF can
non.
1--WE could adore Ferguson for his bra
very, skill, and GOODNESS, in a fire like hail
about him. His orderly, very fine fellow
of the Goth dragons, was shot close to him
and fear cannot live.
G MI, moor friend Stuart of the 9Th died