Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1809-10-06

before metloned and thc range VI inoun-
tains appeared too distant to have any lnfiu-
ence upon the expected action.
The right, consisting Of Spanish troops,
extended Immediately iii frontof the town
Of alavera down to the Tagus: This part
Of the ground was covered by olive trees,
and much intersected by banks and bitches.
The high road leading from the bridge over
the Alberche,!was defended by a heavy bat
terv in front Of a church, which was occu-
pied Spanish infantry. All the avenses
to the tower were defended in a similar
manner the town was occupied, and the
remainder of the Spanish infantry was form
ed in two lines, behind the banks on the
roads which ledfrom the town and the right,
to the left of our position.
In the centre between the two armies,
there was commanding spot Of ground, on
which we had commenced to construct IN
Its rear.
Brigadier general Alexander Campbsll
was posted at this spot with division OF
infantry, supported in his rear by general
Cotton's brigade Of dragons, and some
Spanish cavalry. s
About two O'clock OIL the 9th, the enc
appeared in strength op the LETT bank OF
the Alberche, and manifested an intention
to attack gen. Mackenzie's division.
The attack was made before they could
be withdrawn but the troops consisting of
gen. Mackenzie's and col. Donkin's bri-
gades, and gen. Anson's brigade OF taval-
~, and supported by gen. Payne with the
other four regiments OF cavalry, IN the PLAN
between Talavera and the wood, withdrew
in good order, but with some loss, partlcu-
larry by the Cd battalion 9th regiment, and
I'd battalion S1st regiment in the wood.
Upon this occasion the steadiness and
discipline of the 45th regiment, and OF the
5th battalion Goth regiment were conspieu-
Gus and I had partiular reason tor being
satisfied with the manner in which major
general Mackenzie withdrew his advanced
guard.
As the day advanced the enemy appear
ed in larger numbers on the right Of the Al
berche, and it was Obvious that he was adj
vancing to general attack upon the combn-
ed army.
General MsKenzie continued to fall back
gradually upon the left of the position OF
the combined armies, where he was placed
in the second line, in the rear Of the guards,
colonel Donkin being placed in the same 81
tuasion further upon the lett OF the position
of the combined armies, where he was plac-
ed in the rear Of the kings German Legion.
Theenem immediately commenced his
attack in the dusk of the evening, by can
nonade upon the left of our position, and by
an attempt with his cavalry to overthrow tbs
Spanish infantry, posted as | have before
stated on the right. This attempt failed en-
tirely.
Early in the night he pushed division a
long the valley on the left of the height oc-
cupied by general Hill, of which he gained
nomentary possession, but major general
Hill attacked it instantly with the bayonet
and regained it.
This attack was repeated in tbs night, but
failed, and again at daylight in the morning
of.the esth, by twodivisions ofinlantry, anl
was repulsed by major general Hill.
Mallor-g general Hi has reported to me in
particular manner, the conduct OF the 29th
regiment; and of the first battalion 4Sth re-
cimens, in these different affairs, as well as
that of Encouragement Tllson and brigadier-
general Richard Stewart.
We have lost many brave officers and sol.
diers in the defence OF this important point
in our position, among Others | cannot avoid
to mentioa brigade-major Gardner, and ma
;or o,a,s.sI Hill wae himself wounded bpt
am happy to say but slightly.
The defeat of this attack was followed a
bout noon, by general attack with the e
nemy's whole forceupon the whole OF that
part of the position occupied by the British
army.
In consennence Of the repeated attempts