Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1809-04-14

tue 'nArDOr. Due Notwithstanding tnls
and the manifold defects
of the, place, there being no apprehen-
sion that the rear guard could be tor
ced, and the disposition of the Spani-
ards appearing to be good, the embar-
kation Of major general hilps brigade
was commenced aad completed by. in
the afternoon major general Beres-
ford, with that zeal and ability which
is SO we'll known TO yourself and the
whole army, having fully explained to
the satisfaction of the Spanish govern
or, tho nature of our movement, aud
having made everv previous arrange
ment, withdrew his corps from the land
front of the town soon after dark, and
was with all she wounded that had not
been previously moved, embarked be-
fore one this morning.
Circumstances forbid US to indulge
the hope, that the victory with which
it has pleased providence TO crown enc
efforts of the army, can be attended
with any brilliant consequences 70 G.
Britain. 1t is clouded by the loss of
one of her best soldiers. Ii ha. been
achieved at the termination OF long
and harrassing service. The superior
numbers, aud advantageous position
Ut the enemt, not less than the actual
situation of this army, did not admit
of any advantage being reaped from
success. 1t nust be however to you,
to the army, and to our country, the
sweetest reflection, that the iustre OF
the British arms has been maintained,
amidst many disadvantageous circlm-
stances, the army which had enter
ed Spain, amidst the fares prospects,
had no sooner completed It's junction,
than owing to the multiplied disasters
that dispersed the native armies a.
round IS, it was left to its own resour.
ces. The advance of the British corps
from the Duero, afforded the best hope
that the South of Spain, might be re-
lieved, but this generous effort to- save
the unfortunate people, also afforded
the enemy the opportunity of direct
ing every effort ofhis numerous troops,
and concentrating all his principal re-
sources for the destruction Of the ONLY
regular force in the north of SPAN.
You are well aware with what dill
|gence this system has been pursued.
These circumstances produced the ne
cessity. of rapid and harrassing march
les, which had diminished the NUN.
ibers. exhausted the strength and i'm
paired the equipment of the armv.--
Notwithstanding all these disadvanta,
yes, ard those more immediately at
tached to defensive position, which
the imperious necessity of covering
the harbour Of Coranna for time had
rendered indispensable to assume, the
native and undaunted yalor OF Bri fish
troops was never more conspicuous,
and must have exceeded what even
your own experience of that invalua..
bile quality so inherent in them, may
have taughty you to expect. When e.
very one that had an opportunity
seemed to vie in improving it, Il is
difficult for me in making this report,
to select particular instances for your
appreciation. The corps chiefly en-
gagged were the brigades under major
generals lord VIM. Bentinck, Man
ningham, and Leith, and the brig,ds
lofguards under major general Warde.
lie these officers, and the troops un4
der their immediate orders, the grea-
test praise is due. Major general Hill
and colonel Catlin Crawford, with
their brigades on the left of the posi.i-
on, ably supported their advanced
posts--The brunt of the action fell
upon the 4th, 42d, sOth, and s1st re
'giments, with parts Of the brigade o.
guards, and the Goth regiment--Frsm
lieutenant col. Murray, quarter mas
ter-general, and the officers OF the
general slsG, | received the most mark
ed assistance--I had reason to regret
that the illness Of brigadier general
Clinton, adjutant-general, deprived
me of his aid was indebted 10 bri-
gadier- general Slade during the acti-
on, for Jealous offer OF his personal
services, although the cavalry were
embarked. The greater part of the
deet having gone to sea, yesterday e.
vening the whole being under weigh,
Il IL