The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1810-03-09
GRAND BATTLE OF OCANA,


Gained by the Imperial and Royal French
Army commanded by the Duke of Dalma-
tia. (Soult) over the Spaniards on the 10Th
November, 1909.
S p IN
Letter from the Duke of Dalmatia TO the
Minister at war in Paris.
HEAp.QuARrERs,
Dies BARRIAs, Nov. 10.
Your Erceiiency,
His majesty the emperor's troops
have just gained signal victory. The bat :
tie was fought at Ocana, where the Spanish
1000 were cavalry, besides numerous ar
tillery. The 4th and 5th corps of the army
commanded by the marshal duke of Trevi-
SO (Mortier.) The division of general Mil.
baud, the division of light cavalry of the 5th
corps, commanded by general Beauregard,
and the Brigade of light cavalry of general
Paris, with the royal guard, and two batta-
lions of Spanish troops, left Aranjuez this
morning, in order to meet the enemy, who
according TO the information received, had
taken position at Ocana. At O'Clock, the
advanced guard in reality observed that ar
my at IL O'Clock the engagement began, *
at 2 the battle was gained. The Spaniards
made brave resistance the superiority of
their numbers encouraged them but they
were attacked with such spirit by all the
troops, that their position was carried with
out the least hesitation. The charges made
by the infantry and cavalry, threw the en-.
envy into dreadful disorder. All the artille-
ny and baggage fell into our hands. We
have already counted SO pieces of Cannon
Is stands of colors, and great number of
prisoners, (amongst which are s generals,
six colonies, and 700 officers) were taken
by the Imperial troops. The ground was
strewed with dead bodies, and with more
than 10000 musquets, as well as with the
wrecks of baggage, and with other military
effects. At every instant prisoners are bro't
in. The remainder of the army is flying
without arms, & without knowing what will
become of them.
If the English have another Spanish army
to sacrifice, they may send it on. The whole
imperial army in Spain is disposable.
his morning the king gave the command
of all the cavalry to General Sebastian. -
The fine changes he has made, have justified
that appointment he maReuvred with pre-
cision and boldness. General Milhaud dis
tinguishcd himself very much.-All the
chiefs Of cavalry deserve to be mentioned
The light horse of the royal guard behaved
with the greatest intrepidity. The marshal
duke of Treyiso commanded the infantry of
the 4th and 5th corps. 1t was impossible
for any one to act with more courage. Ge-
neral Girard, who commands the first divi-
sion OF the 5rh corps, made a charge with
his infantry, which determined the enemy
TO give way, and yield tous the position he
had taken.
General Leval was wounded at the head
ofhis division. His conduct deserves praise
The marshal duke of Treviso, received
Confusion on his arm, but which did not
prevent him from commanding.
General Dessoles commanded the second
division of the fifth corps, which formed
the second linc---tIe had occasion to en-
gage with that part of the army on the right
of the village of Ocana
General Senarmont commanded all the
artillery of the army. His dispositions were
the best that could be made. Thus the ar
til!ery has rendered the greatest service OH
this important occasion.
Our loss is lrifling, considering the result
and heat of the battle 1t does not exceed
400 men.
Not having received the reports of the
different corps of the army, / AN not able
to send your exceilency more particular
account; but as soon as will receive them,
] will hasten to give you general report of
the battle, and of the dispositions which took
place--at the same time, shall make
known to you the officers of the general staff,
and of the troops who distinguished them
selves in particular manner, and who have
this day deserved the thanks of his males
ty the Emperor. In the mean time, must
say, that all the generals and officers of the
staff, had the honor OF making themselves
useful. and of Signalling themselves on this
memorable day.
The marshal duke OF Beiuno Victor J
received orders to pass the Tagus this morn
ing between Villarimegu and Puerti Due
mas. He was to have attacked the enemy
in the position he had taken yesterday morn
Ing at Santa Cruz, aud afterwards pursue
him in whatever direction he would take on
his retreat. This morning it was written
to him, THAI the enemy appeared to con-
centre his troops at Ocana, and he was Or
dered to direct his column towards that
place, as soon as possible. AS the distance
which he had TO go was very long march
lac was not able to take part in the action
The King did not receive news from him
during the day---thus his majesty is ieno
rant of what the marshal duke of Belluno has
done. ! shall have the honor of giving YOUR
excellency an account of it in my next report
] have the honor to beg your excelleucy to
be so good as to lay my report before his
majesty the Emperor. / big you also to
accept of the sentiments of my high consi-
Iteration.
(Sisned)
The Marshal Of the Entire, 4zajor- G e.
neral