Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1811-05-20

formed in very strong position. on the ri.
yer Ccira, with his advance in front OF
Foe de Aroucc, on this side the river.
immediately adopted measures to drive in
his advance, previous to the rnovem
which might be found necessary TO the pas.
sage of the Ceira this morning.
Brigadier General Pack had been detach.
ed this morning with his brigade across
the mountains on the lett bank of tbs river
not only to turn the euemy's position of
Miranda do Co,vo. but also with 4 view to
turn any other position he might occupy on
this bank OF the Ceira. A division cs light
troops under the command OF Mai. Gene
raj Sir William Erskine received orders to
post themselves upon some OF the heights in
the vicifity of Fog de Arouce, while the
division of Maj. Gen Picton moved on the
high road for the purpose of attacking the
lett of the cnemy's pos ton. The sixth di.
vision formed the reserve under the com.
mand of Major General Campbell, the re-.
giment of Hussars. and the 10th dragons
supported the light division, the 18th regi.
ment OF dragons supported the first divi.
sion, and the royal dragons the third.
These movements had the effect of COM
polling the enemy to abandon his strong DO.
sition on this side of the Gotta having suf..
fered considerable loss, and colonel of the
39th regiment was made prisoner
The light troops of major general Pic
tons division under the command of colo
mel Williams, and general Nightengale's
brigade, were principally engaged upon the
right, and S5th regiment in froot Ut the light
division. These troops all conducted them
selves in the most gallant manner the
Hying artillery under the command of cap.
tains Rors and Bu', also disringuishe i them
selves on this occasion Our troops took a
O r fIaa - kao. u
tion Wagons in Fog de Arouce.
had been prevented from putting the
army in motion sooner, in consequence of a
thick fog, which lasted until late in the
morning, and it was dark when we took
the last position of the enemy. During the
night the enemy reiterated, having destroy.
ed the bridge over the Cerico, and leaving
small rear guard on the other side OF the
river. The bridge at Fog de Arouce hav-
ing been destroyed, the fatigue which the
troops have suffered Tor the three las. days,
tegetner with the want Of provisions, have
induced me not 10 pursue the enemy this
day.
Since my despatch to your excellency Of
the 14th, have learned sore detai.s re-
speeding the surrender Of Badajos. It seems
that the enemy had made breach on the
Sth, about 1S feet wide, but il was by 10
means practicable. On the same day the
Governor answered the signal, and scknow-
lodged himself acquainted with the purport
OF my message ;-on the 10th bostihties
we're suspended, and on the 18th Tie place
surrendered, the garrison remaining priso-
ners OF war, 10 march oct with the usual
honors, &c. The garrison consisted Of 1000
men, while the force of the enemy was no
more than $500 Infantry, and 1000 cavalry.
The place was neither in want Of Prov.
sions or ammunition.
In Eiy letter Of the 9Th inst. TO the Go. !
vernon of Elvas, requested him tn desire
the Governor of Badajos, to keep the re-
treat OF Massena a secre so That it might |
not come to the knowledge of the enemy |
through dcserters, as / hoped Marshal |
beresford, would find him occupied in the
siege of Badajos. The Governor of that
place divulged the intelligence as soon as
he received it, affecting al the same time
TO disbelieve 1t. He also communicated
thc Information to the French General
As soon as Badajos surrendered, the enc.
my directed his operations against Campo
Mayor, and is OH his march against that
place.
have the honor to be, SC.
WEfLING TON.