Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1811-07-18

eneniy,s Column could not be disiodend nv
hiring proceeded to attack it with thebayon-
e aud in the act of attacking body of Po-
lish iancemen Cavalry whom r. ,bscarity
OF, the atmosphere, and the ..ture of the
ground had concealed land who besides when.
seen, were mistaken by the brigade, for Spa
n'sh cavalry and consequently not fired onl
turnedit, andbeing thusunexpectcdly attack
ed IN the rear, was unfortunately broken and
| Suffered greatly. The 31st regiment form
ing to the left CT the brigade alone escaped
tins charge, and under, the orders of Major
L. E.strange, maintained its ground, until the
arrival OF the Sd brigade under the orders
OF major general Hoghton the conduct
OF TINS brigade was evidently very brave,
nor was that of the Cd brigade commanded
by the hon. 1t. col. Abercrombie inferior.
Major general Houghton, while exciting his
| brigade to a charge, ellcovered with wounds.
Though the principal attack of the enemy
was upon this part of the right, he also
made continued attempt upon that part of
our original front in the village and bridge,
which were defended in the bravest manner
by major general Baron Alien, and the brig
ade of light infantry Of the German legion,
whose conduct was, in every point of view,
| evidently good. This point now formed our
| left and maj gen Hamilton's division had been
sent hither, and was left to direct the de-
fence of that point, while the attack cf the
enemy continued npon our right. a consi-
dcrable proportion Of the Spanish troops de-
fencing this place, the enemy's cavalry at
tempting to force our right had endeavored
to- turn It; but by the able Ipancuvres of
major general the honorable w. Lumlev,
commanding the allied cavalry though
greatly inferior in Number totliat of the enc
| my, their attempts were frustrated. :'.
| Major General Cole, seeing the attack of
the enemy, very judiciously changed the po-
| sition Of his left little. marched in a line
to attack the enemy's left, and arrived very
| OPPORTUNITY to contribute with the charges
of the brigade of general Stewards division
to force the enemy. to abandon their situa-
| ton, retreat precipitately and take shelter
behind their reserve, Here the brigade of
flsieers particularly distinguished ITSELF
The enemy was pursued by the allies to
very, considerable distance and as far as /
Judged prudent, considering their immense
superiority in cavalry, and ! contented N.Y.
self with seeing them driven beyond Albu-
hera. 49, ~.
have every reason to speak verv. favora :
bic OF the manner in which our artillery was
served and fought; and major Hartman,
commander of the English and major Dick
son commander, ct the Portuguese. and, the
thanks. The four pieces of horse artillery
commanded, by captain Lefebvi,e made great
havcck among the enemy's cavalry, and a
brigade of Spanish artillery (the only one in
the beld) showed equal good conduct and
bravery, steft{-
We lost, in the misfortune that befel the
brigade commanded by lieutenant celcnel
Colbourne Prospecting whom general Steward
states, that he acted and was then acting in
the most noble manner, leading the brigade
IN admirable order,) one howitzer, which
the enemy, before the arrival of the brigade
OF the brave Gen. Houghton, had time to
withdraw, with or 500 prisoners of that
brigade.
After he was routed in his principal attack
he still continued near the village, from
whence he could never make anv progress
or pass the brook notwithstanding that /
had been obliged to draw from thence
large proportion of troops, to support the
principal point of the attack but the enc
my seeing his principal attack frustrated,
relaxed his efforts in the otherquarter.
The Portuguese division of major general
Hamilton Showed on all occasions the great
est frmness and courage and manoeuvred
as well as the English. The Portuguese
brigade Of general Harvey, belonging TO gen.
Coles division had an opportunity Of distin-
gushing ltSeiis when " InarCne0 IN line a.
long the plain, repelling with the utmost
firmness charge from the encmys caval-
ry
1t is impossible TO enumerate all the instan-
ces of discipline and valor exhibited in this
strongly contested action; but never did
troops more bravely, or gloriously sustain
the honor of their respective countries. am
not able to particularise the spanish divisions.
brigadcs or regiments, that were engaged in
the battle, because know not their denom-
nations, or names--but have great satisfac-
ton in saying that their conduct was brave
and honorable and altho' by reason of the SUI
perior number and weight of the enemy's
force, the portion OF troops that was in the
attacked position, was obliged to give ground,
it was after an obstinate resistance, and they
continued IN support their allies in good or
der, and doubtless his excellency Gen. Blake
will do ample justice in this respect, by ma
king honorable mention ofthose who deserve
it.
The battle commenced at in the morning,
and continued without interruption Until in
the afternoon, when the enemy were driven
beyond Albuheraj in the remainder Of the
day there was only firing Of great guns and
skirmishng.
1t is impossible TO do justice by words To
the valor Of the troops every individual most
nobly did his duty as is proved by the great