ww 
276, 
which suffered immensely, and a howitzer, 
fewarded this charge, and remained in pos- 
session of Major Gough, of the 87th regi- 
ment. These attacks were zealously sup- 
ported by Colonel Belson, with the “8th re- 
-giment, and Lieutenant-colonel Prevost, with 
a part of the 67th. 
A reserve formed beyond the narrow. val- 
Tey, across which the enemy was closely pur- 
sued, next shared the same fate, and was 
routed by the same means. 
. Meanwhile, the right wing was not less 
successful; the enemy, confident of success, 
met General Dilkes on the ascent of the hill, 
and the centest was sanguinary 5 but the un- 
daunted perseverance of the brigade of 
guards, of Licuten nt-colonel Browne’s bat- 
talion, and of Lieutenant-colonel Norcott’s 
and Major Acheson’s detachment, overcame 
every obstacle, and General Rufin’s division 
was driven from the heights in confusion, 
leaving two pieces of cannon. 
Noexpressions of mine could do justice to 
the conduct of the troops throughout. No- 
thing less than the almost unparalleled ex- 
ertions of every officer, the iavincible bravery 
of every soldier, and the mest determined 
devotion to the honour of his Majesty's arms 
in all, could have atchieved this brilliant 
success, against such a formidable enemy, so 
posted. 
In less than an hour and a half from the 
commencement of the action, the enemy was 
in full retreat. The retiring divisions met, 
halted, and seemed inclined to form: a new 
and more advanced position of our artillery 
quickly dispersed them. 
The exhausted state of the troops made 
pursuit impossible.’ A position was taken on 
the eastern side of the hill; and we were 
strengthened on our right by the return of 
the two Spanish battalions that had heen at- 
tached before to my division, but which I had 
_ left on the hill, and which had been ordered 
to retire. 
These battalions (Walloon ‘auras and Cju- 
dad real) made every effort to come back in 
time, when it was known that we were engaged. 
I understand, too, from General Whitting- 
ham, that, with three squadrons of cavalry, 
he kept in check a corps of infantry and ca- 
valry that attempted to turn the Barrosa 
height by the sea. One squadron of the 2d 
Hussars, King’s German Legion, under Capt. 
Busche, and directed by Lieut.-Col. Pon- 
sonby, (both had been attached to the Spanish 
cavalry) joined in time to makea brilliant and 
most successful charge against a squadron 
of French dragoons, which was entirely 
routed. 
An eagle, six pieces of cannon, the general 
of division Ruafin, and the general of brigade 
Rovéseau, wounded and taken; the chief of 
the staff, General Beliegarde, an aide-de- 
camp of Marshal Victor, “and the colonel of 
the 8th regiment, with many other officers 
killed, and several wounded and taken pri- 
State of Public Affairs in March. 
oo hs ane ee 
[April 1, 
soners ; the field covered with the dead bodice’ 
and arms of the enemy, attest that my con- 
fidence in this division was nobly repaid. 
Where all have so distinguished them- 
selyes, it is scarcely possible to discriminare » 
any as the most deserving of praise. Your 
lordship will, however, observe how glori- 
ously the brigade of guards, under Brigadier- 
general Dilkes, with the commanders of the 
battalions Lieut.-col. the Hon C. Onslow ~ 
and Lieut.-Col. Sebright (wounded), as well 
as the three separated companies under Licut.- 
col. Jackson, maintained the high character 
of his Majesty’s household troops, Lieut.- 
col. Browne, with his flank battalion, Lieut. 
col, Norcott, and Major Acheson, deserve 
equal praise. 
And I must equally recommend to your 
lordship’s notice Colonel Wheatly, with Co- 
lonel Belson; Lieut. colonel Prevost, and 
Major Gough, and the oflicers of the respec 
tive corps composing his brigade. 
The animated charges of the 87th regi- 
ment, were most conspicuous; Lieutenant- 
colonel Barnard (twice wounded), and the 
officers of ‘his flank battalion, executed the 
duty of skirmishing in advance with the ene= 
my in a masterly manner, aud were ably se- 
conded by Lieut..col, Busshe of the 20th Por- 
tuguese, who, likewise twice wounded, fell 
into the enemy's hands, but was afterwards 
rescued. Thedetachment of this Portuguese 
regiment behaved adniirably throughout the 
whole affair. 
I owe too much to Major Duncan, and the 
officers and corps of the Royal Artillery, not 
to mention them in terms of the highest 
approbation; never was artillery better 
served. 
The assistance I received from the un- 
wearied exertions of Lieut.-col. Macdonald, 
and the officers of the adjutant. general’s de- 
partment, of Lieut-col. the Hon. C. Cathcart, 
and the officers of the quarter-master genew 
ral’s department, of Captain Birch and Capt. 
Nicholas, aad the cflicers of the Royal Engi- 
neers, of Capt. Hope, and the officers of my 
personal staff, (all animated by their exam- 
ple,) will ever be most gratefully rememe= ' 
bered. Our loss has been severe; as soon as 
it can be ascertained by the proper return, £ 
shall have the honour of transmitting it. 
But, much as it is to be lamented, L trust it 
will be considered as a necessary sacrifice, 
for the safety of the whole allied army. 
Having remained some hours on the Bare 
rosa heights, without being able to procure 
any supplies for the exhausted troops, the 
Commissariat mules having been dispersed on 
the enemy’s first attack of the hill, 1 left 
Major Ross with the detachment of the 2d 
battalion of the 95th, and withdrew the rest 
of the division, which crossed the’Santi Petri 
river early the next morning. 
I cannot conclude this dispatch without 
earnestly recommending to his Majesty's 
gracious notice for promotion, Brevet Lieu- 
tenant~ 
