593 “l” TROOP (now “i” BATTERY), R.H.A., AT FUENTES D , ONORE. 
road for his guns. 1 2 The French, who, by-the-bye, most fortunately 
for us, were drunk, 3 came on at a rapid pace but in bad order, and 
were checked by different squadrons as they came up.” The squadron 
which first came to the rescue was of the 14th Light Dragoons 
led by Brotberton, other troops joined, and the French Colonel, 
Lamotte, was taken prisoner. I think the above may be considered to 
give the real facts of the case, and though it may be disappointing to 
find the whole Troop was not present, yet I am sure it is best to 
know the exact truth, without which history is valueless. 
1 There is an apparent discrepancy with respect to the position of the “ detachments ” in this 
account and in that by Napier. The latter puts them in rear, the former in front. The probable 
explanation, I think, is that Ramsay when he charged the French cavalry had his “ detach¬ 
ments ” close behind him to open the way for his guns, having passed through the enemy he 
would likely enough drop them to the “ rear ” to prevent the French Dragoons riding up along 
side and interfering with his gun teams. 
2 It is not an uncommon thing to atti'ibute daring attacks to the effects of drink, and, I believe, 
often most unjustly. It will be remembered that General Liprandi asked the prisoners taken in 
the Light Cavalry Charge at Balaclava “ whether they were not drunk when they made so mad 
an attack.” 
