291 
AD) AE AS JES) SE 
OF 
LIBUTENANT W. SWABRY, R.H.A., IN THE 
PENINSULA. \ 
EDITED BY 
COLONEL F. A. WHINYATEHS, late R.H.A. 
(Continued from p. 257, No. 5, Vol. XXTTI.). 
levalagal! IO. 
Cuarrer II. 
The troops take wp position at Albuera. French and Spanish Cavalry. 
Constant skirmishes. Affair at Ribera. Battle of Salamanca. Sickness. 
Affair at Majalahonda. 
20th June.—Marched to and encamped at Albuera, where we found 
a position was taken up, having three redoubts, one on the left, one on 
the centre and one on the left flank of our line. JI rode to see them, 
the position is not very strong but exceedingly judicious, as it is so 
situated that the nature of the enemy’s attack cannot be concealed, and 
the redoubts, particularly on the right flank, lool into all the approaches 
and I think on the whole cannot be easily turned. There is besides a 
retiro line on the same ground occupied by Marshal Beresford last year. 
The rivulet ranning in front can scarcely be termed an obstacle to the 
attack, but in case of the enemy’s being followed it will impede his 
retreat considerably. 
Lord Wellington having moved in the North, great doubts are 
entertained of Soult’s attacking our position, as it appears useless even 
to beat us unless he does it with a view of securing his retreat. He 
gives out that he will retake Badajos. We were last year deceived in 
the amount of the French force which we had undervalued ; the same 
circumstance may again take place, but we can have no considerable 
odds against us. Keceived Hneglish letters of 19th May, and Ist of 
June. 
21st June.—Still at Albuera, the Spanish cavalry patrolling to Santa 
Martha, the enemy occupying Azeuchal, Villalba ete. Visited the 
position again. I find if our right is turned we have a retreat on 
Albuera, and if the left is outflanked we may march on Olivenca. On 
a nearer examination of the rivulet I findit of more consequence than I 
at first supposed, many parts being impassable and others broad enough 
6. VOL. XXII. 40 
