SWABEY DIARY, 299 
killed by our shot, or dismounted so as to cause their being made 
prisoners. 
In the evening we returned and got to Villa Franca about } past 9, 
horses fresh and ready for them again. Our loss was a few wounded 
and three Portuguese killed. 
25th July.—Much prouder than I ever felt before in this place, 
which we have so often left to the enemy. I held my head up and 
received the compliments of the people. 
26th July.—This evening at 8 o’clock we went out on picket which 
I understand is to be the system pursued: as it is useless at a distance 
from the enemy, I consider it a harassing order. 
27th July.—Returned to Villa Franca at 6 o’clock after passing the 
night, which was terribly cold, in my cloak, and at 8 o’clock returned 
as before to the olive grove. 
28th July.—Started off to picket as usual having returned as yester- 
day at 6 in the morning. Reports from Ribera speak of the enemy’s 
being in force at Llera. 
259th TFuly.—Received the pleasing intelligence of Lord Wellington’s 
having completely beaten Marmont on the 22nd near Salamanca, ‘under 
the following circumstances. Marmont had been marching on his 
flank some days toward Rodrigo, when Lord Wellington took up a 
position with his left resting on the Tormes, neglecting however to 
occupy a hill commanding the left of his position. On this Marmont 
then brought up artillery, and commenced a cannonade, without any 
intention of bringing ona general action, but to boast of having driven 
the English back from Salamanca. ‘I'he enemy’s left rather outflanked 
Lord Wellington, who moved the 5th division, which formed his left, 
round the rear to his right, and supported by General Le Marchant’s 
heavy cavalry brigade, ordered it to attack the enemy’s left flank, and 
sweep the whole of the height occupied by him, which was done 
completely. At the same time the 4th and Oth divisions advanced in 
column on the centre, while the 6th attacked the very rocky height on 
the right. It was gained by the Fusiher brigade of the 4th division 
attached to the 6th, but a French regiment formed steadily at the 
bottom, and advancing upon the brigade, the greatest exertions on the 
part of ‘the officers could not prevent the Fusiliers falling back without 
receiving the attack ; but supported by two brigades of the 6th division 
they afterwards rallied, and had the honour of carrying the height. 
The enemy were then obliged to quit their position, taking up 
another in rear, which was likewise carried by the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 
6th divisions with the heavy brigade of cavalry. The brunt of this 
attack was borne by the 3rd division but it was unable to force the 
enemy’s left. The heavy brigade of cavalry then charged them in 
hollow square, they being previously much disordered by artillery. 
Marmont then retired to a third position his right resting on the 
Tormes. This was carried and the rout became general, night only 
preventing the total destruction of the army, 4000 dead were counted 
on the field besides wounded, 6000 prisoners and 19 pieces of artillery 
41 
