592 SWABEY DIARY. 
want a few men, but in other respects ‘H’ troop will yield 
to none in taking the field, and when we have had a little 
more time will surpass many. We shall move forward not 
merely in an efficient state, but perfectly to my satisfaction. 
Our horses are in beautiful condition, and our appointments 
of every description entirely new and complete.” } 
14th May.—The long wished for and long expected march took place 
this morning, and we may say we have not started unprovided. Our 
horses and appointments are completed, the prospect bright of returning 
home and everything looks cheerily and well. To be sure, as far as 
incessant rain went during our march to Cortica, the outset was 
unpropitious. The perch of one of my waggons too broke when hardly 
out of Mello, but was replaced with great expedition. We did not 
reach our destination till 4 o’clock, and a horrid one it was. 
15th May.—Marched at 5 o’clock still in the rain for Trancoso, the - 
road steep and hardly passable, it runs through Celorico, and crosses 
the Mondego by the bridge called Baracal. As is often the case the 
natural beauties of the country increased the difficulties of our march, 
and when I saw my fine fat horses strike on the hill my heart sank with 
despair. I had thought, as 1 said, that this year our horses and our 
men would be superior to all obstacles; but think what I might, we 
did not get to Trancoso till near dark. Trancoso is a walled town and 
is considered as belonging to the chain of defences that are linked 
together by Pinhel, Almeida, Guarda, Castel Branco, Castel Rodrigo, 
etc., the position is formidable, the place itself of no military importance, 
and much destroyed, and altogether a vile nest of more vile Portuguese. 
16th May.—The sun at length appearing, we were once more cheered 
by a clear sky after a full month’s incessant rain. Marching at 4 a.m. 
we got to Marialva by a bad road, though it is to be noticed that through 
the stupidity of our guide, we chose a worse one than we might have 
done. In Marialva we put up our horses, having preference given us 
in point of cover; the infantry encamped. This place is one of the 
most complete Moorish towns I have met with ; it has a castle of the 
most perfect architecture and in high preservation. 
17th May.—At 4 o’clock we marched by a terribly steep ascent to 
Villa Nova de Fascoa, a tolerable town and distant only 5 miles from 
the Douro. The vineyards in its neighbourhood produce the best 
Oporto wine, as well as a prospect pleasing to the eye. 
18th May.—At 4 o’clock we marched down to the passage of the 
Douro, the descent is adorned by various beauties of prospect and 
fertility. On getting to the passage, my long formed ideas of the 
campaign were quite confirmed. Instead of building a bridge for which 
there was every material at hand, we were passed over in a wretched 
ferry-boat, which operation took three hours; in this there was no 
preparation by which the French could the least anticipate our move- 
ment. As Lord Wellington has not yet made any show or moved any 
1 For this document and some others I am indebted to the kindness of General Lynedoch 
Gardiner, C.B., R.H.A., son of the writer.—(F.A.W.) 
