FOOTNOTES

Presenting the Trophies.

And now the Day arriv’d, as deem’d expedient,John should present the Trophies to the R——t.Th’ illustrious R——t sat in Regal State,The Lords and Ladies did around him wait.John made his Triple Bows, and kneeling down,Humbly presented the Baton, and Crown.It so fell out, perhaps no one could say why,The Ladies titter’d, and the Lords look’d Sly.The Noble Prince, in his great self collected,He first the Baton from the Hat selected.In manners dignified, and all his own,He thus his R——l sentiments made known—‘This Baton, Sir, is in my firm belief,‘The noblest Gift a Sovereign can receive;‘And when so merited, we all must know,‘The noblest Gift a Sovereign can bestow.‘Here! take this back, with gratitude I yield it,—‘His is the only Arm that’s fit to Wield it.‘As for this French Machine, with its obliquities,‘T——r shall find it room with my Antiquities.’Then graceful fingering the bit of Felt,His condescending smiles around him dealt—‘Tho’ this poor Crown is something worn and Flat,‘Still ’tis a precious morsel of old Hat;‘And as to aged relics I am partial,‘’Twill suit my purpose better than the Marshal.‘You, gallant Colonel, shall appointed be,}‘In my establishment, an Equerry,}‘Knight of the Bath, and F——k’s A. D. C.’}The Baton struck the Dames with much surprise,They all admir’d the painting, shape, and size:‘It was a Stick, no doubt, ’twas made of Oak;‘And heavy too—’twould give a monstrous Stroke.’As for the Hat, as round about they dealt it,When each great Lord, & noble Knight had felt it—‘For such a Prize ’twas not worth while to Roam,‘They all could boast a better one at Home.’John now of his new Dignities felt proud,So quietly withdrew from out the Crowd.And thus quite happy, and elate with joy,The Knight and Lady hugg’d their darling Boy.The Lady’s head could nothing run upon,‘But Son, Sir Johnny, and of Spouse, Sir John.’The Knight, who’d long been brooding on his Speech,With Prop, and Prompter close within his reach,Now told his Son, Sir John, ’twas his intent‘To make a flaming speech in Parliament.‘Your Letter too, dear John—Sir John, your pardon;‘I’ve in my vacant hours labour’d hard on.‘I’m well prepar’d—but you must be so kind,‘Should I forget, to prompt me from behind;‘But first, my Son, Sir John, it will be mete,‘That you in Parliament should take your Seat:‘Having so done, we then can at our pleasures,‘Together both consult, about my measures.’And now our Hero, without more delay,Went with his Dad, to make his firstEntré.The Ceremony o’er, and in his place,The S——r, with much Gravity, and Grace,His right Hand on his Chair he gently press’d,And thus our Hero solemnly address’d:‘Lieutenant-Colonel Sir JohnNewcome,‘I’m to observe, that here are very few come‘With such distinguished honours to their Name—‘So high in Glory, and so great in Fame;‘Your active Vigour, and your gallant Feats‘In Arms, when in Vittoria’s Streets‘Your weapon boldly flourish’d ’mongst the Fair,‘Joe’s Crown cut off, and every thing left bare;‘Drove the poor King from Town, without his Hat on,‘Seiz’d Madam Gazon, and the Marshal’s Baton.‘The C——ns, Sir, out of their high regard‘For deeds of Valour, grant this proud Reward‘For your Exploits, so Great, and so Magnanimous,‘Thro’ me present their hearty thanks unanimous.’Albeit, unused to speaking, John arose,In first attempt determin’d not to prose;Resolv’d that no one should his sense impeach,By drawling out a long, and labour’d Speech:Then said, ‘Sir, if from great Example,‘I in some late affairs have shewn my Sample;‘’Tis to the Hero whose Dispatch I bring,‘So great, so wonderful in every thing.‘His be the praise, who Foe, and Fair disarms,‘All yield to his Celebrity in Arms.’Some further honours too did John await,Which caus’d with him and Dad, a small debate.‘A Badge of Merit,108my dear Boy d’ye see,‘Is a fine Ornament, ’twixt you and me;‘’Twill look so grand, you know, hung at your button,‘When you Reg’mentals condescend to put on.’‘Such Ornaments, dear Dad, I’d fain not reap,‘Desert, and Interest no distinction keep;‘That bane to Justice, we must all deplore,‘Merit does much, but interest does much more.’And now friend John more Honours did obtain,The gratitude of Portugal and Spain;Like Knights of Rodrigo, and Talavera,He got the Tower, and Sword, and Alcantara.

And now the Day arriv’d, as deem’d expedient,John should present the Trophies to the R——t.Th’ illustrious R——t sat in Regal State,The Lords and Ladies did around him wait.

And now the Day arriv’d, as deem’d expedient,

John should present the Trophies to the R——t.

Th’ illustrious R——t sat in Regal State,

The Lords and Ladies did around him wait.

John made his Triple Bows, and kneeling down,Humbly presented the Baton, and Crown.It so fell out, perhaps no one could say why,The Ladies titter’d, and the Lords look’d Sly.The Noble Prince, in his great self collected,He first the Baton from the Hat selected.In manners dignified, and all his own,He thus his R——l sentiments made known—‘This Baton, Sir, is in my firm belief,‘The noblest Gift a Sovereign can receive;‘And when so merited, we all must know,‘The noblest Gift a Sovereign can bestow.‘Here! take this back, with gratitude I yield it,—‘His is the only Arm that’s fit to Wield it.‘As for this French Machine, with its obliquities,‘T——r shall find it room with my Antiquities.’

John made his Triple Bows, and kneeling down,

Humbly presented the Baton, and Crown.

It so fell out, perhaps no one could say why,

The Ladies titter’d, and the Lords look’d Sly.

The Noble Prince, in his great self collected,

He first the Baton from the Hat selected.

In manners dignified, and all his own,

He thus his R——l sentiments made known—

‘This Baton, Sir, is in my firm belief,

‘The noblest Gift a Sovereign can receive;

‘And when so merited, we all must know,

‘The noblest Gift a Sovereign can bestow.

‘Here! take this back, with gratitude I yield it,—

‘His is the only Arm that’s fit to Wield it.

‘As for this French Machine, with its obliquities,

‘T——r shall find it room with my Antiquities.’

Then graceful fingering the bit of Felt,His condescending smiles around him dealt—‘Tho’ this poor Crown is something worn and Flat,‘Still ’tis a precious morsel of old Hat;‘And as to aged relics I am partial,‘’Twill suit my purpose better than the Marshal.‘You, gallant Colonel, shall appointed be,}‘In my establishment, an Equerry,}‘Knight of the Bath, and F——k’s A. D. C.’}

Then graceful fingering the bit of Felt,

His condescending smiles around him dealt—

‘Tho’ this poor Crown is something worn and Flat,

‘Still ’tis a precious morsel of old Hat;

‘And as to aged relics I am partial,

‘’Twill suit my purpose better than the Marshal.

‘You, gallant Colonel, shall appointed be,}

‘In my establishment, an Equerry,}

‘Knight of the Bath, and F——k’s A. D. C.’}

The Baton struck the Dames with much surprise,They all admir’d the painting, shape, and size:‘It was a Stick, no doubt, ’twas made of Oak;‘And heavy too—’twould give a monstrous Stroke.’As for the Hat, as round about they dealt it,When each great Lord, & noble Knight had felt it—‘For such a Prize ’twas not worth while to Roam,‘They all could boast a better one at Home.’

The Baton struck the Dames with much surprise,

They all admir’d the painting, shape, and size:

‘It was a Stick, no doubt, ’twas made of Oak;

‘And heavy too—’twould give a monstrous Stroke.’

As for the Hat, as round about they dealt it,

When each great Lord, & noble Knight had felt it—

‘For such a Prize ’twas not worth while to Roam,

‘They all could boast a better one at Home.’

John now of his new Dignities felt proud,So quietly withdrew from out the Crowd.And thus quite happy, and elate with joy,The Knight and Lady hugg’d their darling Boy.The Lady’s head could nothing run upon,‘But Son, Sir Johnny, and of Spouse, Sir John.’

John now of his new Dignities felt proud,

So quietly withdrew from out the Crowd.

And thus quite happy, and elate with joy,

The Knight and Lady hugg’d their darling Boy.

The Lady’s head could nothing run upon,

‘But Son, Sir Johnny, and of Spouse, Sir John.’

The Knight, who’d long been brooding on his Speech,With Prop, and Prompter close within his reach,Now told his Son, Sir John, ’twas his intent‘To make a flaming speech in Parliament.‘Your Letter too, dear John—Sir John, your pardon;‘I’ve in my vacant hours labour’d hard on.‘I’m well prepar’d—but you must be so kind,‘Should I forget, to prompt me from behind;‘But first, my Son, Sir John, it will be mete,‘That you in Parliament should take your Seat:‘Having so done, we then can at our pleasures,‘Together both consult, about my measures.’

The Knight, who’d long been brooding on his Speech,

With Prop, and Prompter close within his reach,

Now told his Son, Sir John, ’twas his intent

‘To make a flaming speech in Parliament.

‘Your Letter too, dear John—Sir John, your pardon;

‘I’ve in my vacant hours labour’d hard on.

‘I’m well prepar’d—but you must be so kind,

‘Should I forget, to prompt me from behind;

‘But first, my Son, Sir John, it will be mete,

‘That you in Parliament should take your Seat:

‘Having so done, we then can at our pleasures,

‘Together both consult, about my measures.’

And now our Hero, without more delay,Went with his Dad, to make his firstEntré.The Ceremony o’er, and in his place,The S——r, with much Gravity, and Grace,His right Hand on his Chair he gently press’d,And thus our Hero solemnly address’d:

And now our Hero, without more delay,

Went with his Dad, to make his firstEntré.

The Ceremony o’er, and in his place,

The S——r, with much Gravity, and Grace,

His right Hand on his Chair he gently press’d,

And thus our Hero solemnly address’d:

‘Lieutenant-Colonel Sir JohnNewcome,‘I’m to observe, that here are very few come‘With such distinguished honours to their Name—‘So high in Glory, and so great in Fame;‘Your active Vigour, and your gallant Feats‘In Arms, when in Vittoria’s Streets‘Your weapon boldly flourish’d ’mongst the Fair,‘Joe’s Crown cut off, and every thing left bare;‘Drove the poor King from Town, without his Hat on,‘Seiz’d Madam Gazon, and the Marshal’s Baton.‘The C——ns, Sir, out of their high regard‘For deeds of Valour, grant this proud Reward‘For your Exploits, so Great, and so Magnanimous,‘Thro’ me present their hearty thanks unanimous.’

‘Lieutenant-Colonel Sir JohnNewcome,

‘I’m to observe, that here are very few come

‘With such distinguished honours to their Name—

‘So high in Glory, and so great in Fame;

‘Your active Vigour, and your gallant Feats

‘In Arms, when in Vittoria’s Streets

‘Your weapon boldly flourish’d ’mongst the Fair,

‘Joe’s Crown cut off, and every thing left bare;

‘Drove the poor King from Town, without his Hat on,

‘Seiz’d Madam Gazon, and the Marshal’s Baton.

‘The C——ns, Sir, out of their high regard

‘For deeds of Valour, grant this proud Reward

‘For your Exploits, so Great, and so Magnanimous,

‘Thro’ me present their hearty thanks unanimous.’

Albeit, unused to speaking, John arose,In first attempt determin’d not to prose;Resolv’d that no one should his sense impeach,By drawling out a long, and labour’d Speech:Then said, ‘Sir, if from great Example,‘I in some late affairs have shewn my Sample;‘’Tis to the Hero whose Dispatch I bring,‘So great, so wonderful in every thing.‘His be the praise, who Foe, and Fair disarms,‘All yield to his Celebrity in Arms.’Some further honours too did John await,Which caus’d with him and Dad, a small debate.‘A Badge of Merit,108my dear Boy d’ye see,‘Is a fine Ornament, ’twixt you and me;‘’Twill look so grand, you know, hung at your button,‘When you Reg’mentals condescend to put on.’

Albeit, unused to speaking, John arose,

In first attempt determin’d not to prose;

Resolv’d that no one should his sense impeach,

By drawling out a long, and labour’d Speech:

Then said, ‘Sir, if from great Example,

‘I in some late affairs have shewn my Sample;

‘’Tis to the Hero whose Dispatch I bring,

‘So great, so wonderful in every thing.

‘His be the praise, who Foe, and Fair disarms,

‘All yield to his Celebrity in Arms.’

Some further honours too did John await,

Which caus’d with him and Dad, a small debate.

‘A Badge of Merit,108my dear Boy d’ye see,

‘Is a fine Ornament, ’twixt you and me;

‘’Twill look so grand, you know, hung at your button,

‘When you Reg’mentals condescend to put on.’

‘Such Ornaments, dear Dad, I’d fain not reap,‘Desert, and Interest no distinction keep;‘That bane to Justice, we must all deplore,‘Merit does much, but interest does much more.’

‘Such Ornaments, dear Dad, I’d fain not reap,

‘Desert, and Interest no distinction keep;

‘That bane to Justice, we must all deplore,

‘Merit does much, but interest does much more.’

And now friend John more Honours did obtain,The gratitude of Portugal and Spain;Like Knights of Rodrigo, and Talavera,He got the Tower, and Sword, and Alcantara.

And now friend John more Honours did obtain,

The gratitude of Portugal and Spain;

Like Knights of Rodrigo, and Talavera,

He got the Tower, and Sword, and Alcantara.

N.B. It has been reported that his R——l H——s the P——e R——t has signified his acquiescence that the Arms of theNewcomeFamily be as follows: A bit of old Hat, supported by two Batons—Crest, a Cock’s Spur—Motto, ‘I felt it.’

THE END

41The thermometer of Mr. John Bull’s spirits is so delicately compounded, that the smallest variation in the political atmosphere raises, or depresses, to a point verging on Insanity.

42I have, in former days, I confess, been rather puzzled to account for a sort of tergiversation in the memory of many young men. I was foolish enough to expect that high-titled Honourables were of similar opinions, in respect to intimacies and friendships, in common with other folks; but, to my astonishment and disgust, I then found, as I have frequently since experienced, that the man who could bend in the country to a sociable intimacy—changing his ground, changed his deportment; that the men with whom I have in the country domesticated—have been admitted to a very familiar intimacy, when I met them in Town seemed to have totally lost sight of me, and returned my salute with a careless insolence, if they condescended to return it at all; this appeared to me ridiculously capricious, unaccountably foolish. At length an old Friend told me it was the way of the world, and that there was a wonderful difference between the Companions in the Country, and the associate in London. Now I do think this is a fair hint to allJohnny Newcomes, a warning to make up their minds, that, however my Lord or Sir Toby may condescend to an Intimacy in the Country (which, perhaps, may arise from a selfish principle in these Honourable Worthies) they must expect the Cut direct in Town.

43Another instance of effect on Memory: how many young Men have we seen in such situations, who have acted like the veriest Simpleton, and by their arrogance, and presumption have excited the contempt of their Equals.

44Her Majesty of Portugal having, unfortunately, a great debility of mind, her Son assum’d the Government as Regent.

45Priests of every description. The Regent evinced his predilection for those Gentry, in having, it is said, 30,000 who lived on the fat of the Land.

46People are mighty apt to judge with extreme severity on the conduct of Kings and Princes, &c. &c.; and it generally happens that Men, who indulge themselves in the practices of Vice, are very liberal in the abuse of their Superiors in Rank and Fortune that shew a similar disposition, totally forgetting that themselves have been accustomed, in the course of Education, and in their commerce with the World, to the sound of wholesome Truths.

In former days a very useful and entertaining Personage was always an Appendage to the Pageantry of Courts, and in great Families—(yclept) a Fool: thro’ this lively Oracle, Truth reached the ears of the Great: but this wise custom has fallen into disuse, and unfortunately the familiars of the Great are now frequently composed of Naturals.

If those in Rank and Dignity enjoyed the advantages in common with the Mass of Mankind, and should then give themselves up to excesses, censure might be just, if that censure came fromclean hands. But with the disadvantages they labour under from the earliest Age, the harsh animadversions on their conduct are Indecent, Malicious, and Uncharitable.

47The French Army.

48Our most gracious Sovereign.

49Fleets and Armies.

50Generals, Commissaries, Medical Staff, Cavalry.

51Subjects.

52It was supposed the intention of Buonaparte, after having subjugated the Peninsula, was to have invaded England and Ireland.

53Sir A. Wellesley was sent to Portugal with a small force.

54Vide the Battle of Vimiera.

55Sir H——y B——d and Sir H——w D——e.

56Officers.

57Lieutenant-Generals and Major-Generals.

58There is no doubt many intelligent Major-Generals came out, whose bad health would not admit their continuing in the Country, and who much regretted their inability to Serve.

59Portugal.

60F——d M——l B——d.

61The Q——r M——r G——l.

62The A——t G——l.

63The M——y S——y.

64The A——s d— C—— to the Commander of the Forces on the Peninsula.

65The P——ce of O——ge.

66Commissaries.

67The Medical Officers.

68Dr. M——r.

69Divisions and Hospitals.

70Return of killed and wounded.

71Artillery.

72Brigades.

73Great guns and mortars, &c. &c.

74The O——r C——g the Artillery.

75Artillery Officers.

76Provost Marshals.

77Light and Heavy Cavalry.

78In respect to the British Cavalry, many instances were witnessed of gallant conduct of Regiments, Squadrons, and Individuals: they are all Brave—but certainly the Officers are generally deficient in knowledge of Cavalry Tactics; and the men have not that proper regard, and affection, I may call it, for the noble animal that bears them.

A German Soldier will sell his Bread to feed his Horse—a British Soldier will sell the Corn to purchase Drink.

The German Officer, and Soldier, are superior to the British, for both Officer, and Soldier, in the German Cavalry, know their Duty, and feel a pride in it.

It is not a whimsical Uniform, or a monstrous pair of Mustachios, that make the Cavalry Officer: but there seems so much attention now-a-days paid to the external embellishment, that the interior is left to bare Walls—empty Chambers.

Even the French Cavalry boasted, ‘that give them English Horses, and they would drive the British Cavalry from the Field’; and there are folks who are inclined to believe them: then as for Cavalry Generals—I wish there was a School for Generals.

79L——t G——ls and M——r G——ls commanding divisions.

80Lt.-Gen. Sir R——d H——l.

81Lt.-Gen. Sir T——s G——m.

82Lt.-Gen. Sir S——n C——n.

83Lt.-Gen. E——l D——e.

84Lt.-Gen. C——n.

85Maj.-Gen. P—k—m.

86Lt.-Gen. Sir T. P——n.

87Maj.-Gen. C——e.

88Maj.-Gen. Sir T. S——t.

89Lt.-Gen. L——h.

90M——r-G——l, Ass——t Adj——t-G——l, Ass——t Q——r-M——r-G——l.

91Officers, Commissaries, Guns, Provost Marshals.

92The P——se Army was originally contemptible. The great brilliant, and persevering exertions of F——d-M——l B——d, and the Officers under him, have been successful, by rendering the P——se Army efficient in point of Discipline, Activity, and interior Oeconomy.

93F——d-M——l B——d.

94Officers taken from the British and German regiments.

95The H——r B——de.

Upon our approach to the River Eslar, it was expedient that a Lodgement should be made on the opposite side of that River, to protect the formation of the Pontoon Bridge, for the Army to cross the River; the Hussar Brigade, supported by the 51st Light Regt. and Light Regiment of Brunswick Oels (ordered to support the Cavalry) were ordered to attack, take, and maintain the Village. The River, at all times rapid, by the melting of the Snow, was swollen two feet in depth, and its current raged with increasing velocity: 100 Men of the 51st were advanced, with the advance of the Hussars, and passed at the Ford with safety, but drenched with Water; the two Corps followed, and it was directed that an Infantry Soldier should hold by the stirrup-leather of a Hussar. Whether it was the anxiety to pass the Ford, or some other cause, such was the press to enter the River, that the Ford was lost, and in one minute were seen Hussars scrambling, their Horses now on a Rock—next minute, plunging over head, the Infantry dragged hanging at the Stirrup, and Horses Tails; some by a jerk, or kick lost their hold, and were, struggling with the Torrent—others borne by the rapid Current of the Water, sunk, never to rise more;—others happily cast on bits of Islands. Hussars were seen plunging to get up the Bank, dragging three or four Infantry, half-drowned, so convulsed as to keep their grasp. Men’s Caps, Knapsacks, floating down the Stream: but the attachment of one Infantry Soldier to his Firelock was astonishing—he was seen by an Officer, who rode to the brink of the Rock; as the Man floated down the stream, supported as he lay on his back, by his Knapsack, the Officer said, ‘Can you swim?’ ‘No, your honour.’ ‘Then throw away your Firelock.’ ‘No, your honour; I’ll bring She to shore with me—I won’t part with She.’ Fortunately the current bore Him so near to the Rock, the Officer could reach his Bayonet, and the Man was saved. On this occasion it is not in words to give an adequate idea of the gallant and humane conduct of the Hussars. A Serjeant of the 18th Hussars was heard to exclaim, upon his seeing a very fine young Officer of the 51st struggling for life in the middle of the Torrent, ‘I’ll be D——d if the fine Boy shall be drowned,’ and plunged his Horse into the Stream, and, when he rose above the Water, pressed towards the Officer, caught him by the jacket, and lifted him on Shore.—Many other similar cases happened. During the time of passing the River, indeed, I have every reason to believe the Men of the Hussars that were drowned, on this occasion, died victims to their humanity. And it was admirable to see those gallant Fellows, when landed, and free from the grasp of the poor Infantry Soldiers, spring forward to ascend the Hill with an ardour to attack an Enemy they were instructed to expect would oppose them.

I wish it was in my power to have paid a similar compliment, for humane exertion, to an Officer of A——y.

96The H——ld T——ps.—In respect of those fine Regiments, much, very much, should be considered in their favour.

Unaccustomed to Foreign service—unaccustomed to any duty but London duty, which Duty there are no Regiments can perform half so ably—distinguished from other Regiments in every respect, particularly in regard topayand interior convenience, it was hardly fair, and assuredly inconsiderate, calculating the expence, to employ the Life Guards on such service.

Barring the absence of proper feeling in a few Officers, who rather too hastily returned Home, no Troops were more distinguished for Discipline, good Conduct,Sobriety, Zeal, and Gallantry, or for their patient, and cheerful submission to privations, and hardships resulting from the nature of the Service, and possibly somewhat increased by their inexperience: and I may observe without any possible risk of contradiction, had the Household Troops been fortunately pitted against the best Cavalry of the Enemy, the result would have given them a Celebrity in arms coequal to a general Character so highly creditable to those Corps.

97F——d O——rs, Gold and Silver Sticks in the Court Regalia.

98Ample Stores—of Provision—Forage, also for the Hospitals, and of various other descriptions.

99The pay of the Army is six months in arrear; the Contingent allowance Ten months.

A more than actual sufficiency for the Men during the operations of active Warfare is injurious; the Soldier should not have wherewith to get drunk with, for that is always the result after the Balances are received, and, until the Money is exhausted, the Soldier is a Clog. The Officers, unfortunately, suffer by the withholding their Pay.

100However formidable the Spanish Armies are on Paper, what we have seen of them in the Field does not entitle them to be ranked with any description of Troops in Europe; and I even doubt if the Americans would not speak slightingly of them. I will give the Spanish Nation all the credit for obstinacy and jealousy they can wish; but I for one give them no further: their conduct to their Allies, in many instances, has been unfriendly and suspicious—often Hostile. It may be politic to commend their conduct for Gallant Achievement in the Field; I of course shall not presume to contradict that: and much may be allowed for a Ragged, Starved, unpaid Host, and of whom the Officers are the first to run away. They have admitted some, but very few British Officers into their service; but if the selection has proved fortunate, I suppose it will be hereafter made known.

101It was ascertained as fact, that King Joe was so certain of beating the Allied Army, it was his and Gazon’s intention to have attacked; and Joe had boasted he should beat the Enemy, and had actually prepared a grand Dinner for Lord Wellington and his Officers. They meant to attack on the 22d of June.

Joe always travelled with a Suite of Ladies, generally beautiful Women: it is said, there were ten ladies of his private Family with him. Those, with all his Wardrobe, Carriages, and Plunder from Madrid, were taken, and he only escaped with the Clothes on his Back, having lost his Hat. By way of replenishing his Goods and Chattles, he actually stole the Linen, Plate, and Clothes, from every place he stopped at, until he reached the French frontier—and also a Hat from a Priest.

The whole Baggage, Money, Artillery, and those of the French Army were taken—Carriages, and Animals, and a great many Ladies. The French Officers said they were so pinched, we did not leave them a Pinch of Snuff.

102Such was the rapidity of the Conflict, and such the nature of the Ground, very few of our Gallant Cavalry were engaged; wide, deep, and watery Ditches intersected the Country in all directions. Had the ground admitted, our Cavalry must have intercepted Thousands.

The French could only take two small Field-pieces with them, which, from the rapidity of the pursuit, fell into the Conqueror’s hands before they reached Pampeluna; but in their usual depredatious way, they plundered all the Houses, and burned many.

103The Hussars made a gallant charge through the Town, and in their progress attacked, and drove the Enemy’s Cavalry out.

104King Joe, or, as the Spaniards properly style him, the Intruder, was so pressed, he jumped on a horse, lost his Hat, and galloped at full speed out of the Town; and, as Officers and Men, afterwards taken, assured the Author, he actually threw money to the French Soldiery to let him pass.

105Madame, the Countess Gazon, a charming woman, was taken by the Hussars. Major R——t’s, 10th Hussars, it is said, had the Gallantry and Honour to protect her: she was allowed to follow her Husband a few Days after.—Part of the Cavalry only passed through the Town, the Army went right and left of it.

106The numerous Carriages of all descriptions, and Tumbrils, so completely blocked the Road, and filled the contiguous Fields, it was difficult to pass; the Carriages were completely loaded with Baggage, and the miserable Animals pushed into Deep, and Wet Ditches. The four-wheeled Tumbrils were loaded with Ammunition, and Money. It is supposed that those who divided the Spoil were enriched: certainly the Soldiers got Thousands of Dollars and Doubloons. It is said, more Persons than Soldiers shared in the Spoil; one got £8000 of Doubloons. It is to be lamented that, in consequence of the hurry and confusion, the Money was thus distributed—but it was inevitable; and the good fortune fell to the lot of many who did not share in the Conflict.

Two hundred and five Pieces of Ordnance were taken, and five hundred Tumbrils; large quantities of Army Stores, and Mules, and Horses, and much inferior Plunder also.—Vittoria is a superior Spanish Town, and situated in a fertile Plain.

107It was considered rather an uncommon instance of good fortune, the Noble L——d should, on any pretence, have been so unaccountably promoted in the same Gazette, Major and Lieut.-Colonel.

108A Badge of Merit is a most honourable Distinction, as the reward of Merit and Gallant achievement; but its value is eclipsed from the influence of interest.

I should think a Board of Officers should be established to examine into the merits of Officers recommended for such honourable remuneration; and their fiat should either confirm the claim, or reject it altogether: a Badge of Merit would then be valuable. Indeed, if the power of the Board was extended to decide upon the merits for Brevet Rank, the service would gain by it. It is the value of a thing that makes it desirable.

If, in the examination of the merits of an Officer reported to the Board, for honourable distinction, the opinion of the Board should decidedly confirm the claim and right, a Patent should be sent to the Officer, signed and sealed by the President, stating the sentiments of the Board, &c. &c. Such would be an inestimable intimation of his claim to Merit—handing down to Posterity an honourable proof of Family desert.

But the conferring either Title, or Badge on men who have lolled away their time in Ease, and Affluence, is ridiculous, and truly absurd.

Printed byT.andA. Constable, Printers to His Majesty at the Edinburgh University Press

Transcriber’s NotesThe cover was created by the transcriber, using an illustration from the book, and is placed in the public domain.Some page numbers do not appear due to removed blank pages.The list ofContentswas added for the reader’s convenience.All punctuation errors were corrected.Inconsistent hyphenation was retained.InList of the Plates, the capitalization of some words was changed to match the captions in the text; “Santaren” was changed to “Santarem”.Illustrations that accompany Part I were moved to the end of the poem. Illustrations that accompany the other poems were moved to stanza breaks.The order of the illustrations “Half Rations” and “Johnny writes an account ...” in Part II was reversed to follow the order of the events in the poem.Where the location of stanza breaks was uncertain, such as at the top of a page, the 1816 edition (seeNote) was consulted to decide their positioning.The following spelling changes were made:Infootnote 7, “one” was changed from “One” (one Chair).Infootnote 9, “Moidore” was changed from “Moidure”.Infootnote 23, “Commander-in-Chief” was changed from “Commander in-Chief”.Onpage 58, “Devil’s” was changed from “Devils”.Onpage 82, “Mesentery” was changed from “Mesentary”.Onpage 156, “A. D. C.” was changed from “A.D.C.” (extra A. D. C.).

Transcriber’s Notes

The cover was created by the transcriber, using an illustration from the book, and is placed in the public domain.

Some page numbers do not appear due to removed blank pages.

The list ofContentswas added for the reader’s convenience.

All punctuation errors were corrected.

Inconsistent hyphenation was retained.

InList of the Plates, the capitalization of some words was changed to match the captions in the text; “Santaren” was changed to “Santarem”.

Illustrations that accompany Part I were moved to the end of the poem. Illustrations that accompany the other poems were moved to stanza breaks.

The order of the illustrations “Half Rations” and “Johnny writes an account ...” in Part II was reversed to follow the order of the events in the poem.

Where the location of stanza breaks was uncertain, such as at the top of a page, the 1816 edition (seeNote) was consulted to decide their positioning.

The following spelling changes were made:

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