1808: The Road to Corunna

by Griff Hosker

  Eventually I rode next to him and said, “If you do not shut up then I shall leave you here!”

  “Do you know who I am?”

  “No, and quite frankly I do not care. I came here to rescue Donna Maria. I do not know you nor am I bothered about you so shut up or stay here. That is your choice!”

  The other man said, “He means it uncle. Do as he says.”

  A mile or so down the road Sergeant Sharp galloped up. “No pursuit, sir. We are safe.”

  We rode on until it became dark. We had ridden for almost three hours. I saw a light ahead. It was a farm. I headed towards Sergeant Seymour at the front. “We’ll try the farm ahead, Sergeant.” I gestured at the hostages, “These have gone far enough. Have the lads form a skirmish line and check out the land. I want a perimeter of guards a hundred yards around the farm. I’ll get the Portuguese troopers to put up the tents.”

  “Righto sir.”

  Cornet Williams said, as I rode with the two of them. “Sir, that was so exciting. I saw the blood on your clothes. Did you have to kill anyone?”

  “Yes Cornet, and we lost a soldier too. War is not glorious. Men die. Remember that.”

  Luis joined me at the door of the farm, “How is the head my friend?”

  He put a hand up and removed the bandage. The blood had ceased to flow. “I feel stupid for allowing that animal to get the better of me.”

  “They were all experienced soldiers and they were killers. It could have gone worse for us all.”

  “And yet, you killed their leader.” There was admiration in his voice.

  “Let us just say that I have fought his kind many times and I know what kind of tricks they play.”

  Luis rapped on the door. “We are Portuguese soldiers on the business of the Queen and we seek assistance.”

  A voice drifted back, “How do we know you are who you say you are? You could be guerrillas.”

  “Because if we were not then you would now be dead.”

  The door opened a crack and a fearful face was framed in the doorway. He saw the assembled host. “Our house is too small, we cannot accommodate you.”

  “You do not need to. We will camp behind the house. Have you a barn?”

  He stepped out and pointed to a roof with four posts holding it up. “I have that.”

  “Good. And water?”

  He became eager now. “Oh yes, yes. I have good water.”

  I pointed to the women, “The women will need some privacy.” He looked confused. “Have you a wife?”

  “Oh yes and two daughters.”

  “Then they will know what the women want.”

  Realisation dawned. “Oh yes sir. We have an outhouse.”

  “And we will use your fire. We have our own food and my men will not be in the way but we will use your fire.”

  He nodded, now eager to please. “Oh yes, sir.”

  I left the Portuguese setting up the tents. Cornet Williams returned. “It appears to be safe sir.”

  “Good. Half the men stay on watch and the other half cook the food. You and the sergeant arrange the watches.”

  He seemed to grow with the responsibility, “Yes sir.”

  I found that the hostages had dismounted and were standing around, Donna Maria apart, looking lost. “We will stay here tonight. My men are putting up tents. If you do not wish to use the tent then you can sleep in the barn over there.”

  Don Francisco decided to try my patience once more. “Why cannot we stay in the farm? They are merely peasants.”

  I was about to reply when Donna Maria stood before him, “Don Francisco I have had weeks stuck with you and you are the most appalling man I have ever met. I nearly told the colonel here to leave you to the French. You deserve each other. We cannot throw these people out of their home and besides I suspect they all sleep in one room on one bed. Should we all share?”

  The women all laughed. Don Francisco tried to dig himself out of his hole. “I was thinking of you, dear lady.”

  “Do not ‘dear lady me’! I will happily sleep in the barn. A few more days of hardship are worth it. We now have our freedom and you may not have noticed but a poor soldier bought that freedom with his life. So be grateful.”

  I left them to it and changed into my uniform. The men had made horse lines and saw to it that the horses had been fed. The farmer did not know it but his winter barley had fed the horses before the trooper in charge had realised. He moved them but they were better fed than in a long time.

  Trooper Cole was a fine cook and he used the dried meat and some vegetables we had found to make a very palatable stew. He fed the women first and then me. I saw the looks he was throwing the way of Don Francisco and his nephew. “Feed them too, Cole.”

  “He doesn’t deserve it.”

  “I know but feed him anyway.” I tasted it as he was walking off. “This is excellent, Trooper.”

  When we had finished the meal Donna Maria took a flask out of her bag and swallowed a mouthful. She gave it to me. “Drink with me.” I drank some. It was very expensive brandy. “You are very handsome in your uniform Robbie. You should be married.”

  “I am… to the army. Tell me Donna Maria, what happened? Why were you taken hostage?”

  She moved a little closer and spoke conspiratorially to me, “We are all here for different reasons. The ladies are all the wives and daughters of prominent men in Lisbon. They were taken to ensure that their husbands and fathers cooperated with the French. Don Francisco is the most important politician in Lisbon. He and his nephew were taken so that the Lisbon Council would do all that was asked of them. He is a rich and powerful man. Most of the council owe him money and favours.”

  “And you?”

  She laughed, “I would not shut up! They called me an agent provocateur!” She laughed. “At my age!”

  “Were you to be kept at Badajoz?”

  “Until the Emperor arrived, yes.”

  That was news which would be valuable to Sir John. “The Emperor is coming?”

  “Yes, that savage Laroche, the one with the scar, kept boasting of that. When your Sir Arthur won the two battles and we had to leave Lisbon he told us that soon the Emperor would come and destroy all the English generals as he had with the Russians, Prussians and Austrians.” She took another sip of the brandy. “Were you at the battles?”

  “I was. Sir Arthur is a fine general and he defeated them easily.”

  “Good. Then there is hope.”

  “There is always hope but the Emperor has many times the soldiers we have.”

  She nodded, “I understood some French. The Emperor has defeated his other enemies in Europe. It seems his war is now with Britain and the countries of Spain and Portugal. It is up to your Sir Arthur and others like him to defeat Napoleon.”

  I pointed to Luis and his troopers. “Your soldiers are stout fellows. They fight as we do.”

  She nodded, “But they are not as well led. When my husband was a general then we had good leaders. The Spanish did not steal our land when he was in command. But you are right they are fine soldiers and this may be the start of the end.”

  I had everyone up before dawn and on the road as the first rays peered over the eastern horizon. Don Francisco complained again but he was now shunned by all. I think this lack of power was a new experience to him and he did not like it. I suspected I would have complaints made about me when we finally reached Lisbon.

  “Luis, have two of your men trail us by a mile or so. They can warn us of any pursuit.”

  “Yes, colonel.”

  “Harrison, Cole. You two are scouts today. Ride a mile ahead of us and keep your carbines on your saddles and ready to fire.”

  “Sir.”

  Now that I had Badger, my own saddle and my carbine I felt much better. It was silly for the horse and saddle I had had were both adequate. The familiarity of the leather and the mane before me seemed to make me a better soldier. I loaded the carbine and fixed it to the sling.

  We
headed back towards Portugal.

  Although in theory this was the safer part of our journey I knew that there were those who would choose to exploit a land without order. The guerrillas who fought against the French were one thing but there were those who fought against everyone and did so ruthlessly. The women we accompanied were an enticement to bandits.

  We stopped at noon when we reached a bubbling stream. My troopers distributed the little food we had so that all ate. It would be short rations for all. I constantly checked on Donna Maria. “I am fine, Robbie. Your consideration and attention are touching but I am tougher than you think. This violation by the French has given me purpose in life. When they killed my husband they created a monster. Me!”

  She was indomitable and in direct contrast to Don Francisco. I had no doubt that he would emerge from this war a richer man with even more power. The poor Portuguese trooper who had died to save him would not even briefly figure in his thoughts. That was the way of the world.

  Perhaps the thought that we had only one more night before we reached Lisbon made me complacent but the shots from ahead made me alert.

  “Cornet Williams, take five men and protect the hostages. Luis, watch the rear. Sergeant Seymour, bring the rest with me.” I unclipped the carbine as Badger’s legs opened. There were more shots from ahead.

  As we turned a corner I saw a dead horse and troopers Cole and Harrison sheltering behind the other one. They were shooting up into the rocks. I led my men through the tumble and jumble of stones, rocks and spindly trees towards the smoke which was rising from the hillside. I clipped the carbine on the sling and drew my pistol. Badger was relishing the ride and we outstripped the sergeant and the others.

  Suddenly I caught sight of a blue uniform. I fired and the head disappeared. I took out another and when the man rose again to fire at me I fired at him. The range was less than thirty yards and he fell back clutching his face. The French light infantry realised that we were the greater threat and they turned to fire at us. That helped us for they had hidden from the men in the road and not those on the hillside.

  I holstered my pistol and drew my sword. A soldier suddenly rose from a rock before me and I lifted Badger’s head to soar above him. We barely made the climb. The man dropped his head and I swept my sword across his back. The edge sliced through the greatcoat and tunic. It came away red.

  When we landed I wheeled around and rode at a sergeant who was reloading his musket. I jabbed the point of my sword into his neck. “Surrender, Sergeant. I have ten more troopers I have yet to use.” I could see that there were only a handful of French left. I wanted no more casualties amongst my men. “Come, you have fought well. There is no dishonour in this.”

  He lowered his musket and shouted, “Cease fire! We surrender!”

  There were just six men left to surrender. Two of the six were wounded and the sergeant saw to them. “Giggs, fetch the column up. Make space on two of the spare horses for the wounded.”

  The sergeant looked up at me. “Have we your permission to bury our dead, sir?”

  “Of course. Lend a hand, lads.”

  Joe and I took the spare horses down the slope as the soldiers piled stones on top of the seven fallen Frenchmen. It was not much of a grave but it would prevent animals from digging them up. The column arrived. “You can dismount and rest for a while. The men are burying the French dead.”

  This time it was Don Francisco’s nephew, Antonio who complained. ”Why bother? They have killed my countrymen.”

  I saw Donna Maria about to speak but I snapped, “When you have fought in a battle then I might heed your words. These men may be our enemies but they were brave men. They were fighting for their country. I hope you fight as bravely.”

  I saw the look of disgust on Luis’ face at his countryman’s words. I had seen this in England and France. The ones who sent young men to war did no fighting themselves and yet they always had a view on how they should fight and die.

  When they had finished the sergeant said, “Thank you sir.”

  “Put your wounded men on two of the horses. Your men can lead the horses.”

  He nodded and the four fit Frenchmen helped those with wounds on to the horses. “Cornet Williams; keep your section at the rear to watch the French although I do not think they will run.” I had noticed that their shoes were almost through and their clothes were little more than rags. “Giggs and Cole, take the lead.”

  I rode next to the sergeant. I took my canteen and offered it to him. He drank gratefully. When I took it back I said, “You were at Roliça and Vimeiro?”

  “Vimeiro.”

  “You know your Marshal surrendered?”

  He shrugged, “We did not relish a prison hulk and thought to return to Spain.”

  “Then I admire your courage. The guerrillas are not noted for their kindness towards Frenchmen that they capture.”

  “I know but me and the boys were willing to take that chance.” He looked up at me. “You have the accent of someone from the north and yet you fight for the roast beefs.”

  “I spent my childhood at Breteuil but my mother was Scottish.”

  “You led the Portuguese at Vimeiro.”

  “I did.”

  “You fought well. We had been told that the Portuguese would run away as the Spanish had.”

  “Would you run away if you were defending France?”

  “No, I suppose not. What will happen to us?”

  “I do not know. Your comrades are being sent back to France.” He looked surprise and I shrugged, “A strange decision, I agree. If we reach Lisbon in time then you will join them and if not; I do not know.”

  He smiled grimly, “Then we will need to make sure we get there.” He turned to his men. “Voltigeurs; we will show these English how to march. Double time!”

  The column moved much quicker than it had done before as the Frenchmen cooperated with us. I found it ironic that the two Portuguese hostages did everything they could to cause problems whilst our French prisoners helped us. We were just fifteen miles from Lisbon when it grew dark. “Sergeant Seymour, take two men and ride to Lisbon. Find whoever is in charge and say that we are on our way with French prisoners and the rescued hostages.” I leaned forward, “Tell them I want them off my hands.”

  He grinned, “Yes sir.”

  We ate a frugal meal although one of the Portuguese managed to bag a brace of rabbits and the thin stew we made did at least warm us a little. I could see how hungry the French were for they ate the bones from the pot; grinding them to extract all the goodness.

  We were met on the road soon after we began our last march. There was a company of the 9th with a provost marshal with them. “Have the French sailed yet, Captain?”

  “No sir, more’s the pity. The locals are getting a little upset by their presence.”

  I nodded to the Frenchmen, “These are good chaps and they will cooperate.” I turned to the sergeant. “Your double time worked sergeant. You will sail back to France and live to fight us again.”

  He helped his wounded men from the horses. “Thank you Major. You are a gentleman and I would happily have served under you had you chosen to fight for France.” He smiled, “If I see you on the battlefield I will try to make it a quick kill.”

  “Thank you sergeant and I will try to do the same for you.”

  He turned to his men, “Attention!” They all saluted me. “Right turn!” And they marched off between the surprised soldiers of the 9th.

  Once we saw Lisbon I breathed a sigh of relief. My charges would soon be gone. I would be able to return to the regiment and back to the campaign. I rode next to Donna Maria, “What should I do with the others?”

  I saw the shocked look I received from Don Francisco. He was not used to being referred to as baggage. “Where are you taking me?”

  “The palace at Queluz. It will need some cleaning but…”

  “Then take us all there. You have done more than enough Robbie. I know you wish to be ri
d of us.”

  I leaned in, “Them, Donna Maria, not you!”

  She laughed, “Oh to be twenty years younger Robbie.”

  When we reached the palace we were in for a surprise. It was now the headquarters of the Army. I saw tents arrayed in the grounds. Donna Maria said, “It seems I may be homeless again.”

  Sergeant Seymour must have found the general for Sir John Moore came to greet us as we entered the courtyard. I helped Donna Maria down. I saw the angry looks given to me by the two Portuguese men but before they could say anything to the general Donna Maria d’Alvarez said, “You must be Sir John Moore. I would like to thank you for sending this brave officer to our assistance. I cannot praise him and his brave men highly enough.” Sir John gave a slight bow and took her hand to kiss. As he did so she added, quietly, “that was despite two very uncooperative gentlemen.”

  He nodded, “Thank you, major. If you would like to take your troopers to their camp I will receive your report this afternoon.”

  I saluted, “Thank you sir.” Turning to the hostages I added, “Thank you ladies and gentlemen. I apologise for any inconvenience you may have suffered during the journey. I meant for the best at all times.”

  The ladies all applauded and Donna Anna said, “Thank you Colonel. Your behaviour and that of your men was exemplary.” She flashed an angry look at the two men. “Some of my countrymen could learn much from you.”

  I led my men away. I was just relieved that we had suffered such few casualties. It had been nothing short of a miracle.

  Chapter 17

  Joe Seymour had found the rest of the squadron. Already the field smelled of fresh horse manure. I had forgotten what it was like. Percy and William waited patiently for me to see to Badger before I joined them in the large tent they were using as a mess tent.

  “Everything fine?”

  “Yes sir. We were called upon to control some boisterous crowds the other day. We needed your Portuguese, sir.”

  I smiled, “You could have used Georgie as Sharp and I did. Even Joe Seymour managed to talk with the Portuguese.”