gap was made by our cannon, and as quickly filled up. Our loss was not so severe, as we stood in open files. While we stood thus, firing at each other as quick as we could, the 88th regiment advanced from the lines, charged the enemy, and forced them to give way. As we passed over the ground where they had stood, it lay two and three deep of dead and wounded. While we drove them before us through the town, in turn, they were reinforced, which only served to increase the slaughter. We forced them out, and kept possession all day.

In

After sunset, the enemy sent in a flag of truce, for leave to carry off their wounded, and bury their dead; which was granted. About ten o'clock, we were relieved, and retired back to our lines. these affairs we lost four officers, and two taken prisoners, besides 400 men killed and wounded. This statement, more than any words of mine, will give an idea of the action at Fuentes de Honore.

On my arrival in the lines, when unpacking my knapsack, I found a ball had pierced into the centre of it, and dimpled the back of my shoe-brush. We remained seven days in the lines, the French showing themselves three or four times a day. On the 7th they retired; and we went back to our old quarters in Alberguira.

While here, we received a draught of 200 men, and again set off. Our division consisted of the 24th, 42d, 50th, 71st, 79th, 92d, and one battalion of the King's German Legion. We were as sembled after dark, and marched off, all that night, next day, and night following, when we arrived at a town, situated upon a hill, called Pennema

core. The heat was so great, we were unable to keep together. I do not believe that ten men of a company marched into the town together; they had lain down upon the road, or straggled behind, unable to climb the hill. Two men belonging to the Foot Guards and one of the 50th, fell down dead, from heat and thirst. Two or three times, my sight grew dim; my mouth was dry as dust; my lips one continued blister. I had water in my canteen, but it tasted bitter as soot, and it was so warm it made me sick. At this time, I first tried a thing which gave me a little relief; I put a small pebble into my mouth, and sucked it. This I always did afterwards, in similar situations, and found drought easier to be borne.

Early next morning, the 50th, 71st, and 92d, were marched on; and the remainder of the division returned to their old quarters at Alberguira, After a most distressing march of seven days, we arrived at Badajos, where we remained one night; then marched nine miles, to a town called Talavera Real, where we halted three days; then marched, at six o'clock in the evening, to the camp at Albuera, a few days after the battle, which had been the cause of our rapid movement, We remained in camp at Albuera a short time; then marched to Elvas, a strong town on the Portuguese frontier, opposite Badajos. We remained here four days; and then marched into camp, at Toro de Moro, where we remained for a considerable time.

Here I enjoyed the beauties of the country more than at any former period. Often, when off duty, have I wandered into the woods to enjoy the cool refreshing shade of the cork trees, and

breathe the richly perfumed air, loaded with the fragrance of innumerable aromatic plants. One evening, as I lay in the wood, thinking upon home, sweeter than all the surrounding sweets, almost overcome by my sensations, I heard, at a small distance, music. I listened some time ere I could be satisfied it was so. It ceased all at once; then began sweeter than before. I arose, and approached nearer, to avoid the noise of a small burn that ran rippling near where I had been reclining. I soon knew the air; I crept nearer, and could distinguish the words; I became rivetted to the spot : That moment compensated for all I had suffered in Spain. I felt that pleasure which softens the heart, and overflows at the eyes. The words that first struck my ear were,

"Why did I leave my Jeanie, my daddy's cot, an' a',

To wander from my country, sweet Caledonia."

-Soon as the voice ceased, I looked through the underwood, and saw four or five soldiers seated on the turf, who sung, in their turn, Scotland's sweetest songs of remembrance. When they retired, I felt as if I was bereft of all enjoyment. I slowly retired to the camp, to reflect, and spend a sleepless night. Every opportunity, I returned to the scene of my happiness; and had the pleasure, more than once, to enjoy this company unseen.

While encamped here, we received a draft of 350 men from England. Shortly after, we marched to Burbo, to protect the siege of Badajos. We lay here till the 17th June, when Soult raised the siege, and we retired to Portalegre. We then were marched to Castello de Vido, another hill town, about two leagues from Portalegre.

On the 22d October, we received information that General Girard, with 4000 men, infantry and cavalry, was collecting contributions in Estremadura, and had cut off part of our baggage and supplies. We immediately set off from Portalegre, along with the brigade commanded by General Hill, and, after a most fatiguing march, the weather very bad, we arrived at Malpartida. The French were only ten miles distant. By a near cut, on the Merida road, through Aldea del Cano, we got close up to them, on the 27th, at Alcuesca, and were drawn up in columns, with great guns, ready to receive them. They had heard nothing of our approach. We went into the town. It was now nigh ten o'clock; the enemy were in Arroyo del Molino, only three miles distant. We got half a pound of rice served out to each man, to be cooked immediately. Hunger made little cooking necessary. The officers had orders to keep their men silent. We were placed in the houses; but our wet and heavy accoutrements were, on no account, to be taken off. At twelve o'clock, we received our allowance of rum; and, shortly after, the sergeants tapped at the doors, calling not above their breath. We turned out, and, at slow time, continued our march.

The whole night was one continued pour of rain. Weary, and wet to the skin, we trudged on, without exchanging a word; nothing breaking the silence of the night, save the howling of the wolves. The tread of the men was drowned by the pattering of the rain. When day at length broke, we were close upon the town. The French posts had been withdrawn into it, but the embers

still glowed in their fires. During the whole march, the 71st had been with the cavalry and horse-artillery, as an advanced guard.

General Hill rode up to our Colonel, and ordered him to make us clean out our pans (as the rain had wet all the priming), form square, and retire a short distance, lest the French cavalry had seen us, and should make an attack: however, the drift was so thick, they could not; it blew right in their faces, when they looked our way. The Colonel told us off in three divisions, and gave us orders to charge up three separate streets of the town, and force our way, without halting, to the other side. We shouldered our arms. The General, taking off his hat, said, "God be with you quick march." On reaching the gates, we gave three cheers, and in we went; the inhabitants calling, "Live the English," our piper playing "Hey Johnny Cope;" the French swearing, fighting in confusion, running here and there, some in their shirts, some half accoutred. The streets were crowded with baggage, and men ready to march, all now in one heap of confusion. On we drove : our orders were to take no prisoners, and neither to turn to the right nor left, until we reached the other side of the town.

As we advanced, I saw the French General come out of a house, frantic with rage. Never will I forget the grotesque figure he made, as he threw his cocked hat upon the ground, and stamped upon it, gnashing his teeth. When I got the first glance of him, he had many medals on his breast. In a minute, his coat was as bare as a private's.