Action at Tamames
Major William Warre

Lisbon, 26 October 1809

It is still uncertain when we leave Lisbon and must depend on circumstances. I long for a more active life than this, though far from an unpleasant one. We yesterday received a pleasing account of the defeat of a French Division of 12,000 men commanded by Genl. Marchand, Ney having, it is said, returned to France. They attacked the Duque del Parque, who was in his position near Tamames, but he completely defeated them after a very sharp action, and took 300 arms, 1 12-pounder, 1 colour. They left 1200 men dead on the field, and were pursued 4 leagues by the Spanish Cavalry and Light Troops, who killed a great many more. Their loss is therefore estimated at 2000 or more, as they retired in great confusion to Salamanca, near 8 leagues. I most sincerely rejoice the Spaniards should have done this by themselves. It will give them confidence, and persuade them that with a little perseverance the invaders can be conquered.

The Spanish cavalry at first ran away, but falling back on their Infantry Regts. they fired on them and forced them to attack the enemy, when they regained what they had lost in so infamous a manner. The Spanish Horse Artillery, which is anything but light artillery, was taken in the beginning of the action, but most gallantly retaken by their Infantry with the bayonet, and they throughout appear to have behaved with great courage. I am ignorant of their force, but know that they had not been joined by Ballasteros' Division, which they expect, and will, I hope, make some use of this victory. It augurs well in young troops, and I approve greatly of the system of firing on those that misbehave. It is thus the French Revolutionary Army gained such victories at the commencement, when indisciplined and badly officered. The Dugue himself appears to have behaved with great valour and conduct, and to have exposed himself everywhere he thought that his presence might avail. I know him, and I confess am agreeably surprised, for, though very gentlemanly, I had little idea of him as a soldier on a great occasion.

Last night about 10 o'clock, just after I had gone to bed, I was alarmed by a very sharp shock of an earthquake. It lasted several seconds and was generally felt, even in the playhouse, and occasioned some alarm. From the long continued heat and dry weather it has been expected. But the rain seems now to set in. I hope we shall have no more. My curiosity is completely gratified. It was strong enough to wake me, and lasted some time after I sat up in my bed, not quite determined what to do. To-night we are all going to a very grand ball at Mr. Villiers' the envoy, on his going away, universally respected and regretted. I have the highest esteem for him and owe him some gratitude for his kindness to me. A better or kinder man could not be, and he was much esteemed by the natives. Lord Wellesley is expected here, though this is only what I hear as a report. Lord Wellington leaves this to-morrow for the army.

I wrote to dear Emily by the last packet about some friends of mine, most amiable good people, to whom I, as well as every English Officer, owe a great deal. I am sure you would like them, and I therefore beg you to second my petition for them to stay with you some time, should they be forced to quit the country, till they can get settled in some degree in England previous to going to Brazil....

The Ball was very handsome, and also the supper in grand style, which table many of my Portuguese friends, who dined at No. 3, did not seem to disapprove.

William Warre. Letters from the Peninsula, 1808-1812. (London: 1909), pp. 90-93.