Sidebilder
PDF
ePub

War between France and Russia.

of the day, six or seven attacks, which were repulsed with a bravery superior to the infatuation which brought them thither. This affair reflects the highest honour on the division of Le Grand, which was placed at the branching of the roads to Jebei and to Navil; and on the Bavarian corps, placed on the left bank of the Polota, in the rear of the village of Spas, which the enemy was determined to retake, notwithstanding his having been driven out of it five or six times: and the 20th division, as also General De Wrede, who commanded it, have covered themselves with glory. The Bavarian general, Vincenti, who is entitled to praise for the manner in which he conducted himself, was there wounded. In the evening of that day, I felt the necessity of attacking the enemy. I took my measures for making the attack on the 18th, at four o'clock in the afternoon. I have performed impossibilities to deceive the enemy concerning my inten tions. Towards one o'clock I caused the equipages of the army, which were in the rear of Polotsk, to file off on the left bank of the Dwina, on the road to Oula. I made an appearance as if I would cause this movement to be covered and protected by the troops which Marshal the Duke of Reggio had caused to repass to the left bank. In the night between the 16th and 17th, they reunited behind Polotsk, at the rear of the equipages; the division of cuirassiers arrived there from Semeneta, and the brigade of light cavalry of General Castex, from Roudina. At three in the afternoon the column and baggage had filed in sight of the enemy, and the troops above-mentioned repassed the Dwina with the greatest part of the French artillery, and entered Polotsk. About five o'clock all the troops and artillery were in a position to debouche upon the enemy without their even having observed our preparations. At five precisely, all the artillery opened its fire, and our columns of infantry debouched under its protection to attack the enemy's left and centre. Wrede's division debouched to the right of the village of Spas, and attacked with great bravery and skill the enemy's left; Geacral Deroy's division debouched by the same village of Spas; Le Grand's division on the left of that village, connecting itself by its left to Verdier's division, a brigade of which observed the enemy's right, which was placed upon the road of Gehenzeleva. Merle's division covered the front of Polotsk, and part of its rear. The enemy, though completely surprised, quite confident in their superior force and immense artillery, composed of 180 pieces, at first received our attack with infinite calmness and sangfroid; but in the end, before night, their left was completely forced, and their centre totally routed, after having defended their position with much bravery and great slaughter. We should have made a very great number of prisoners, if the woods had not been so near their position. The enemy abandoned to us the field of battle, covered with an immense number of their killed, 20 pieces of cannon, and 1000 prisoners. On our side we had some killed and wounded-among the latter are Generals Deroy and Raclovitsch, and Colonel Calonge, commanding the Bavarian artillery. I cannot sufficiently eulogize Le Grand, Wrede, Deroy, Raclovitsch, and the general of artillery, Aubry, who directed the artillery of the 2d corps with great distinction. General Merle, with only a part of his division, repulsed with great skill, an attack which the enemy made on our left, to protect their retreat to the wood. The Croats distinguished themselves in this charge, supported by a part of General Castex's cavalry. In general I demand the consideration of his Majesty; the troops have merited encouragement and rewards. His Majesty will give me great pleasure by dispensing his favour on M. De Maille, my aide-de camp, the bearer of this letter, whose zeal I have every reason for praising. I have also nothing but eulogiums to bestow upon the chiefs of the 2d and 6th corps.-I have the honour to be, your Highness's most obedient, very humble servant. COUNT GOUVION SAINT CYR.

London Gazette.-Dispatches from Colonel Skerrett.

MILITARY CHRONICLE.

OCTOBER, 1812.

CONTAINING THE GAZETTES, PROMOTIONS, &C. TO SEPTEMBER 26.

LONDON GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY, September 23, 1812.

Downing-street, September 23, 1812.-A dispatch, of which the following is a copy, has been this day received at Earl Bathurst's office, addressed to his lordship by Major-general Cooke, dated Cadiz, August 20, 1812.-My Lord-SINCE my letter of yesterday's date, reporting the entry into Seville of the allied corps under general La Cruz and colonel Skerrett; I have received a dispatch from the latter, of which I transmit a copy herewith, and a return of the killed and wounded of the British detach ment. I have the honour to be, &c. GEO. COOKE, Major-gen.

Seville, August 28, 1812.-SIR-I HAVE the honour to report the movements of the detachment under my orders since the date of my last. The result of which, the capture of the city of Seville by assault, defended by eight French battalions and two regiments of dragoons intrenched, will, I trust, be considered as honourable to the allied arms, and serviceable to the cause of Spain. On the 24th instant, general Cruz Mourgeon co amanding the Spanish troops, and myself, judged it advisable to make a for. ward movement on Seville, for this purpose it was advisable to force the enemy's corps of observation of three hundred and fifty cavalry and two hundred infantry, at St. Lucar la Mayor. I marched from Manzanilla with eight hundred troops, composed of the 1st regiment of guards, the 87th, and the Portuguese regiment, brigadier-general Downie, accompanied with six hundred Spanish troops. The Spanish column attacked on the right, and the British and Portuguese on the left. The French were driven through the streets with precipitation, leaving some killed, wounded, and prisoners. We took post at San Lucar without the loss of a man. On the 26th instant, general Cruz and myself having judged that it would be attended with the most beneficial effects, both on the public opinion and in saving the city from being plundered, if the French could be precipitated in their retreat from Seville; the allied troops, in consequence, marched for this purpose, and arrived at the heights of Castillejos de la Cuesta, immediately above Seville, on the morning of the 27th, at six o'clock. The Spanish troops formed our advance. The French advance was driven in; the cavalry retired, leaving the infantry in the plain, which fast were charged by the Spanish cavalry, who made many prisoners. The Spanish troops attacked a redoubt on our left, and lost a good many

men.

The columns advanced into the plain, by which movement this redoubt was turned, and its communication cut off; the Spanish troops under general Cruz took the right, and made a detour to arrive and attack on that flank of Triana (the suburbs of Seville). I ordered the redoubt to be masked by a detachment of the 20th Portuguese regiment, and advanced a field piece with some troops, to keep in check the enemy's fire at one of the gates of the city opposite to us; and after giving sufficient time for the Spanish column to arrive, the British and Portuguese troops advanced to the attack in front; the cavalry and artillery advanced at a gallop, supported by the grenadiers of the guards, and the infantry following. The enemy abandoned the gate: we entered the suburbs, and advanced near to the bridge of Seville with as much rapidity as possible, in hopes of preventing its destruction, which would have rendered it exVOL. IV. No. 24. *3 P

London Gazette.-Dispatches from Colonel Skerrett.

tremely difficult for us to succeed. We were checked by the fire of grape-shot and musketry at the turning of the street. The grenadiers of the guards advanced to our support, and drove every thing before them, At this moment part of the Spanish coluinn arrived; we advanced to the bridge under a heavy fire; captain Cadoux, of the 95th, with great judgment made a flank movement on our left; captain Roberts, of the artillery, brought up with rapidity two guns; a heavy fire of cannon and musketry was soon brought to bear on the enemy, who were driven from their position on the other side of the river, and from the bridge, which they had only in part destroyed. The grenadiers of the guards, and some Spanish troops, led the columns that crossed the bridge. A general rout ensued, and the enemy were driven through the streets, which were strewed with their dead, and pursued at all points, leaving behind them valuable captures of horses, baggage, and money. It is difficult for me to express the joy of the people of Seville. The inhabitants, under the fire of the French, brought planks to lay across the bridge; and their acclamations and vociferous marks of joy, added to the immense crowd, rendered it extremely difficult for the officers to advance through the streets with their columns. The vast extent of this city, the exhausted state of the troops who had advanced in double quick time for three miles, and the want of cavalry, rendered it impossible to continue the pursuit beyond the town.—Such was the rapidity of our attack, that this victory over a French division, and the passage of a bridge which the enemy had materially destroyed, with his infantry and artillery, formed on the banks of the river, was achieved with a loss that appears almost incredible. I have only to regret the loss of one officer, lieutenant Brett, royal artillery, who was killed, gallantly fighting his gun, at the bridge. The intrepidity of this va luable officer was observed by the whole detachment. The loss of the enemy must have been very great. We have taken several officers, and, I believe, near two hun dred prisoners. The conduct of every officer and soldier has been above praise; where all have behaved well, it is difficult to distinguish; I must, however, mention the detachment of the king's German legion, commanded by cornet Wieboldt; the artillery by captain Roberts; detachment of the 95th, by captain Cadoux; and the grenadiers of the 1st regiment of guards, by captain Thomas. To colonel Maitland, 1st regiment of guards, (second in command), I am much indebted from the commencement of this service; and in the attack of Seville his military talents, intrepidity, and zeal, were particularly conspicuous. I am also much indebted to lieutenant-colonel Colquitt, commanding a detachment of the 1st regiment of guards; to lieutenant colonel Prior, commanding a detachment 20th Portuguese regiment: and to major Maclaint, commanding a detachment 87th regiment. The exertions of captain Wynyard (Coldstream guards) assistant-adjutant-general, and lieutenant Reid, royal staff corps, staff officers attached to the detachment, have been indefatigable. Captain Bunbury, 20th Portuguese regi ment, brigade-major, and lieutenant Smith, royal engineers, were at this time detached on other service. During the whole of this attack, our allies, the Spaniards, have ri valled the conduct of the British and Portuguete troops; and general Cruz Murgeon, by his military talents and bravery, has principally contributed to the successful result of the day. Inclosed is a return of the killed and wounded. During last night a division of 7 or 8000 French troops passed by. Our attack has saved the city from the devastations and contributions with which it was threatened. Captain Wynyard is the bearer of this dispatch, who will inform you of any further particulars you may require. I have the honour, &c. J. B. SKERRETT.

P. S. A return of the guns and military stores taken, will be sent as soon as the quantity can be ascertained. Two of the field-pieces which the enemy advanced against us, fell into our hands.

London Gazette.-Capture of American Privateers.

Return of the killed and wounded of the troops under the command of colonel Skerrett, at the capture of the city of Seville by assault, on the morning of the 27th August 1812.-Royal artillery, 1 subaltern, 1 horse, killed; 1 rank and file wounded. 2d bussars, king's German legion-1 serjeant, 1 rank and file, 1 horse, killed; 1 rank and file wounded. 1st foot guards, 3d batt.-4 rank and file wounded. 95th rifle corps, 2d batt.-1 subaltern, 6 rank and file, 1 horse, wounded.-Total-1 subaltern, 1 serjeant, 1 rank and file, 2 horses, killed; 1 subaltern, 12 rank and file, 1 horse, wounded. W. CLINTON WYNYARD, A. A. Gen. Name of officer killed.-Royal artillery, first lieutenant Brett. Name of officer wounded.—95th rifle corps, first lieutenant Llewelyn, slightly.

LONDON GAZETTE, September 22, 1818.

Carlton-house, September 22, 1812.-This day the Baron de Rehausen, envoy extracrdinary and minister plenipotentiary from the King of Sweden, had his first private audience of his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, to deliver his credentials. To which he was introduced by Viscount Castlereagh, his Majesty's principal secretary of state for foreign affairs, and conducted by R. Chester, esq assistant master of the ceremonies. Admiralty-office, September 22, 1812.-List of American privateers taken and destroyed by his Majesty's ships and vessels on the Halifax station, between 1st July and 25th August 1812, transmitted by Vice-admiral Sawyer to J. W. Croker, esq. in a letter dated 25th August 1812.-Active schooner, of 2 guns and 20 men, captured by the Spartan, captain Brenton, 16th July 1812, off Cape Sable. Fair trader schooner, of 1 gun and 20 men, captured by the Indian, captain Jane, and Plumper, lieutenant Bray, 16th July 1812, bay of Fundy. Argus schooner, of 1 gun and 23 men, captured by the Plumper, lieutenant Bray, 17th July 1812, bay of Fundy. Friendship schooner, of 1 gun and 8 men, captured by the Plumper, lieutenant Bray, 18th July 1812, bay of Fundy. Ac tress sloop, of 4 guns and 53 men, captured by the Spartan, captain Brenton, 18th July 1812, off cape St. Mary. Intention schooner, of 1 gun, 3 swivels, and 29 men, captured by the Spartan, captain Brenton, 19th July 1812, off Anapolis. Gleaner sloop, of 6 guns and 40 men, captured by the Colibri, captain Thomson, 23d July 1812, off cape Sable. Curlew brig, of 16 guns, 172 men, and 270 tons, captured by the Acasta, captain Kerr, 24th July 1812, lat. 44, 15, N. long. 62, 30, W. pierced for 20 guns, off cape Sable. Catherine ship, of 14 guns and 88 men, captured by the Colibri, captain Thomson, 26th July 1812, off cape Sable. Gossamer brig, of 14 guns and 100 men, captured by the Emulous, captain Mulcaster, 30th July 1812, off cape Sable. Morning Star schooner, of 1 gun, 4 swivels, 50 men, and 70 tons, captured by the Maidstone, captain Burdet, and Spartan, captain Brenton, 1st August 1812, bay of Fundy; burnt by the boats, in a creek called Baily's Mistake. Polly schooner, of 1 gun, 4 swivels, 40 men, and 60 tons, captured by the Maidstone, captain Burdet, and Spartan, captain Brenton, 1st August 1812, bay of Fundy; burnt by the boats, in a creek called Baily's Mistake. Commodore Barry, a revenue cutter, of 6 guns, pierced for 10 guns, captured by the Maidstone, captain Burdet, and Spartan, captain Brenton, 3d August 1812, bay of Fundy; attacked in Little River, and brought out by the boats; the chief part of the crew escaped. Madison schooner, of 2 guns, captured by the Maidstone, captain Burdet, and Spartan, captain Brenton, 3d August 1842, bay of Fundy; attacked in Little River and brought out by the boats; the chief part of the crew escaped. Olive schooner, of 2 guns, captured by the Maidstone, captain Burdet, and Spartan, captain Brenton, 3d August 1812, bay of Fundy; attacked in Little River, and brought out by the boats; the chief part of the crew escaped. Spence schooner, of 2 guns, captured by the Maid. stone, captain Burdet, and Spartan, captain Brenton, 3d August 1812, bay of Fundy,'

Military Promotions.*

attacked in Little River, and brought out by the boats; the chief part of the crew escaped. Polly schooner, of 4 guns and 35 men, captured by the Colibri and Statira, 11th August 1812, entrance of bay of Fundy. Buckskin schooner, of 1 gun, 3 swivels, and 32 men, captured by the Colibri and Statira, 11th August 1812, off cape Sable. Dolphin schooner, of 1 gun, 1 swivel, and 28 men, captured by the Earl Moira, tender to Guerrier, 12th August 1812, off Shelburne. Regulator schooner, of 1 gun and 40 men, captured by the Colibri, captain Thomson, 12th August 1812, off cape Sable. Dolphin schooner, of 2 guns and 48 men, captured by the Colibri and Maidstone, 13th August 1812, off cape Sable. Lewis schooner, of 6 guns and 30 men, captured by the Hope, tender to the Africa, 14th August 1812, off Halifax. Pythagoras schooner, of 3 guns and 35 men, captured by the Bream, lieutenant Timpson, 19th August 1812, off Shelburne, after an action of twenty minutes; enemy had 2 men wounded. Bunker's Hill schooner, of 7 guns and 72 men, captured by the Belvidera, 21st August 1812, Sambro' Light-house N.W 242 miles. H. SAWYER, Vice-admiral.

Downing-street, September 21, 1812.-His Royal Highness the Prince Regent has been graciously pleased, in the name and on the behalf of his Majesty, to appoint Sir Ralph Woodford, bart. to be governor of the island of Trinidad.

Military Promotions.-Commissions in the King's own regiment of Stafford militia, sigued by the lord lieutenant-1812-George Hartopp, esq. to be major, vice the bonourable J. C. Talbot, dated September 5; Richard Riddlesden, esq. to be captain, vice Palmer, promoted, dated May 27; Walter Cayney, esq. to be ditto, vice Phillips, resigned, dated September 1; Richard Kendercline, gent. to be lieutenant, dated June 8; Daniel Hunt, gent. to be ditto, dated June 20; James Wool, gent. to be ditto, dated July 7; William Arden, gent. to be ditto, dated July 11; John Henney, gent. to be ditto, dated July 27; William Lucius Carey, gent. to be ensign, dated July 8; Robert Russell, gent. to be ditto, dated July 9; Edward Newton, gent. to be ditto, dated July 27; James Magee, gent. to be ditto, dated August 27. Commissions in the East Monmouth local militia, signed by the lord lieutenant-1812-lieutenant J. G. Powell to be captain, vice Gillam, resigned, dated July 7; Charles Homfray, gent. to be lieutenant, by brevet, dated as above; Edward Lucas, gent. to be ditto, dated July 8; Thomas Woollett, gent. to be ditto, dated July 9.

LONDON GAZETTE, September 19, 1812.

Military Promotions.-Commissions in the Whitchurch and Highclere volunteer infantry, signed by the lord lieutenant of the county of Hants; John Hayter, esq. to be captain, dated September 7, 1812; William Cowdery, esq. to be ditto, dated as above.

LONDON GAZETTE, September 15, 1812.

Downing-street September 14, 1812.-A dispatch, of which the following is an extract, has been this day received at Earl Bathurst's office, addressed to his lordship by General the Marquis of Wellington, dated Madrid, Aug. 18, 1812.-JOSEPH BUONAPARTE retired from Ocana on the 16th instant, and his army are in march towards Valencia.The enemy have abandoned Toledo, which has been taken possession of by a party of the guerillas of El Medico. Since the capture of the Retiro, the garrison of Guadalaxara, consisting of seven hundred men, has surrendered to the Empecinado by capitulation, on nearly the same terms as those which I granted to the garrison of the Retiro. By reports from Major-general Clinton, I learn that a part of the remains of the army of Portugal, had moved forward from the neighbourhood of Burgos, and some of their detachments were understood to be in Valladolid on the 14th instant, General Santo. cildes having withdrawn the troops of the army of Gallicia which occupied that town,

« ForrigeFortsett »