Book Chapter

HISTORY OF EUROPE: CHAPTER I

1809

Overview

GENERAL Instructions to Sir John Moore, before he set out on his March to Spain (pg. 2). Plan of Leading a British Army into the Heart of Spain (pg. 2). By whom formed (pg. 2). The British Ministry deplorably ignorant both of the French Force in Spain, and the real State of that Country (pg. 2-3). The French concentrated behind the Ebro (pg. 3). The whole of their Force in Cantonments and Garrisons (pg. 3-4). Exaggerated Accounts of the Enthusiasm of the Spaniards (pg. 4). Fond Credulity of the British Ministry on that Subject, and, in Consequence of this, the most romantic Projects (pg. 4-5). The flattering Expectations of Co-operation held out to Sir John Moore utterly disappointed (pg. 5-6). Central Junta of Spain (pg. 6). Their Character, incredible Weakness and Folly (pg. 6). Traitors among them (pg. 6-7). False Intelligence of the Approach of the French in great Force to Salamanca (pg. 7). Measures announced by Sir John Moore under the Impression of this to the Junta of that Place (pg. 7-8). Amazing Apathy and Indifference to Public Affairs and the Fate of the Country (pg. 8). Tardy and deficient Supplies to our Army (pg. 8). The Situation of Sir David Baird, who had landed in Gallicia, materially affected by the Defeat of the Spanish army of the North (pg. 8-9). Design of Sir John Moore to take a Line of Positions on the Duero (pg. 9). Frustrated by the total Defeat of General Castanos (pg. 9-10). By this the British General determined to retreat on Lisbon (pg. 10). This Plan of Retreating abandoned, and why (pg. 10). False and treacherous Intelligence transmitted by the Civil and Military Junta of Madrid to the Commander of the British Army (pg. 10). Warmly seconded and supported by Dispatches from Mr. Frère (pg. 10). Strange Infatuation, as well as Arrogance and Presumption, of that Minister (pg. 10-13). Means by which the false Intelligence was happily counteracted (pg. 13-15). The Force brought against Spain by Buonaparte after the Conference of Erfurth (pg. 15-16). The bold Measures adopted by the British Commander for the Extrication of his Army, draw the whole of the French Forces from their March to Southern to the Northern Provinces (pg. 16-17). The British Army commences its Retreat (pg. 17). Closely pursued by 70,000 French (pg. 19-20). General Orders by Sir John Moore, reflecting on the Conduct of both Officers and Soldiers (pg. 17-18). Difficulties overcome, and dreadful Hardships, Privations, and Losses sustained during the Retreat to Corunna (pg. 19-20). Which is at last effected (pg. 21). Battle of Corunna (pg. 21-23). Death and Character of Sir John Moore (pg. 23-24). Embarkation of the British Troops for England (pg. 22-25).

• Subject: Anderson, maj. gen. Paul / Anglesey, H. W. Marq. of / Baird, Gen. Sir David / Battle of Corunna / Belliard, gen / Belvedere, count / Bentinck, Lord W / Beresford, W. Carr, lord / Berthier, marsh / Blake, gen. (Spanish) / Bueno, gen. Augustin / Buonaparte, Joseph / Buonaparte, Napoleon / Canning, G / Castanos, gen / Castelfranco, prince de / Charmilly, col / Cherbot, count / Craufurd, b. gen / Dalrymple, gen. sir Hew / Dupont, gen / Escalante, gen. Bentua / France / Fraser, l. gen. Al. Mackenzie / Frere, J. Hookham / Great Britain / Hardinge, l. col. sir H / Hereida, gen / Hill, Rowland, Lord / Hopetoun, J. 4th earl / Junot, marsh / Lefevre, gen / Lefevre, marsh / Leith, l. gen. sir James / Londonderry, Rob. 2nd marq / Lynedoch, T. Lord / Moore, James / Moore, l. gen. sir J / Mortier, marsh / Pignatelli, count / Romana, marq. of / Soult, marsh / Spain / Wellington, Arthur / Whittingham, col. sir S. Ford / York, Frederic, duke of