Historical records of the 91st Argyllshire ... - waughfamily.ca

32 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF THE1808. the British troops at daylight, but he foundthe difficulties of the road did not allow himto reach their position before 9 o'clock, and itwas not till 10 o'clock that he commenced theactionby two connected attacks, one against thecentre and the other against the left of the allies'army.The centre attack was repulsed with heavy loss ;and on the left, where he had expected a weakflank, he found Ferguson's brigade, and in thedistance, threatening his rear, the 5th brigade (inwhich was the 91st) was tobe seen marching bya distant ridge towards Lourinham. Ferguson'sbrigade made a vigorous counter-attack, and droveback the enemy, taking prisoner Brennier, whocommanded one of the French brigades.By this time the French army was in confusion,and at 12 o'clock Sir Arthur determined to takethe offensive ;but he was again stopped by SirHarry Burrard, who had arrived on the battlefield,and now assumed chief command, orderingfurther operations to cease, and resolving to awaitthe arrival of Sir John Moore. Junot nowretreated with order and celerity to the pass ofTorres Yedras, and when evening came therelative position of the two armies was the same