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

62 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF THE1814. I have only to warn you to be prepared to formclose column in case of a charge of cavalry, torestrain the impetuosity of the men, and toprevent them from wasting their ammunition.'Our division (the sixth) approached the foot ofthe ridge of heights on the enemy's right, andmoved in a direction parallel to them until weadvanced to the point of attack. We advancedunder a heavy cannonade, and arrived in frontof a redoubt which protected the right of theenemy's position,where we were formed into twolines the first consisting of some Portugueseregiments, and the reserve of the Highlandbrigade. Darkening the hill, flanked by cloudsof cavalry, and covered byredoubt, the enemy came down uponthe fire of theirus like atorrent, the generals and field officers riding infront and wavingtheir hats amidst shouts of themultitude resembling the roar of an ocean.Highlanders, as if actuated byOurone instinctiveimpulse, took off their bonnets, and, wavingthem in the air, returned their greeting withthree cheers."It was about half-past two in the afternoonwhen Beresford made his finalattack with Pack'sScotch brigade.The men scrambled up the steep