The Defeat of the French, and the Question of Future Operations

Abstract

Whilst he had been remarkably successful in India, there were those who feared Sir Arthur Wellesley had not sufficient experience of warfare in Europe to achieve victory. They overlooked the fact that for a campaign in Portugal experience in the East was more valuable than experience in Europe. Generally speaking, commanders in Europe could depend on army contractors for supplies. In Portugal, as in India, a general could rely only on himself. Judging it unnecessary to await further reinforcements, Wellesley landed his troops at the mouth of the Mondego river. Within ten days he had collected a sufficient number of wagons and carriages to transport supplies for thirteen days, enough mules to carry his reserve ammunition, and sufficient horses to mount sixty dragoons. Advancing southward with great rapidity, he defeated the French in a preliminary battle on 17 August at Roliça, and continuing southward reached the village of Vimeiro on the 20th. On that day Sir Harry Burrard, aboard the frigate Brazen, arrived in the Bay of Maceira, two or three miles from Vimeiro. Burrard was fearful that Wellesley would outrun both his supplies and reinforcements and at an interview aboard the Brazen forbade him to advance further. Having done so, Sir Harry transferred to H. M. S. Donegal, had a good night’s sleep, and Sir Arthur returned to his troops fronting the enemy.