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That was the first and last time that he ever left me on sentry all night. Our stay here, however, was of short duration for we proceeded further towards Olivencia, which was garrisoned by about four hundred of the enemy. We crossed the Guadiana near that place on a bridge constructed of empty casks and planks, and sat down before the town about the 11th of April.
At the beginning of 1810 we proceeded from Badajoz to Olivencia, and were there billeted on the inhabitants, two or more in a house, as the circumstances would permit.
After we had stayed at Olivencia for some weeks, chiefly in order to refresh ourselves after the long and tedious marches, warfare, and illness to which for the last two years we had been subjected, Lord Wellington removed his headquarters to Visen, and the army went for the most part into cantonments on the valley of the Mondego.
From Olivencia we marched again towards Badajoz, but owing to Soult's army being on its way to relieve that town, Beresford had occupied the heights of Albuera, about thirteen miles southeast of Badajoz, in order to check the enemy if possible in their intended object. General Cole therefore advanced to Albuera as well, and the action had just commenced when he arrived.
The regiment billeted at Olivencia Curious astronomical conjunction Lawrence exemplifies the truth of an old proverb at the expense of his hosts, and draws down the wrath of the church on himself Succeeds more satisfactorily in the case of his comrade The army shifted to the valley of the Mondego Lord Wellington's hopes in Almeida and Ciudad Rodrigo being disappointed, it falls back still further to Busaco Battle of Busaco Lawrence makes a capture, which may be regarded by some readers as emblematic.
Opening of the year 1811 Surrender of Olivencia and Badajoz to the French under Soult The French followed up in their retreat from Santarem Engagements on the route Pombal Redinha Condexo Casal Nova Fatal results of having too large a head Miranda de Corno Poz de Aroce Halt at Moira while the French take refuge in Celorico The fourth division ordered to Badajoz Halt at Portalegre Shameful instance of plunder and sacrilege by Lawrence and his comrades Campo Mayor Outrageous theft from an unprotected female A stolen bird turns evidence against its purloiner.
The remainder of the year 1810 was spent in these cantonments, the French still lying in their position at Santarem. But the beginning of 1811 brought on us more and fatal work, for Soult's army had invested Olivencia and Badajoz, and obliged them, not being garrisoned by the British, but only by the Spaniards, to surrender.
Commencement of the siege of Badajoz Sortie by the garrison repulsed Lawrence takes a prisoner, who proves difficult of persuasion Lawrence poses as champion of the regimental grog, and is indulged in return with an uncomfortable spell of sentry He eventually triumphs Move to, and capture of Olivencia Separates from a faithful friend Return towards Badajoz Battle of Albuera.
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