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By Sergt. Peter Facey
ITINERARY
1803 - Preliminaries in Ireland
1805 - Setting off for Germany
1806 - Back in England
1807 - The Journey to Copenhagen
1808 - The Journey to Portugal and Spain
1809 - The Retreat to Corunna
1809 - Embarking for Flushing
Return to Introduction
Go on to Chapter 2
PRELIMINARIES IN IRELAND
On the 8th August 1803 I was attached to the 28th or North Gloucester Regiment of Foot, lying in Plymouth, where we remained until 28th. October 1803. We then embarked on board of transports, and about 3 am. got under weigh and sailed for the Cove of Cork in Ireland where we arrived on the 2nd. of November, and on the 3rd. landed and marched for the City of Cork, a distance of about 9 miles. We remained in the city in quarters until the 10th November. At 5 am. we commenced our march to Fermoy where we arrived about half past 12 pm. a distance of 15 Irish miles. During my stay in this town I volunteered my service into the line for unlimited service into the 28th Regiment. This town has only one street which runs about half a mile long with irregularly built houses, lying along a valley. There is a beautiful river running alongside the town called the Blackwater River. There is also a fine bridge about 200 yards long across the river.
[By 1803 the threat of invasion by Napoleon was being taken extremely seriously by the Government. The previously threatened invasion of 1797 had created Volunteer units, but these had been disbanded in 1802. This new threat made the Government take energetic measures to increase the Army. The earlier Volunteers were recalled, with improved conditions of pay and service, and a second battalion formed, based at Plymouth. It was at Plymouth, no doubt enthused by the sweeping patriotism of the day that Peter Facey joined the colours].
We remained in Fermoy until the 14th. July 1804, we then marched to the City of Cork, and on the 15th., to a mountainous place called Kilcorney where we encamped about 7 miles from the City of Cork; the ground is all barren, chiefly covered with heather as high as my knee
The army consisted of about 20 thousand men, commanded by Lieut. Gen. Lord Cathcart. We continued in this camp until the 29th. August 1804. At 8 am. we marched for the City of Cork, where we quartered for the night. On the 30th. at 5 am. we marched for Fermoy where we arrived at half past 11 and continued there until 15th. April 1805. At 6 am. we marched for Birr in the Kings County where we arrived on the 19th. about 3 p.m. During our stay in this town we had a number of men joined from Kings, Queens and Tipperary Militias. We continued in this town till 25th. July when we again marched for the plains of Kildare where we arrived on the 1st. day of August, and marched on the ground at 12 o'clock in the day. The army consisted on the plains of 30 thousand men, commanded by Lieut. Gen. Lord Cathcart. We continued on the ground until the 12th. day of September when we all marched off making flying camps, and we arrived at Mallow, 15 miles from Cork, on the 27th. Sept. 1805. We had not remained long in this town before we were to go in search of adventures, for on the 26th. of October, orders came that we were to march on the 29th. Our Regiment was then about 16 hundred strong; accordingly on the 29th October, at half past 5 am. we marched for the City of Cork where we arrived at 12 noon, and on the 30th. again marched for the Cove of Cork we embarked on board of transports destined for Germany.
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SETTING OFF FOR GERMANY
Accordingly on the 7th. of November at half past 8 am. a signal was made for the fleet to get under weigh, which was immediately done, with a fine pleasant breeze, until we came off Falmouth. The wind became foul which induced us to put into Falmouth harbour which was on the 13th of November '[1805]." We stand here until the 21st.; we again sailed and arrived in the Downs where we anchored on the 24th. of November. On the 30th. we again got under weigh, and sailed for {Bremilee} in Germany, but after being at sea 5 days a very heavy gale of wind came on about half past 5 in the morning of the 4th. December 1805. We continued beating about for 3 days and nights, at last put back into the Downs again, and on the 7th. of December at half past 7 am. anchored in the Downs again, and on the 10th. sailed with a fine breeze, and on the 25th. anchored off the island of Heligoland in the North Sea. It being Christmas Day had on board Salt Beef and Plum Pudding for dinner. On the 29th. December again sailed, and on the 30th. anchored in the Weser River near Bremen, and on the 31st. landed with our shoes and stockings in our hands on account of the muddy ground. We then marched about 3 English miles where we were quartered in a village for the night, and on the 1st. of January 1806, about 5 am. commenced our march through a country almost inundated, every step almost to the knee in mud or water, and the men continually losing their shoes. We marched to a village about the distance of 20 English miles, some of the men not arriving until early next morning. On the 2nd. we again marched about 18 miles and arrived at a village called Hamburgen where we remained two days to get the troops refreshed.
On Sunday the 5th. we again marched 11 miles, and on the 6th, 14 miles, and on the 7th. arrived at the City of Bremen, which is a fine town, the Weser River running through the centre of it, and a fine bridge crossing it, with 13 water mills on it for the purpose of grinding grain. The houses in this city are all well built. At the entrance is a large hall, and in front a beautiful staircase. There also the finest shops for making pipes I ever saw. We were in this city, in quarters. A gentleman would have British soldiers quartered on him the same as another. We remained in this town until the 12th. of February. At 7 am. we commenced our march for Crookshaven, where we arrived on the 17th. marching through the worst of roads, and embarked on the 18th. at 10 o'clock am. on board of transports and sailed on the 19th. for North Yarmouth in England where we arrived on the 23rd. of February, and landed on the 24th. and was quartered in that town.
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BACK IN ENGLAND
On the 25th. [February 1806] at 6 am. we marched to Beccles, a distance of 15 miles, and on the 26th. to Saxmundham, a distance of 12 miles. On the 27th to {Halsted} a distance of 12 miles and on the 28th to Woodbridge, County Suffolk, where we remained until the 29th May. About 6 o'clock am. we commenced our march for Colchester, County Essex where we arrived at 4 am., a distance of 25 miles. We remained in Colchester until the 4th. April 1807 when we marched for Maldon, and part of the Regiment to {Danbury} in the same county, a distance of 8 and 18 miles. We remained there until the evening of the 10th. July when we received orders for embarkation once more, when accordingly at 5 o'clock am. on the 11th. July we marched to Colchester, and was put into barracks. That night, on the 12th., marched to Harwich, a distance of 21 miles and embarked on board of transports, and on the 19th of July, sailed for Copenhagen
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THE JOURNEY TO COPENHAGEN
Nothing worthy of notice occurred during our voyage, and on the 2nd. of August (1807) came to an anchor off Elsinor Castle, about 7.30 am. amidst heavy thunder, lightening and rain. This is in the island of Zealand, opposite to Elsinburg in Sweedland (sic), and on the 13th. August got under weigh, and stood up for the town of Copenhagen. The British fleet appeared like a large wood; on the 15th. anchored, and on the 16th. landed the troops. We then marched about 3 miles and then piled arms in the road sending out piquets for the night. On the morning of the 17th, about 5 am. we again marched through a beautiful wood or shrubbery, which continued several miles, and everywhere we passed seemed to be in fine cultivation.
About 2 o'clock p.m.. we came within about 3 miles of the town without any obstacle. We were then ordered to halt, sending out Dragoons to reconnitre (sic) the adjacent country. The 28th Grenadier Company were also ordered to the front to reconnitre the main road leading from Copenhagen to the interior of the island, about 3 miles distant where there was a bridge over and a large Inn or Tavern, and to keep possession of that part in case the enemy should advance. The troops then moved forward, marching in a circular direction round the town to prevent anyone from leaving the town, or entering it from the country. As soon as we had all the guns, ammunition, stores, etc. landed, we commenced making batteries, working always by night in order that the enemy should not observe our motions. We were about 3 weeks constantly employed making preparations to attack the town, accordingly, on the 2nd. of September at 9 o'clock at night we opened a battery of 10-13 inch mortars and one of rockets, and 3 batteries of 6-24 pounders each in the centre, and 2 batteries on the left with 7-18 pounders each, and one on the left with 9-18 pounders, and kept up a constant fire during the night which did great execution making breaches in the walls, and destroying a number of houses.
On the 3rd. again opened other batteries, and on the 4th. set fire to the town in 3 places, and on the 5th, about 4 in the morning, struck with a shell the upper part of the tower or spire of the finest church in the town which came down with a tremendous crash. On the 7th. the town surrendered and all the Flank Companies marched into the town and took possession of the Citadel, the music playing 'The British Grenadiers' through the street. We were then sent into contoonments in the different villages adjacent to the town, sending working parties to assist the seamen to rig out the Danish Fleet, and get on board all their dockyard stores, where we worked night and day which was completed about 3 weeks. We then embarked all the troops etc. (.... ....) on board all the men of war to assist (.... ....)
[It was as part of Lord Cathcart's Expeditionary Force of 27,000 troops that The 28th. found action. It was suspected that Napoleon intended to occupy Denmark, and use their fleet to attack Britain. It went against the grain for British troops to attack friendly Danes, but the operation was successful and the men of the 28th helped to sail the ships back to England]
On October 8th. got under weigh and on the 26th. passed Elsinore (....) and every ship firing a salute, which was a pleasant sight; and on the 12th November arrived safe in the Downs where part of our regiment landed, and the other part went round to Plymouth.
We landed at Deal and marched through Kent crossing the River Thames at Gravesend, landed at Tilbury Fort and marched that day to Billericay, a distance of 18 miles, and excessive bad roads. Next day to Chelmsford, 9 miles and on the 22nd. to Colchester, a distance of 22 miles, and occupied our former barracks where we remained until the 28th. May when according to our rout we again marched to Harwich in search of new adventures.
We embarked on board of transports, destined for Gothenburgh in Sweedland, and at 9 o'clock on the 31st. July the fleet got under weigh having a pleasant breeze. Nothing particularly occurred during our voyage. On the 4th at 5 in the morning we anchored in Gothenburgh Roads about 9 miles from the town and continued there until the 8th Aug. when we received orders to proceed to England again, and accordingly on the 12th. we got under weigh and sailed for Portsmouth, at which place we arrived on the 23rd. and immediately proceeded to get on board provisions and water, which was accomplished by the 25th. We then received orders to proceed to Portugal to join the army under Sir Arthur Wellesley.
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THE JOURNEY TO PORTUGAL AND SPAIN
We now received orders to cut off the long hair, form the head, and make a natty crop, '(In July 1808 a General Order came through to cut off 'queues' Every soldier cut off his neighbours pigtail and, on a given signal the 'queues' were tossed overboard accompanied by three cheers, a suitable farewell to a custom which inflicted toil and trouble on countless soldiers)" accordingly on the 28th. (August 1808) the fleet got under weigh, and proceeded down channel with a fine breeze, and on the 31st. passed Falmouth, passed through the Skirts of the Bay of Biscay, and on the 20th of September anchored, and we landed at a small bay in Portugal, but finding (we) would have to march through a sandy desert, immediately ordered the troops to re-embark and sail further up, and accordingly we sailed again as far as a bay called Montaga Bay, and we anchored off on the 22nd, but being at that time such heavy swells of the sea, and such a surf on the shore that we could not effect our landings until the 26th. when the troops all landed, consisting of 10,000 men commanded by Lieut. Gen. Sir John Moore, and marched about one league and encamped. The French army at this time had been driven back, and we marched over the ground that Sir Arthur had the action on the 2nd. of August, and continued driving the French until they entered Lisbon where they were obliged to surrender Prisoners of War to Sir Hugh Dalrymple, then commander-in-chief, who after that was ordered to England. On the same occasion command then devolved on Lieut. Gen. Sir John Moore. The troops then were ordered to encamp round the vicinity of Lisbon. We encamped at a place called Queluz; during the time we remained there was excessive rains so that we were obliged to weight the tents with stones, and on the 21st. Sept. received orders to march up the country into Spain to form junction with the Spanish army. Accordingly we proceeded on the march passing through Abrantes, Niza, Castelo Branco, Cuidad Rodrigo, until we arrived at Salamanca, a large city in Spain.
This town is of great note, it is surrounded with a high wall, and has four gates to enter the city, and has a number of Convents and Colleges. In one of those convents outside the walls of the town our regiment was quartered. Here all the army joined, consisting of about 30,000 men, commanded by Lieut. Gen. Sir John Moore who reviewed all the troops in the town.
We remained here until the 27th November when we again received orders to march to join with the Spanish army. Then near Burgos, accordingly we passed through Toro, and within about 2 leagues of Nalladaliob, an ancient city, leaving it on our right until we arrived at a place called Graigail where we arrived on the 18th December and was quartered in that town. In this place there was great plenty of wine. On the 24th December we received orders to march about 6 in the evening to attack the garrison of Burgos at day break, which was 4 leagues distant, and deep snow. As soon as the troops had occupied their proper stations the whole moved forward, the night excessive cold, but very lucky a moonlight night. When we had marched about 2 leagues we received intelligence that the French army had marched out of Madrid that day, 110 thousand men. We immediately counter-marched and went back to the same town where we remained during the night 25th. December, Christmas Day.
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THE RETREAT TO CORUNNA
In the morning at 6 o'clock we commenced a retreat and continued making forced marches, night and day through the worst of roads and excessive rains, and part of the time without bread, meat, wine or spirits until the 1st. of January [1809] when we arrived at a town called Beneventa situated on the summit of a hill, crossing the river by a bridge, which, as soon as the baggage and the troops had passed, was blown up to prevent the enemy from making so speedy advance. This town lies about 2 miles from the river and has in the town, several convents, in one of those our regiment was quartered.
Accordingly on the 3rd. of January the enemy's cavalry consisting of three brigades of heavy, and one of light, came down to the river side, commanded by Lieut. Gen. Lefevre, immediately they forded the river. At the same time the British Cavalry, commanded by Lieut. Gen. Lord Paget made a charge and took the French General, and about 20 prisoners, and also 7 killed and 12 wounded. The remainder made the best of their way back across the river. At the same time orders were received in the town of Beneventa that the enemy was advancing - immediately the drums beat to arms and in less than a quarter of an hour the troops were fell in and ordered to proceed in double quick time, through immense torrents of rain until we arrived outside the town, we were then ordered back to our quarters.
On the 5th. of January, at 6 in the morning, we again marched, passing the worst of roads, every step half way up to the knee, and the French advance guard keeping sight of our rear guard consisting of cavalry and one rifleman behind each cavalry man. Accordingly, at every turn of the road, or height that would command the road, the rifleman dismounted and striving to annoy our rear guard, and every bridge that we came to was, as soon as the baggage troops passed, blown up, not waiting for stragglers that might be in the rear, of which there was a great many. Marching over mountains covered with snow, sometimes without provisions or spirits, and marching night and day, the want of sleep proved in the extreme very fatiguing, passing through Astorga to Lugo where we were joined by a brigade of guards who had marched from Corunna
Early in the morning we arrived at Lugo where we expected to halt, but finding (....) we still moved on through the town, until we arrived on the other side. A number of our men then fell out, weary and tired, and after marching all night, and not knowing then when we should halt after passing that town. But we marched about one league further and contooned in some old country [house]. The next day the French advanced upon our out-line piquets, and we all stood to our arms, formed lines of battle, and followed them about 2 miles, but they were afraid to stand. We then retreated that night and encamped, and torrents of rain fell. About 2 leagues from Corunna a village named Zalenia was blown up, the last bridge. The Grenadier Company of the 28th. Regt. and one Battalion Company was sent one league down the river side to another small bridge to blow up or destroy if possible by any means, to prevent the enemy from passing. Accordingly we arrived there about 8 o'clock at night bringing with us crowbars and pickaxes. We then commenced working all night until daybreak in the morning when the enemy appeared on the heights above the bridge about 200 yards from it, and opened a brisk fire of musketry so that we were compelled to leave the bridge and retire about 50 yards behind a small bank
At this time the bridge was so much damaged that only one person could pass at a time. The enemy kept up a constant fire without any effect so that it was impossible for us to leave the place we were then in until the dusk of the evening when we retreated and joined the army then at La Corunna, a distance of one league and a half where we arrived on the 13th. of January and were put into contoonments, our division only being the rear guard of the army, the whole retreat and constantly skirmishing with the enemy, the remaining part of the army was formed in line of battle in camp. On the 14th. the enemy's advance appeared on the heights and on the 15th. at night a reinforcement of 10,000 men joined the enemy, commanded by Lieut. Gen. Junot, the same as surrendered Prisoners of War at Lisbon
Our army was joined in front of La Corunna and about 2 English miles from the same as far as they could extend for the sea, leaving Corunna in our rear. The French were formed on the heights opposite to ours forming (....) from sea to sea. Accordingly on the morning of the 16th. we blew up our magazine which made a most tremendous noise. About a quarter before one o'clock in the day, just as we were going to sit down comfortably at dinner, the enemy's piquets commenced the attack. Immediately the whole line commenced a general fire and at the same time we stood to our arms and marched up in double quick time and formed on the right of the lines. During our march we had one man wounded in the neck. At this time the action became bloody and about half past 3, our commander (Gen. Moore) received a cannon shot which instantly deprived him of his life.
The enemy had a great advantage having their lines formed on a commanding height, but our army stood their ground and the firing continued briskly on both sides until evening was so far advanced that we could not discern any object even at a short distance. We were then ordered to cease firing and send out piquets for the night. We were then ordered to fall in as silently as possible and move forward not speaking a word or even allowed to whisper. At this time we could not tell where we were going until at last we came to the seaside where the boat was waiting.
We immediately embarked in the flats and proceeded for the ships then lying in the harbour, which we did not make until 2 in the morning of the 17th, leaving at the same time one Brigade to keep the fires burning to prevent any suspicion of the enemy of our maneuver. Accordingly, at daybreak in the morning, the enemy, finding we were fled, immediately brought their cannon and planted on the heights, and commenced firing at the ships in the harbour so that we were obliged to cut our cable and make the best of our way out of the harbour. Joy at this time planted in the breast of each British soldier thinking we had got safe out of a country, and had experienced so much hunger and hardships having traveled about a distance of 150 miles through an exhausted country and the worst of roads, and worst of weather, and want of shoes, and other necessaries of life. Every ship had their orders to make the first port in England she could. Accordingly ours made Portsmouth on the 27th of January [1809], and landed on the 29th, marched into military barracks, Gosport, and remained there until the 1st. of February, when according to rout, we commenced our march for Colchester in Essex, where we arrived on the 15th. and marched into barracks we had formerly occupied. We then remained at Colchester until the 5th. day of July when we were again to be employed.
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EMBARKING FOR FLUSHING
[On the 5th. of July, 1809] At 5 in the morning we commenced our march for Dover, County Kent, where we arrived on the 14th. On the 19th. marched to Deal and embarked on board His Majesty's Ship 'Lavinia', frigate, destined for the expedition against Flushing, on the River Schelt, on the coast of Holland. Accordingly on the (.... ....) with prize money for Copenhagen which was 22 pounds Sterling for a Sergeant, and (??) for a private. And on the 25th. the fleet all got under weigh, called 'The Grand Expedition' and proceeded for the North Sea, and on the 30th. anchored off the island of Walcheren near a large town called Middelburgh, and the 31st. proceeded further and anchored off the island of South Boveland? and landed.
We then marched about 3 miles to a small town called Cluiton? and were put in contoonments in the village into farmers barns having plenty of straw to lie on. The island is close to Walcheren only divided by a small river. In this island there were 10,000 men commanded by Lieut. Gen. Sir John Hope. The remainder of the army landed at Walcheren. This island is opposite Bergen op Zoom in Holland, and only about 7 miles across. Our principal object was to keep the French from landing here, to prevent them from getting in rear of our army in Walcheren.
During the time they lay siege in Flushing, the Expedition was commanded by the Earl of Chatham. Those islands are very unwholesome on account of the land lying so low, there is high banks next the sea about 30 feet high and very broad to keep the sea from overflowing the land. The water is very unwholesome and all brackish except on small wells where they preserve the rain water. There is fine horses here and they run them in waggons by pairs and drive with reins the same as a Gentleman does his carriage in England, even bringing the corn from the field, or anything else. There is plenty of cattle here and plenty of fowls, milk and eggs, but the bread in general is very dark, and the dogs have to churn to make the butter, and turn the spit to roast the meat.
After we had been in the island about 10 days the troops began to fall sick, taking the ague, on account of the low marshy land and bad water. We then received orders that no man was to expose himself to the air in the morning without eating or drinking spirit, or smoking tobacco, the latter was recommended frequently nights and mornings, and in dark or wet weather. There was then an order for a ration of 'Holland's Gin' to be issued to each man at 5 in the morning. As soon as Flushing surrendered to the British and all stores etc. were embarked, we again embarked for England on board His Majesty's Ship 'Trampooza' - Sloop of War, and 'Augustus' - Gun Brig. Accordingly, on the 29th August the fleet got under weigh and proceeded for Harwich in the County of Essex, at which place we arrived on the 12th. of September, and on the 13th. landed and marched to Colchester, a distance of 21 miles and occupied the barracks we had recently occupied before. At this time the troops in general were in a very bad state of health, two thirds having the ague, and others taking it daily insomuch that with the utmost exertions the progress of that disorder could not be stopped. Accordingly an order was issued that all men who had not had that disorder should immediately be put into quarters in the town and not to have any communication with those in barracks, therefore the barracks at large became one entire hospital.
[The purpose of the expedition was to provide a diversion while Napoleon and Charles of Austria were lining up for a major campaign in Europe. It was designed to confuse Napoleon's plans and give encouragement to the countries under French control. The expedition was a failure, not by any action of the French, but by the severe outbreak of miasmic fever. The fever ran through the army with devastating effect. A Captain Charles Cadell claims that he was the only officer on the expedition who did not smoke, and that he was the only one to escape the fever.]
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A small part of the diary is missing - The 28th stayed in England for another six months, and then they went abroad again, back to the Peninsular. The story resumes in February 1810, in the Bay of Biscay, on route to Portugal and Spain.
Go on to Chapter 2
Colleytown, Chittlehampton.
This page last updated on 15 Jul 2004