5445_0127

1811 June
20th have detached 10,000 men to Seville, in consequence of Blake with his army having gone to Seville, where he is to be joined by another Spanish army  indeed from all accounts things seem to have taken a favorable turn  Our march to this place was the most harassing I ever remember as at no moment from the time we left Aranchal were we not under orders to move at the shortest notice, & obliged to have our baggage packed, & had to turn out at daylight in the morning  at the wood of Elvas we had the most tremendous thunder storm with hail rain & lightning I ever remember in my life  I never had such a soaking  there was considerable damage done, & several men killed & wounded  I was yesterday at Campo Mayor when I saw Maj.r Berkeley  I have often