Chapter XX: Plans of the intrusive government 286

Effect of the war upon the French soldiery 287

Temper of the Spanish generals in La Mancha and Extremadura 290

Reforms in the Spanish army 291

The Duque del Alburquerque 291

He proposes offensive operations 292

They are undertaken when too late 293

The Duke sent to join Cuesta 294

Cartaojal advances against the French 294

Rout of the Carolina army at Ciudad Real 295

Operations of Marshal Victor 295

The French cross the Puente del Arzobispo 296

Cuesta retreats from the Puerto de Miravete 297

Skirmishes at Truxillo and Miajadas 298

Junction with Alburquerque’s division 301

Cuesta offers battle at Medellin 301

Battle of Medellin 303

Misconduct of the Spanish cavalry 304

Cuesta thrown and wounded 304

Dispersion of the Spanish army 305

No quarter given 306

Escape of Alburquerque 307

The remnant of the Spanish army collect 308

Cuesta disgraces those who had behaved ill 309

The Junta act wisely and generously upon these defeats 310

Their appeal to the people 311

Tribunal of public safety 312

Correspondence on the Intruder’s part with the Junta 313

Measures for securing Badajoz 317

A crusade proclaimed there 318

Regulations concerning the ejected religioners 319

Plans of the intrusive government 320

Sir Robert Wilson’s conduct at Ciudad Rodrigo 321

Attempt to surprise that fortress 323

The French summon it 324

March of Lapisse to unite with Victor 325

The French enter Alcantara 325

Junction of Lapisse and Victor 327