Francis Seymour Larpent -The Private Journal Of Judge-Advocate Larpent

1-3-1813

There is one regiment of the Caçadores that is the constant astonishment of the English. Badly paid, no new clothes for the last two years, almost in rags this winter, and yet scarcely a man has been 'sick. I wish this was the case with them all. Our men are getting their clothes much better than last year, but still many are sick.

Francis Seymour Larpent -The Private Journal Of Judge-Advocate Larpent, pág 64

28.6.1813

The 23rd and 11th Portuguese regiments, who behaved in the field on the 23rd as well as any British did or could do, are on the march, though smaller animals, most superior. They were cheerful, orderly, and steady. The English troops were fagged, [half tipsy, weak, disorderly, and unsoldierlike; and yet the Portuguese suffer greater real hardships, for they have no tents, and only bivouac, and have a worse commissariat.

Francis Seymour Larpent -The Private Journal Of Judge-Advocate Larpent, pág 168

3.8.1813

(…)The Portuguese behaved in general most inimitably, the 4th, 10th, and 12th regiments in particular. The 10th did, indeed, once give way, but rallied; and the 4th charged twice, I think, on the 27th June, in good English style.-

Francis Seymour Larpent -The Private Journal Of Judge-Advocate Larpent, pág 209

21.7.1813

Lord Wellington, talking of the Portuguese, said that it was extraordinary just now, to observe their conduct; that no troops could behave better; that they never had now a notion of turning; and that nothing could equal their forwardness now, and willing, ready them-

Francis Seymour Larpent -The Private Journal Of Judge-Advocate Larpent, pág 196

23.8.1813

Nothing can look better than the condition of the Portuguese troops. They are cleaner than our men; or look so, at least. - They are better clothed now by far, for they have taken the best care of their clothes; they are much gayer, and have an air, and a je ne sais quoi, particularly the Caçadores both the officers and private men, quite new in a Portuguese. It is curious to observe the effects of good direction and example, how soon it tells. -

Francis Seymour Larpent -The Private Journal Of Judge-Advocate Larpent, pág 241

11.2.1814

Some of our old regiments have scarcely a man in the hospital, except the wounded, and it is astonishing how well some of the Portuguese regiments stand it, who are more exposed than our men. The last month' s rest, and the new clothes, which most regiments have now received, will revive the army amazingly; some who are still without their clothes are, to be sure, absolutely in rags, or like the king of the beggars. -

Francis Seymour Larpent -The Private Journal Of Judge-Advocate Larpent, pág 389

18.2.1814-

There are also about six thousand Portuguese ready to join in Portugal, but who remain for want of transport, as I am told: this is unlucky, as they were well-seasoned recruits.It is curious that even latterly, ever since we left the mountains, almost all our advanced troops-the advanced line have been Portuguese; they not only stop our deserters, but go off very much less themselves.

Francis Seymour Larpent, The Private Journal Of Judge-Advocate Larpent, pág 395

13.6.1814-On stopping at the village of Fignan, to give my horses some corn, I was very glad to find the inhabitants regretting the departure of the Portuguese regiment which had been quartered there, as they had behaved so well. They told me the people cried when they crossed the water, and the next day so many soldiers carne back to take another farewell of their new friends, that the officers were compelled to place a guard to prevent it.-

Francis Seymour Larpent -The Private Journal Of Judge-Advocate Larpent, pág 545

Letters From The Peninsula

1812-The conduct of the Portuguese Troops during the whole Siege, and under very trying circumstances, has been most exemplary, particularly their Artillery, which is really very good. It is difficult to say which troops, the British or Portuguese, are the most indifferent to danger. In both it is quite remarkable. But John goes to work more steadily and sullenly, while the Portuguese must be well led, and have his joke. They are great wits in their way, and, without the resolution and impenetrable sang-froid of the British, they have more patience and subordination under greater privations and hardship. But the Portuguese has not the bodily strength of the former, is naturally lazy, and is not used to our pickaxes and shovels. Therefore on the working parties the British do their work better in half the time. Both seem equally careless of danger. They agree perfectly well together, and amongst the men there is scarce an instance of disagreement or disturbance.

William Warre, Letters From The Peninsula: 1808-1812, pag 156

Very high spirits.

1810- «The Portuguese troops are in very high spirits and seem anxious to meet the enemy. They are in a very improved state of discipline, and promise well. It would be unfair to doubt them with these qualities. Poor fellows, they fight for everything that is dear to them. I never saw a Regt. embark in better style or higher spirits than the 20th Portuguese Regt. did for Cadiz a few days ago.(...) The French will, I dare hope, find themselves mistaken in the Portuguese troops, and though I am not , sanguine as to the final result, unless Spain does more than she has done yet, I am sure the Conquest will cost them/very dear. »



William Warre, Letters From The Peninsula: 1808-1812, pag 71

Algarve Brigade, the finest in the service...

“I was left here to form the Algarve Brigade, the finest in the service, who march tomorrow morning”.

William Warre « Letters From The Peninsula- 1808-1812» Staplehurst : Spellmount; 1999, p. 39.