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