the Italian and German troops in the French army, promising them protection on board the British squadron, many were induced to desert.
On the 9th May, 1809, a proposition was made to Captain Mundy, by the commander of the Spanish forces, to co-operate with him in an attack on Barcelona: the following extract from his report to Lord Collingwood on the subject will sufficiently explain why the attack did not take place; and will serve to demonstrate with what description of allies he had to unite his services; how little reliance could be placed on their exertions, and how hopeless were all his views and efforts, under such circumstances, to effect any thing substantially favorable to the general cause. The Simotines, indeed, had always displayed much spirit and activity, and seldom neglected an opportunity of attacking the enemy; but without the aid of regular troops, and without discipline, they could accomplish no very essential service:
“My Lord,– On the day of the Apollo and Minstrel joining me, and of the fleet appearing off, I endeavoured to communicate with your Lordship, to explain a plan of attack on Barcelona, which had been submitted to my consideration; the outline of which was, that the officer in Montjui being bought over, three or four hundred Spaniards were to proceed by night up to that fortress and take possession, being provided however against any treachery on the part of the French. On getting footing, the Spaniards were to commence a fire on the Tarrosana, and gate of St. Antonio, on which the inhabitants were to rise, and seizing the various gates looking towards the land, were to let in Lieutenant-Colonel Claros, with 500 cavalry, a strong force of Miquelets[1], and other troops. At the same moment the ships were to commence an attack on the citadel, to keep that garrison from lending their aid to those troops who were in the town.
“This all appeared very well, provided every one acted his part. However, I did not consider the plan as definitively settled; but, on my return the next evening, I found that a letter had been received by Captain Taylor, from the commanders of the troops, stating ‘their full determination to attack the place at eleven at night,’ and requiring the assistance of the ships. The answer returned was, ‘that the ships would do their part, and be at their station, provided the wind and weather permitted them.’
- ↑ The Miquelets are a race of freebooters who occupy the Pyrennean mountains, especially towards the frontier of France, into which country they were formerly accustomed to make incursions, like the predatory ones of the Scottish borderers. Of late years their depredations have been confined to travellers.
