Historical records of the 91st Argyllshire ... - waughfamily.ca

9 1ST ARGYLLSHIRE HIGHLANDERS. 29at Alcoentre) or he had to retire, leavingthe isos.road to Lisbon open;he determined, therefore,to abide the assault, with a hopethat Loisonmight arrive during the action.The 91st, during these operations, had beenbrigaded with the 45th and 50th Eegimentsunder Catlin Craufurd, forming part of the mainbody of Sir Arthur's army, and on the morningof the 17th the allied troops, consisting ofabout 14,000 of all arms, issued from Obidos,and broke into three distinct columns of battle.The 91st were attached to the centre column,under the direct command of Sir Arthur, theleftcolumn being commanded by Ferguson, theright consisting of Trant's Portuguese. Thecentre column was composed of Hill's,Nightingale's,Fane's, and Catlin Craufurd's brigades ofBritish infantry, besides cavalry and artillery.The three first-mentioned brigades, on approachingthe French position at Roleia, formed forattack, while Craufurd's, with most of the guns,were kept as a reserve. Laborde's position wassoon driven in, and he had to retire to the heightsof Zambugeira, about three-quarters of a mile tothe rear. Fresh dispositionshad now to bemade to dislodge him. Ferguson and Fane were