Category: Biographies

The Military Adventures of Charles O'Neil Who was a Soldier in the Army of Lord Wellington during the Memorable Peninsular War and the Continental Campaigns from 1811 to 1815

Introductory Remarks.--The Author’s Birth.--Parentage.--Prevalence of the Military Spirit.--Two of his Brothers enlist, and are killed in the Service.--Author apprenticed to a Carpenter.--His Desire for a Military Life.--Leaves Home without the Consent of his Parents.--Reaches...

Chapters

1. CHAPTER I.

Introductory Remarks.--The Author’s Birth.--Parentage.--Prevalence of the Military Spirit.--Two of his Brothers enlist, and are killed in the Service.--Author apprenticed to a C...

2. CHAPTER II.

Origin of the War in the Peninsula.--Siege of Saragossa.--Murderous Character of the War.--Success of the French in Portugal.--Battle of Rolica.--Battle of Vimiero.--Convention...

3. CHAPTER III.

Joseph Bonaparte again King of Spain.--His Difficulties with Soult.--Second Siege of Saragossa.--Another English Army, under Sir Arthur Wellesley, lands at Lisbon.--Battle of Ta...

4. CHAPTER IV.

The Author, with his Regiment, leaves Gibraltar, for Tarifa.--Dissensions between the Spanish and English Officers.--Battle of Barossa.--Retreat of the French.--Suffering of the...

5. CHAPTER V.

Badajos.--Its Capture by the French.--Attempts to retake it by the English.--Wellington invests it in Person.--Assault upon Fort Christoval.--Storming of the Town.--Terrific Con...

6. CHAPTER VI.

Romantic Adventures of Sir Colquhoun Grant.--The Author ordered, with a Convoy, to Brussels.--Description of the Route.--The Pass of Roncesvalles.--Memorable Defeat of the Army...

7. CHAPTER VII.

Brief Summary of Events for Four Years preceding the Battle of Waterloo.--Author’s Narrative resumed at that Period.--Preparation of Troops for the Battle.--Skirmishing precedin...

8. CHAPTER I.

Introductory Remarks.--The Author’s Birth.--Parentage.--Prevalence of the Military Spirit.--Two of his Brothers enlist, and are killed in the Service.--Author apprenticed to a C...

9. dim. But when our driver stopped at a small inn, in one of the back

streets of the city, a good supper and bed seemed too inviting to be resisted, and we were soon asleep. At early dawn, however, we were awakened by the roll of the drum, and wer...

10. CHAPTER II.

Origin of the War in the Peninsula.--Siege of Saragossa.--Murderous Character of the War.--Success of the French in Portugal.--Battle of Rolica.--Battle of Vimiero.--Convention...

11. CHAPTER III.

Joseph Bonaparte again King of Spain.--His Difficulties with Soult.--Second Siege of Saragossa.--Another English Army, under Sir Arthur Wellesley, lands at Lisbon.--Battle of Ta...

12. CHAPTER IV.

The Author, with his Regiment, leaves Gibraltar, for Tarifa.--Dissensions between the Spanish and English Officers.--Battle of Barossa.--Retreat of the French.--Suffering of the...

13. CHAPTER V.

Badajos.--Its Capture by the French.--Attempts to retake it by the English.--Wellington invests it in Person.--Assault upon Fort Christoval.--Storming of the Town.--Terrific Con...

14. CHAPTER VI.

Romantic Adventures of Sir Colquhoun Grant.--The Author ordered, with a Convoy, to Brussels.--Description of the Route.--The Pass of Roncesvalles.--Memorable Defeat of the Army...

15. CHAPTER VII.

Brief Summary of Events for Four Years preceding the Battle of Waterloo.--Author’s Narrative resumed at that Period.--Preparation of Troops for the Battle.--Skirmishing precedin...