[SALAMANCA, Battle of.]

Plan of the battle of the Arapiles near Salamanca with the previous movements of the armies from the Douro to the Tormes.

London, T. Cadell & W. Davies, 1814. 520 x 395 mm, engraving, coloured in outline, on two joined sheets of paper; with a few unobtrusive worm-holes, mostly outside engraved border. This plan illustrates the movements of the French and allied forces before and during Wellington’s victory at Salamanca in 1812. It shows the French Army of Portugal’s route following the unchallenged crossing of the Duero on 15 July, and its progress, through some clever feinting by Marshal Marmont, in forcing Wellington’s retreat on Salamanca to protect the lines of communication with Portugal. Marmont’s costly mistake, made the day of the battle, in assuming Wellington overly cautious and unwilling to attack is also demonstrated by this plan. On 22 July, Marmont misinterpreted movement in the allied line as preparations for a retreat behind the River Zurgaín, and determined to push his vanguard further westward in the hope of outflanking the enemy, which meant taking the risk of marching across the front of the allied force. Wellington had, in fact, been considering an attack. ‘Surveying the French through his telescope in between bites at a leg of chicken, the British commander saw his moment. Exclaiming, “By God, that will do!”, he tossed the half-finished chicken leg over his shoulder, leaped on his horse, and set off at high speed for Pakenham’s Third Division with its attendant Portuguese cavalry’ (Esdaile, Peninsular War p. 395). The ensuing allied attack completely defeated the French force, whose remnants were only saved by the onset of darkness. ‘Thus ended the battle of Salamanca, or, as the Spaniards called it, Los Arapiles. Known, and for good reason, as “Wellington’s masterpiece”, it had cost the Army of Portugal 12,000 casualties, 2 eagles and 12 guns (Anglo-Portuguese casualties, by contrast, numbered some 5,000)’ (Esdaile p. 397).This plan was engraved by Samuel John Neele (1758–1824), whose ‘employment was principally illustrating antiquarian works and engraving maps; [though] he contrived to do well for himself in a pecuniary sense’ (Bryan, Dictionary of painters and engravers p. 10).Not found on COPAC.

• GBP 375.00 > other currencies
• ordernr.: T2910

• bookseller: Bernard Quaritch Ltd. (GREAT BRITAIN)