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Narrative of a forced journey through Spain and France, as a prisoner of war, in the years 1810 to 1814. Vol. II
Introduction
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About Major-General Lord Andrew Thomas Blayney
Major-General Lord Andrew Thomas Blayney, although previously a successful commander of his own regiment, the 89th Regiment of Foot of the British, throughout the early stages of the Peninsular war, is best known for his narrative of events after his capture by Polish forces fighting under the flag of Napoleonic France.
His Campaign and Capture
Blayney was the leader of an ill-fated Anglo-Spanish force which was assigned the task of attacking from Cadiz toward Malaga, culminating in the battle of Fuengirola on 15th October 1810. Outnumbering his Polish foes by a huge margin, a series of unfortunate accidents on the allied side and brave and heroic resistance on the Polish side led to a debacle and his capture. It should be noted that this was far from the only amphibious disaster led by the British in the Peninsular Wars that should throw further perspective on the victories of the main British army under Wellington.
His Journey and Narrative
Blayney’s narrative, along with some idiosyncratic spelling, recounts his journey from Andalusia to Verdun in the north-east of France. During his journey from one outpost to another as a paroled prisoner, he meets a number of famed French generals, such as Sébastiani, Kellermann, Belliard, and even Marshal Bessiéres, who treat him well on the whole. He winds his way through the countryside, telling many tales of the people and surroundings he encounters along the way. The main strength of the narrative is the author’s eye for detail and his flair for recounting a tale, along with the rarity of accounts from the point of view of an English prisoner of war.
Publication Details
Published in two volumes, this is the second volume. Author - Major-General Lord Andrew Thomas Blayney, 11th Baron Blayney [30 November 1770 – 8 April 1834]. Text taken, less appendices, from the 1814 edition, published in London by E Kerry. Original – 519 pages. Linked TOC.
