Exactly 200 years ago (1810), in the centre of Portugal

[Marquês de Alorna]

The French columns of "L'Armée du Portugal" commanded by Marechal André Masséna have just passed the Criz river, whose bridge had been destroyed by General Pack. They have passed by the village of Sula at 17:00. They are gathering at the base of the Buçaco (written "Bussaco" by then) mountain range. I (i.e. Marquês de Alorna  ) belong to Masséna's État-major.

[Marquês de Alorna]

The Battle of Bussaco, 200 years ago. The Anglo-Portuguese army commanded by Wellington defeated the "Armée du Portugal" commanded by Masséna. After the victory, the Anglo-Portuguese army retreated towards the Lines of Torres Vedras. The latter would constitute a big surprise to Masséna...