I Think I Really Do Have an Ulcer

Before Wellington could move into Spain, he had to capture the two walled towns of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz. The French had large garrisons in each and even larger garrisons within three or four day's march at Salamanca and Seville. The Hornets had all four battalions out tackling any French reconnaissance-in-force, enabling Wellington to conclude a rapid and bloody siege in each case, before relief could arrive. Once captured, Wellington could move into Spain. Again the Hornets were out cutting the communications between Marshals Marmont and Soult at Almaraz and denying the French any news of Wellington's build-up.**