seven o’clock
Before us , at the distance of less than half a league , the French cavalry were drawn up in three strong columns ; the Cuirassiers of the Guard , plainly distinguished by their steel cuirasses , flanked by the Polish Lancers and a strong huzzar brigade ; a powerful artillery train supported the left , and an infantry force occupied the entire space between the right and the rising ground opposite Poço Velho . Farther to the right again , the column destined for the attack of Fuentes d'Onoro were forming , and we could see that , profiting by their past experience , they were bent upon attacking the village with an overwhelming force . For above two hours the French continued to manoeuvre , more than one alteration having taken place in their disposition ; fresh battalions were moved towards the front , and gradually the whole of their cavalry was assembled on the extreme left in front of our position . Our people were ordered to breakfast where we stood ; and a little after seven o'clock a staff officer came riding down the line , followed in a few moments after by General Crawfurd , when no sooner was his well-known brown cob recognized by the troops than a hearty cheer greeted him along the whole division . `` Thank ye , boys ; thank ye , boys , with all my heart . No man feels more sensibly what that cheer means than I do . Guards , Lord Wellington relies upon your maintaining this position , which is essential to the safety of the whole line .