three in the
afternoon
The enemy , in order to attack the British position , would have to descend into the bottom of this steep ravine , and then climb up the precipitous ascent , to meet the British soldiers awaiting them , fresh and unshaken , at the top . So strong , indeed , was the position that the English generals were doubtful whether Massena would venture to attack . Upon the 25th Craufurd moved his division forward , and would have repeated his mistake of the Coa had not Wellington himself gone forward and recalled the troops , bringing them off with difficulty in the face of the advancing masses of the French . By three in the afternoon , 40,000 French infantry were on the ridge opposite Busaco , and it appeared probable that the battle would take place that afternoon , in which case the British position would have been precarious , for neither Spencer 's , Hill 's , nor Leith 's divisions were up . Massena , however , was miles behind , and Ney , who commanded the advance , could not attack without orders ; thus , the moment favorable for the French passed by . When Massena arrived next day , the British divisions were all up and in their places , and the long crest of Busaco swarmed with troops . Hill occupied the right across the road to Pena Cova , then came Leith 's 5th division , then came Picton with the 3d division , with Spencer 's division , the 1st , next to him .