eight o'clock
Terence was much gratified by the appearance , in general orders that day , of the following notice : `` The general commander-in-chief expresses his warm approbation of the conduct of the two battalions of the Minho regiment of Portuguese , commanded by Colonel O'Connor . This officer , on his own discretion , moved from the position assigned to him , on seeing the serious attack made on Colonel Donkin 's brigade on the evening of the 27th and , scaling the hill , opened so heavy a fire on the French ascending it that five battalions fell back , without taking part in the attack . This took place at the crisis of the engagement , and had a decisive effect on its result . '' At eight o'clock a staff officer rode up , with orders for the Minho regiment to return at once to the pass of Banos , as the news had come in that the enemy beyond the hills were in movement . Terence was to act in concert with the Spanish force there , and hold the pass as long as possible . If the enemy were in too great strength to be withstood , he was given discretion as to his movements ; being guided only by the fact that the British army would , probably , march down the valley of the Tagus . If Soult crossed , `` his force , '' the order added , `` was estimated as not exceeding 15,000 men . ''