two o'clock
Indeed , we hear that he is already moving in this direction . We are not aware of his exact strength , but we believe that it must approach , if not equal , that of ourselves and Cuesta united . `` Cuesta has , indeed , been already roughly handled by the French . Disregarding Sir Arthur 's entreaties , and believing Victor to be in full retreat , he marched on alone , impelled by the desire to be the first to enter Madrid ; but at two o'clock on the morning of the 26th of July , the French suddenly fell upon him , drove the Spanish cavalry back from their advanced position , and chased them hotly . They fled in great disorder , and the panic would have spread to the whole army , had not Albuquerque brought up 3000 fresh cavalry and held the French in check , while Cuesta retreated in great disorder and , had the French pressed forward , would have fled in utter rout . Sherbrooke 's division , which was in advance of the British army , moved forward and took up its position in front of the panic-stricken Spaniards , and then the French drew off . `` Cuesta then yielded to Sir Arthur 's entreaties , recrossed the Alberche , and took up his position near Talavera .