Note 29 — Chapter IX · OTHER EAGLES IN ENGLAND FROM BATTLEFIELDS OF SPAIN
Reading edition
Napoleon had given permission to his marshals in Spain to grant colonels of regiments, in certain circumstances, discretionary powers as to the disposal of their Eagles. Colonels were authorised, when their regiments were proceeding on what might be considered “exceptionally hazardous service,” or when operating in difficult country, to keep the Eagles back, and leave them in camp or in a fortress. That is how Wellington in 1812 came to find the Eagles of the 13th and 51st of the Line at Madrid.