Further Strictures is the second of two anonymous pamphlets which were published in response to Lieutenant-Colonel Napier’s "History of the War in the Peninsula". Following the publication of Napier’s second volume in 1829, which was particularly critical of Marshal Beresford, an anonymous champion appeared in print to defend him. "Strictures on Napier’s History" appeared in 1831, and strongly criticised Napier’s view of events.
Napier’s third volume was also published in 1831 and covered Beresford’s campaign in southern Spain (including the battle of Albuera). Napier once again, strongly criticised Beresford, and a second anonymous pamphlet, appeared.
"Further Strictures on Napier’s History" is the second of these anonymous pamphlets. It deals extensively with the events leading up to, and including the battle of Albuera. It contains a wealth of detail on this highly controversial battle, one of only three major battles at which Wellington was not present. Like the other two, Corunna and Barossa, it was a victory, but a costly one. Beresford’s performance was not rated highly and the British casualties were horrendous.
Further Strictures also included, as an appendix, a copy of Sir Benjamin D’Urban’s privately printed report on Beresford’s operations in 1811. Along with these original texts, I have also included Napier’s response to the Further Strictures, "A Justification of his Third Volume" which was published in 1832
Printed and bound by hand. No more than 100 copies will be made. Approximately 285 pages in length.
Price £45 Sterling. ISBN 0-09522930-2-1
Copyright © December 2002 Mark S Thompson