"Colonel and a bag of gold/ coins" Topic

I am struggling with a faint memory of a tradition about a British Lieutenant Colonel in the Peninsular throwing down a bag of coins as an incentive to his men. I cant remember how the prize would be earned and, needless to say, nor can I recall which regiment was allegedly involved nor at which battle.

Can any one help me?

There is the story of Rifleman Plunkett of the 95th at the Battle of Cacabelos (during Moore's retreat to Corunna in 1809). Supposedly, Generl Paget offered a purse to anyone who shot French General Colbert at an unknown but long range (as much as 600 yards (550 m) according to some sources). He then shot Colbert's aide-de-camp, Latour-Maubourg, who went to the aid of his general, suggesting that the success of the first shot was not due to luck.

This story was strenuously denied by the British top brass, but Rifleman Edward Costello of the 95th did repeat the story in his memoirs. (he was not at Cacabellos.)

According to eyewitness captain George Miller, It was supposedly 'the then' Colonel Thomas Graham who offered "two guineas to any man who shoots that fellow on the white horse!" Thomas Plunkett was said to have said "It won't cost you a tester (sixpence)" That fellow on a white horse was shot at during the same action and was called 'General' Goulieu. He was shot dead by another Rifleman by the name of either Samuel or Michael Matthews, a day later in another, more localised rearguard action.

Thanks for the thoughts re. the 95th in 1809, but I am fairly sure the story I am thinking of dealt with the CO of a line regiment.

Some time later. A helpful account of the 28th at Barrosa on Napoleonic Wars Forum guided me back to this story (worth a read actually link four posts down)

Here is the relevant section. I misremembered the story slightly:

"The main Battalion of the celebrated "Slashers" stormed the Barrosa ridge, they were on the left of their Brigade and moved up without firing a shot, advancing to deal with the French 54th Regiment of Line on the right of the ridge, an officer of the Battalion described it thus: -

We had formed line under cover of the 95th and then advance to meet their right wing which was coming down in close column; a great advantage. Here the coolness of Colonel Belson was conspicuous: he moved us up without firing a shot close to their right battalion which had then just begun to deploy. The Colonel then gave orders to fire by platoons from centre to flanks, and aim low "Fire at their legs and spoil their dancing". This was kept up for a short time with dreadful effect. The action being now general all along the line we twice attempted to charge. But the enemy being twice our strength (some of our flank companies being away (Under Lieutenant-Colonel Browne)), only retired a little on each occasion. Finally giving three cheers, we charged a third time and succeeded: the enemy now gave way and fled in every direction

At Barrosa Lieutenant James Archibald Hope 92nd Highlanders was observing the fight of 1/28th against the French 54eme Regiment de Ligne –

"Some officers of another Regiment doubted the 28th would be able to repel the assault of so superior a number of the enemy. On hearing this Major B. who well knew what the "Bragge Slashers" could do galloped over to the doubters and offered thirty dollars to one that the 28th would "thrash the rascals" soundly. The bet being declined the Major soon after, and on seeing the storm thickening, pulled out his purse and holding it up, cried "This purse of gold to a dubloon, the Bragge Slashers will lick them yet." The bet being taken and the 28th having repelled the enemy's attack, Major B. rode up to the taker of the bet and very coolly said, "The Dubloon, if you please Sir.""