SalamancaJuly 22, 1812

Since the 19th, Marmont’s and Wellington’s armies had been marching parallel to each other as Wellington withdrew towards Portugal and Marmont attempted to turn the Allied left flank. On the 22nd, under the impression the Wellington was retreating, the French made to continue the parallel march with a view to cutting Wellington’s communications. As Wellington watched, Marmont’s army became strung out along its line of march, and the “defensive” general switched quickly to the attack.