Pierre Dupont Biography

Events proved otherwise, and after storming and plundering Cordoba in July, Dupont retraced his steps to the north of the province to await reinforcements

In June 1808, following the widespread uprisings against the French occupation of Spain, Napoleon organized French units into flying columns to pacify Spain's major centres of resistance.

One of these, under General Dupont, was dispatched across the Sierra Morena and south through Andalusia to the port of Cadiz where a French naval squadron lay at the mercy of the Spanish.

The Emperor was confident that with 20,000 men, Dupont would crush any opposition encountered on the way.

This record states: Between 16 and 19 July, Spanish forces converged on the French positions stretched out along villages on the Guadalquivir and attacked at several points, forcing the confused French defenders to shift their divisions.

This record states: Caught between Castanos and Reding, Dupont attempted vainly to break through the Spanish line at Baylen in three bloody and desperate charges, losing more than 2,500 men.

This record states: With Castanos pinning Dupont downstream at Andujar, Reding successfully forced the river at Mengibar and seized Baylen, interposing himself between the two wings of the French army.

1st setback for Napoleon who calls Spain, "The Spanish ulcer".

Spain successfully revolts against French domination.

The Battle of Baylen is fought by the Spanish Army of Andalusia, led by Generals Francisco Castanos and Theodor von Reding.

The heaviest fighting takes place near Baylen, a village by the Guadalquivir river in southern Spain.

and the Imperial French Armys II corps dobservation de la Gironde under General Pierre Dupont de lÉtang.