1600 to 2000 14 August 1813
Marshal Suchet called a meeting of his
three corps commanders to decide how to proceed with the campaign.
7th corps had now
received their fourth brigade and are at full strength. General
Munsier recommends continue to attack
16th corps are starting to arrive at Cambrils. They have suffered heavy casualties and will require some days rest and reinforcement to become operational General Severoli recommends a retreat to Reus or even Tarragona. He reports that 4th Spanish corps are in hot pursuit, but have battle casualties
17th corps are one brigade short. General Halbert recommends continue to attack He reports that he has lost contact with 1st Spanish corps
Suchet is aware that if he moves west to engage 2nd Spanish and 5th British corps he will have to leave Cambrils undefended and at the mercy of 4th Spanish corps.
16th corps are starting to arrive at Cambrils. They have suffered heavy casualties and will require some days rest and reinforcement to become operational General Severoli recommends a retreat to Reus or even Tarragona. He reports that 4th Spanish corps are in hot pursuit, but have battle casualties
17th corps are one brigade short. General Halbert recommends continue to attack He reports that he has lost contact with 1st Spanish corps
Suchet is aware that if he moves west to engage 2nd Spanish and 5th British corps he will have to leave Cambrils undefended and at the mercy of 4th Spanish corps.
He is confident that he can defeat two allied corps and probably
hold Cambrils against 2nd and 4th Spanish corps plus 5th
British corps. But if 1st
Spanish corps moves north from Tortosa he is likely to face destruction and the
loss of northeast Spain to the allies.
Just before 2000 a report is received from 7th
cavalry brigade to confirm that 1st Spanish corps has entered
Tortosa and is moving north towards Cambrils.
Suchet orders an immediate retreat towards Reus. 16th corps will lead, followed by 7th corps. 17th corps will form the rearguard