Action at Cañada del Hoyo

General Hugo intercepted a mobile guerrilla force commanded by 'El Empecinado' in the mountainous region of Cuenca. Thanks to a flanking movement and surprise, French troops partially encircled the Spaniards and inflicted heavy losses.

Guerrillas were increasingly organized and threatened French lines of communication in Castile. This action illustrates the difficulty Napoleonic forces faced in maintaining territorial control against partisans, but also their ability to inflict hard blows in open confrontations.

Hugo used prior reconnaissance to trap the guerrillas in a narrow pass. An infantry charge supported by light artillery dispersed the Spaniards, while cavalry harried the fugitives.

The guerrillas suffered a temporary setback, allowing the French briefly to secure the route between Madrid and Valencia. However, General 'El Empecinado' continued the struggle and again became an important figure of resistance.