The Battle of Burgos, also known as Battle of Gamonal, was fought on November 10, 1808, during the Peninsular War. A powerful French army under Marshal Bessières overwhelmed and destroyed the outnumbered Spanish under General Belveder, opening central Spain to invasion. It is said that Bessières personally returned Quesada's sword and had his wounds treated in the French field hospital[citation needed]. These acts of chivalry became increasingly rare as the Peninsular War dragged on.