The journal of an Army surgeon during the Peninsular War / [by Charles Boutflower].

  • Boutflower, Charles, 1782-1844.
Date:
[1912]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The journal of an Army surgeon during the Peninsular War / [by Charles Boutflower]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    100/192 (page 96)
    [1811] loyalty and devotedness to a sacred cause are unparallelled in [May] the history of Nations, and do them immortal honour. Could I witness but a twentieth part of their loyalty in the Spaniards, I should anticipate their emancipation with Confidence. As it is I confess I look forward with more of fear than hope. They appear disposed to be content under any Government. Such a People deserve not to enjoy the sacred blessing of Freedom. 27th. A very brilliant affair took place on the 25th between our heavy Dragoons and a portion of the Enemy’s Cavalry. A small number of ours only showed themselves which induced the French to cross a narrow Bridge for the purpose of attacking them: the main Body then fell upon them, and routed them with great slaughter. Their loss in killed, wounded, & missing was four hundred besides many Officers : we had only three killed and twenty wounded. We have no expectation of any thing being done for some time ; Marshal Beresford has quitted the Army for Elvas, from whence it is said he proceeds to Lisbon for the purpose of still further augmenting the Portugueze Force.—Genl. Hill is daily expected here to take the command of this Corps of the Army ; he is a very popular Officer.—The Marines & Artificers belonging to the Regiments in this Neighbourhood to be employed at the Siege of Badajos marched from hence this Morning. 30th. The Siege of Badajos has not yet commenced, but the preparations on a very large scale are going on as fast as possible. Lord W. has taken possession of a Quinta in the Neighbourhood, & his presence will infuse energy in every one concerned in the Operations. In the meantime Soult is collecting another Army at Llerena, which is only nine Leagues from here. He has at present a numerous Cavalry and about twelve thousand Infantry. It is supposed that Reynier with about ten thousand Men has reached Truxillo, and he will doubtless effect his junction with Soult. Unless