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.

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    [1811] strong position till we can be joined by Genl. Spencer, who is [June] advancing with our Northern Army. This neces- sity is to be lamented as it compels us to uncover Badajos, and thus defeats at once what we have spilt so much valuable blood in endeavouring to attain. 19th. On the 17th we quitted our encampment near Badajos, and crossing the Guadiana at a Ford halted in an Olive Grove in the Vicinity of Elvas. The Day turned out most severe, and during the Night the Thunder & Lightning were truly awful, no Person in the Camp ever having experi- enced anything so dreadfully terrific ; the Rain came down in such Torrents, that in a very short time we were almost completely under water. In Consequence Yesterday Morning we were ordered into Elvas, which place we quitted again this Day; we are at present halted about two Leagues on the Road leading to Portalegre, and, as we suppose, in the neighbourhood of our Position, provided the French choose to attack us in it. They have an immense Force, Marmont having certainly united with Soult. To counteract this General Spencer with the principal part of our Northern Army has made a parallel movement, and can join us in a few hours. The desponding are of opinion that we shall be immediately compelled to retire to our Lines, whereas others think that the combined move- ment of the Enemy was merely for the purpose of throwing in succours into Badajos; having effected which they will cease to molest us. Lord W. has however prepared for the worst; under the possibility that Elvas may be besieged, the Inhabi- tants have been recommended to quit their Houses, and every other necessary precaution has been made. There is a report very current & which has gained some credit at Head Quarters viz., that we have taken in the Mediterranean ten Sail of the Line, having nine thousand Troops on board, making a push from Toulon to Catalonia, where it is certain the Enemy have lately been losing ground. Should this prove true, it will very materially alter the nature