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.

    106/192 (page 102)
    [1811] English papers to the 12th instant inform us that the good [Jdne] people there are highly delighted with the battle of Albouera, and it even appears that two great Houses have unanimously decreed their thanks to a certain Individual “ for the disting- uished ability displayed by him &c. &c.” O Tempora, O Mores. [Jdly] July 3d. It having been satisfactorily ascertained that the Enemy had retired, the Army Yesterday marched into Cantonments; the 5th Division entered this place (Portalegre). Having again in great measure regained my wonted health, I purpose going to-morrow in search of my Regt. Great reinforcements are expected from England; but it is hoped that nothing will be done till the three next months shall have passed by, as the extreme heat in this Country in the Months of July, August, and September occasions even under Circumstances the most favourable great degree of sickness amongst the Troops. 9th. Only three Divisions of the Army are in Cantonments, the uncertainty of the Enemy’s Movements rendering it necessary that the remainder should be accessible to act as circumstances may require. I found my Division in the same place I left it. It does not seem likely that anything will be done for some time. It is said the Enemy are concentrating everything in Estremadura, and in the meantime reinforce- ments are daily arriving from England; probably, when the hot season is over, a great blow may be struck. Genl. Graham, the Conqueror at Barrosa, is coming here as second in command. This appointment has given universal satisfaction; the various Casualties of war might possibly deprive us of the Services of Lord W., and under such a calamity it would be a great consolation to every one that the Command of the Army should devolve on an Officer of such avowed talents as Genl. Graham. 14. Nothing whatever in the shape of news has lately occurred. Reinforcements continue to arrive from England,