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.

    107/192 (page 103)
    [Adg.] and amongst others four hundred men & upwards have arrived to join my Regiment; this puts out of all probability the likeli- hood of our returning to England, even tho’ circumstances should eventually oblige us to quit the Peninsula; which however appears less probable than ever. 25th. On the 21 St we broke up from our encampment, and marched in the direction of Elvas, near which place we remained for the night. The 22nd we continued our route, & bivouacked in the Neighbourhood of Borba. The following morning we reached Estremos, where we are likely to remain some time, it being destined as the Quarters of the 4th Division. The whole Army are now in Cantonments, & it is expected they will remain so during the continuance of the hot Season, which lasts till about the first week in October. On leaving our encampment strict Orders were issued not on any account to destroy the huts, from whence is inferred the possibility that we may have at some future time to occupy them again. Head quarters are at Portalegre & the different Cantonments of the Army extend from the Tagus to the Guadiana. 30th. The old Adage of their being nothing certain under the Sun is at present abundantly verified by our receiving orders to quit our cantonments, & march to-morrow Morning in the direction of Castello Branco. This has come most unexpectedly upon us, as everyone was making himself comfortable at least for a period of two months. It appears that Tarragona has fallen, & that Soult is marching upon Carthagena; Marmont is in consequence left alone, and it is supposed Lord W. is going to attack him before he can be reinforced. August 4. We marched from Estremos according to route on the 31st, & bivouacked near the small Town of Fronteira. On the ist we proceeded to Crato, four Leagues further, where we were miserably accommodated in Canton- ments. On the 2nd we marched to Alpalhao two Leagues, &