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.

    108/192 (page 104)
    [1811] yesterday arrived at Nisa, two more Leagues, where we halt [Aog.] Day. We are still entirely in the dark as to the cause of our present movement. Many are of opinion that Lord W. is about to make a demonstration on Madrid, in order to compel the Enemy in the South to desist from their operations there. It appears more probable however that we are going into Cantonments in the North; there is no doubt that a vast number of lives will be saved by such a change of Quarters. We continue our march to-morrow Morning, and shall cross the Tagus at Villa Velha for the purpose of proceeding to Castel Branco, where we shall receive another Route. 8th. On the 5th we quitted Nisa, & marched by almost impassable Roads to Villa Velha, three Leagues ; the following Day we proceeded to a small village called Sarnadas, and yesterday morning reached the ancient City of Castel Branco. It is a Bishop’s See, but the Cathedral & Town are alike in a state of great dilapidation. The Palace and Gardens of his Reverence however are in complete repair, and have an Air of luxury and Comfort about them I have not before witnessed in this Country. When we reached Castel Branco, the General Officer Comg. the Division was without Orders to proceed any further. In the course of the Day however an Order was received directing us to march this Morning towards Penamacor, which, tho’ only eight Leagues distant from Castel Branco, we are to be four Days in performing. The excessive heat of the Weather renders it impossible to go long marches without infinite injury to the Troops ; a great deal of sickness at present prevails, to which a number of officers are victims ; indeed I consider the Climate of this Country during the hot months in Autumn as little less unhealthy than the West Indies. No enquiries we could make have been able to give us the smallest insight into the intentions of Lord W^ellington.