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.

    12/192 (page 8)
    [1809] [August] ledge. His disposition appears to be naturally of the sombre cast, tho’ the recent death of his Father may probably have given it that turn. We passed many hours in conversation together, and he succeeded so completely in gaining my esteem and regard that it was with much reluctance I bade him adieu. Good fortune will, I trust, bring us together again, when I shall renew my intimacy with him with unfeigned pleasure. On the i6th while beating down Channel saw H.M.S. Argo with Convoy from the West Indies. From a recol- lection of my own Sensations on former occasions I had an idea of the happiness they were enjoying on being so near their Native Shore. 17th. Fired two shots at a strange Sail to bring her to. She proved to be a Revenue Cutter from Guernsey on a Cruise. The Master of her came on board the Fylla, and, his manner being such as gave Capn. Rodney great offence, much altercation ensued. Capn. R. at length let him go, previous- ly writing across his Warrant an account of his disrespectful Conduct for the information of any other Captain of a Man- [of-war] who might board him. On the 18th, notwithstanding the continuous contrary winds, we found ourselves at 9 a.m. off the Lizard. In the afternoon Avere boarded by a Fishing Boat belonging to Mount’s Bay, which not only supplied us with fresh Fish for Dinner, but was also the bearer of some Letters ashore. I availed myself of this opportunity to write to my inestimable friend Mrs. B. At dusk the same Evening I lost sight of the Land’s End. How torpid the Bosom, and how unworthy the name of Britain must he be, who can quit his country without offering up a fervent Prayer for its welfare. In taking a last look of its fading shores a variety of Sensations occupied my Mind, some of them painful; but I think the contrary predominated. A thousand instances of its many blessings and general Superiority over other Nations rushed upon my recollection,