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.

    123/192 (page 119)
    [1812] [Jan.] II9 and to return at one. Almost the whole Population of Lisbon repaired to Belem to witness this extraordinary feat: the Tower was reserved for the Regency, Marshall Beresford and the other great characters with their Families; it exhibited a Blaze if not of Beauty, at least of Diamonds. After waiting several hours, and no performer appearing, they perceived the hoax, & departed to their respective homes, each laughing at the other. 28. Nothing particular has occurred since the last date. We hear nothing of any intention on the part of the Enemy to throw further supplies into Ciudad Rodrigo. The successes of the Spaniards in the South have obliged Marmont to detach a portion of his Army to reinforce Suchet in Valencia. In the meantime Lord Wellington is building a Bridge on the Agueda, which is already in a considerable state of forward- ness. The Engineer Department have orders to provide every requisite for an immediate Siege. Some think that Lord W. taking advantage of Marmont’s present weakness will certainly attack Ciudad Rodrigo, notwithstanding the unfavourable Season of the Year; while others are of opinion the great preparations making are nothing more than a demonstration, to compel the French Chief to recall the Detachments he has sent to the South. It is devoutly to be wished that the latter may be the real object, as from the severity of the Weather and the generally exhausted state of the Army the consequences of taking the Field must be dreadful. Jan. 4. There is too much reason to fear that we shall take the Field in the course of a very few days, notwithstanding the weather is at present as bad as it can possibly be. We march to-morrow Morning to San Felices El Chico, a small village to our left, for the purpose of making room for Head Quarters and the Guards who come here. This place is a scene of the utmost hurry and bustle; nothing to be seen but Engineers, & all the Implements requisite for a Siege; the Bridge will be completed the day after to-morrow,