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.

    129/192 (page 125)
    [March] the 12th we marched to Villa de Ciervo, where we still remain : it is a very good Cantonment, and was Head Quarters of the Division at the time we lay at Gallegos. We do not expect however to be long here. It is notorious that the utmost exertions are making to commence again the Siege of Badajos, and as it is a Fortress of such vast importance the Enemy will doubtless make every effort to relieve it, and it will of course be necessary for Lord Wellington to have his whole Force in that Quarter. Unhappily we still continue very Sickly, &. it is to be feared that, whatever may be our numerical strength, our physical force will be found most lamentably short of it. Head Quarters still remain at Frenada, tho’ it is said they will remove in a very few Days to Gastello Branco. March 3d. We quitted Villa de Ciervo on the 27th Ulto. having received a route to proceed to Gastello Branco : we reached Alamanda that day & halted there. On the 28th we halted at Villa Mayor : 2gth at Villa Boa ; & on the ist Inst, we crossed the Coa at Sabugal & halted at a village called St. Estevao : our march yesterday was a very long and painful one, being five Leagues : we remained for the night at Pedrogao, & this day came to St. Miguel, only two Leagues & good road. On our arrival at Gastello Branco, we shall receive a fresh route : we know we are to go to Portalegre, & it is expected we shall remain there a short time. There is no doubt that Lord W. purposes besieging Badajos, tho’ it is probable there may be a previous general engagement, as the Deserters who have come in within these few days concur in stating that Marmont is marching his whole force Southward. 12th. On the 4th we halted at a small village called Escalhas de Cima, and the following day reached Castel Branco, at which place we halted on the 6th. On the 7th we remained at a most wretched place called Requisa, which scarcely afforded Govering for one fourth of the Men. On the 8th we had a most fatiguing march to Nisa a distance of five