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.

    130/192 (page 126)
    [1812] Leagues & a half over the worst roads in Portugal, added to [March] -yvhich, we had the dragging of the Nine Pounders up two most tremendous Hills ; the Men came in so exhausted in the Evening, that we have had much accession to our Sick List since in consequence. On the 9th we halted at Alpalhao, our third visit to this place : on the loth we reached Portalegre, where we still remain, tho’ it is probable we shall march in the direction of Badajos in a day or two. Head Quarters left this place yesterday Morning for Elvas, where there is to be this day a grand installation, Genls. Hill & Graham being to be made Knights of the Bath. Everything is said to be ready for the Siege, & the weather continues remarkably fine. The probability of a general Action increases. The advanced Guard of the enemy is said to have reached Merida; a few days therefore will in all probability develop great events. 22d. On the 14th we received a sudden Order to quit Portalegre & proceed in the direction of Elvas ; we reached Monforte, a clean and pretty Town that day, and on the following day arrived at Elvas. There we found the dispositions of the Army were as follows ; the ist, 2nd, 6th, & 7th Divisions, with almost the whole of the Cavalry and Horse Artillery, formed the covering Army, and were to proceed upon Villa Franca near Zafra (at which place the enemy had a Corps), by two separate Routes under the orders of Sir Thos. Graham & Sir Rowland Hill; the Light 3d & 4th Divisions formed the besieging Army. The whole moved on the following morning (i6th). On the same day Badajos was invested, & ground was broke on the Evening of the 17th. A vast deal of work has been since done, but no Guns have as yet been placed in the Batteries, neither is it known when our Fire will open. On the i8th the enemy made a Sortie, but were almost immediately driven in without our works sustaining the smallest injury ; the fire was very sharp & our loss amounted to about twenty killed & a hundred wounded ;