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.

    137/192 (page 133)
    [May] 25—On the 22d we halted at a small village called Aldea de Santa Margaritta, and on the 23d proceeded to Val de Lobo or the Valley of Wolves, a Village so called from the number of those Animals found in its Neighbourhood ; yesterday we came to another wretched place called Quinta de Saint Bartholomew, and to our astonishment remain here to-day, nor have we any Orders to proceed further to-morrow. Head Quarters were yesterday at Alfayates, but we know nothing of them to-day ; we are also entirely ignorant as to the movements of the Enemy: it is said, that Don Carlos has succeeded in destroying the Bridges over the Agueda, and that they cannot in consequence effect their retreat; this intelligence is to be doubted, as the Coa which is close to us here is perfectly fordable. The Enemy have been in all the Villages thro’ which we have lately passed, and it is impossible to describe the un- profitable mischief & devastation they have everywhere committed; the misery of the Inhabitants beggars description, indeed I cannot conceive how they will be able to support life. May 2d—On the 26th we quitted Quinta San Bartholemew, which is close to Sabugal, & instead of crossing the Coa, as we expected, received a route to proceed in the direction of the Douro. The Enemy have entirely abandoned the Neighbourhood of Ciudad Rodrigo. On the 26th we halted at Parades, 27th, Lamegal, 28th, Cerejo; 29th Marialva; 30^h Rehnadas, and yesterday arrived at our destination San Joao de Pesqueira, which is a small town about a league from the Douro. Here it is probable we shall remain for some time to recruit. The 3d & 5th Divisions are also in this Neighbour- hood. Genl. Graham with the ist 6th & 7th Divisions has marched again Southward, and Lord Wellington with the Light Division & 2 Regiments of Cavalry remained when we last heard in the Vicinity of Rodrigo.