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.

    138/192 (page 134)
    [1812] We are much disappointed in this place, having heard it [May] excellent Cantonment, and furnishing everything in abundance ; whereas it barely affords accommodation for two weak Regiments, and there is scarcely any single thing to be procured with the exception of wine. 12th, We remain still at San Joao de Pesqueira, nor is it probable that there will be any Movement in the Army till Rodrigo & Almeida are well provisioned. Head Quarters are yet at Guinaldo. Lord W, wrote to Genl. Pakenham who is ill in Lisbon, that the Spaniards had deceived him in not provisioning the former place according to promise, by which means he had been compelled to remove his Army Northward, and had in consequence lost the finest sport that ever any Troops had in view. As war has undoubtedly ere this taken place between France & Russia, it is probable that there will be a very active Campaign in this Country, & the South certainly would appear as the most likely part for the Scene of Action : it is generally expected therefore that we shall again move in that direction in the course of a very short time. 26th. Since my last date I have visited Oporto, attracted by the double motive of Curiosity, and the necessity of fitting myself out afresh with almost everything. I left this place (San Joao de Pesqueria) on the i6th, & returned yesterday, highly gratified by my Expedition. The distance from hence is about eighty miles. I was accompanied by a Friend ; we went by Water, but owing to unfavorable Winds we did not reach Oporto till the afternoon of the i8th. Our Horses & Servants went by Land ; the Navigation of the Douro is at all times somewhat perilous, and in the Winter is absolutely impracticable from the Rapidity of the current, & the number of concealed Rocks. The Scenery on some parts of the River is fine beyond all description ; never before did I so much regret not being a Draughtsman. Oporto itself is a very large & populous Town, being the second in Portugal : it is