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.

    148/192 (page 144)
    [1812] [July] Fords, bat they are all too deep to admit of the passage of Artillery or Baggage. It is probable steps are taking for the construction of a Bridge, but, if so, it is not generally known. It is rumoured that it is not intended that the Army should move in the direction of Valladolid, but that on the junction of Castanos the Spaniards should remain to watch the Salamanca Road, while Lord W. makes a flank movement to his right, which appears to mean nothing more or less than moving directly upon the Capital. Head quarters are at Rueda, a distance of two short Leagues from Tordesillas, and our advanced Posts are about three hundred yards from those of the Enemy.—The weather is most oppressively hot, and such is the nature of this part of the Country, that it is altogether impossible to procure wood or any other substance for the purpose of sheltering the troops from the excessive power of the Sun. 10. Head quarters remain at Rueda, & there have been no material changes in the Army. We moved last night at Midnight one League, for the purpose of occupying ground vacated by the 5th & 6th Divisions, who are gone I know not where ; it was adviseable that this move should not be overlooked by the Enemy. We lie about equal distance between the Towns of Rueda and Nava. In point of shelter we are not a bit better off than we were before. There appears no probability of our soon seeing Valladolid. It is said that Lord Wellington has gained his end, in having dispossessed the Enemy of all the fine Corn Country throughout the province of Salamanca, and extending along the Tagus as far as Talavera de la Reyna. The concentration of all their force to oppose us will likewise afford a splendid opportunity to the Guerillas, of which no doubt they will not fail to avail themselves. We hear from deserters that Bonnet has joined, and that Caffarelli with a considerable force is coming from Navarre ; on his junction it is supposed we shall be attacked.