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.

    152/192 (page 148)
    [1812] [JOLY] 148 yet turn out well, but at present I fear we have gained but little popularity by our irruption into the North of Spain. 26th. The events since my last date have been of an importance altogether unprecedented since the commencement of hostilities in this Country. On the Evening of the 21st it having been ascertained that nearly the whole of the French army had passed the Tormes, the British army crossed it likewise, and took up a position about a League from Salamanca having our left upon the River. At daybreak on the 22d we discovered the enemy posted on the heights opposite us. They very soon sent out a large party of Dragoons, & Sharpshooters, and a very smart skirmish commenced, which lasted for two or three hours ; this was not with any intention of subsequently attacking us, but merely to cover a movement of their Army to their left. In the course of the forenoon they had occupied some most advantageous heights, near a league further to their left; & while they were able from their immense Artillery & apparently impregnable position to cannonade us with effect, it reduced Lord W. to the necessity of either uncovering Salamanca, or allowing them to get on the Ciudad Rodrigo Road in which latter case our Baggage would have been taken, and our supplies intercepted. His Lordship therefore (notwith- standing their advantageous position) resolved to attack them. The Attack commenced about four o’Clock in the afternoon, and continued till eight at night, when the Enemy were dislodged from their heights, and pursued in the utmost confusion. They recrossed the river the same night at Alba de Tormes, & the Head Quarters of the British Army were established at that place. On the 23d the pursuit continued, when a great number of Prisoners were made; the Brigade of Heavy Germans made a charge upon two solid Columns and took fifteen hundred Prisoners. On the 24th the Army continued to move forward. Yesterday we were compelled to halt in order to enable the Stores & Provisions of the Army to reach us. This day we marched four Leagues, and are at