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.

    154/192 (page 150)
    [1812] about two Leagues in front of us, and on the high road from [July] Madrid to Valladolid. It isconfidently rumoured that the junction of the Enemy with their reinforcements from Madrid has been prevented and that their advanced Guard has been fallen in with and defeated by our Cavalry ; King Joseph is said to be with them. The Road we have marched on this time has been very far to the left of that we took when we advanced last upon the Douro ; this has been from the necessity imposed upon Lord W. of following the track of the Enemy. It is supposed we shall this time endeavour to cross the river at Tudela, by which means we avoid the Pisuerga, which it would be necessary to pass if we passed the Douro at Tordesillas.—Marmont is reported to have died at Arevallos. The command of the French Army is said to have devolved upon General Foy, who, if we may believe the prisoners, gained but little credit for his exertions on the battle of the 22d. He commanded the Cavalry. 31st. On the 2gth we crossed the river Adaja & encamped near a village called Hornillos on the Eresma. Yesterday we passed the latter at a Ford, and the Cega at a bridge ; after marching four Leagues we were directed to halt in a wood near the Village of Boccillo, for orders ; this place was only distant five miles from Valladolid, the Spires of which City we could plainly see. While we were indulging ourselves with the idea of entering it, an order was received to retrograde two Leagues, & encamp on the Cega, where we remain this day.—The Enemy left Valladolid yesterday Morning. Lord Wellington with a squadron of the nth Dragoons entered it a few hours after. He was received with loud acclamations by the Inhabitants, and after remaining there for some hours he returned to the village of Mojados near our encampment, and where his Head Quarters are at present established.—About seven hundred sick & wounded French were found in Valladolid. The enemy have taken the direction of Aranda, a town situated on the Douro, for the purpose it is supposed of uniting with the reinforcements under Joseph ; it is probable they will yet make another struggle before they abandon the Capital.