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.

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    [1812] with him ; Head Quarters have been at Cuellar the last five [Aug.] days, but we know not if they have moved from thence to-day or not. Cuellar is a very old Town, possessing a most spacious Castle, in which was an Armoury ; it has been however totally destroyed by the French. 7th. Our march this day was 3 Leagues. We are bivouacked near the Village of Yenques, on the river Eresma, and distant from Segovia three leagues ; it appears the Enemy have left a Garrison in the Castle there, for the reduction of which some heavy Guns are moving with us. The Country we have reached is much more plentiful than any we have been accustomed to for a very long period of time ; Geese, Turkeys, Ducks &c. &c. are now to be pro- cured at a reasonable price. The Costume of the Peasantry in this neighbourhood is altogether different from any I have before seen, & considerably resembles the Chinese dress. As we pass thro’ the several Towns & Villages, the acclamations of the People are unbounded. loth. On the 8th we marched near four Leagues & bivouacked at el Palacio del Rio frio, about a league from Segovia. This place takes its name from a Royal Palace built not many years since for the accomodation of the Court while hunting in this Neighbourhood ; it is an immense square building & has fifty one windows on each face ; it has nothing remarkable except the Stair Case which is very handsome and worthy of a Royal residence. On the 9th we remained in the same bivouac; this gave us an opportunity of visiting Segovia. We were misinformed when we were told that there was a French Garrison in that city ; it having been entirely aban- doned several days since by the Enemy. It is a very ancient town, and is well worthy of observation. The Castle is known to every one who has read the History of Gil Bias, as having been the place of his Confinement, when he fell into disgrace; on one of the Apartments is marked, “ Here the celebrated Gil Bias was confined.” The Cathedral is a very fine