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.

    158/192 (page 154)
    [1812] the finest marble in separate niches of four, one above the [Adg.] other : there are twelve of these ^Coffins still unoccupied ; the Mausoleum is called the Pantheon, and is certainly a very splendid & beautiful edifice—the Church is also particularly elegant ; the Ceiling is beautifully painted ; the subjects are Scriptural, & the Day of Judgment is the chef d’ Oeuvre.— The Library is also a large painted Room ; the subjects illustrative of the different Arts & Sciences. Not a Book however remains in it ; the French with their accustomed rapacity have taken them all; a pair of Globes, & an Orrery alone have been spared from the grasp of these merciless Robbers. By ascending a hill & looking down upon the Escurial, the form of a Gridiron in which it was built is perceived ; it was erected by Philip the 2d in commemoration of Saint Lorenzo ; who is said to have suffered Martydom by being burnt to death on that Instrument. We are at present six leagues from Madrid, and had flattered ourselves we should have taken quiet possession of it; it is likely however we are deceived, as while I am writing a heavy Cannonade can be distinctly heard in that direction; there can therefore be no doubt that they yet maintain themselves in the Retiro, & from the strength of it we may have a good deal of trouble in dislodging them from it. 21 St. A long period has elapsed since my last date, from my time having been too fully occupied to allow of my bringing up my Journal. The firing heard on the Evening of the nth proceeded from a severe skirmish which took place with the Enemy about two Leagues on this side of the Capital. Genl. D’Urban with near a thousand Portuguese Cavalry was in front with a Brigade of English Horse Artillery, supported about a half League in their rear by the Brigade of Heavy German Cavalry. Towards Evening some enemy’s Cavalry shewed themselves, when a slight skirmishing took place, the Enemy retiring on Madrid. At length they appeared in considerable force; and made a disposition to