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.

    160/192 (page 156)
    [1812] filled with remarkably fine women; everything bore the [Ado.] appearance of the most unsophisticated Joy. At length the Constitution was proclaimed amid the acclamations of thousands, who once more respired the air of liberty, after having for more than four years endured the galling Chains of the most odious Slavery. The rejoicings continued for three days, and for the same number of nights the town was most beautifully illuminated. In the midst of all this gaiety the preparations for carrying on the operations against the Retiro were carried on with vigour. On the night of the 13th the Outworks were stormed and taken, and on the following Morning at ten o’Clock a number of Troops deemed sufficient for the purpose were selected from the 3d Division to storm the remainder of the works. Just as they were about to move off for the purpose, a flag of Truce issued from the Fort; the result of the conference, which lasted some time, was the surrendering up the Fort and all it contained to the Allied Army. The surprize excited by this most unlooked for event was so great, that it was with difficulty believed. At four o’clock in the Afternoon the Garrison marched out with the honors of war, to the amount of two thousand; they were nearly all in a state of intoxication, and their gestures and language was very violent; they exclaimed that they were sold, and that their Officers ought every one to be burnt alive. For my own part I shall never cease to believe, that the Governor yielded to the “ Auri sacra fames ” tho’ such an opinion is very assiduously scouted at Head Quarters; at all events it may very fairly be inferred that that Gentleman will never break his Parole.—In the Fort were found 190 pieces of Cannon, 20,000 Musquets, Ammunition in proportion, and immense Magazines of every description. On the 18th our Division marched & bivouacked on the same ground we occupied on the 12th. On the 19th it reached the Escurial, where we still remain; I did not leave Madrid myself till the 19th and arrived here just at the same time