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.

    162/192 (page 158)
    [1812] In the meantime the French have again occupied Valladolid [Aug.] ^ the neighbouring places, but it is not apprehended they will march upon Salamanca, as such a movement could not be performed without risk. From the extreme heat of the weather a season of rest is most devoutly to be wished, but it is very little to be expected. 24th. Nothing has occurred to induce us to expect we shall quit this place soon; Head Quarters remain in Madrid with the Light & 3d Divisions ; the ist, 4th, & 7th are here; the 5th marched Yesterday Morning to Arevallo, to be in communication with Genl. Clinton. King Joseph, who was supposed to be going to Valencia, is said to have changed his direction, & is gone towards Aragon; it is certain there have been great disturbances in his Army between the French & Spanish troops, & much blood has been shed ; many of the Families who left Madrid in his train have returned to their houses, preferring to be tried by some Court established for the purpose to remaining with him. [Sept.] Sept. 15th. On the 25th Ulto. I went to Madrid, and after being there a day or two was attacked with remittent Fever, from which I have only just recovered ; I returned yesterday to the Escorial, where my Division alone remains; Lord W. left Madrid on the ist inst. & took the direction of Valladolid; he has with him the ist, 5th, 6th, & 7th Divisions, & Genl. Pack’s & Bradford’s Brigades of Portugueze. It is conjectured they are by this time near Burgos, the Siege of which place, or rather of the Castle there, is determined on. By the last Accts. it was supposed the French Army would not make a stand in that neighbourhood. In the meantime the French have raised the Siege of Cadiz ; this most important event took place on the night of the 24th Ulto. It appears to have been done with much precipitation, as they left a vast quantity of stores behind them, and it is said Artillery to the Amount of fifteen hundred pieces. This movement must have been the consequence of our possession of the Capital, by which the communication