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.

    179/192 (page 175)
    [1813] [Jan.] [Fbb.] It appears that the Enemy only remained four days in Madrid ; they abandoned it on the 6th Ulto. & had not again occupied it on the 25th. There is reason however to believe that they have since entered it. Jan. 5th. The Enemy reoccupied Madrid on the 3d Ulto. but, from the complexion of affairs in the North, there is every reason to hope that in a very short time they will feel themselves obliged to withdraw their Army from the Peninsula; four thousand Cavalry have already gone to France. Lord W. arrived at Cadiz on the 24th Ulto. and is to return via Lisbon, where great preparations are making for his reception and where he is idolized as little less than a Divinity. The frost set in here on Christmas Day, and has continued more or less ever since; there appears little difference in the Climate here and in England ; the only advantage here is that at midday there is more Sun. 12th. Already the successes of the Russians begin to appear in this Country ; the Enemy have abandoned the line of the Tormes and we hear they are mining Burgos and preparing again to evacuate the Capital; it is confidently said they have commenced defiling a large body of Infantry to France. Lord W. is expected at Hd. Qrs. on the 17th. February ist. Lord W. arrived at Frenada on the 25th. Nothing respecting the object of his journey to Cadiz has tran- spired, but whatever it may have been, it is said his wishes have not been realized by the Regency at Cadiz. The Enemy it appears still occupy the Tormes, but in less force ; various accounts from Spain make it appear probable that they have it in contemplation to retire beyond the Ebro. The Weather continues very cold, and the number of sick is still considerable; the Army is yet very far from being in a state to take the Field. It is probable we shall not move from our Cantonments for at least these two Months.