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.

    182/192 (page 178)
    [1813] [March] This day I have only come two Leagues, to a town called Condeixa formerly one of the prettiest in Portugal, but which now exhibits a memorable instance of French barbarity, scarcely a single house remaining ; when I last passed thro’ it, it was in flames. 8th. Yesterday I halted at Pombal, & this day at Leyria. Both places are nearly a heap of Ruins, but are beginning somewhat to recover themselves. The Cathedral here is undergoing repair as fast as circumstances will admit ; it was only half destroyed ; the walls only of the Bishop’s Palace are remaining ; but he lives here notwithstanding in a small house.—The horrors the Enemy committed especially on this Road are not without their use ; the sight of them have had their due effect upon the minds of the Portugueze Soldiery; & it is I verily believe a holy thirst of vengeance which keeps them to their Colours ; for were it not with them a war of feeling it would be idle to suppose they would remain consoli- dated with the miserable Pay & feeding they receive.—The weather continues delightfully fine, but the heat already for three or four hours in the Day is becoming oppressive. 27th. The long interval since my last has been occasioned by illness; on the gth I proceeded to a small Inn, four Leagues, where I got tolerably well accommodated.—On the loth I set off for Alcoentre, six Leagues ; on reaching Rio Mayor, four Leagues, 1 felt myself extremely unwell with the usual Symptoms of Fever ; notwithstanding I proceeded on my journey, & reached Alcoentre, where I was obliged to go immediately to Bed.—The following Morning (nth) feeling a little better, I mounted my Horse, & with some difficulty reached Villa Franca on the Tagus, & distant from Lisbon five Leagues. In the Evening of the same I availed myself of a Boat going down to Lisbon, & arrived at Lisbon that night at half past Eleven, extremely ill ; where with the utmost difficulty I succeeded in procuring a Bed. The next day (i2th) I made several ineffectual attempts to procure a