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.

    184/192 (page 180)
    i8o [1813] days have been able to ride out on Horseback; notwithstand- [Apr.] j regain my strength very slowly—My leave to England is now beyond the caprice of any individual, a Medical Board having recommended me there for the recovery of health.—A convoy is expected to sail about the 14th, and with it, God willing, I hope to take my passage to that land where all my wishes centre. 25th. After making every arrangement to go home in a transport, an offer of a passage in the Impeteux of 78 Guns (the Convoying Ship) was made me, & I accordingly embarked in her on the 17th at Night. On the Morning of the i8th we got under weigh with near sixty sail, and in the course of the day entirely lost sight of Lisbon. Notwithstanding that it is certainly a handsome City, I dislike it more than any place I was ever in, and this altogether from the want of cleanliness of its Inhabitants.—The last few days I was there afforded me an opportunity of witnessing their most splendid pro- cessions, & Church services (it being Passion week); some of the Music was really beautiful, being entirely executed by public Performers. Since we have been at sea, we have been almost constantly baffled by contrary winds; we are now out a week, and are only this day in Lat. 40. 29. Our prospect is however at present better, as we are now very nearly able to lie on our course.—Our Mess in the Ward room consists of twenty four, & much good humour prevails; the monotony of the Passage is a good deal relieved by the bustle that always exists in a Ship of this size.—We have had a good deal of hard blowing with a high running sea, but hitherto I have not at all suffered from sea-sickness.—The day after quitting the Tagus, we fell in with the Pomona, having Sir Thos. Graham, & other General Officers on board for the Army under Lord W.— The Impeteux is commanded by a Captain Bateman who to much professional knowledge adds a temper of the most conciliatory nature, & is much beloved by his Officers. The