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.

    26/192 (page 22)
    [1809] [Nov.] Dispatches of the utmost importance, which may possibly determine the point in question. It is difficult to form an idea of what will be the Sentiments of the Spaniards, if we quit the Country; whether vexation and discontent for our not remain- ing to do more will not prevail over the gratitude they ought to feel for what we have already done. I should be sorry to think anything should beget an Animosity towards us from a People I think generally disposed to admire and esteem the English Character. It is, I believe, well ascertained that, in the different wars between England and Spain, and when the latter Country was in the closest alliance with France, an Englishman was always received with an Attention and marked Regard by the Spaniards which they never could testify towards a Frenchman ; and as a proof of the high estimation Spain has always considered an alliance with England, there is an old Spanish proverb which runs thus;— “Paz con Inglaterra Y con todo el Hondo Guerra,”which simply means, “ Peace with England, and war with all the world.” 25th. Nothing particular has occurred since the last Date. There has certainly been an action in La Mancha between the French & Spanish Armies, but the result is not correctly known. Lord Wellington is at present on a shooting expedi- tion. He has the whole of his Baggage with him, in order, it is supposed, that when he proposes moving to a greater dis- tance it may not be suspected. There is a general rumour that the Army is about to move, but it does not appear to rest on any solid foundation. The weather from being intensely cold has become extremely pleasant. The Sickness in the Garrison has been and indeed still is very alarming. The number of Sick is not less than five hundred in this place alone. 28th. Certain Accounts have reached this place of the result of the action in La Mancha. The Spaniards in killed, wounded and Prisoners have not lost less than 20,000 Men, and it appears that the remainder of their Army is nearly dispersed.