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.

    40/192 (page 36)
    [1810] [Jan.] [Fkb.] credit is attached to it. Another rumour states that the French in endeavouring to force the passes of the Sierra Morena have been completely defeated by the Army under General Blake. Certain it is that there is an unaccountable inactivity amongst the Enemy. The utmost energy at the same time prevails both with the Spaniards and Portugueze in the organising of new levies, manufacturing of Arms, and fortify- ing of Cities, Passes, &c., &c. Notwithstanding the immense shock they look forward to from the power of France being likely to be concentrated against them, they anticipate more confidently than ever an eventual Triumph; and I observe likewise that many English Officers, who a few weeks back gave up the cause as entirely lost, now entertain an opinion that they may ultimately succeed. For my own part I have a much more favourable sentiment of the issue than I had at the period of our quitting Olivenza. Febry ad. It is said that the French are advancing into Portugal by way of Badajos and Elvas, and that their advance has actually reached Merida. Should this account prove correct, we shall most probably be compelled to measure back our steps in order to protect the Capital. Lord Wel- lington left Head-Quarters a Day or two since to proceed in that direction. The last English Newspapers concur in stating that he is to go out to India with full power to settle, if possible, the unhappy differences at present prevailing there. He is so completely idolized by the Portuguese, that I am confident his removal from the chief Command in this Country will excite more despondency among them than the loss of a general engagement. We have accts. of three hundred men having embarked to join our Battalion ; which will render us so completely effective, that, whether affairs are soon brought to a termination or not in this Country, there is no prospect of our returning to England, as we shall doubtless be employed on some other Service. In the present critical and unsettled state of affairs it is impossible to conjecture where we may next be sent to serve; the Mediterranean, India, or North