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.

    50/192 (page 46)
    [1810] [April] [May] 13th. We are entirely without News of the Enemy in this Quarter. The weather appears likely to be more favourable than it has lately been, from which many infer we shall soon be engaged. Regiments continue to arrive from England at Lisbon, and indeed every circumstance tends to prove that there will yet be a most obstinate Struggle before the fate of this Country is finally fixed. 26th. Last week, being Passion Week, was one continual round of Ceremonies and Processions ; were I to attempt to describe them all this Book would be insufficient for the purpose. The Thursday is here a more solemn Day than the Friday, and every person who lays the smallest claim to the denomination of a good Catholic makes a point of confessing on that Day and afterwards communicating. I had an opportunity of being present at the different functions performed in the Chapel of the Nuns. The Organ is a very sweet one, and some of the Music particularly fine, but the levity I have so frequently observed among the Canons in the Cathedral may be styled Devotion in comparison with that which prevails among these fair Recluses. I never before had so convincing a proof of the inefficiency of this Religion to touch and amend the Heart. May loth. Since the last date the Enemy have made various movements indicating a disposition to attack us. Lord Wellington in consequence removed his Head Quarters to Celerico to be nearer the scene of action, and the whole British Force together with several Portugueze Regiments have been concentrated in this Neighbourhood. It is said however that the French have again retreated upon Salamanca, and that they may still be some time longer quiet. Notwithstanding the advanced Season of the Year the weather is cold and almost constantly wet, nor do the Inhabitants give us hopes of having better, at least for a Month to come. It is true we have not had any Snow very lately, but they bid us prepare to expect it,