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.

    56/192 (page 52)
    [1810] leaving the Town, and I apprehend the greater number of [July] Inhabitants will quit the place on the near approach of the French. 30th. We now form the advance of the Army, and there is no doubt shall commence our retreat, as soon as the Enemy show themselves in force, it being generally believed that Lord Wellington has at present no intention of bringing the French to an Eugagement. This place is nearly deserted, scarcely a family remaining. The Nuns have quitted the Convent, having obtained a Dispensation for that purpose. With the exception of two or three they left it almost broken hearted. I was particularly affected at seeing one of them (the oldest of the community and who I find is one hundred and seventeen years of age) quit the place she had not been out of before for seventy-six years. She has kept her Bed a great while, but with the exception of her Sight she retains all her faculties. She was laid on a Car, and bore her Sufferings without a Murmur, but fervently praying that she might be released from them while on the Road to the place she was going to. Having been in the building every Day the last six weeks attending on a sick Nun, I had an opportunity of knowing several of them, and most worthy ^Peoplemany of them were, particularly the Lady Abbess. She quitted the Convent last night, and I attended her some distance out of the Town. She evidently laboured under the severest mental Anguish : my Heart bled for her. On parting with her she offered up a most fervent Prayer for my happiness here and hereafter, and assured me that it would afford her the most sincere gratification, could I in the event of getting safe out of the Country find means to make her acquainted with it. We perceive [distinctly the Firing at Almeida, which is to-day 'carried on on both sides with great spirit. Our Baggage is kept constantly packed, but we do not expect to march till the Enemy shall have possessed themselves of that Garrison.