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.

    70/192 (page 66)
    [1810] [Oct.] to march, the weather had cleared considerably. We ascended some Hills behind the Village we had occupied, where we remained till the Afternoon, when we were again put under Cover, it appearing evident that we should not be called upon, at least as yesterday.—The skirmishing between the Picquets was considerable, and the first fortieth Blood was drawn in the afternoon, one man on picquet being severely wounded. The nth Portugueze Regiment, one of two attached to this Division, had an opportunity of distinguishing themselves. They had never been before engaged, and their Conduct was most heroic. They were charged by a body of French Troops which they not only gallantly resisted, but charged their Enemy in return & killed a great many of them. Col. Harvey, who commanded them and who has the merit of bringing them to their present state of discipline, was severely wounded. The privation of his services is considered a great publick loss This day all remains quiet. The enemy show themselves in force on the opposite Hills, but do not manifest any disposition to advance. The weather is at present fine, but does not appear entirely settled. Should it continue favour- able, they must of necessity commence their operations, as the exhausted state of the Country they have passed through will not admit of delay. 15th. Yesterday at noon a very smart skirmish took place in which the 71st was principally engaged. They main- tained the high Character which has so long distinguished them. It was an experiment on the part of the Enemy which entirely failed. They lost several Officers and two Hundred Men. Our loss was about fifty. In the Evening an Aide du Camp of Genl. Miller, who has a command in the Portugueze service, passed through here on his way to Head Quarters from Coimbra. He represents that place in possession of the Portugueze, Genl. M. being there with five thousand Men. They found there four thousand sick and wounded French, who were sent down to Oporto.