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.

    82/192 (page 78)
    [1811] quitted this Village this morning at eight o’clock) are [March] retreating in the direction of Thomar, or have crossed the Zezere and propose going by Castel Branco. Hitherto we have made but few Prisoners. Lord W. is with that part of the Army following them by the way of Torres Novas. 12th. On the 8th we marched to Thomar, which place the Enemy had quitted the same Morning. We found that their whole force was retreating in the direction of Coimbra. We halted on the gth, on which Day it was generally understood, & indeed certainly intended, that our Division, with the Second, & a Brigade of Cavalry, should proceed into the Alemtejo, and attack Mortier at present investing Badajos. This arrangement was however altered, an Order arriving in the Night for our marching the next Morning in the direction of Pombal, the Enemy having shewn themselves there in great force, & with an apparent intention of making a resolute defence there, it being a considerable Depot for their stores. We halted for the Night on the side of a Hill about three Leagues from Thomar. On the following morning (the nth) we proceeded on our way to Pombal, distant upwards of five Leagues. On our route we heard the Enemy were in a strong Position with every apparent intention of defending it. The different Divisions were directed to march as quick as possible, as Lord W. was most anxious to attack them before Sunset. The length of the March & the badness of the Roads rendered this impracticable ; the attack was therefore deferred till this Morning, and the necessary orders given for carrying it into execution at Day Break. The Town of Pombal was carried very gallantly yesterday by the Dragoons & Light Brigade; it being however under the Fire of the Enemy’s Artillery, they were compelled to evacuate it. In the Evening the Enemy took up a Position on some heights on the right Hand of the great Road leading to Coimbra. Lord W. took up his position immediately opposite to them. Between the two Armies was a flat about half a mile in breadth and a