The Journal of an Army Surgeon by Boutflower Charles

Author:Boutflower, Charles [Boutflower, Charles]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Non-Fiction, War/Military, Medical, Peninsular War, Napoleonic Wars
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Killed Wounded Missing Total

British 886 2705 547 4138

Portugueze 102 252 26 380

Total 988 2957 573 4518

221 Officers included in the above.

The Spaniards had 1500 Men killed & wounded &c. The only General Officer killed was Majr. Genl. Houghton; Majr. Genls. the Hon. W. Stewart & the Hon. G. L. Cole both commanding Divisions were wounded. The Army has particularly to lament the Death of Sir Wm. Myers, who fell at the head of the Fusilier Brigade which he was leading on most gallantly; at an early Age he had attained very high rank being a Lieut. Col. at Eighteen; his superior Abilities excessive zeal & entire devotion to the Service however proved that he was admirably qualified for the situation he filled; he died at the age of twenty eight, and his Death may be justly considered as a most severe loss to his Country.

By a distinguished act of gallantry a Corporal of Artillery prevented a Gun from falling into the Hands of the Enemy; Lord Wellington with a liberality worthy his great mind has given him an hundred Dollars, & directed him to be promoted on the first vacancy.

We have accounts of the fall of Almeida, which completes the entire expulsion of the Enemy from Portugal. So great a blessing the Portugueze as a Nation have deserved; their loyalty and devotedness to a sacred cause are unparallelled in the history of Nations, and do them immortal honour. Could I witness but a twentieth part of their loyalty in the Spaniards, I should anticipate their emancipation with Confidence. As it is I confess I look forward with more of fear than hope. They appear disposed to be content under any Government. Such a People deserve not to enjoy the sacred blessing of Freedom.

27th. A very brilliant affair took place on the 25th between our heavy Dragoons and a portion of the Enemy's Cavalry. A small number of ours only showed themselves which induced the French to cross a narrow Bridge for the purpose of attacking them: the main Body then fell upon them, and routed them with great slaughter. Their loss in killed, wounded, & missing was four hundred besides many Officers: we had only three killed and twenty wounded.

We have no expectation of any thing being done for some time; Marshal Beresford has quitted the Army for Elvas, from whence it is said he proceeds to Lisbon for the purpose of still further augmenting the Portugueze Force.—Genl. Hill is daily expected here to take the command of this Corps of the Army; he is a very popular Officer.—The Marines & Artificers belonging to the Regiments in this Neighbourhood to be employed at the Siege of Badajos marched from hence this Morning.

30th. The Siege of Badajos has not yet commenced, but the preparations on a very large scale are going on as fast as possible. Lord W. has taken possession of a Quinta in the Neighbourhood, & his presence will infuse energy in every one concerned in the Operations. In the meantime Soult is collecting another Army at Llerena, which is only nine Leagues from here.

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