The translator does say 'who have come from Spain' - re-read it please.

I agree that translating 'filles' as 'loose women' is an exaggeration, though to a 19th century translator maybe this was the obvious reading, but I can't agree that this refers to refugees in a general sense. Why he should he be only concerned with women and not with children and old people? Why the emphasis on those dressed in men's clothing?

Having looked at the original I woudl still read this as being about camp followers.

regards

Susan