The Sun. — London, England, 1807-04-13 00:00:00

MA 11,S. A R:R jv E Gottenburgli, i Jamaica, 2 Dublin, 2 Waterford. D GOtteilbUr'E,ll, t Lisbon, t r Waterford. PRICE OF STOCKS THIS DAY NT TWELVE O'CLOCK. Consols 621 I Omnium i pr. THE SUN. SOLEM QUIS DICERE FALSUIrt AUDEAT? L 0 IV D 0 IU, MONDAY, APRIL. 13, 1807. Yesterday morning Capt. DONNELLY arrived at the Admiralty with Dispatches from Admiral STIR LING, announcing the Capture of/I/hide Video. Let ters from Lord AIULGRAVE and Lord CASTLEREAGEI were immediately transmitted to the LORD MAYOR, and the PaTI:: and .Tower Guns were fired upon the occasion. The following Gazette Extraordinary was published this morning : THE LONDON GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY. MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1807. Downing-Street, April 12, 1807. A Dispatch, of which the following is a copy, Was received this morning at. the Office of Vis• count Castlereagh, one of his Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, from Brigadier-General Auch muty to the Right Hon. William Windham : Sin, Monte Video, Feb 6, 1807 . I have the honour to inform you, that his Ma jesty's troops under my command have taken by assault, and after a most determined resistance, the important fortress and city of Monte Video. The Ardent, with her convoy, arrived at Maldo nado on the sth of January; and I immediately took under my orders the troops from the Cape, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Backhouse. On the 13th I evacuated that place without opposition, leaving a small garrison in the Island of Gorriti. On consulting with Rear-Admiral Stirling, it was determined to attack Monte Video ; and I landed on the morning of the 18th, to the Wes tward of the Caretas Rocks, in a small Bay about nine miles from the Town. The- Enemy were. in great force, with guns on the heights, when we disembarked; but they (lid not advance to oppose us, and surr:re.d Inc to take a strong position, about a mile from the. shore. A trifling cannonade, and some 'firing - at the out-posts, commenced in the afternoon, and continued occasionally during our stay on that ground. On the 19th we moved towards Monte Video. • The right column, under the Honourable Briga att--beneral bunliey, \\"4S early opposed. four thousand of the Enemy's horse occupied two heights to his front and right. As we ad vanced, a heavy fire of round and grape opened upon us ; but a spirited charge in front, from the light battalion under Lieutenant-Colonel Brownrigg, dis persed the corps. opposed to him, with the loss of a gun. The Enemy on the flank did not wait a similar movement, but retreated. They continued retiring before us, and permitted us, without any further opposition, except a distant cannonade, to take up a position 'about two_ miles frOrn the citadel. Our advanced posts occupied the suburbs, and some small parties were posted close to the works ; but in the evening the principal part of the suburbs was evacuated. --The next morning the Enemy came out of the town, and attacked us with their whole force, about thonsand hien, and a number of guns. They advanced in two columns ; the right, consisting of cavalry, to • turn our left flank ; while the other, of infantry, attacked the left of our line : this column pushed in our advaneed posts, and pressed so hard on' our out-pioquet of fOur hundred men, that Col. Browne, who commanded on the left ; ordered three companies of the -kith, under Major Campbell, to their 'support': these - :companies tell in with the head-of the column, and very bravely charged it ; the charge was as gallantly received, and great numbers . • fell,On both sides: at length the column began to give way, when it was suddenly and impetuously attacked in flank by'the rifle corps and light batta-. lion, which I ordered up, and dire&ed to the parti cular point. The column now gave way on all sides, and was pursued, with great slaughter and . the loss or a ghn, to the town. The right coludin, ob6erv- ing the fate of their companions, rapidly retired without coning into adion. -The loss of the Enemy was considerable, and has been estimated at fifteen hundred men ; their killed :night amount to between two and three hundred : wc; have taken the same number of - prisoners ; but the principal part of the wounded got back into the nwn. lam happy to acid, that ours was compara- Lively trifling. The consequences of this affair were greater than the . action itself. Instead of finding- ourselves sur rounded with horse, and a petty warfare at our posts, many of the inhabitants of the country sepa- rated, and 'retired to their several villages, and we were allowed quietly to set down before the town. From the best information I could obtain, I was led to believe that the defences of Monte Video were weak, and the garrison by no means disposed to make an obstinate resistance ; but I found the works truly respectable, with one hundred and sixty pieces of cannon ; and they were ably defended. The enemy, being in possession of the Island of Ratones, commanded the harbour; and I was awake that their Gun-Boats would annoy us, as we appre hended: A two-gun battery was constructed on the 23d to keep them - in check, and our posts were ex tended to the harbour, and completely shut in the garrison on the land side. Their communication was still, however, open by water, and their boats conveyed to them troops and provisions : even water for the garrison was obtained by these means ; for the wells that supply the town were in our possession . On the 25th we opened batteries of four twenty four-rounders and two mortars, and ail the frigates and smaller vessels came in, as close as they could with safety, and cannonaded the town. But find ing that the garrison was not intimidated into a sur render, I constructed, on the 28th, a battery of six twenty-four pounders, within a thousand yards of the south-East bastion of the citadel, which I was informed was in so weak a state, that it might be easily breached. The parapet was soon in ruins, but the rampart received little injury, and I was soon convinced that my means were unequal to a regular siege ; the only prospect of success tha t presented itself was, to erect 'a battery as near as possible to a wall by the South Gate, that joins the works to the sea, and endeavour to breach it. This was effected by a six gun battery within six hun dred yards, and though it was exposed to a very superior fire froth the enemy, which had been incessant during the whole of the siege, a breach was reported practicable on the 2d instant. Many reasons induced me not to delay the assault, though I was aware the troops would be exposed to a very heavy fire in approaching and mounting the breach. Orders were issued for the attack an hour before day break the ensuing morning, and a summons was sent to the Governor in the evening to surrender the town. To this message no answer was returned. The troops destined for the assault consisted of the rifle corps, under Major Gardner; the light in fantry, under Lieut. Colonel Brownrigg and Major Trotter ; the grenadiers, -under Majors Campbell and Tucker; and the 38th regiment, under Lieut. Col. Vassal and Major Nugent. They were supported by the 40th regiment, un der Major Dalrymple, and the 87th, under Lieut. Colonel Butler and Major Miller. The whole were commanded by Colonel Browne. The remainder L.) , force,. _consisting of the 17th light dragoons, detachments of the 20th and 21st light dragoons, the 47th regiment,' a company of the 7 ist, and a corps of 700 marines and seamen, were encamped under Brigadier-General Lumley, to proteel our rear• At the• appointed hour the troops marched to the assault. They approached near the breach be fore they were discovered, when a destraetive fire from every gun that could bear upon it, and from the musquetry of the garrison, opened upon the m . Heavy as it was, our loss would have been come paratively trifling if the breach had been open, but during the n i g ht, an d un d er our f i re, th e E nemy had barricadoed it with hides, so as to render it nearly impracticable. The night was extremely dark. The head of the column missed the breach, and when was approached it was so shut up, that it. was mistaken for the untouched wall. In this situation the troops remained under a heavy fire for a 'qu arter of an hour, when the breach was discerned by C apta i n R enny, of the 40th light in fantry, who pointed it out, and gloriously fell as he mounted it. Our gallant Soldiers rushed to it, and, difficult as it w as o f access, force d their way into the town. Gannon were placed at the head of the principal streets, and t h e i r fi re, fora short t i me , was destructivebut th e troops advanced in all direCtions, clearing the streets and batteries with their bayonets, and overturning their cannon. The 40th Regiment, with Colonel Browne, followed. They also missed the breach, and twice passed through the fire of the batteries before they found it. The 87th Regiment was posted near the North Gate, which the troops who entered at the breach were to open for them, but their ardour was so great that they could not wait. They scaled the walls and entered the town as the troops Within ap proached it. At day-light every thing was in our possession except the Citadel, which made a •spew of resistance, but soon surrendered, and early in the morning the town was quiet, and the women were peaceably walking the streets. The gallantry displayed by the Troops during the assault, and their forbearance and orderly behaviour in the town, speak so fully in their praise, that it is unnecessary fur me to say how highly I am pleased with their conduCt. The service they have been engag_ ed in - since we landed has been uncommonly severe and laborious, but not a murmur bas escaped them every thing I wished has been eileaed with o: der and cheerfulness. Our loss during the siege was trifling, particularly as we were not sheltered by Approaches, and the enemy's fire of shot and shell was incessant. But it is painful for me to add, that it was great at the as sault. Many most valuable Officers are among the killed and wounded. Major Dalrymple of the 40th was the only Field Officer killed. Lieutenant-Co lonels Vassal and Brownrigg, and Major Tucker, are among the wounded. I am deeply concerned to say that the two former are severely so. The Ene my's loss was very great, about eight hundred killed, fire hundred wounded, and the Governor Don Pas quil Ruis Huidobro, with upwards of two thousand Officers and men, are Prisoners. About fifteen hun dred escaped in Boats, or secreted themselves in the Town. From Brigadier-General the Honourable W. Lumley and from Colonel 'Browne, I have received the most able and the most zealous assistance and support. The former proteEted the line from the Enemy during our march, and covered our rear dur ing the siege. The latter conduEted it with great judgment and determined bravery. The established reputation of the Royal Artillery has been firmly supported by the Company under my orders, and I consider myself much indebted to Captains *Watson, Dickson, Carmichael, and Will gress, for their zealous and able exertions. Captain Fanshaw, of the Engineers, was equally zealous, and though young in the service, condu&ed himself with such propriety, that I have no doubt of his proving a valuable Officer. Owing to great fatigue he was taken ill in the midst of our operations, and Captain Dickson readily undertook his Office, and executed it with the greatest judgment. From the Heads of Corps and Departments,, from the General Staff of the Army, from the Medical, and from my own personal Staff, I have received the most prompt and cheerful assistance. It is insufficient to say, that the utmost cordiality has subsisted between Rear-Admiral Stirling and myself; I have received from him the most friendly attention, and every thing in his power to grant. The Captains and Officers of the Navy have- been equally zealous to assist us ; but I feel particularly indebted to Captains Donelly and Palmer for their great exertions. They commanded a Corps of Ma rines and Seamen that were landed,-and were essen tially useful to us with the guns, and in the batte ries, as well as in bringing up the ordnance and stores. This dispatch will be delivered to you by Major. Tucker, who was wounded at the, assault ; and as he has long been in my confidence, I beg leave to refer you to him for further particulars. I have the honour to be, Zicc. S. AUCHMUTY, Brigadier-General Commanding. To the Right. Honourable IPA= Windham, &c. &c. &c. P. S. I am extremely concerned to add, that Lieutenant-Colonels Vassal and Brownrigg both died yesterday of their wounds. I had flattered myself with hopes of their recovery; but a rapid mortifica tion has deprived His Majesty of two most able and. gallant Officers. Return of the Killed, Wounded, and Missing, of the Forces under the Command of Brigadier-General Sir Samuel Auchnitity, between the 16th of J anuary, the day of land ing at the Punta de Caretas, to tile loth of January in clusive. Between 16th and loth ult. t Lieutenant, 1 Drummer, 18 Rank and File, killed ; 2 Ma jors' 3 Captains, t Lieutenant, a Serjeants, t Drummer, 119 Rank and File, wounded; t Rank and File, missing. During the Siege. I Captain, 3 Rank and File, killed ; t Lieutenant, t Ensign, 12 Rank and File, wounded ; 7 Rank and File, missing. At the Assault. I Major, 3 Captains, a Lieutenants, 2 Serjeants, Five Drum mers, roc Rank and File, killed; 2 Lieutenant-Colonels,' 3 Captains, S Lieutenants, 4 Ensigns, 4 Stall, is Serjeants, 5 Drummers, 235 Rank and File, wounded._ Total--1 Alijor, 4 Captains, 3 Lieutenants, 2 Serjeants, 6 Drummers, iz6 Rank and File, killed; a LieJte nants ; a Lieutenant-Colonels, z Majors. 6 Captains, to Lieutenants, 5 Ensigns, 4 Start; zo Serjeants, 6 Drummers, 365 Rank and File, wounded ; 8 Rank and File, trussing. Captains Willgress and Crookshanks, and 31 Rank and File, included in the above, have since returned to thei r duty. J. BRADFORD, Dep. Adj. Gen. Officers killed and wounded. • Killed upon Landing, Lieutenant Fitzpatrick, of the .both. • Slightly wounded upon Landing, Major Trotter, •ot the 33d. Major Campb , :ll, of the 40th. Captain VVillgress, of the Royal Artillery. Captain Crookshanks, of the 38th. Captain Rogers, of the 40th. • Lieutenant Chawner, of the 95th. Killed during the Siege, Captain Beaumont, of the 87th. Wounded during the Siege, Lieutenant O'Brien, of the. 87t h. The Hon. C: Irby, Midshipman. Killed in the Assault, Major Dalrymple, of the 40th. Captain Rennie, of ditto. • Lieutenant Alston, of ditto. Captain Mason, of the 38th. Lieutenant I ravine, of 87th. Captain Dickenson, of the 95th. Wounded in the Assault. Lieutenant-Colonel Brownrigg, of the tldi, since dead. Lieutenant Smith, of the 40th. Ensign Cancern, of ditto. Lieutenant Evans, of the 87th, severely. Lieutenant M'Rea, of ditto, severely. Lieutenant-Colonel Vassal, of the 38th, since dead. Captain Shipton, of ditto, severely. Lieutenant Brownson, of ditto, dangerously. White, of ditto, severely. \Villsilire, of ditto, Ensiol Fraser, of ditto, since dead. l'. ya;aster Willshire, of ditto, severely. r'.ujut.tut tiewill, ofditto. dangerously. A 5,,1.t0t-Surgeon Garratt, of ditto, slightly. ,i)14111 1V iu:tham, of the 40th, severel I,::%;teuant Wallace, ofditto, di.ngerously. Lieutenant Johnson, of ditto, severely, t(innus, of ditto, severely. Major Tucker, of the 73 - 1, Assistant-Surgeon Midair, of toe 67th, r-cverely. Lieutenant Scanlan, of the 95th, sightly. Lieutenant NPNamara, of ditto, slight ly. Return of Ordnance, Ammunition, Arms, ere. Enemy at Monte Video, FLo. 3, 1507. Ratones Island. Iron Guns -5 24-Pounders. 2 IS-Pounders. 2 12-Pound ers. Round Shot -40 24-pounders, zoo 18. pounders. So 1' pounders. Grape Shot -7o 24 -pounders. 28 IS-pounders. 16 12• pounders. Bar Shot--z 4 24 -pounders. 14 12-pounders. Double-headed Shot—l 2 24-pounders. Total of Guns —5l 24-pounders. 68 IS-pounders. 3/ rz. pounders. 25 9 -pounders. 57 6-pounders. 33 4 -pounders. 32 3-pounders. 2 2-pounders. 8 . 1-pounders. —312. Total of -Mortars-4 12-inch. 3 9-inch. z 8-inch- 4 Total of Carronades—z 32-pounders. 2 24-pounders. 6 12-pounders. —lO. Total of Howi:zers—to 6i-inch. _ A. WATSON, Captain commanding Royal Artillery. Admiralty-Ofcc, ifpril 12, 1807. Captain Dunelly, of his Majesty's ship Ardent, arrived this morning with dispatches from Rear Ad miral 'Stirling; commanding a Squadron of his Ma. jesty's ships in the Rio de la Plata, of which the following are Copies : Diadem, of Monte Video, Bth Feb. 1807. Sin, _ I have :peculiar satisfa6tion in congratulai - ing my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty on the Cap ture of Monte Video, as well from the importance of the conquest, as from the honour which' has thereby been acquired by his Majesty's arms. Immediately on the arrival of Brigadier-General Sir Samuel Auchmuty, at Maldonado, it was deter mined to invest this place, and having assembled our force off the Island of Flores, a descent was effeded on the 16th ultimo, near Careta Point, which is about seven miles to the Eastward of the Town.— The enemy had assembled in considerable numbers, and with several pieces of artillery seemed determin ed to oppose our progress. Tile Navigation of the Rio de la Plata, with the strong breezes which we have experienced for se veral weeks, rendered the landing of Troops, and assisting their operations, very difficult ; bet_ the place ehoen was happily adapted to allow the covering Vessels, under the direction of Captain Hardyinan, to approach so close as to command the Beach, and notwithstanding the weather threat ened, and was unfavourable, the Soldiers got all on shore without a single accident of any kind, and were in possession of the Heights be .)re six o'clock, witl. such things as the General wanted. On the 19th the Army moved forwards, and as an attempt to harass the rear was expeEted, I direct ed Boats to proceed close along shr.re to look out ior and bring off any wounded men, whilst the cove.: Vessels were placed to prevent the Enelo l . • giving annoyance ; and I had the happiness to tip that ail the sufferers were brought ott, in aespite of well diredecl efforts to destroy them. In the even ing I dropped, with the Fleet, off Chico Bay, near which the Army encamped, within two miles of the City. I had landed about eight , hundred Seamen and Royal Marines, under the orders of Capt. Donnelly, to a& with the Troops; and, as I saw no advantage could result from any effort of Ships against a strong Fortress, well defended at all points, and which, from the shallowness of the water, could not be approached within a distance to allow shot to be of any use, I disposed the Squadron so as to pre vent any escape from the harbour, as well as to im pede a communication between Colonna and Buenos Ayres, and confined my whole attention to give every possible assistance in forwarding the siege, by lauding guns from the Line-of -battle Ships, with ammunition, stores, provisions, and every thing re quired by the Commander of the Forces. The distance which the Ships lay from the shore, with the almost constant high winds and swell we had, and the great way every thing was to be dragged by the seamen, up a heavy sandy road, made the duty excessively laoorious. The squadron had almost daily fourteen hundred men on snore,' and this ship was often left with only thirty men on board. The defence made by the Enemy protraaed the siege longer than was expee - ted, and reduced our stock of powder so low, that the King's ships, with all the transports, and what a fleet of tnerchantinen had for sale, could not have furnished a further consumption for more than two days, when a prac ticable breach was fortunately made, and on the 3d inst. early in the morning, the town and citadel were most gallantly carried by storm. In a conversation with the General on the pre ceding day, I had made such disposition of the smaller vessels and armed boats, as r appeared most likely to answer a desired purpose, and so soon as Fort Saint Philip was in possession of the Biiish troops, Lieutenant William Milne, with the armed launches, took possession of the Island of liaLlones,.: mounting ten guns and garrisoned by Jeveo ty men, which surrendered without any resistance, though it is well adapted for defence, anj might' have.given considerable annoyance. A ery tine Frigate, mounting 28 guns, was set tire by her crew, and blew up with an wiul ; also three Gun-boats; but the ut er Vesse. Har bour were saved by the exertion of our peopie.