The National Register.
London, England, 1811-11-17 00:00:00

TIIE NATJONAL REGISTER.

712

sants concur, ai they state baying 4een the enemy burn or throw
their dead into wells, and carry off many waggons laden with
wounded. " J. OBISPO.
Alonb, October 5, IS11."

( Reieney Gazette, 0ct.24.)
LETTER FROM GEN. COARLES O'OOIII4IILE TO GEN. BLAKE,
DATED OCT. 4.
" At six in the morning of the 2d, the enemy attacked the
great guard, separated in the vicinity of Betera,
whose com
mandant, Lieut.-Col. K. Cevero, not only waited them with
firmness, but obliged them to give way, charging and pursuing
them for half a league. He ceased to follow as soon as they had
been joined by a reinforcement, which rendered them very su-
perior, and tell back upon the vanguard of the -division esta
bhshed in Puebla de Valbona, composed of the King's squadron,
and 2d battalion of Arragon, whom I ordered to join the caca-
dores of Valencia, and first volunteers of infantry of the same
name, who were in I .yria, under the command of Field Marshal
D. San Juan, immediately after I knew they advaaed with forces
which Indicated more than a mere reconnoissance.
" I put the infantry which were with me, consisting of two
battalions of Soria, two of the Prince's, and one of the volun-
teers of Molina under arms, placing them on the heights conti-
*VOUS to Beneguaril. The enemy, concealed by height, which
did not allow us to discover either their force or dispositions,
did not commence the attack till they had united. At ten they
commenced it with all their sharp shooters, sustained by batta-
lions en battaille. As the ground as muchw intersected at the
beginning, they made no use of their cavalry, which also did
not allow of ours menieuvring except in parties. The volun-
teers of Valencia and Arragon maintained for a length of time
their ground, bravely repelliug the repeated attacks made upon
them, till a column of infantry arrived to intersect their ex-
tended line, whilst another marched by the left to take them
in the rear, when they retired, viz. the Kinet. 's Dragoons, and
part of the infantry who were upon the right, by their left flank
to the bridge of Reba Rove, which they had passed previous to
• its- occupation by the. enemy, and the remainder of the troops
of both descriptions by their near to Benaguaril. I saw the su-
periority of the enemy's forces, which exceeded 3500 infantry
• • and 600 horse, and took me -cures for passing the river Turia
by Villamarchante (because my instructione commanded me
riot to commence a general action without a certainty of a happy
result), which I accomplished in (echelons, by half-past twelve
in the morning, leaving a squadron of the King's Ball, and two
of cagadores of Valencia, under General San Juan, to protect
the fords for the infantry. The enemy pursuing, advanced,
and detached the whole of their cavalry to cut off our retreat ;
in effect, they succeeded, in interposing between the King's
squadron, which formed the last eschelon, and the ford, winch
they attempted at the same time to pass at all risks, but the tire
of the two companies of Soria, which had been placed in ambush
there. obliged them to give up the design, arid retire with loss.—
The King's squadron, which was cut off. marched by its left, and
succeeded in effecting its retreat, though with some loss, by Re-
ralba, where it crossed the river. Upon the left bank of the
river, and above the town of Villamarchante, there are two steep
heights which cross the road, and form a pass ; upon one I placed
the battalion of Valencian volunteers, and that of Molina upon
the other; Gen. San Juan formed the cavalry he had with him
in the rear of those in the valley, in order to dispute conic qui
collie the passage of the enemy, who formed their troops on the
opposite banks, and appeared determined to force it. For two
hours and a half they remained in sight of us inactive, and half
• an hour before dark commenced their retreat towards Benaguaril,
leaving their advanced posts along the clear to ob.erve us. Night
having set in I marched to Reba Roxa, from whence I sent or-
ders to the troops wh o in the mornine had retired by this bridge,
to join me, which was accomplished, the whole of the division
having united at this point yesterday at 12 o'clock. The troops
which were engaged conducted themselves with the utmost bold-
ness and firmness, all acted with the greatest order, successfully
occupying the different positions which had been pointed out,
so that every praise is due to their diacipline, and the firmness of
the Chiefs and Officers who directed them.
Our loss consists in 11 killed, 52 wounded, and 118 missing,
of which the greater part will soon join, as we have positive
in-
formation that but a few were taken risore•rs at the passaee of
the river, and those so dangerously wounded, that it was impos-
sible for them to retire.
I he loss of the enemy must have been ceesiderable, because
in Vellona our sharp-shooters directed their fire upon close co-
lumns of infantry. The senadron of lancers which charged
ours was received by a volley at a short distance, in their at-
tempt to pass the river ; the companies of Soria fired when with-
in pistol-shot, so that I can assert they have lost more people
than my division.
" Field-Marshal Don Pedro Villacampa, who assisted me
throughout, hat the satisfaction to see the troops which he had

formed in Arragon give the first proof of that valour and disci-
pline with which he knew how to inspire them. The Officers
of my Staff completely fulfilled their functions, and my Field-
Adjutants distinguished themselves, particularly Col. Don A.
Ramon, who being cut off by the enemy in passing the rear,
joined the cavalry, which he conducted to Reralba.--(Suate-
ment to the Regency Gazette of the 24th of October.)