The National Register.
London, England, 1819-11-28 00:00:00

SOUTH AMERICA,

STATE. OF THE BRITISH FORCE tH 3f tROARITAA-TEMPO.
BART BLOCKADE OF THE HARBOEU BY A SPANISH
SQUADRON.
Extra. l of a Letter tinted Margarita, Sept 21:—
" About three weeks since we received intiolna-
don that the Spaniards had collected all the vessels
they could muster, and all they-could press into the
service, to make an attack on this islaml. Wu were
quite unprepared for dethnce by sea .at the time,
the Admiral's flag ship being hove down to repaid
some damage she had sustained, and the rest of our
fleet having sailed 'on a cruise. The enemy appearcr
off the coast about noon on the sth instant, with a
squadron consisting of 11 ships, sad 9 -gun-boats
full of men. We prepared to receive them, not
doubting they would attempt a landing at day light
the next morning; but When dawn appeared we
discovered them at anchor at a respectful distance.
They remained quiet for three days, and on the 4th
they weighed and seemed to be standing in fin the
port ; but before they came within reach of our
butter ics, they bore up again. These demonstrati-
ons they made daily up to the 22d, since when we
have seen nothing of them. The cowards have, we
believe, returned to port. On the 21st, a most
interesting, and for the time, a painful scene, pre-
sented itself. A small cutter of Admiral Brion's,
which was expected from one of the islands, was
discovered at day-break in the midst of the
enemy's fleet, and chased by several of the vessels,
which kept up a heavy fire upon her. The Admi-
ral's only son, a fire and brave lad of 15, together
with Brion's brother-in-law, was on board the cut-
ter. What a prize for the Spaniards! Nothing
could have gratified them so much, as the opliortu-
tunity of showing the Admiral the horrid spectacle
of his SOIL and brother hanging at the yard-arm.—
You may guess his feelings. The few gnn.boats
we had were quickly manned by the enthusiastic
followers of Brion, and (a ill von believe it ?) on the
appearance of three of our boats they gave up the
chase. The little cutte. arrived safely in the
harbour, and the Either embraced his child !
witnessed the entire suene--you may imagine with
what feelings !
" Had the Spaniards effected a landing on their
first appearance, they might have destroyed the
town of Juan Griego, but it would have cost them

dearly ; and as to -penetrating into the interior, it
is out of the question. This island is so tbrtified
by triture, owing to the abundance of short thick
maxi, that for an enemy to gain the pass:s is impos-
sible. The natives are so well trained, and such
excellent shots, they could have picked them off
like rabbit,.
"A few weeks since a vessel was cast OP shore-
no this island. on board of which was Major War.
ner, brother-in-law to ‘•ir Itobert Wilsn, and a
man of great property, chiefly in %Vest India estates,
Maid' he had been to and was on his way to
Trinidad for the same purpose, when the vessel was
driven on shore. They had been for three days
without provision, and had given up all hopes of
seeing land again, so much so, that the major had
written a letter with the intention of committing it
to the chance of the. waves. The Major wrote to
Sir Robert Wilson of the himdsome manner in
which he was received by Admiral Brion and Ge-
neral English. The Admiral sent his own cutter
to Trinidad wish him. He promises to return to
Margarita in a short time, and even talks of ac-
companying General English on his next expe-
dition. •
" The arrangements made by General English
for the defence of the island are highly to his credit.
He was indefatigable in his efforts ; and, shortly
after the first appearance of the enemy, had col-
lected all the British troops from the interior, and
made a disposition of the native force, of which the
Governor had intrusted him with the command to
the amount of 0,000. A fort was hastily raised,
commanding the town, on which a Crmidable bat-
hay of .V 2 .pounders was planted. The men lately
arrived, belonging to General D Evercux's legion,
assisted in raising this fort, and it was extremely
pleasing to see the alacrity a ith which they worked
at it. Since the blocka le commenced, several ves-
sels arrived here with another dissision. .of this
enterprising officers legion. We now count nearly
1500 British muskets of his force alone. I nor< r
saw finer ft Rows than these Irishmen: thc:r ap-
pearance and conduct is admirable. Of the gr.atter.
part of the.officers, lam sure Ici say the saute.
Some, howeier, as might have been expeeted4 have
turned out but badly. About NCO, thank God, have
left us; they sailcl a few days tack in-the Chi-

Noy les

cheater for St. Thomas's. They will, no dead,
eirculate fine sthries; but, believe me, men pos-
sessing fewer of the qualifications fur a soldier's 144
have seldom borne a commission. To give you a
specimen : Col. —'s men wera disembarked on
Wednesday. Thursday he complained of feeling
unwell, and on Friday request..l leave of absence far
six months to recruit his health at Jamaica, (a climate
proverbially unhealthy to Europeans.) A part of this
doughty officer's baggage consisted of six dozen of
lavender water. What think you of that for a Ve•
nezuelean soldier! Ile would require a mule to
carry his perfume. They complain, lam told, of
Ovations. They certainty get nothing but an
abundance of flit turtle, delicious large fish, strong
brandy, with fresh baked bread, and line flour fi,u
cakes or puddings every day ; plenty of delicious
fruit, and a mutant welcome at the General's or
Admiral's table. The inhabitants willingly give up
their houses to them. The duty required of them
was sufficiently. easy, being only desired to drill
themselves, that they might be able to discipline
their own men. 'this, fur them, was too great an
exertion. Fears-for their health would not permit
it ; and the ullowances were too little to satisfy
them, or to retain even the appearance of their see..
vices. They have left us, and like all who have-
left the service, they are mere holy-day soldiers. I
never knew an officer who had served, and who
knew how to endure the common privations of h:s
profession, make a single complaint.
" I am awry to say, that the exertions of General
English * during this scene of alarm have thrown
hint into u violent fever, and since the 'list he has
suffered dreadfully ; he is now declared out of dan-
ger. We look anxiously ft r the remainder of Gen.
D'Evereux's legion. When they arrive, we shall be
very strong, and shall, no doubt, teach the Dons a
lesson they will not soon thrget. Those already
here will embark for the main in a few days, to join
their breve countrymen ; they are at Maturin, about
four days' march from Cumana, a healthy place, and
well Supplied."

• exile of General EngliA, has been in•nrrertly
Plated on wive t f the paper., to hare inken place.
'fbe it port ensue by buy of Ss. Tisonit•s'F, nod appear* to
bare sirii4inutted its his