The Sun.
London, England, 1837-03-23 00:00:00

ANOTHER ACCOUNT.

BAYONNE, MARCH 17.—1 t is my painful task, at the
moment I calculated upon having to record a victory, to be
obliged to announce a decided reverse. In my letter of
yesterday, I stated that on the evening of Wednesday the
force under General Evans's command had taken the Yenta,
and other Carlist positions around Hernani, and that on
the following morning it was expected that place would fall.
The fortune of war has so willed it that the positions thus
taken have been all lost, and that the fate which to all ap-
pearance awaited Hcrnani has been for the moment turned
aside. Your correspondent on the spot will of course
supply you with all the details of this untoward event ; but
it may nevertheless not be uninteresting to give the version
of the affair which has reached this, and which, as it comes
from the best authorities, may be relied on.
On the morning of yesterday, the force under General
Evans, after having during the night fortified the several
positions they had gained the previous day, prepared to
enter Hcrnani. As, however, the Carlists about the place
evinced some signs of activity, it was determined not to risk
life by assaulting the town, until the effect of a short bom-
bardment was tried. Accordingly, the batteries hastily
thrown up along the Yenta were opened, and from seven
in the morning until mid-day continued to try shells on the
town. During this time the fictions kept up a brisk fire
from the entrenchments, and made two or three trifling
sallies, which were immediately repulsed. At mid-day the
three positions occupied by the Queen's troops were these
the centre ran along the Yenta hill, the right wing standing
between it and the village of Lasarte, and the left touching
upon the bridge of Astigarraga, a company of the Segundo
Lageros guarding it. The entire force of which these three
divisions was composed amounted to no more than ten
thousand men.

At about half-past twelve the order was given to form
in columns to commence the assault upon the town ; just
as this manceuvre was commencing to be executed, the
Carlist bugles sounded from the direction of the Santa
Barbara position (situated immediately behind Hernani).
Instantly ten fresh battalions made their appearance on
the scene of action—starting up, as it were, by magic.
These, joining themselves with the force which had been
partially engaged throughout the morning, advanced upon
the Queen's troops in three separate bodies, and a gene-
ral engagement ensued. The Carlists charged the line. In
the first advance, the centre of the right wing of the
Christinos not only gallantly maintained their positions,but
completely drove back their assailants upon the town. Not
so the left wing. This consisted of four regiments, two
Spanish and two British—the Ist and, I believe, the Bth.
Upon these regiments five of the Carlist battalions, passing
behind Hernani, directed themselves. Their first charge was
well met ; but on the coming up to a second, the Spanish
regiments gave way, and the British were obliged of course
to follow. The left wing was thus completely turned, be-
ing brought almost at right angles with the extreme left of
the centre division. Throe battalions of the Carlists,
availing themselves of the opening thus made, passed be-
tween the centre division and the bridge at Astigarraga,
and took the direction of the Oriamendi hill. On this
Movement being observed, the sixth regiment of the Le-
gion, the Chapelgorris, and the Princess's regiment were
detached from the centre, so as to form a kind of left
Wing, and at the same time cut off the three battalions
'which had advanced. This they did in a most gallant style,
and so effectually that not more than a fourth of these
battalions returned towards Hernani, the rest being
bayonetted in the attempt to retreat. However, while
this took place, the centre, weakened considerably by
the detachment which was sent to replace the left wing,
was driven in, and the Carlist battalions pouring in
fresh and fresh from behind Hernani, it became obvious
that the numbers of the Queen's forces could not keep head
against thoie brought against them, and a retreat was ac-
cordingly sounded. The result, I regret to say is, that
after having had 1,000 men placed hors de combat, Gene-
ral Evans found himself on the evening of the day of which
the morning looked so propitious in the same position he
occupied on the 10th of the month—that is, within his old
St. Sebastian lines, with the addition of the Ametzagana
and Loyola positions.
To deny that this has been a defeat would be ridiculous ;
but as far as General Evans and the Legion are concerned,
there is no blame to be found. The fact is undeniable
that they were in a most cowardly manner deserted by
the Spanish troops, all of whom took to flight the moment
they were charged. The sole exception to this was the
Princess's regiment. They fought well it is on all sides
admitted ; but what could 6,000 men, however deter-
mined, do against 20,000, hampered too as they were by
their cowardly or treacherous fellow-soldiers? The 6th
regiment of the Legion and the Royal Marine battalion
Much distinguished themselves ; indeed, but for the steadi-
'leas of the latter, I am assured the result would have
Proved most disastrous. The day's loss, as I have above
mentioned, amounts to 1,000 hors de combat. This is se-
riousi ; but though victorious for the moment, the Carlists
have suffered still more ; fully 1,000 of their number were
bayoneted
while hemmed in between the retreating left
Wing and the detachment sent from the centre, to replace it.
s
might be expected, no quarter was given, or, indeed,
,„asked ; the bayonet in every case finishing the account.
"1- great number of the Legion officers have, I fear, been
Wounded. The Ist regiment, I am sorry to say, is reported
to have behaved badly ; or rather, not as well as the other
regiments of the Legion. General Chichester has been
E_lbtlY wounded in the leg, I believe. All General
unhurt
staff, as well as the General himself, escaped
uu t ; but all had horses shot under them. The bat-
taliontreee of
Royal Marines had one man killed and twenty-
wounded. No cannon was lost in the retreat, all
retir!Cins having early in the general engagement been
• Before leaving the Venta-hill, all the fortifications
erected, 11
strcyed IN ether by the Carlists or Christinos, were de-
ing _
.a.k , and two heavy guns found there, on the position be-
°. en the previous day, were spiked, it being impossible
,17.111:g to their being without carriages, to bear them off.
C° one lancers belonging to the Legion, commanded by
l
tbernseir Wakefield, behaved most gallantly, and proved
during the
most useful in giving time to the infantry to form
po 8
mehretreat.
ig t be expected, the Carlists here are quite trans-
. i.ett at their v.
tory, and in their frenzy seem to imagine

Don Carlos seated on the throne. According to them
about 500 prisoners were made, and 2,500 men either
killed or wounded. They acknowledge to have had 17,000
men on the field, and that their numbers nearly doubled
that of the Christinos. Don Sebastian commanded in per-
son, having brought back with him from before Saarsfield
the ten battalions he lately had at Lecumberri. They
speak of now directing their force towards Eybar, to meet
one of the divisions of Espartero's army. The Baron de
Lasvallcs was the only officer of any consequence seriously
wounded.

MARCH 18, SATURDAY MORNING, HALF-PAST 11
O'CLOCK.—Accounts from St. Sebastian have just been
received here, dated this morning at daybreak. By them
I learn that there are not more than 1,000 hors de com-
bat, and the proportion of deaths out of these is one in
thirty ; of severe wounds, one in fifteen. Tho Spanish
Regiment of Oviedo suffered principally, two entire com-
panies having been cut off while acting as guerillas to the
left wing on the first charge. They were of course to a man
bayonetted. Notwithstanding these reverses, the troops
were in good spirits, and most eager to be again led against
the enemy. All the materiel brought out was saved. This
is to be attributed to the noble conduct of the British
Marine force. I have seen at least twenty letters this
morning written by Spaniards, civil as well as military,
and, without exception, all concur in expressing ad-
miration at the cool and steady bearing of this bat-
talion. Indeed there is very little doubt that but
for them not only would a great number of can-
non have fallen into the hands of the enemy, but a loss
of life double that which has unfortunately to be recorded
taken place. Their retreat is described as having been
as beautifully manoeuvred a thing as could be conceived.
The casualties sustained by this regiment were trifling—
only one killed and twenty-three wounded. The deputy
Lujan, who was present throughout the affair of Thursday,
arrived here last night, and this morning at five o'clock set
out to join Saarsfield at Pampeluna. To the non-advance
of this General it is undeniable the check which the
Queen's troops have experienced is attributable ; but I am
credibly informed that in addition to the bad weather and
illness of the Commander, there were motives for this de-
lay which, when made known, will be fully appreciated.
The latest intelligence from the Carlists mention that
Don Sebastian only arrived with his six battalions at Her-
nani, or rather Santa Barbara, at nine in the morning ; and
Villareal, with the rearguard of four battalions, did not'
make his appearance until eleven. Don Sebastian's division
had rested the previous night at Andoian, and Villareal's at
Villabona. They were much fatigued on coming up, and it
was found necessary to give them some little rest before the
attack was commenced. Until their appearance Guibe-
lalde's force was in the greatest dismay, and on the point of
retreating on Andoian. They admit to have quite as many
men as the Christinos hors de combat, and the proportion
of their slain is as one in fifteen. They are, however, much
elated.

If not to-day, to-morrow we shall have another move
from St. Sebastian. The direction is not as yet known.

MEETING OF THE ELECTORS OF
WtSTMINSTER.

A numerous meeting of the influential electors of West-
minster was held yesterday evening at the British Hotel in
Cockspur-street, to take into consideration the letter re-
ceived from Sir Francis Burdett, in answer to a request on
the part of the electors that he would express his opinions
upon certain measures now in progress through Parliament.
Mr. W. B. Fearon was called to the chair.

The CHAIRMAN, after referring to the circular by which
the meeting was called, said that it arose out of a previous
meeting which had been called in consequence of the posi-
tion in which the electors of Westminster were placed by
their being deprived of representation in the House of
Commons.—(Hear, hear.) It was not necessary to go
over again the arguments that had been adduced at the
former meetiog. That meeting had appointed a Com-
mittee to communicate with Sir F. Burdett and Colonel
Evans. The Committee had done so ; they had received
an answer from Sir F. Burdett, but of course it was impos-
sible, from the time that had elapsed, to receive an answer
from Col. Evans. He would read the letter from Sir F.
Burdett. The following letter was then read :
_

" Brighton, 12th of March.
" DEAR MR. POUNCEY,—I am requested by some electors
of Westminster, who met at the British Coffee-house on
Friday, the 3d of March, to return to you an answer to the
following question—' What is my opinion in regard to the
Ministerial measures now before Parliament ?' I thought my
former answer to Mr. DEVEAR could leave no doubt on this
point. I can, therefore, only repat my entire disapprobation
of them, and of the whole system of Ministerial policy, both
foreign and domestic; that the measures now before Parlia.
ment are ill concocted, unjust in principle, feebly sustained,
and mischievous to the public. A question so general admits
only of such a general answer; but it is, I trust, sufficiently
explicit.
" I remain, Sir, with the utmost respect, vour's very sin-
cerely,
" F. BURDETT."

. -
The letter was not in the hand-writing of Sir F. Bur-
dett, and he therefore supposed that that Hon. Baronet
was not sufficiently well to write. After referring to the
unexpected honour of being placed in the chair, he called
upon any gentleman present to move any resolution and
make any remarks applicable to the relation in which they
stood.—( Hear, hear.)
Mr. SIMPSON begged to say, in reference to a statement
in the Times of this morning that the Committee wished
to suppress the letter of Sir F. Burdett, that the meeting
would have been called before, but there was no possibility
of getting room till now.—(Hear, hear.) They had no
desire whatever to suppress the letter, but they desired that
the antidote should go with the bane, and they had a right
to administer this antidote.—(Hear, hear.)
Mr. POUNCEY did not know how the letter got into the
Times. He could assure the meeting that it did not
go from him ; and indeed he was satisfied that it must
have been sent either by Sir F. Burdett or some of his
friends.—(Hear, hear.)
Ali the members of the Committee made a similar
statement.

Mr. PROUT said that as no other gentleman rose to pro-
pose a resolution, and as he had for many years taken an
active part in the politics of Westminster, he considered it
necessary to propose something according to his views of
the position in which the electors of Westminster were
placed with regard to Sir Francis Burdett. He vas pre-
pared to offer some resolutions on the subject for the ac-
ceptance of the meeting. The first resolution he had to
propose was, that " the letter just read from Sir Francis
Burdett, coupled with his late political conduct, as shown
by his absence on all great questions that came before Par-
liament, had a tendency to destroy their confidence in his
usefulness, and that the meeting felt that they would be
precluded from aiding and assisting him on the occasion of
any future election."—( Hear, hear.) It might be said that
the language of his resolution was not strong enough. He
would not object to make the language stronger ; but he
thought it sufficient to pledge themselves to withdraw their
support from Sir F. Burdett on any future election. He
had a dislike to request a resignation at this moment, on
the ground that they were not prepared with any man to
put in Sir Francis Burdetes place if he took them at
their word, and before the necessity arose they ought
to be prepared ; it was their bounden duty to prepare
for a contest against the Tory party. For several years
past Westminster had not enjoyed a satisfactory re-
presentation in Parliament—indeed, they had been misre-
presented for a length of time. He had on several occa-
sions aided and assisted at the election of Sir F. Burdett,
i❑ the hope that he would yet, on a little reflection, turn
round to the rad:;al principles as evinced by him on former
occasions. They had borne with him as long as it was
possible to bear. They had had a somewhat similar case
when Sir J. Hobhouse was their Member. He, too, went
from his professed principles, as espoused by the Radical
Reformers of Westminster, and ultimately a schism was
created amongst the electors. The dissatisfaction that
prevailed on that occasion led to the introduction of. Co-
lonel Evans. The moment had arrived when it was neces-
sary that they should be particularly careful as to what
kind of a man, and as to the principles he should profess,
whom they ought to select as the successor of Sir F. Bur-
dett on the next occasion of a vacancy, whether it should
arise from a general election or otherwise. The city of
Westminster ought to be represented in Parliament by
men who were the advocotes and supporters of those Ra-
dical principles which were formerly maintained and sup-
ported in Westminster. No man could say that the pre-
sent state of things was satisfactory.—(Hear, hear, hear.)
He would propose—and the resolution which necessarily
would arise if the first were agreed to was to this effect :
" That it is the opinion of the electors assembled that
no candidate should be supported on any future
vacancy who is not prepared to support the following
principles—namely, the extension of the suffrage without
making the payment of rates or taxes a condition of the
franchise, a shorter duration of Parliaments, vote by ballot
at elections, a reform of the Church Establishment, an ef-
fective reform of the Municipal Corporations in Ireland,
the removal of all taxes that impeded the diffusion of
knowledge, and more especially the stamp-duty upon news-
papers, a system of national education, supported by the
appropriation of those funds which were known to exist in
this country for this purpose, the repeal of the Corn-laws
and of the Window-taxes, an improvement in the civil and
criminal code of jurisprudence, the abolition of all pensions
not shown to have been merited, the strictest economy in
all the establishments of the country, from the highest to
the lowest, the reduction of taxation in every practical
shape, and the promotion and support of all measures that
tended to increase the liberties of the people, and to pro-
duce good and cheap government."—(Cheers.) He (Mr.
Prout) would propose a third resolution in conformity with
the other two, to the effect that " in order to find such men
a committee be appointed to select men who would advo-

eate, in the House of Commons, the principles contained
in the foregoing resolution, and that such committee do re-
port at a future meeting the names of the gentlemen so se-
lected." Such a proceeding as this would prevent them
from being taken by surprise by the Tories.—( Heir, hear.)
They should be prepared to take all the proper steps con-
sequent on a resignation, and when they were so prepared,
that was the time to call upon Sir Francis Burdett to resign.
He would, without making any further observations, move
the first resolution.

Colonel JONES regretted that the resolution referred to
the absence only of Sir F. Burdett which might have been
produced by illness.—(Cries of " No, no.") It ought ra-
ther, in his opinion, to refer to the letter of Sir F. Bur-
dett, in which he disclaimed the opinions which he had
formerly supported, and for supporting which he had ob-
tained the confidence of the electors of Westminster.
The resolution should be based on some positive principle.
If it came to the question of absence they must recollect
that there was another member for Westminster who was
absent. They should pass their censure upon Sir Francis
Burdett for his departure from those principles which had
obtained for him the support of the electors of Westmin-
ster and secured his return.—(Hear, hear.) It was a most
lamentable thing to see a- man who had for forty years
worked for the public good, become, by a calamity of Na-
ture, so impaired in mind as to give up the principles for
the support of which he had been once called the glory of
his country.---(Cheers.) It happened often that when men
arrived at a certain period of life they returned to a second
infancy.—( Hear.) Sir F. Burdett appeared to be approach-
ing rapidly towards that state. He (Sir F. Burdett), had
been brought up a Tory, and now in his old age he seemed
to be returning to Toryism.--(Hear.) It was indeed a most
lamentable thing that a man who had distinguished him-
self by working truly and faithfully in the cause of the
people should, on the brink of the grave, forget his former
principles, and give up all those patriotic objects for which
he had so long worked. It was a sorrowful fact, that
those assembled in that room, who had for such a length
of time cordially and successfully supported Sir F. Burdett,
should now be compelled to declare that they could sup-
port him no longer ; and that, at any future election, they
felt bound to withdraw their countenance and confidence
from him. He was not looking at this question as one
merely affecting Sir F. Burdett individually, but as affect-
ing the representation of the city of Westminster; it re-
ferred equally to their other Member, who, if he could
not come home and perform his duties, ought to be re-
placed. They ought to have an effective representation.
—(Hear, hear.) Sir F. Burdett had indeed fallen from
his high estate ; but they ought not to seek to punish
him only—their object ought to be to place the electors in
a position becoming the great and enlightened city of West-
minster.—(Cheers.)
Mr. POUNCEY thought that the resolution was too tame
and weak.—(Loud cries of hear, hear.) It stated that
the conduct of Sir F. Burdett had a tendency to destroy
their confidence in his usefulness. Instead of having a
tendency to destroy their confidence, he would say that
that confidence had been entirely destroyed.—(Cheers.)
Sir F. Burdett, instead of being, as hitherto, the friend of
the liberal cause, was nowits opponent. Sir F. Burdett no
longer represented Westminster ; be misrepresented those
electors who had sent him to Parliament--(Loud cheers.)
The resolution also stated that they would be precluded
from aiding Sir F. Burdett at any future election. There
again he thought it was tame and weak.—(Loud cheers.)
If this resolution were carried he would retire from that
meeting with the feeling that as an elector of Westminster
he was degraded. The letter of Sir Francis Burdett
would be a test of the sincerity of the opinions of the
electors—it would show whether they were prepared to
follow Sir Francis Burdett wherever he chose to lead
them, or whether they supported him because they be-
lieved that his motives were pure, his intentions honest,
that he was entirely devoted to the service of his
country, and that his opinions were in unison with
those of the electors of Westminster. He did not wish
to throw the slightest impeachment on the motives of Sir
F. Burdett.—(Hear, hear.) He believed them to be pure
and honest ; but he also believed that his judgment had la-
mentably warped.—(Hear, hear.) He believed that Sir F.
Burdett had been led to adopt a course of proceeding which
would be most injurious to the country, and that he was
now as ardent and warm an opponent of the true principles
of freedom, as he had hitherto been their supporter.—
(Cheers.) He would not trespass longer on the time of
the meeting, but would conclude by moving the following
resolution by way of amendment, and in substitution of that
moved by Mr. Front :—" That the opinions expressed by
Sir Francis Burdett in the letter just read, with regard to
the measures now before Parliament, are in direct opposi-
tion to the opinions of this meeting, and, as iljley believed,
to the opinions of those who returned Sir F. Bllrclett, to the
House of Commons, and that he be requested to resign his
scat, and appeal to the judgment of the electors of West-
minster."—(Cheers.)
Mr. DEVEAR rose to second the resolution.—(Cheers.)
He begged to be allow 11 to make a short reference to an
article in the Times of that day. Sir F. Burdett, in his
letter, stated that lie " thought his former answer to Mr.
Devear could leave no doubt on this point," namely, as to
his opinion with regard to the measures before Parliament.
Now he (Mr. Devear) had received a letter from Sir P.
Burdett, which he considered to be a private letter ; but if
the meeting wished he would read it.—(Cries of " Read,
read.") The letter was an answer to a communication
made by Mr. Pouncey and himself (Mr. Devear) respect-
ing the representation of Westminster, and certainly, after
the reference made to the letter by Sir Francis himself, he
considered that he had a right to read it.—(Hear, hear.)
[The letter was then read ; but the only passage in it of
any public interest was the following :—" I am sorry to say
that, in my opinion, no Ministry in this country ever stood
in a situation more humiliating and disgraceful than the pre-
sent."] He (Mr. Devear) concluded by seconding the re-
solution.—( Cheers.)
Mr. PROUT thought they would be committing an act
of political suicide it' they called upon Sir F. Bnrdett to
resign before they had selected a successor.—( Hear, hear.)
As to the absence of General Evans, that was a distinct
question from the present, and could not be properly dis-
cussed until they had heard that gallant officer's reply. He
had no objection to leave the word " tendency" out of his
resolution, if that were the only objection to it ; but he
must again protest against calling on Sir F. Burdett to
resign before they had selected a successor.
Mr. TYRELL thought that they need not be alarmed
about calling on Sir F. Burdett to resign, as he had no
doubt that before the Hon. Baronet obeyed the call they
would have plenty of time to select a successor.--(A laugh.)
The amendment was then put to the vote, when there
appeared—

For the amendment 44

For the original resolution

Majority in favour of Mr Pouncey's resolution 34
The announcement of the numbers was hailed with loud
cheers.

A Committee was appointed to announce the resolution
to Sir F. Burdett. The Committee consisted of the fol-
loWing gentlemen :—Richard Burnett, Thomas Devear,
Henry B. Fearon, Gilbert Pouncey, Thomas Prout, Henry
Simpson, and W. H. Walker.

Mr. TYIELL moved the second resolution of Mr. Prout
as an instruction to the Committee.
Mr. PROUT seconded the motion.

Mr. POUNCEY suggested that they should adopt only
that part of the resolution which referred to the exten-
sion of the suffrage, the shortening the duration of Par-
liaments, and to the adoption of the system of vote by
Ballot.

After a desultory conversation, Mr. Pouncey's sugges-
tion was moved as an amendment, and carried.
The meeting then, after a vote of thanks to the Chair-
man, separated.