Star.
London, England, 1808-11-17 00:00:00

General Mandisabal, who eanagadad as that tide, ma. the
ablest dispositions for an eilletaid defame. The enemy made
their attack in the most perfect order, and with the greatest vi-
gour; but such was the firmness with which they were reosived,
that they were obliged to fan back without making say Impres-
sion. At this time they pushed forward two strong columns to
attack the right of the Spanish army, when they were equally
well received. The attack on the left was then renewed. The
enemy's force constantly accumulating, they kept up a tremendous
fire of artillery, extending their line to surround the bin of Zer-
nosa. After nine hours continued fighting, in which the enemy's
loss far exceeded that of the Spaniards, General Blake found it
necessary to order a retreat. This measure was executed in the
best order. In the evening of the 31st the army arrived at Whoa,
where it halted and refreshed.

" On the id, the army arrived at Valmaseda, behind which
pLue General Blake took up his podtioa."

There are also letters from Santandero, dated the
12th, which state that BLAKZ had obtained a decided
victory, having killed, wounded, and taken prisoners,
upwards of 3000 French ; in consequence of which,
he again returned to Bilboa. This statement, we
fear, is not to be implicitly credited: it probably al-
ludes to the action on the 4th, which we know was
not followed by the te-occupation of that town.
In the action of Zernosa upwards of 700 men, be-
longing to one of the regiments rescued from the
Island of Funen, are said to have been cut to pieces,
after refusing either to give or accept quarter. They
are said, however, to have slain upwards of double
their number before they perished.

The French, through the means of some Monks
whom they had gained over, were endeavouring to
sow distrust and dissension among the Spanish troops.
Several of these traiterous agents were arrested and
sent to St. Andero. A report prevailed there, that a
part of the British army from Portugal had reached
Salamanca, and that General MOORE had arrived at
Burgos. The junction with General BAIRD'S troops
was expected to take place at Valladolid about the
middle of this month.

The three regiments of dragoons, which lately sailed
from Portsmouth, had arrived at Corunna. Not more
than five horses had died out of 2500 ; the rest were
in excellent condition.

We shall conclude our details by laying before our
readers the following private letters :

" ST. ANDERO, NOV. 7.

44 General BLAKE has certainly retreated with his
army from Durango, as far as the distance of a
league beyond Valmaseda, on the road to Castile. In
this.position he has entrenched himself with from 28
to 30,000 troops. He suffered some loss in the at-
tack, but by no means such as should excite senti-
ments of dismay. Our situation (I speak of Bis-
cay) is cruel, for no one can now exist in this country,
formerly the favourite abode, the delight of mankind.
" I had written the above, intending to send it to
you by the post; but I avail myself of the opportu-
nity of transmitting it bya vesselwhich sails this day,
aa4 of adding, that we are positively informed that
BLAKE attacked the Duke of DANTZIC, the day before
yesterday, at Valmaseda, beat him, took from him
his artillery, and, made dreadful slaughter among the
French. Our troops were pursuing them, and as we
are informed by the Master of a boat that has just
arrived from Plencia, 200 waggons yesterday entered
Bilboa, from the environs of, Sodresse, filled with
wounded Frenchmen, among whom was a General.
He further states that a firing of small arms was
heard at Plencia, and that it was supposed to be be-
tween Santa Ague& and Sodresse. The circum-
stance of the firing being heard at Plencia proves,
that our troops continued to pursue the French, and
that they must have reached the vicinity of Bilboa."