The Statesman.
London, England, 1823-09-12 00:00:00

MINISTER OP WAR.

Orcoyen, Sept. 4.
" M. le Marechal—The Engineers not having been yet
able to make the necessary reconnoissances about the for-
tress, it was necessary, in order to give them the means of
doing it, to drive the enemy hum all the outposts which he
occupied, as well on the side of the suburb of La Matte-
lain., opposite Burlada, as on that of the suburb of Ruche.
appes. These two saburbs,,orhich are below the town,
within one-third of the range of grape shot, and which are
situated against escarpements of 30 and 49 feet, were justly
considered by the enemy as very important, because they
afforded means to hinder all approach, and consequeuily
all reconnoissances. even against the citadel.
" According to the desire of the General commanding
the Engineers, I resolved to snake this attack on the suburb
of Rocbeappea, which at first I intended not to undertake
till the night of the opening of the trenches. Yesterday,
the 3d of September, the 7th Division, provisionally com-
manded by General Junin, and composed of the 31 Light
Regiment, the 6'h, 9.h, and 14th of the Line, was placed
before the suburb.; of Rocheappea, and La Madelaine. It
was charged with this attack. which was supported by the
fire and the a.tacks of the 20th Light Regiment, of the
33d and 40th of the division Pecheux, and by a part of the
Spanish troops, as well as by some batteries.
" Theaitack began at half-past five, and at half past
seven the two suburbs were occupied by our troops, who
carried by storm houses that were crenated and entrenched,
with a courage truly extraordinary, and notwithstanding
a shower of grape shot. They hail to march. exposed, up
to these houses ; awl as this able of the town is very steep,
I could not have this attack supported, except by some
batteries of mortars and boa itzers, placed at distances of
five wises. Tao houses, which are the Convent of St Peter
on one side, and the white hoese on the road to Tolosa, be
ing concealed rani entrenched, we attempted to defend them
obstinately. Some breaches which were made by two
pieces. a eight-pounder, and a 16 pounder, sufficed to make
him evaceate them promptly. I could nut hope so speedy
a result from an sank Which was rendered very difficult
by the situation of the batteries of the place on the side of
Rocbeappea. Our troops were obliged to cut down the
doors of all these houses with hatchets, so strongly were
they barricaded. They intrenched themselves in them.—
The fire of the musketry cmti titled till half past nine. The
enemy kept up a continual fire of grape upon our troops,
and threw many bombs and shells against our batteries.-1
The division o(Pecheux, on its side, caused the redoubt of
the Prince to be taken possession of by General Far nig,
with the 40th regiment, and the grenadier companies of
the regiment of the Infant Don Carlos. This redoubt was
formerly a born work :it at present only a lunette, 200
tuises from the fortress. General Peefieux has driven the
enemy from all the little posts that be occupied without, so
that theengineers can make their reconnoissances quite at
their ease. Measures have been immediately taken to in.
treach several posts, that the enemy might not be able to
send out any soldier in the night. or disturb our engineer
officers.
" The object of the attack has been completely obtained,
though our troops were obliged to attack, being constantly
etaboaed, oar enemy protected by the fire of the musketry
of the town, and by his batteries loaded with grape. But
*tithing is impossible to such troops. The attack of the
two suburbs was conducted with extraordinary vigour by
Viscount Jamin, provisionally commanding the division.
It was General Quinsonas who attacked and carried the
=barb of La Madeleine. General Damremont, with a bat-
talion of the 20th Light Regiment, supported by an attack
in flank, that which was directed against the White House,
by the 3d Light Regiment of the 7th division, led by Ge-
neral de Tressan and its Colonel, al. de Saint Gillen, who
WA wounded there. The division of Pecheox, continually
attacked, though exposed to the fire of the place, skilfully
taking advantage of all the varieties of the ground. The
Count d'F,spagne also unmanned with much valour and
ability.
" I shall have the honour to send your Excellency the
details, wheal receive the Reports, and 1 shall make
known to you the °Seers and soldiers who have particularly
distinguished themselves. For the rest, all, Generals, Offi-
cers and soldiers, behaved with remarkable b y. 1
Lave contented myself with informing your Excellency of
this attack, which is very important ; it is a necessary pre-
limiftary to the operations of the siege.—Accept, be.
" Mamma LAUBISTON."
FONDS AT PAM. Sure. 9.—Five per cents. opened at
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of 1823. premium. Bank Shares, 1590. Neapolitan
Ptak 77. Spanish bonds. 43. -Exchange on London, one
moth, 25.80.; 3 months, 25.60.