Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1809-03-28

tain the hottest fire of the enemy for FIVE
hours. Don Manuel Velasco, colonel OF
. artillery. pointed his guns so we'll aud kept
up SO well directed FIRE from the three bait
teries attacked bv the French, that such
was the havoc thus made, that this division
OF the enemy retreated in the greatest dis
order; corps of reserve then coming up,
renewed the attack with great impetuosity,,
IN which partial but temporary advantage
was gained over a portion of our troops
Our general, accompanied by lieut.. general
Don Juan O'Neilly and field marshal Don
Philip Santmarc, placed himself at the head
OF our broken line, and, sword in hand,
rallied his,troops, led them again to the at
tack when, encouraged by the presence
and undaunsed salor OF their chief, our
troops rushed forward with an Irresistible
arelor, aud gained a complete victory; in
which the French were completely dispers-
ed, leaving On the field and under the walls
more than 1000 dead, and as many more
taken prisoners, among whom were the
grenadiers who fought SO desperately. The
booty, besides the most honorable triumph
of war, the humiliation of those who came
| from the north.
This triumph, so honorable to this vail
ant city. has rendered it impreynable. 1t
can cniy be taken when it wants arms to
! defend ii; every house is a castle; each
heart strong fortress, and each battery a
testimony OF art, of talents ant! .valor.
| Here follows list of the officers and
| corps who particularly distinguished them
/ seiyes.
| Some skirmishing continued several days
after the battle above, i'll the course of which
many were killed and taken on both sides.
By latestaccounts from Saragossa it APP
pears that while the enemy has not altoge-
| Their rciinqulstlee his designs on that brave
city, the besieged feel confident OF ultimate
success, as al classes are inspired with un-
conquerable courage, relying on the protec-
ton of God, and the justiceof their cause.
/ GA the 22d December, the day after the
! unsuccessful attack, Marshal Money ad-
| dressed the following letter to the Captain
| General and Magistrates of Saragossa.
g SiRS,
The city Of Saragossa is now complete
! ly invested, and all communication with
the country cut oft. can now employ a
/ painst it all the means which are sanctioned
BY the laws OF war. The 5th division OF
the grand army, under marshal Mortler,
and the troops under my own command, are
ready to renew the attack. The city of
Madrid has capitulated, and thus preserved
itself from the mlstortunes which must have
resulted from longer resistance. Should
not Saragossa imlta1e the example OF the Ca
pital, It's total destruction is inevitable.
! Marshal Mortier and myself indulge the
hope that you viii prevent the effusion OF
blood and tie. destruction OF this beautiful
CITY; so respectable Tor its population, It's
i commerce and its wealth, by an immediate
surrender; and thus entitle yourselves to
the vencration and benedictions of its inha-
bitants.
| Be assured, gentlemen, that every thing
will be done, compatible with my honor and
duty to the emperor, to ensure to you, and
TO the inhabitants the undlsturbed ENJOY
rtent of peace and tranquility.
l propose to you by chs aag of truce the
appointment Of commissioners to meet those
whom may authorize, to treat for the &C
compllsnlnent of this desirable purpose.
With great consideration, &c.
MARSHAL money.
Head Quarters,
Torrere, Dec. 90, 1908.