Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1809-01-27

ing of the 9Th, all the army marched
forward, and earnestly solicited per-
mission to enter Bilboa at the point OF
the bayonet. We anxiously await the
result of this enterprise, which, there
is every reason to hope, will prove
successful"
Inc army under general Blake was
inferior to that of the French, but dis
played degree of steadiness, resolu.
ton, and valour, which afford the most
Hattering prospect; and those who are
lncredulous with respect to the COM
Parative numbers, may have their
doubts cleared by reference to the
return OF this army, published in the
supplement- to the Madrid Gazette of
the 21st of October, as transmitted
BY general Blake himself; from which
1t appears, that the number of effective
men on the 9th of October was short
OF $4,000; the sick, absent, servants,
the artillery ofreserve Ca marine bat
talion), and those appointed to train
the recruits, amounting to more than
5000 men, which joined to the above
number, constitutes the whole of the
strength generally assigned. In this
are not included the divi,io of the
Asturlas, amounting to 5000 men, and
the troops from the North that have
since Joined. 1t is therefore obvious,
nat in the action of the 3ist general
Blake had only 1900; for deducting
fromthe $4,000 the 4ooOofthe 4thdivisl
On who were notin the action, those who
garrlsoned Bilboa and the out posts in
the rear and on the tanks, there remain
only 1900; and these were destitute
both OF cavalry and artillery, the ma
ture OF the country not allowing that
description Of force to act.
The above is AN authentic account of the
occurrences from the 5lst October to the
9th instant. We shall only add, that major
Carroll, In his dispasches to government,
afhrms, that no troops ever conducted
themselves with greater valour and in re-
p!dity than the Spanish soldiers; and as
proof OF the patience with which they en-
dured privation and fatigue, he states,
that during the above time the Spanish ar
my had no other supply of provisions than
a scanty ration of bread, furnished them at
BIlboa on the night of the LIST, and, some ar
ticles OF provisions which they collected in
the ncighboring mountains notwithstan-
ding which, the greatest regularity and
cheeriulness prevailed: their minds being
wholly intent on attacking the enemy, and
calling on the general TO lead hem 70 Bilboa
to carry 1t at the point of the bayouet.
The ilustrious b AXE, VINO has acauir-
ed so much glory since the commencement
OF his operations, was present in the hottest
parts OF the battle, exposing his person
like private soldier, wherever necessity
required, and cheering and animatng The
troops. He would not entrust to any one
else the command OF the division which
covered the retreat, but conducted 1T IN
person. In the same manner he superin-
tended on their arrival at Biiboa, the dis.
tributlon of the scanty ration furnished 70
the troops his own food consisting only OF
the common rations and this rule he OBJ.
served SO strictly, that from the lst to the
Sd, during the temporary scarcity, he was
the last TO receive his allowance, and hi
only sustenance was piece of ammunition
bread given to him by his servant.
Major Carol states, that the retrogade
movement on the Its, besides the object of
forming junction with the divisions in the
rear, was also adopted with view to the
concerted operations of the armies Of the
centre and the right, and that the Gallicians
expected to return in few days to recover
the ground they had lost, which expecta-
ton was fulfilled by their lAarch forward
on the following days.
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