The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1810-02-13

the walls OF the tower. could not be dis
lodged; but those of the enemy engaged
with the breach, 500 in number, fed in a pa
mic. at which time body of their reserve
was discovered equal to that which fed from
the assault Of the breach of Alemanes, con.
cealed near the fountain of Calvario. and
following the example of the rest. The
firing not being sufficient, our soldiers threw
stones to wound those. who breathless fled
in CONSERVATION. The commandment of the
party by his moneuvres pretended to have
more men than he really had.
+" The loss that this valiant party caused
the enemy, exceeds 80 killed, and many
wounped; among whom one captain was
kllled by the first sergeant of the regiment
OF Ultonia, Juan Negrinini, whose sword he
delivered to the commandment, and three
subalterns, 81 muskets, 9 ladders, and 6
pixies were also taken.
The enemy in the skirt of the Mountain
Palace, having stationed one cannon and
howitzer to protect the fire of party of
IL men, who were posted in commanding
position. endeavored to incommode the bull.
wark Of la MERGED; but neither his fire nor
the discharge of the pieces. which extended
in front of that part of the city, had the least
effect. This partyrf the enemy was obli-
ged In the course OF a short time to aban.
don this point with the loss of one killed and
two wounded. All the breaches were fiji
led with dead bodies and spoils of the enc
my, as also the paths leading to the Cabil-
do. Calbario, and Moniuch. The rage of
our garrison was such that every shot thew
bred was so many deaths. Their fury and
horror was so great on seeing the vile slaves
of the usurper SO near them, that they did
not always make use Of their muskets: for
the muscular and strong arms of our soldiers
nj Ter thoir he, Il, tl,o
ry stones that were loose in the breaches -
Inc musketry from the Campanario and
the Church of St. Pedro, and the fires from
the SarraCinas, and batteries and forts of
the cathedral, did considerable damage.
The numerous columns of the enemy in
their precipitate flight were so diminished
and manned, that they would hardly have
been recognized by Those who had seen them
advance TO the attack. Three colonels and
many officers were killed at the feet of our
invncibles. and others laying in the bitches
and cross ways, Showed at what price they
bought their vain attempt. According to
the calculation of many deserters and pri
soners, there were above 500 of them killed,
and great numbers wounded" -,
when our commandment general had or
dered the defence at all points, even. TO pre-
pare lamps for illumination in case the en-
envy should continue the attack at night,
guided by his valour and activity, he went
to give fresh spirit to our worthy defend
ers by his presence. From thence he went
to the breach of Sta Lucia, which was attack.
ed; then to Sarracinas, which flanked the
breaches of St. Christobal and Alemanes.
TO which he repaired with promptness, rs
on the theatre of honor, in consequence of
the great obstinacy evinced by the enemy
ne arrived at the hottest part of the action,
and beho!ds our heroes forgetting their ia
tigues, and disputing among themselves the
places OF the greatest danger, seeing at
their side chief needless of danger, full of
honor and patriotism, who by his wise mea
sures had foresecn every occurrence, and
without forgetting the. other points. where
he gave his orders by means of his adiu-
tants as cases required, observed each and
every post. Our general, inspired by his
zeal, was in the midst of the greatest dan
ger, and it was with difficultytlre officers
and soldiers prevailed on him 60 retire.
which he at last did, after .applauding the
energy of the officers and the valor Of the
soldiers, and in particular gave thanks to the
chiefs OF the different corps, to the compa-
MES OF the Crusades, to the corps of reserve
and to the female corps of Sta. Barbara,
which visited the breaches, carrying the
refreshments afforded by the charity OF the
neighbors, and accompanied the wounded
to the hospitals.
The many exploits effected on that me
morable day, cannot be made known. They
were not called so, as their frequency and
repetition deprived them of that name. At
every step they attacked the enemy with
the greatest boldness, without waiting for
any protection. Our soldiers, thirssing af
ter French blood, did not give a second
blow. Enraged at seeing the temerity of
the French, they rushed upon them and
gave them the reward due to their audaci-
ty. The enemy being thus humbled, at last
refused to advance except when forced by
their officers at the point of their swords,
who were at length confounded with them in
the disorder of their fight, and returned
vexed to their general Verder, to give him
information very foreign to their pride.
How great and grand a spectacle to sec
these warriors combating, whose nourish.
ment only consisted of wheat or beans with.
out any other sauce than little oil or an
ounce of pork, and even for this they were
indebted to the unheard of generosity of this
neighborhood. who deprived themselves of
their own food, to give it to the soldiers who
were without bread, without wine, to ena.
bic them to support their dangerous service,
enclosed in an everlasting chain of risks,
and abandoned to disastrous fate. 1t is on
these occasions that their country should re-
port its favors and premiums for the conso.
lation OF so many unfortunates who have
sacrificed their existence for his tender
mother Now it will be manifest to the ma
ton that the efforts she is making for her
salvation and glory have not been in vain.-
But we will leave to a wise and illustrious