The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1812-08-28

COUNTER REVOLUTION IN NEzUELA.
1t may not be unintcrestIng at this period,
to lay before the public some particulars
relative to the suppression of liberty in the
province OF Caracas. The following was
handed to us by gentleman from South A =
merica, whose situation there enabled him
to learn the melancholy facts related.
Thig.
Shortly af.er the late ever to be remem
bered earthquakes which are supposed tn
have destroyed not less than 10000 souls.
the greater part of the eccle8iaShcak BODY
cried out, that it was a visitation from hea-
ven in consequence of disavowing allegiance
to Ferdinand the 9TH, and Separating them
selves from the old Spanish government
The influence this body holds over the nflds
OF the people is we'll known to every person
OF intelligence. This infatuation induced
many to believe that il was actually as
they represented and they with many
persons of note held correspondence not
only with the government OF Porto Rico,
but also with the royal troops then statione d
at Coro, and commanded by General Mon
tevertle. The consequence was, that he
took advantage of the distresses and fears
of the patriots at a time when thcy were
absorbed III grief for the loss of their friends
and property, by marching his army into
the Country for the purpose of revolutions
ing 1t and restoring the authority of Ferdi-
nand the 9TH. The invaders were joined by
many influential characters who were mi
mical to the cause of liberty. At this i'm
portant crisis, the wreck of the patriot ar
my was Immediately assembled by con
gress, then i'll session at Nalentia, and the
command given to the MARQUIS del Toro :;
who finding the army in want of MANY of
the necessary articles for war, resigned nj,
commiss;on.---I command was given to
General Miranda, and the army considera-
bly, reinforced with men and supplied with
arms.---About this date, the CONGRESS evac.
uated Valenta Ivy reason OF an instruction.
which took place there when the royal
army were invited to take possession. Al
Ter the ta!l OF this city, which was hereto.
lore strongly attahced to the patriotic go
vernment, the army retreated to Mearacai
one OF their best fortified posts where the
war was CARRIED on with alternate success
until the captrre Of the place, owing as was
supposed TO the treachery or inattention OF
Miranda, who retreaed to Victoria, with
out making any reSistapcc although it
was supposed his army amounted to double
the numter OF the enemy. Here were Sc
we're skirmishes, without much success q,
either side. On the 9th of July, Porto Ca
vello was taken by surprise, owing to the
neglect Of the commandant o. that pos,
lwho was in the confidence of Mirauda) b,
suffering the prisoners confined there 10
make ,heir escape and take possession of
one Of the principal forts which command
ed the city, when it surrendered at discrc-
ton The loss Of this important seaport e.
the Patriots afforded pretext to Mirand.,
for surrendering who entered into secre,
armistice, which led 20 4 private capifula-
ton on the part of the general, miranda
who had usurped the civil and military 90
lvernment OF the province; in consequence
Of the inbeeility Of the executive 8 nd con-