Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1816-09-11

I ton, the writer is induced to believe the,
had not 600 military with them when tl,ei
took Margaretta. This force increased ra
pidiy, as did also their feet, which, at the
time OF their defeat oil the land, consisted
of between 20 and so sail of vessels; G.
Inong them an elegant Kings brig of %
guns,and J40 men, taken by admiral Bre-
hon, who took her in Baltimore schooner
I-he commanded, by boarding, after most
bloody and desperate conflict OIL her deck.
The Admiral received two severe wounds,
which he, however, soon recovered from,
so as to attend to his duty. They took a
Kings schooner also, by boarding, of l6
to Is guns both of which vessels are fit
ted out. They have 8 or 10 sail besides
of the first class Baltimore schooners, arm
ed with very heavy guns. Thercmainder
of their fleet are small vessels
After the Independents made their de-
scent on Margaretta, the Royal Govern
ment made every exertion to collect'a fleet
superior to their enemy. Gen. Mori!a, OF
the Royal army, ordered two frigatee from
Cathagena the only vessels of that class OIL
the whole coast, to come up to the wind
ward Provinces Immediately: but, to make
known the truth, six months have elapsed
and they never to this day reached Porto
Cayeilo, their destination. At last the coy
alists have got together a fleet of two cor
vette ships, three or four briggs, aud some
schooners, making in all eleven or twelve
sail. These sailed in July, torelieve their
fort in Marguerite, but went into Cumana,
from whence their land forces marched By
land to;attack thesiGde pendentsat the town
of Curupano.-fhe ont-posts gave notice
to Bolivar of their approach, aud being SUI
perlOr, and the town without Qualifications.
heeyacuated the town andretired over to
the island of Margaretta. At this mo-
mcnt, about the goth Of July, Bolivar and
Brehon, like brave men as they undoubted-
are, determined to make bold and resn-
lutte push at the capital of the Nindward
Provinces, (Grraccas) and leave their enc
my behind them.
They embaEked their. disposable men on
board the Sect, under general Bolivar, a.
bout 500 men, and landed between the p6-
puious cities of Lasuira, Caracas, Puerto
| Cavello, and Valencia. Gen. Bolivar nae
ched Immediately, and took strong posi-
ton near Valencia, but, unfortunately for
the independents, Gen. Morales, the Com.
mander in Chief, had arrived ar Valencia
from Carthagena, who Immediately collect
ed a reinforcement of about 1900 hen, be-
ing part of two regiments Of excellent Eu-
ropean troops, which they kept close in tn
cities of Laguira and Caracas, for a case
of need. They attacked the Independents
| who numbered about 800 brave men. To-
gether with many people of the country
| who had Joined them and invited then,
there, but these dastardly wretches desert.
ed the Independents on the approach Of the
Royal troops, leaving them TO their fate
| The.reyolntionists behaved as men Away.
| ought to do, especially soldiers, when s.
situated that retreat is impossible; 4OC
fell on the field, and $50 were wounded
taken prisoners; leaving about SO only. t,
be accounted for out OF the 500 in action
The official account says Bolivar and 6 .,
z officers only escaped, and they got off il
boat on board the patriot fleet.