Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1819-12-04
FROM a LONDON PAPER.
GENERAL NINA.


ssbed, and the extreme caution of the
Spanish government has thrown a veil
over every thing connected with the ST.
tuetion and popu lar movements OF Mex
ica, we oser the following authentic mar
ratisc, derived from an eye witness, and
q person Of the highest credit and re-
speciality. This tribute is also due to
Spaniard, who, after distinguishing
LimscIfin the liberation Of his own coun-
try from the French--no longer able to
endure the horrid system of oppressive
persecution that followed the restoration
ofFerdinand---with handful of men re-
solved on the daring enterprise of break
ing the tyrant's sceptre in the most inn
poftant section of the western world, un-
der the double hope, that his efforts
would not only give freedom to Mexico,
but also tend to inspire that spirit of re-
distance in the Peninsula, which was ne
ccssary to restore the constitution, and
limit the power of the king.
Though the attempt failed, the cir
cumstances which accompaniment should
be recorded in the page of history,
where the name of young Nina will be
ranked among those patriots and heroes,
who labor and shed their blood in pro-
noting the freedom and happiness Of
mankind.
This gallant officer landed, in 1917, on
the Mexican coast, at a place called So
TO la Marina. His entire force did not
exceed 500 men; $50 of these he left
at Soto la Marina, to wait for some arms
and munitions of war which he daily ex-
pected. He ordered this force to re-
main there twenty days, and if at that
period the arms did not arrive, the par
ty were to break up their encampment,
and follow him by the route he directed.
With the residue of his force. say $40
men, he penetrated 10 the interior of the
country, and on the tenth day was joined
by near 1900 Creoles, who in general
had no other arms but (machetas) cut
lasses and lances. He then rapidly
marched to the city Of St. Luis de Poto-
81, and gave battle to the royalists, who
were at least 5000 strong; he gained a
decisive victory; took about 500 mus
kets; and 500 of the royal troops joined
him.--He then continued his route, and
after various battles, in all of which he
was successful, he reached the city of
Guanaato, containing a population of
near 7O,oOO.-He entered the city after
feeble resistance, and was received by
the inhabitants in the most enthusiastic
and aheetionate manner.
The viceroy of Mexico became SO
alarmed at the progress of Nina, that
be sent orders to every part of the en-
pire to concentrate the royal forces; but
as this could not be effected in less than
from two to three months, it is now well
esoertained, that if Nina had pursued
his route direct to the city of Mexico,
snstead of remaining at Guanaato, he
could have easily entered the Mexican
capitol. This error arose from Nina
not having correct information of the
peal state of the royalforces. He con-
sidered it proper to remain some time at
Guanaato, for the purpose Of discipline
ing his army, and to prepare for gene
raj action, which he presumed it would
be necessary for him to encounter in the
vicinage of the city of Mexico.
During the time he was making these
arrangements, he was in the habit of 60
ing few leagues from his camp, with
one or two hundred cavalry, to survey
the country, and to visit his outposts-
The royalists speedily obtained informa-
ton this circumstance, and by celeri-
o of movement entirely new on their
part, and entirely unexpected by Nina,
he found himself attacked in one of those
excursions, about ten leagues distant
from his camp. He had with him about
10 cavalry; they were surrounded by
gear 500 royalists, we'll mounted. OF
Mina's party only five were taken alive;
the rest fought with desperation and were
cut to pieces. Nina received several
wounds, and while laying on the ground
defended himself with his sabre as long
as his strength enabled him to use it.
He was, however, taken alive, and con-
Quoted to the head quarters of the COM
mander of. the royal troops. In few
hours this disaster was known in Mina's
camp. The confusion and regret that
cnsued it would be difficult to describe.
The second in command in Mina's
army Immediately sent flag oftrucc to
The commander of the royal troops, Of
fering 40 Spanish officers in exchange
dbr Nina, declaring at the same time,
that in case Nina was shot, he would
gacriiee the said 40 Spanish officers.
II order to give greater solemnity to