Alexandria gazette & advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1822-1824, 1823-07-29

more than three leagues. The field remains
in our power, together With some heads OF
cattle; the situation OF our squadron ike
wise placed me under the necessity OF TAX
ing 81 milk cows from al inhahitant OF the
town Of Perija, who Tor many days past
has been very ieryent 10 Our cause With
able OIL the chest OF this department.
The squadron Immediately departed Tor
the port Of Altsgracia, with the intention
OF receiving on board the column Of colo
mel Andrew Torrellas, who. according to
my orders, ought to have overcome some
obstacles, but be has not yet appeared
While at anchor there, it was observed
that some ct the enemy's vessels sailed
from this city, having on board ,he sick.
and favored by the coast, steered towards
the Castle Of st. Carlos. Gen Padilla or.
dered that the smaller vessels and some
scbooners should proceed to capture them.
From prisoners and from others who bad
deserted 10 our ranks. it was known that
the enemy had stationed their forces on
the points OF Sinamayca aud Perija, to OBJ
struct the passage OF our divisions which
were marching on both tanks, and that
there remained only 500 men, with some
countrym men and Indians 10 garrison. re.
solved therefore 10 strike blow that would
enable me 10 occupy the city, and protect
the movements of The army The squad
ron commenced successfully to attack the
forts on shore, and after hours combat,
in which the vessels were placed under the
very batteries, within range Of grape shot,
and which discharged up" ards Of 500, The
rest OF the squadron having on board part
OF my division, joined US, and landed at a..
bout leagues distance from the city
The Gre from the shore, 10 impede our
landing, was tremendous, but having ef-
tected u with only 200 men of the regi.
ment OF 0rmoco, and 80 dragons On foot,
| (ihere being no room for more in The he
Cheras and small yessels) | marched im.
mediately upon the enemy, il being late,
and Tot expecting the other corps, my OBJ
jecl was TO conclude the operation before
night; but a league of forced march, dis
lodging the enemy from bridge and some
mangroye trees which they occupied, and
being obliged to take street byistreet, did
not allow me to perform it in less time.
! began the battle about 8 n the afternoon,
meeting with most formidable resistance:
they were driven back to the city, and
there stood firm, being reinforced by four
companies of chasseurs Of gen. G. Bari.
nas-l determined 10 carry on my opera.
tons IN guerilla parties, until the rest OF
the corps came up, and when they did ar.
rive, the charge was tremendous, the ene>
my occupying the most advantageous posi-
lions. The battle lasted until after nine
at night, and the enemy was second time
driven back and routed; the capital re.
naming in our possession, and they dis.
persed towards the mountains, il being inn
possible for US 10 pursue them at that hour,
as the night was very dark and rainy.
The fruit Of this engagement, so glorious
to the arms OF Colombia, have been to con.
quer the enemy with interior forces, and
occupy . city which they believed impreg-
nable. All the smaller vessels in port have
fallen into our hands, the artillery and an
abundant park Of ammunition, the national
flag which made them strike, The ware
houses, with more than 1000 dresses. and
about 100 head of cattle. Prisoners OF war,
col James Moreno, lieut. col. of artille-
ry Peter Guerrero, four captains, and 9th.
er subalterns, together with some soldiers.
Some officers have already presented them.
selves Tor our service, of whose rank | will
duly inform your excellency, anc many
soldiers continue to follow their example.
| We have found dead, col. James Preto,
the second in command of tbe artillery
capt. Alexander Layarcia, some officers,
about 60 soldiers, and more than 200
wounded-which the enemy in their pre-
ciptale flight have left scattered over the
field. Our loss consists Of 40 killen and
1870 wounded. cannot sufficiently extol
the inlrepidity with which the chic Y Off
GERS OF tue battalion OF Orinoco beased; our
success is the strongest proof: and l should
be wanting in justice were not to recon-
mend the caimness, judgment and bravery
! shown by the serge snt-majOr Peter Ma
guerra, in the orders he gave to the force
under bis command; by capt, Jose NJ. I'm.
dane,a. who accompanied him always at
the head OF the troops, aud behaved in the
different attacks with hrmHess and judg-
men,; by the I'd lieut.. Echsto, who was
severely wounded, and behaved like a
! distinguished officer; and by the captains
Guayla and Blanco; lieut.. Carugo. and
other officers who have fulfilled their duty
to my entire satisfaction; as well as the
tnlfu CielH oI Tue oeCTeldIy vi 'hteoudH'
Office, Joseph Ygnatius Msytin, who gave
proofs of valof, performing the duties OF
aid'de.csmp. my two being sick. The o.
Their commanders Of the corps manifested
the most ardent desire to psrtake in the
victory, having taken small share in the
engagement towards the close. The enc
my is two days march from The city in the
position they occupied. and my project is,
in case they should come with their whole
strength 10 attack me, 10 retreat 10 the
vessels, should there be no proba bllity OF
my ultimate success, T. remain blockadlng
the port. Should the enemy determine
TO attack me here, the passage remains
free tor our divisions, which aE assured