The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-02-07
THE BATTLE OF THE LA PLATE.

The New York "Commercialn furnishes the fol-
lowing news further from the river La Plate,
which the editor states is confirmed by other
sources
"DEsrRUcrIos OF rHE BArrEnrs OF TIE VuEL-
IA DE- OBRIGAro.-On the Goth November, the posi-
tons Of the enemy on the Parana were attacked by
the combined English and French forces; the de-
fence was obstina,e the combat lasted from 10 in
the morning until in the evening, when the bate
ies were taken and the enemy put to flight with ter
rible loss. - .-s-sa.-...s 49,
"In one of the batteries were found $50 dead bod
les in the other l60. All were blacks. Twenty
two pieces Of artillery were taken. At one time,
when the enemys infantry attempted TO fly, his
airy charged upon them and compelled them to re-
sumo the combat.
"The loss of the combined force is as follows:
or the French, 1s killed, 10 wounded. Among the
former is Lieut.. Michaud, Of the San Martin.
Among the latter, Messrs. Hello, Vernex, Simo-
neau, and Daniel OF the English, 10 killed, and
25 wounded. Among the former, two officers,
Lieut. Brigdale, Of the Fireband, ard Andrews,
Of the Dolphin. The latter vessel had lf7 balls in
her hull. The Fulton 104 The San Martin was
rddled. The French discharged 500 balls.
ave have the following details from an anthem
tic source:
ION the 18th the combined squadrons anchored
three miles from Obligado Point. Reconnaissance
was made on the 18th, and the commanders per-
ceived that the defences were four batteries, two
having 60 feet elevation from the water ne and the
others on the lower grounds between. In all, they
mounted % pieces Of cannon, 30, %, "a, l8, and
l2-pounders, the parapets being of strong mason
work. .. ....
"a line of "a boats, fastened together by chains,
extended across the river, which is there 800 yards
wide. At end of this line were ten fire boats
the other a schooner armed with six guns. Ac-
cording to all accounts, more than three thousand
men occupied these positions.
"The plan Of attack was as follows:
Here the paper enumerates the vessels, tells how
they were stationed, and gives the names of their
commanders. Briefly, there were two divisions,
the first commanded by Capt. Trehouart and COM
prsing four vessels-the second commanded by
Captain Sullivan, and comprising the same number
These divisions anchored from north to south, at 700
yards distance. The steamers Gorgon, Fulton, and
Firsbrand anchored at l 500 yards from the most
distant battery. .. ...
cat As minutes past on the morning of the Goth,
the first division weighed anchor. The other soon
after. At so minutes past 9 the batteries opened
their fire. At hafpast ten the action became gene
raj. The effect of the fire from the ships was quick
y seen in the rreguary of that from the batteries.
Yet the defence was obstinate. The paceso those
who fell were quickly supplied by others; but it is
true that the cavalry stationed on the HILL charged
upon the infantry when they attempted to fly.
"At IL the enemy's schooner Republican, was
blown up by grenade from the Dolphin. The fire
boats could not operate by reason of the strong cur
rent. At this time Captain Hope, of the Firebrand,
undertook to cut the chains by which the boats were
fastened. The attempt was successful and a pas
sage was opened through which the Gorgon, Full
ton, and Firebrand were enabled to pass and take
position fanking the batteries. Z, 2tt-s-
"Previous to this the San Martin au3 Dolphin
had suffered severely from the enemy1 ,hre. II
seems that the former was particularly aimed a. and
supported the Aanking vessels, placing themselves
within musket shot of the batteries. ..