Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1856-05-08
BATTLE OF RIVAS.


But all is joy and love.
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BATTLE OF RIvAs.
Sir Mndred Costa Ricans Killcd-Ameri-
can Loss 30-Total Routof the Enc
my.
Rivas has again been the field Of bloody
conflict. On the morning of the 7th, intel
ligence reached Grenada that Immediately
after the departure of the American troops
from Rivas, a force of fifteen hundred or
two thousand Costa Ricans entered and took
possession of the city. AS the information
was authentic there was no time to be lost
on the part Of Gen. Walker in making rea-
dy to repulse the enemy. By daylight on
the 18th inst, q force of five hundred men,
including one hundred native troops, were
on the march from Grenada to engage the
presumptuous invader. Gen. Walker, in
person, was at the head of the army. The
force under his command encamped the night
of the 10th, within pine miles of Rivas, and
in the meantime it had been aseertainvd by
yond doubt that the city was held and forti-
fed by two thousand Costa Ricans and
Chanorietas. Early on the morning Of the
l1th the march was resumed, with the pros
pect ahead of a lively engagement Evi-
IDENTIFY to the surprise of the enemy, the
Democratic force instead of entering the city
by the usual route from Grenada, came in
by the road leading from San Jago or Vir-
gin Bay.
The troops, without halting, were assign
ed their respective positions, and instructed
as to appropriate points of attack. The bat
talon under command of COL Sanders, was
ordered to enter by the street leading along
the west side of the Plaza, and the east side
was to be charged by the force under COM
mand Of Col. Fry. With a whoop and q
yell, rush was made for the Plaza, and as
the troops were discovered by the enemy as
cending the eminence which concealed the
approach to the city, they were saluted with
volley of musketry, which gave indication
of firm and obstinate resistance. On both
sides of the Plaza brisk and incessant fir
ing was kept up by the enemy, but the fear
less and undaunted forces of the Democra-
cy charged them with so much rapidity, that
in less than five minutes the Americans we're
in entire possession of the Plaza. The Co.'S
ia Ricans stunning an open attack, precipi-
lately betook themselves to the harricades
and fortressed houses, and from their places
of protection and concealment, continued an
unremitting fire. Their cannon, too, with
laundering voice, gave testimony of the eff
cheney of the preparations for defence. To
prevent the destruction that must inevitably
ensure from so fatal an engine of war, the
determination was instantly formed and car
ried into execution by Lieut.. Colonel San
ders, of taking it from the possession of the
enemy.
The order to charge was given, and the
gallant Colonel, followed by his intrepid SOL
dicrs, rushed, needless ofperil, into the face
of danger, and, with the loss of four men
only, succeeded in capturing that essential
weapon of war. 1t was Immediately brought
and stationed at the northeast corner of the
plaza, and under the control of Capt Nc
Caudle, most excellent and intrepid artil-
lerist. The ammunition belonging to it was
also seized, and few minutes only elapsed
before the weapon that was destined for the
destruction of the Democratic forces, was
pouring fatal fire upon the Costa Ricans.
Enraged at the loss Of their gun, they made
several bold attempts to repossess it; but its
laundering tone, rapidly followed by the
deadly discharges of the Mississippi rife, in
timidated their endeavors, and drove them
back to their place of concealmcnt. In the
meantime, fifteen or twenty rifemen station
ed themselves on the roof of a building, from
which they could plainly discern large bo-
dy of the enemy onthe back street. A con-
tinuous fire was kept up by these gallant
fellows, and at least hundred of the enemy
fell from their destructive aim. The conflict
became too fierce for the enemy and three
hundred of them were d;scerned making
their rapid retreat in the direction of
San Juan del Sur. Following the retreat
Of these, about twelve o'clock the ene-
my received reinforcement of two hun
dred and fifty men from Virgin Bay. Capt.
Waters, of the Rangers, who held possession
of the tower surmounting the unfinished
cathedral on the north side of the plaza, i'm
mediately communicated to Gen. Walker in
formation of their approach, and body of