New-York daily tribune., 1856-05-01
ROUTE OF SANTA ROSA.

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On the Goth of March, 1886, 2s0 Americans, or men
protesting that nationality, under command of Col
Louis Sobesinger of the amy of Nicaragua, at the
hacienda of Santa Rosa, ls miles from GUIANA
cOste in this republic, met body Of the
Costa Rican army, valiOusly estimated at from
eco TO 900 men, aud in the course Of fifteen min
utes received terrible defeat. No sach event is
recolected in the history of American arms we ex
ce IT the sack of ashDgton City All the advantages
Of time and place were in our favor, the prestige OF
American vaor at stake, ana tue effect Cf defeat
all couspired to win the battle; but none OF these
caust all of them, saved from disastrous and
disgracefu route. Every soldier on the ground or
away feels az we have written We cannot injure
the truly brave therefore, by colorng over the affair
at Santa Rosa, thus placing 1t on an equality with
those actions which are deserving OF commentator
The reward of the soldier rests with the appreciation
of his mertorous actions above those who fall behind
him. Where is his token, then II the craven " rlen-
toned in the same paragraph
We have no official report of the action Sbnt from
what we gather OF those who were there, the route
wholly attributable to the commanding officer. Our
troops stopped at the hacienda OF santa Rosa for
dill uer ard at the time of the attack, were engaged IN
eating. No picket guard was detailed nor any other
precaution adopted to avoid attack. Suddenly
an alarm was given, and before the confusion in our
camp subsided, the enemy poured 10 destructive vol
ly. The troops were thrown into momentary panic,
when Col Schlesinger gave an order to the German
and French companies to fall back 10 secure better
positiou. This command mlsconceived - an or.
der TO retreat and accordingly rapid Hight was CON-
menced by those companies The colonel followed,
be saws to rally the fugtves but his movement was
construed into flight, and soon the route became
general Our troops fed in every direcou scattering
themselves wildly over barren and mountainous ooun-
y with the topography of which they were wholly un'
acquainted Fearful passing along the road least they
might be captured by securing parties OF the enemy,
they broke up in small parties and after fearful
Quincy over mountains through thick c1apparal,
without cod water the poor fellows arrived IN VIZ
gin Bay, in Struggling parties, worn down with Ia
tigus, ragged, barefoot, and amoct starved The 10.
dgnatiOn of the army at the Oss OF the fight di.
vded in its sympathy for the unfortunate sufferers
loud and indignant expression uttered against the
commander Of the expedition, and by no othet persons
stronger than by the men and officers who had failed
under bim. Liable as human actions are to be mscon-
covtd liable all men to rest under untowsrd
fortunes, we shall withhold any censure of own
until the cour-martal at present inquirng into the
matter shall render its decision.
II is almost impossible to mention the Of those
deserving credit in any battle; and more particularly
in one 10 which little credit due 10 the affair st
been unanimous in hoDoriDg one Company, and GER
tain officers, that should be shutting our eyes 70
public fact, if did net designate them. The old
NOlligeuIs now commanded by Capt. Rudler was the
last Company to leave the field, and not then until the
day was utterly loet. The loss by this Company was
terrible, and the enemy will long have occasion "
remember the Votigeurs.
Major Neil, who is Justly esteemed the Murat Of
the army unmeasured praise from all the soldiers,
not only for his bravery the field but for his SYM
pathy to the sufferers aterward Adjutant johnson,
favOre officer in garrison, is highly spoken Of for
bis endeavOrs to restore order and stop the flight.
Corporal Kelly Of Company A was NO highly spoken
of to the General, that be was promoted to Captain
cy on bis return.