The Opelousas patriot. [volume] (Opelousas, Parish of St. Landry, La.) 1855-1863, 1856-05-10
aTHE P.ATRI( on.
FROM CENTRAL AMERICA, 4
GREAT BA TILE at RIVAS !
y WALKER VICTORIOUS -

WALKER VICTORIOUS ~
Defeat Of the Costa Ricans- Cap
L itare of the City SAX Hundred
ee Costa Ricans' Ililled Thirty
Americans Killed. a,glls2 ,s.s 8.sa,1
\ LETTER FROM MINISTER WHEELER, !,
From El N,caragaense, April 10. i7i''''.
Rivas has again been the field Of q bloody
conflict On the morning 81 the 7th, intelli-
gence reached Granada that Immediately after
the departure Of the American trodps from
Rivas, q force Of 1900 or 1000 Costa Rica,,s
entered and took possession 1t the city. As
the Information was authentic, there was no
time TO be lost on the part Of Gen, Walker III
making ready to repulsc the enemy. BY day
light on the Sth inst, force Of five hundred
men, including one hundred native troops, we're
on the march from Granada to engage the
prcsumptuous invader. Gen. Walker, ii per
son, was at the head Of the army. The force
under his command encamped the night of the
10th, within nine miles Of Rivas, aud in the
mean time it had been ascertaincd beyond
doubt that the city was held and fortified by
1000 Costa Ricans and Chanorictas. Early
on the morning Of the ! lth the march was re-
snmed, with the prospect ahead of o lively en-
gngement. Evidently to the surprise Of the
enemy, the Democratic force, instead of enter
ing the city by the usual route from Granada,
came in.by the rond leading from San Jago or
Virgin Bay sii ism6l3i Sse sli.D
The troops, without halting, were assigned
their respective positions, and instructed as to
appropriate points Of attack. The battalion
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 command Of Col.
Fry. With whoop and q yell, rush was
made for the PLAN, alid as the troops were
discovered by the enemy ascending the emf
nence which concealed the approach to the
city, they were saluted with o volley of mus.
kerry, which gave indication Of firm and
obstinate resistance. On both sides Of the
Plaza brisk and incessant firing was kept up
by the enemy, but the fearless and undauntcd
forces Of the Democracy charged them with
50 much rapidly, that in less than five minutes
the Americans were in entire possession of the
Plaza. The Costa Ricans, stunning On open
attack, precipitately betook themselves to the
barricadcs and fortressed houses, and from
their places Of protection aud concealment,
continued an unremitting fire. Their cannon,
too, with laundering voice, gave testimony Of
the efficiency OF the preparations for defense.
10 prevent the destruction that must ineyita-
bly, ensue from SO fatal an engine Of war, the
determination was instantly formed and carried
into execution by Lieut.. Col. Sanders, OF
taking it from the possession Of the enemy.
The order to charge was given, and the gal-
liant Colonel, followed by his intrepid soldiers
rushed, needless Of peril, into the fce Of dan.
GER and, with the loss Of four men only, sue.
ceedcd in capturing that essential point Of war
It was Immediately brought and stationed Mt
the northeast corner Of the plaza, and placed
under the control Of Capt. McCardle, q most
excellent and intrepid nrtillerist. The anlnu-
milton belonging to it was also seized, and a
few minutes only elapsed before the weapon
that was destined for the destruction a the
Democratic forces was pouring fataU fire
upon the Costa Ricans. Enraged at tlNy,lpss
Of their gun, they made several bold attenibee
to repossess it; but its laundering tone, rapid
ly followed by the deadly discharges Of the
Mississippi rife, intimidated their cndeayors,
and drove them back to their place Of conceal
nent In the meantime, fifteen or twenty
riaemen stationed themselves on the roof Of a
building, from which they could painy discern
large body of the enemy OH the back street.
A continuous 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. md 3Ol of
them were discerned making their rapid retreat
in the direction of San Juan del Sur. Follow
ing the retreat Of these, about u o'clock the
enemy received reinforcement Of $50 men
from Virgin Bay. Capt. Waters, of the Ran
gers, who held possession Of The tower sur
mounting the unfinished cathcdal on tl,e north
side of the plaza, Immediately communicated
to Gen. Walker information Of their approach.
and body of men was sent to protect that
portion Of the town. In the meantime, Cant,
Waters and his Rangers, from their convenient
position, opened upon them with their rifles,
and did most signal execution. a,il ~ = '
The intention Of the enemy of surrounding
the city and hcmming in Walkers forces in
the Plaza, was thwarted with the most graft
flying success. The N. w. corner was held by
Col Dnn Rruno Natvmnr ond Nh; O,NnH