Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1866-09-21
FROM RIO JANEIRO.
The War-DesPerate Fighting.


New YORK, September 2O.-The steamer
North America brings Rio de Janeiro pa
pers to August %. Advices from the
Platte report fighting of most Stubborn
and sanguinary nature on the 18th anu 18th
of July, causing loss of 4, 200 killed and
wounded in the allied armies. and an ap-
proXimate amount in the Paraguayan ar
my, the latter fighting chiefly within in
trenchments, and consequently being less.
The following are the particulars of the
great battle between the Paraguayans and
the Allies on the 10Th and 18th of July:
The affair arose from determination of
the allies to dislodge the Paraguayans
from the position they were fortifying on
a hill, which would have enabled them to
endanger the allied rear. The Paraguay
ans were surprised and drawn out at day
break on the 10th, by brigade of Brazil
ians, after short fight. The victors then
advanced to the assault of the Paraguay
an works in the rear, but were received
with such heavy fire that they were forced
to abandon the attempt and contine them
selves to the defense of the works they had
taken. This was successfully done, notwth-
standing two fierce attacks were made by
the, e,Paraguayans and o storm of missiles
was poured on the grounds. The allies
suffered considerable loss, and the troops
under fire were relieved several times dur
ing the day.
The next day passed without fighting,
but reconnaissance was made to ascertain
the Paraguayan movements and works,
which was changed into general assault
of the right line of the Paraguayan fortifi-
cations; which was carried, but recovered
and again retaken; but finally, after very
hard lighting, which involved almost all
the forces on both sides, the allied
commanders recognized that success in that
direction would be too dearly bought, aud
their troops were recalled, retiring in good
order without being pursued. The Para
guayans, however, made a dash with cav
airy on the Argentine flank on the right
but were repulsed and fighting ceased on
both sides. ..
The work captured on the 10th remains
in possession of the allies. This was
strengthened with heavy cannon and ma
rines, and is likely to be of great service to
the allies.
The Paraguayans continued up to the
18th to send down torpedoes, and on the
l4th and 10th two explosions occurred so
near the leading vessel of the allied fleet
as to shake herseverely. A boat was blown
up and eight persons killed.
The second Brazilian army, 5000 strong,
under Ponto Allegro, had been Incorporated
with the allied forces. Two or three thou
sand convalescents had also Joined. Further
reinforcements have also been demanded
and expected from Brazil and the Argentine
provinces. r
1t is expected that the Argentine Con-
gress will increase the export and import
duties. ....f"srrT ...r.
A Brazilian transport steamer had been
lost in the Platte. All the people on board
of her were saved, as well as 10000 sover-
eigns.
There was dreadful fire at Rua de Tur-
tanda, Rio de Janeiro. on the 23d of Aug.
owing to the explosion of some powder
kept on the premises. Three persons were
killed and several seriously wounded.
Coffee at Rio was more active. Sales for
the fortnight $4,000 bags, at an advance of
2OO@3O0 reals per orroba on the finest
grades. -.a. r .