The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1873-08-15

The BATTLE OF A1pENs. late
battle Of Alpens continues to occupy
the minds Of the Carlist volunteers and
their friends, while it is probable that
their enemies likewise have not given
up talking and thinking about it. am
in receip: Of a letter from particular
friend; who took part in the battle, who
gives some additional details. Alof of
other correspondence from the Princes
headquarters, official and private, has
also been received, nearly all of which
is devoted to details of that most impor-
tant victory. All accounts agree that
the victory was achieved by the Princes
Zouaycs, who behaved with extraordi-
nary courage. The following particu-
lars, though differing somewhat from
those have already furnished, will he
read with Interest: at O'Clock in the
afternoon of tho 9th, the Prince and
Gen. Saballs left Alpcns by the San Boy
Road, and halted at about league from
Pierrafita. There the news reached
them that Cabrinetty had marched from
Prats de Llusanes towards. Alpens. 4
council Of war was held, in whioL Sa-
balls expressed himself in favor Of re-
tiring to San Quirce, but the Prince pro-
posed to return to Alpens and offer item
battle. This latter proposal was adopt
ed. There was no time to lose. Three
companies of Auguet's battalion were
ordered to double quick, SO as to reach
Alpens before the evening. They ar
rived in time to sec Cabrinctty entering
ut ono end of the town, while they
rushed in at the other and. hastily barri-
caded themselves in some houses,
whence they commenced firing. It was
then about ha!f-past 6 o'clock Z. III.
Cabrinetty's men succeeded in entrench-
ing themselves in some houses. Accord
ing as tho other Carlist forces arrived,
they were posted 30 as to intercept oil
ingress or egress from tie town by tho
Ripoll, San Boy and Prats Roads. They
Were ordered to approach the town gru-
dually, SO as to make their fire more ef-
fective upon the houses occupied by the
encmy. In this manner, the battle con-
tinued till about IL o'clock P. NJ, when
the Zouaves resolved to storm ono of the
houses. They advanced ut u run, but
were checked by tremendous discharge
of musketry. There was moments
hesitation. Commandant Wills seized
the banner from its bearer, threw it over
the low roof into the courtyard of the
building, and crying, "Tice le Sacre
Cour!" dashed ut the main entrance,
followed by his brave Zouaves. They
speedily broke down the door, entered
pell-mell, recovered their 9ag, and went
at the astonished soldiers with their
bayonets. In few minutes, the house
and all in it, to tho number of 800
men, were captured. When these
had been all diearmed, Commandant
Will is announced his Intention of tax
ing all the remaining houses in the same
manner. he kept his word, so far as
the next house was concerned, where
the Zouaves made $50 prisoners. BY
this time, some one discovered the dend
body Of Cabrinetty, and the news having
reached the defenders of the other
houses, they commenced deserting in
half-past IL, the firing had sensibly di-
minished. although it did not cease alto
gether till about 2 o'clock A. NJ, the
pursuit Of the fugitives being kept up
until that hour. Very few escaped. The
wise ones surrendered. Those less wise
endeavored. generally in vain, to get
through the circle of fire and steel sur
rounding the town: On the morning OF
tuc 1Otu, NO DuIltu AaUC. W lOuuu Sc
venty wounded, whom We cared for. We
took, besides 500 prisoners. more or
less, two pieces Of cannon, fortytwo
horses, twenty seven mules, q consider.
able quantity of ammunition of all
kinds, and q large amount of money.
The Carlist loss is incredibly small. You
will believe me, with difficulty, when I
assure you, we lost only five men killed
and had only twelve wounded.
Looking at this victory from politi-
col as we'll as military point OF view, it
must be regarded as big with resulte.
AS victory, it is the most brilliant and
complete rs yet gained. In Cabrinetty,
the enemy-or by whatever other name
our opponents may bc callcd-have lost
not only the ablcst and most energetic
of their officers, but the only one who
could inspire his troops with something
like good discipline and eSpyi. tie corps.
He was the only one, at least in Cata-
lonia, who succeeded in galvnnizing into
life portion Of the late Spanish army.
His place cannot be filed, for there is
no time to do it.
On the 10th, the Prince aud Princess
returned to Ripoll, where q solemn 7.
Deum vas chanted and high mass cele.
brated in thanksgiving for the signal
and remarkable victory. A temporary
altar was placed Immediately outside.the
principal entrance to the church, Their