The New York herald., 1879-12-14
THE CAPTURE Of PIsAGUA.

OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE CHILEAN GENERAL
HEROIC RESISTANCE OF COLONEL oRANIER-
FIGHTING AT TARAPACA.
The detailed Chilean official report of the capture
of Pisagua. received at Bucnos Ayres November o.
states that that place was defended by only 1900
Bolivians. under the command OF Colonel Juan Gran
Ter. They maintained stubborn fight for five hours
against all the expedtionary force supported by the
we'll served artillery OF the squadron. after which
they retired. abandoning their positions only when
their valiant commander was convinced that II was
useless to prolong the resistance. On the Sd the
Chilean forces began their march inland. It is
known that 1000 soldiers OF tho allied armies occu-
pied the railway from lquique to La Noria. q dis
tance OF thirty-nine miles.
The original report of General Erasmo Escala,
transmitted to Santiago by telegraph from Anto-
fogosta, Is AZ follows:-
To THE MINISTER OF WAR;
Our operations upon the enemy's territory have
begun with success. After. navigating four and q
half days in order to bring together the convoy aud
organize the elements OF attack presented our
selves before Pi.agua at six A. NJ. OF yesterday.
November =. After reconnaissance of the bay and
of the enemy's deences the Cochrane opened fire at
seven. The o'Hegins immediately followed. and
afterward the Magallanes and the Covsdonga.
They speedily siienced gun of small calibre
mounted to the south OF the port. aud soon after
ward the landing of our troops began, with the OBJ.
positions near the seashore.
After three hours of very severe fighting our sol.
diers raised the standard Of Chile over the enemys
encanpment. situated upon an almost inaccessible
table land more than three hundred metres above
the level. Meanwhile another division OF our
proceeded to the little port of Junin At three
=. NJ. we already had 1900 masters OF the
heights. and at the close Of the day 5000 Chileans
had entered the snemy's territory through the
slight opening inland from . roadstoad difhcult Of
In word. wo now occupy very impor-
tant portion of Peruvian territory, and the
ing efforts OF army will place us in situa-
ton to dictate our conditions. The occupation of
Pisagua costs 500 mon killed and wounded. Tho
losses of the enemy much creator. will soon
sond tho detailed report.
General ERAsMo EsCALA.
The day following the battle tho rest Of tho
Chilean army landed without Resistance and tho
cavalry began to reconnoitre toward the Interior
great part OF the Pisagua Railroad was occupied by
the chilean forces, thus facilitating their access TO
places where abundant water Is found.
An official telegram. received at Buenos Ayres from
Chile November q. says.-"Ths economic situation
of Chile improves daily and confidence has been re.
stored. Exchange upon Europe HIS experienced an
impo rta mt and favorable modification. A month
ago the peso was quoted at And., while II has now
risen to SD, with an upward tendency. Favorable
weather confirms the hope OF an abundant harvest.
ina industry displays considerable activity.r
The Peruvian Charge d'Affares at New York has
received cable advices from Panama announcing
partial engagement ut Tarapaca where 2.5OO Chieaus
wore routed, l,0C0 killed and IL krupp Runs and
nitrailleuscs captured.