At the seat of war there prevailed, during the last fortnight, unusual
activity. The several battles fought were of the most sanguinary nature,
indicating, evidently, an increased hatred and revenge, leading to
mutual extermination, which, if persisted in, must necessarily soon
result, on the part of Paraguay, in those unmistakable signs of final
exhaustion which become, in the natural course of events, the fate of
the weaker part.
The Standard of to-day, in its review for Europe, gives, as far as I am
able to judge, an impartially correct statement of these military events
in Paraguay, as well as of the advices received from the disturbed
interior Argentine provinces, which I beg to submit here in the
following extracts, viz:
REVIEW FOR EUROPE.
The military events of the fortnight are of a most stirring nature.
Several sanguinary battles have been fought; the allies have advanced
and are still advancing. The lines around Humaita are being slowly but
steadily tightened, and the cause of Lopez each day becomes more
desperate. The full details of all these engagements will be found in
another column. The losses on both sides have been severe, but the
allies have not only invariably held their ground, but have, after each
encounter, advanced still further into the enemy’s country. “We await
advices per next steamer of a powerful division at present traversing
the enemy’s country. Possibly ere this the important town of Villa Rica,
and even the capital itself, Asuncion, have been occupied by the allies.
As it is known that all the male population of the unfortunate country
is centred in Humaita and in the interior, the allies will have nothing
to contend with save the natural character of the country. The
occupation of Asuncion will, doubtless, have a great moral effect on the
Paraguayan people, and, unless Lopez is much stronger than is generally
supposed, will lead to a prompt conclusion of this prolonged campaign.
The last fight at Tuyuti was probably the most sanguinary since the war
began. The Paraguayans fell upon Porto Alegre’s encampment without the
slightest warning. The surprise could hardly be more complete, and had
the Paraguayan commander been able to restrain his men, the Brazilian
position must have been inevitably lost; but the Paraguayans getting
into the rear obtained possession of all the sutler’s stores, army
contractor’s deposits, and the pillage was fearful. Porto Alegre, the
Brazilian commander, who had been beaten back in the morning, with the
eye of an experienced officer saw that the moment had arrived when he
might strike the decisive blow and regain the day, and General Paranhos
having come up with some reinforcements, they charged the enemy, who,
completely disorganized by the pillage and plunder going on in the
[Page 232]
tents, could offer but a faint
resistance. Paraguayans were cut down in the very tents which they had
captured, and the day gained by the heroic Porto Alegre. Since this
terrible fight we have received no new advices from Paraguay. Marshall
Caxias has at last outflanked Humaita, and by holding Tayi, a commanding
position on the river Tayi, cut off Lopez from Asuncion and the interior
of Paraguay. On the same day that the terrible battle at Tuyuti took
place, another sanguinary engagement occurred. The Paraguayans, landing
from three steamers, attempted to take the place by storm, but they were
repulsed with great loss and the steamers sunk.
Such constant fighting indicates that at last the campaign is drawing to
a close, and from the position of the belligerents we feel justified in
assuring our foreign readers that there is every probability peace will
be restored in the Plate about the commencement of the new year.
Our advices from the Argentine provinces are a little more favorable; the
rebels in Salt a have been again defeated, and their leader is said to
be prisoner. The mooted invasion from Chili has proved destitute of the
slightest authenticity, and there can be little doubt on the conclusion
of the Paraguayan war the provinces will acquire a more favorable
aspect. Santa Fé is probably the only one of the provinces which shows
signs of progress and vitality. Rosario is fast becoming the great
centre of Argentine trade. The streets are being well paved, and will
shortly be lighted with gas, the agent of the new company being at
present in England purchasing the pipes and other material. A new line
of railway is projected and being surveyed from Rosario to the Esperanza
colony. This road will be private property, built by Sr. Cabal. Several
important sales of real estate have been made during the month, but
mostly city property. The speculation in building sites has considerably
fallen off of late since the general impression is that Rosario will not
be the future capital of the republic, and should Dr. Adolfo Alsina, the
governor of Buenos Ayres, be elected president, which is every way
probable, Buenos Ayres will, doubtless, remain the capital of the
republic. The provisional chambers were formally closed last week, the
legal period of the session having elapsed, but the governor has
reassembled the legislators to dispatch some railway and other schemes
of much importance.
THE WAR IN THE NORTH—SLNBAD’S ACCOUNT OF THE LATE
BATTLE.
The routed sutlers from Tuyuti complain of the Brazilian soldiers making
a final finish of such goods as the Paraguayans or the flames had
spared. Bad stories are told of the Paraguayan legion in the allied
service. At the time of the surprise they were posted at an advanced
point; it is reported that, instead of giving notice of the enemy’s
coming, most of them joined their countrymen. Some Correntino troops are
also reported to have behaved in a like manner. Nothing more is said for
the present of the cholera—a proof that it has passed away. There have
been two arrivals of hay. A Brazilian transport with a contingent passed
upward yesterday. The river is rapidly rising.
SINBAD.
We refer our readers to our friend Sinbad’s version of the Tuyuti
victory. With all the different accounts before us it is difficult to
arrive at the truth in regard either to the object or result of the late
vigorous attack of Paraguayans. But the prominent facts are that there
are grave suspicions of treachery in the allied outposts; that Lopez’s
attack meant more perhaps than a raid on the stores of the allies; but
to the fact of the Paraguayans stumbling on the liquors they owe their
own defeat. The Brazilian officers, particularly Paranhos, Mattos, and
Andrade, appear to have behaved like heroes.
The Argentine and Correntino cavalry, under General Hornos, contributed
nobly to the final retreat of the enemy, and Hornos was made brigadier
on the spot by General Mitre. The loss in men to Lopez, if not amounting
to two thousand five hundred as reported, must have been sufficiently
severe in his present circumstances, and probably the main object of the
attack was frustrated; which was to prepare a more serious attempt on
Tuyu-Cue.
For further particulars, I beg respectfully to refer to my inclosed daily
memoranda of political events on the river Plate, marked D.
The fate threatening at the present crisis the unfortunate country and
people of Paraguay is certainly of the most melancholy nature. Paraguay
would seem to be morally, politically, and materially on the verge of
ruin and bereft of all hope of any friendly powers being able to save it
from the horrors of the wildest anarchy.
In case Lopez should lose Asuncion, this capital would no doubt be
destroyed by himself or by his orders, it being his determined policy to
leave nothing but ruins in the hands of the allies. In such an emergency
not only would all property in the capital be lost, but the lives of the
inhabitants, especially of foreigners, would be seriously endangered—
exposed as they would be either to the fury of the retreating Paraguayan
bands of the interior, who consider all foreigners the enemies and
invaders of their country, or to the bayonets of the Brazilian soldiers,
who for the most part just emerging from slavery, if once in power,
could hardly be restrained from robbery and butchery.
The interior of Paraguay would not, and, desolated as it must be, could
not afford any support to Lopez after his prestige had gone with his
defeat, neither would it be any safe shelter to the hated fugitive
foreigners.
Under these circumstances the foreigners in Paraguay can look only to
their respective governments for protection, and it would be very
desirable that the war steamers of all the foreign powers represented
here, in Buenos Ayres, should afford such protection to their distressed
countrymen in that country.
I had the honor respectfully to request in my report No. 29, under date
June 17th, 1867, that a war steamer be temporarily placed at my disposal
with reference to the present complications in Paraguay, and should this
request be granted I should at the present emergency feel bound in duty
to station it near the blockading squadron, with the view to join the
first Brazilian ship of war up to Asuncion, and to give full protection
to our minister and fellow-citizens there, as well as, in the interests
of humanity, to any other foreigner whose life and property were
jeopardized in the only too probable sway of anarchy.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
DAILY MEMORANDA OF POLITICAL EVENTS IN THE RIVER PLATA,
FROM OCTOBER 13 TO NOVEMBER 9, 1867.
October 13.—The Tribuna of to-day says:
“The extracts from a correspondence of the Semanario we publish in
another column show that in Lopez’s own ranks there is a prevalent
conviction of the speedy termination of the war. Although this
correspondent expects it will be brought about by a victory of our
enemy’s arms, it is easy to perceive that these are only consolatory
words, indicating the last flicker of the light that is going
out.”
October 14.—According to the budget of the
Argentine finance minister a sum of 1,000,000 hard dollars has been
voted for public works, and $500,000 for contingent expenses.
A Brazilian steamer has arrived at Montevideo laden with arms and
ammunition for the forces in Paraguay.
October 15.—The Diario, the official organ in
Rio Janeiro, formally contradicts the statement that Colonal Fonseca
was the bearer of the proposals of peace, consequent upon the
attempted mediation of Mr. Gould, the British secretary of
legation.
The Tribuna of to-day devotes several of its columns to the
publication of documents connected with the proposed extension to
Mendoza of the present Western railway, which now only reaches a
place called Chirilcoy, about thirty leagues from Buenos Ayres, and
eventually across the Cordillera of the Andes by the Planchon Pass
to the Pacific coast. The idea of connecting the interior provinces
to the littoral by means of a railway has been lately seriously
entertained, but some people wish it to be a prolongation of the
Central Argentine from Villanueva, whilst others are anxious that it
should be a continuation of the Buenos Ayres Western railway. The
Buenos Ayres provincial government, jealous of the influence and
importance Rosario would acquire if the former project were carried
out, are straining every nerve in support of the latter project, and
are ready to subscribe a considerable part of the capital necessary
for an undertaking that will connect this city by a direct line of
railway with the interior provinces, and eventually with Chili.
October 16.—The Espigador, arrived yesterday,
brought dates from the seat of war to the 11th instant. A partial
encounter between the Brazilian vanguard and a body of Paraguayan
cavalry took place on the 4th, in which the latter were repulsed.
Cholera is making fearful ravages in both camps, and up to the 11th
there had been among the Argentine forces three hundred cases of
cholera, of which one hundred had proved fatal. General Dominguez,
Colonel Artiz, and other officers, had fallen victims to the
epidemic. The disease is likely to be aggravated by the reported
refusal of Lopez to allow the dead bodies on the field of the late
encounter to be buried, and to grant an armistice for that humane
purpose. The following extracts from the Standard’s correspondent at
the seat of war give fuller details of the last action, and also of
the ravages of cholera:
“Itapiru,
October 11, 1867.
“Gentlemen: On the 4th a partial fight took
place between Arroyo Hondo and Hu maita. About six regiments of
Paraguayan cavalry issued from their intrenchments evidently for the
purpose of pasturing their horses, which are in a miserable
condition. They were not, however, allowed to continue this peaceful
operation.
“The Brazilian vanguard, under Rivas, divided in two bodies; one
proceeded to attack them, whilst the other remained in ambush. The
attacking party made a sham retreat, drawing out the Paraguayans,
who closely followed the supposed flying enemy until they came
beyond the troops in ambush. The latter sallying out completely
routed
[Page 235]
them, and pursued
them to the trenches of Humaita, killing six hundred and taking two
hundred prisoners. The allied loss is officially stated to he one
hundred killed and wounded. The customary cannonade was kept up in
the direction of Carupaiti during the night with redoubled fury, the
Paraguayans doubtless smarting from their recent defeat.
“October 9.—The cholera in a malignant form is
making fearful havoc in Tuyuti; it entered first into the battalion
of Pipo, (known as the foreign legion,) where it remained fixed for
a few days, it then spread to the rest of the first corps d’armée
with much virulence. Three days ago it commenced with great violence
in the second corps, which had until then been exempt, causing very
great loss in officers (among their numbers are Dominguez, Benites,
and a long list of others) and men. In the first corps yesterday’s
account says that it is somewhat diminishing, but continues gaining
force in the second. The Brazilians also have it diffusely spreading
on all sides. It is known to be making ravages in the Paraguayan
camp; it is supposed that from thence the contagion was communicated
to Tuyuti. Persons well qualified to judge are of an unanimous
opinion that a few days or perhaps hours to come the pestilence will
be doing its work of destruction here. What else might be expected
from a miscellaneous population, composed of military, inmates of
hospitals, boatmen, sutlers, peons, or dissolute women, the greater
part of whom have always been accustomed to live among dirt, eating
lean tired meat or any trash, drinking impure water, sleeping in
damp places surrounded by puddles of mud, and yet feel no
inconvenience from this method of living.”
The following Paraguayan version of the fall of Pilar seems
sufficiently interesting to merit insertion:
“THE FALL OF PILAR—PARAGUAYAN VERSION.
“Camp of Paso Pucu,
September 21, 1867.
“We understand that numbers of vessels are lying off the mouth of the
river awaiting the arrangement of peace to bring their valuable
cargoes; but the most important item on this head is that after Mr.
Gould’s visit to the enemy the Marquis Caxais dispatched his chief
of staff to Rio in the swiftest boat, the San Paulo, with
instructions to proceed direct without touching at any port and
return within twenty-two days. This gave rise to the report in
Corrientes that the San Paulo was bearer of peace propositions, and
that the war was terminated. As I do not know how far true this may
be, I confine myself to the simple rumors current here since the
arrival of the English gunboat Doterel, in search of Mr. Secretary
Gould, then our guest. Without questioning the authenticity of these
rumors, which probably emanate from the desires of the enemy and the
kind offices of a disinterested friend, I may be permitted to
express my private conviction that no peace can be arrived at before
some great and decisive feat of arms has taken place; in other
words, notwithstanding the sentiment of the belligerents and the
good will of our mutual friends, ‘peace just now is very
improbable,’ for our haughty enemy, not yet brought to a full sense
of his impotency, will always be throwing some ambitious hints in
the way, thus rendering the conditions quite unacceptable to a
noble, patriotic people.
“The latest deserters to us report the enemy suffering frightfully
from hunger. Our victorious legions have cut off the supplies, and
so hard pushed are the Brazilians now that dried hides are sparingly
distributed among them as rations. This stupid predicament it was
which impelled them to make the most hopeless movement of the 19th.
At daybreak on that auspicious day we observed a strong body of
horse advance from San Solano toward the Arroyo Hondo. It was in
reality nothing more than a foraging raid, an oft-repeated attempt
to cut off our supplies. Not succeeding; they pushed on to Pilar,
which they attacked the same evening, but were driven off with great
slaughter, but if unable for us in arms they are our superiors in
limbs, otherwise many more must have fallen in the retreat; as it
was, the most our victors could lay hold of were the disregarded
clothes, weapons, &c., &c.
“This slight action, in displaying the cowardice of the enemy and the
certain triumph of determined valor, ought to have inspired our men
against any odds. Unfortunately it had a different effect. The brave
garrison, while regaling themselves after victory, made but little
allowance for the pangs of hunger on the half-starved
imperialists.
“With the morning the enemy returned to the charge, and quickly
wrested victory from the disordered ranks of the defenders. They
were not destinecf to enjoy long the fruits of victory. Commander
Saturnino Garcia, coming up in the Birabebe, opened fire on the
enemy, and compelled them to evacuate the town. At first the
Brazilians manifested a decided disinclination to stir until the
valiant Garcia landed, at the head of fifty marines, and charged the
hostile masses then engaged pillaging. The gunboat meantime kept up
a brisk fire, one shell bursting into the Brazilian general’s coach.
At sight of this the streets became suddenly cleared of the
marauders, except such as had already fallen victims to their valor;
but the real difficulty was to root them out
[Page 236]
of the houses, where they had stowed
themselves in every hole and corner, to escape the fall of their
comrades below.
“Lieutenant Galon has behaved well, and merits the decorations with
which our Marshal President has been pleased to requite him. To his
determination and valor the country owes this glorious victory, the
inhabitants their property, and the enemy a memorable defeat. While
I write, the enemy are scouring the country some leagues off. I
would not give them much for their chance of getting anything in
those sterile wastes; and after all the loss of men, horses, and
honor, they will return as hungry as they came.
“Marshal Lopez’s plan has been supremely strategic, for, by
surrounding the enemy with our trenches, there is no way left for
him but to march through boundless deserts, or, by remaining as he
is, to be decimated by our guns or disease. Such is the history of
the whole campaign, and with the failure of the exploring expedition
we may hope the allied commanders will change the tactics, and by
trying their fortune in our trenches give us an opportunity of
creating in our country’s history another day like that of
Curupaity.”
October 17.—The mail from Rosario yesterday
brought news that the alarm about cholera has led to sanitary
regulations, special committees having been named and every
precautionary measure possible adopted.
In Montevideo, also, urgent steps have been taken by the municipal
board to protect the city against the possible approach of cholera.
In Buenos Ayres alone nothing has been done, and the press clamors
loudly for all vessels coming from the seat of war to be placed in
quarantine.
October 18.—The provincial senate of Buenos
Ayres has passed the bill for the Mendoza railway, in prolongation
of the Buenos Ayres western railway. By this bill it is proposed to
raise the funds necessary for this great undertaking by the emission
of six per cent. provincal bonds at seventy-five. The bill goes now
before the deputies, where it is rumored the measure is likely to
meet with some opposition.
The Standard of to-day says:
“The steady arrival of Brazilian transports in Montevideo, with
reinforcements for the army, shows that the Rio cabinet is straining
every nerve to carry on the war with redoubled vigor. Within the
last four days four transports have arrived.”
October 19.—There is no further news from the
seat of war, but the Standard has the following relative to a new
difficulty which the Paraguayans have to contend against, viz: want
of salt:
“Our own advices from Paraguay are of a character which inspires a
conviction in the immediate termination of war. The great want in
Paraguay is salt. Some of the English doctors in Paraguay have now a
splendid opportunity of gathering the most interesting data in this
respect. Salt seems to be as necessary to life as air; disease and
sickness defeat all skill, owing to the primary want of salt.
Extraordinary diseases are said to exist in Paraguay, owing to the
want of salt.”
From the time that the national government withdrew its subsidy from
the Nacion Argentina, which at once began a series of attacks on the
private life of Vice-President Paz, a fierce polemic has been raging
between that paper and the Tribuna. On this subject the Standard
makes the following remarks:
“The wars of the roses were nothing in comparison to the tremendous
battle between the Tribuna and Nacion. Few of our readep take any
interest in such intensely political subjects; in fact, none but a
native would understand them. The gist of the question is to make
out Don Marcos Paz the head rebel in the republic. The Nacion has
each day powerful articles and fiery leaders, impeaching the
vice-president. The Tribuna takes up cudgels for the government and
replies. Each day the attack and rejoinder are becoming more and
more acrimonious. The Americans have a very apt expression for such
matters—‘fighting for spoils.’ The only possible result for such a
polemic is the disclosure of much scandal which, for many reasons,
it is desirable to avoid.”
The same paper publishes in its to-day’s number the following
relative to the rebel movements in Salta:
“REBEL MOVEMENTS IN SALTA.
“Salta,
September 15.
“The traitors, Varela and Elizondo, are sacking the country in all
directions. Nothing escapes the lawless marauders. Everything
portable is swept off to the Chilian markets, and such as cannot be
conveniently moved are destroyed on the spot. We live in a perfect
chaos; but what else can be expected, when the place is entirely in
the hands of banditti? The inhabitants are powerless, and the
government takes no steps to prevent the depredations; so that
Varela, with a dozen men, may at any moment take the capital, and
then God help the unfortunate citizens, the most resolute of whom
have long since learned the utter futility of attempting any
resistance.
“About the middle of August we heard of the arrival of Varela, and
the government
[Page 237]
at once
dispatched a force under Don Pepe Frias to confront him. This
gentleman spoke in such a pompous manner of whipping the rebels,
even did they muster double their actual strength, that our
authorities were content to trust all to his honor, without taking
any measures for possible emergencies. On the 31st ultimo we
received intelligence that a party of three hundred montonears,
under Elizondo, had routed a corps of seven hundred, led by the
redoubtable Frias. The disgrace of the defeat was heightened by the
shameful nature of the fight. On the approach of the enemy Frias
displayed the most cowardly indecision, neither forming to receive
or attack; the men were impatient to meet the foe, but Frias assured
them ’twas no use, as odds were too heavy against them, and that
their only chance lay in flight. Some add that he was bribed to
this. Certain it is that he returned to this city without his corps,
and endeavored to raise another; but as we had already lost seven
hundred men, with a large quantity of arms and ammunition, the
authorities did not like to trust themselves again to Mr. Frias; so
seizing all the fighting materials they could lay their hands on,
they enrolled all the men, about four hundred in number, and marched
off for Tucuman— governor, ministers, (with their families and
treasurer,) and all, leaving only women and children in the town. In
this way we awaited for their return with Tucumanos, but they are
not forthcoming, and there is nothing for it but that the women and
infirm left shall perch themselves on the house-tops, and assail the
rebels when they come, with broken bottles, stones, boiling water
and oil.”
October 20.—In noticing the attacks made upon
Dr. Rawson, minister of the interior, by the press of Buenos Ayres,
which, while criticising his public acts, have outstepped the limits
of fair discussion by imputing to him interested motives, the
Standard of to-day says:
“Although we make it our general rule to abstain as much as possible
from taking any part in local politics, we cannot avoid noticing
with sincere regret the very unbecoming manner in which the leading
organs of the Liberal press here treat our distinguished minister,
Dr. Rawson. We must emphatically deprecate the disparaging
insinuations touching the private motives of a gentleman who is not
only devoting his time and energies to the service of his country,
but whose character has ever enjoyed a spotless reputation. Dr.
Rawson’s chief fault in the eyes of his countrymen is his pedigree,
and this alone would entitle him to a prior claim on our support;
but, independently from this, we can assure him that whilst we are
ever fearless in denouncing abuses, we also pride ourselves in being
foremost in doing justice where justice is due, and that in the name
of our country we shall ever be too glad to bear our testimony to
his liberal and enlightened policy, which entitles him to the rank
of one of the most distinguished and disinterested of Argentine
statesmen.”
October 21.—The Cisne and Rosa steamers, from
Corrientes, have been placed under sanitary surveillance for three
days, and only the mails brought by them, after being duly
fumigated, have been allowed to be landed.
October 22.—The news from the seat of war is
of no great importance. Cholera had diminished in the Argentine
camp, but was still prevalent among the Brazilians.
The national government has ordered the formation of two lazarettos,
with their proper staff of medical attendants, &c.: one in the
island of Martin Garcia, and the other at the Tigre, the terminus of
the northern railway on one of the channels of the Parana River.
The documents connected with the resignation of General Martinez of
the post of minister of war are published to-day. It appears that
the general addressed a letter to the vice-president from Rosario,
dated 24th of September, shortly after his liberation from the hands
of the rebels in Cordova, tendering his resignation, which was not
attended to. On his arrival in Buenos Ayres he addressed a second
note to the vice-president, under date of the 9th instant, insisting
upon his previously announced determination to resign. The
vice-president, after having ineffectually endeavored to induce him
to alter his mind, was obliged to accept the general’s resignation.
In the note which Minister Rawson addresses, under date of the 19th
instant, to General Martinez, informing him that his resignation has
been accepted, he expresses the lively regret of the vice-president
at the loss of his services, for which he tenders to the general the
best thanks of government.
Señor Don José Maria Moreno, the present under-secretary for the war
department, who has been acting minister during General Martinez’s
protracted absence, has been offered the vacant portfolio, which he,
however, is said to have peremptorily refused.
October 23.—The steamer Wasiman has arrived in
Montevideo, having on board a locomotive engine and other railway
materials, destined for a railway which the Brazilians are about to
construct between Tuyuti and Tuyu-Cué, in Paraguay.
October 24.—The Provender arrived yesterday
from Corrientes; brings no news of interest from the seat of war,
save that the cholera appears to be greatly on the decline. It was
rumored that an important movement was about to be made by the
allies on Tayi, an important position on the river Paraguay, above
Humaita.
The following correspondence, translated from the Republica, contains
some interesting information relative to the Brazilian
iron-clads:
[Page 238]
“LETTERS FROM THE SEAT OF WAR—THE
IRON-CLADS—HUMAITA.
“On the 9th I started from Tuyu-Cué”, and on the morning of the 10th
I arrived at Tuyuti; from there I went to the Paso de la Patria, and
embarked at 1 o’clock in the afternoon for the island of Avisto.
Then I put myself on board a small steamer which took me to the
Princess de Joinville, bearing the flag of Commodore Elisario de
Santos, who had the politeness to place at my disposal a steam
launch, which carried me to the Chaco by the river Quio. At the
expiration of one hour I found myself landed at the port of Quio,
where Admiral Joaquin José Ignacio has established a depot of
provisions and munitions of war. From the port of Quio I rode to
Elisario, on the Paraguay. The distance between these ports is about
six miles. At Elisario is stationed the second division of
iron-clads, under the command of Commodore Albin. Thence to Humaita
the distance is about one league. At 4 o’clock in the afternoon I
went in the steam tender Lindoya to the Colombo, which is stationed
between the first and second divisions of the fleet. At 4.30 we
anchored alongside of the Brazil, which I boarded to pay my respects
to the admiral.
“Admiral Ignacio appears to me to be about sixty years of age. He is
of low stature, and has all the rough but frank characteristics of
an old salt. The admiral did all in his power to facilitate the
object of my mission, which was to make a nearer examination of the
fortress, whose name is now so famous. The first division of
iron-clads is anchored about three hundred yards from the London
battery, which is the first that presents itself after rounding the
elbow of the river. The iron-clad Bahia is stationed about two
hundred and thirty yards from the same battery, which is rectangular
in shape, and has eight casemated embrasures on each side. The Bahia
is under the enemy’s fire. The Lynch battery crosses its fire with
the sixteen guns of the London battery in the first bend of the
channel. The water being low, a sand bank is visible in the middle
of the river in front of the batteries, and we can discover three
recently made roads leading to the river from behind the Lynch
battery. Any vessel attempting to force a passage would have to sail
within ten yards of the Paraguayan batteries, receiving on the beam
the fire of the eight guns of the London battery parallel to the
river, whilst ahead she would be exposed to the fire of the Lynch
and three other batteries to the north, and to the horizontal fire
of the London battery from astern; and not only that, for if she
touched the chain laid obliquely across the river she would swing on
to the bank with the current, and remain a helpless target for the
enemy’s artillery. The channel of Humaita is now so low that all the
pilots are agreed that the iron-clad Brazil from the breadth of beam
would be unable to maneuver or obey her helm with sufficient
rapidity to get through a pass not more at this moment than forty
rods wide. The channel is not only obstructed by sunken ships, but
to the naked eye there is distinctly visible a whole line of
torpedoes. The squadron is daily employed, it is true, in fishing
them up, but this does not much diminish the danger. Your readers
may have often asked, why do they not cut the chain? A few words
will convince them of the impossibility of doing so at a spot upon
which the seven batteries of Humaita converge, and watched,
moreover, by a guard on the Chaco. The Chaco is swampy, and the
whole extent of its banks, with the exception of the place where the
guard is stationed, is protected by the guns of Humaita. To attempt
to capture the guard and cut the chains with boats’ crews, under the
fire of the batteries, is simply an impossibility. The vessels in
the vanguard have fired at the obstruction with cannon, but as it
contains no wood-work the balls glance off and harmlessly bury
themselves in the river or the mud banks.
“For a long time past men competent in the art of war, and
distinguished naval men of all nations, have been of opinion that
the fortress of Humaita was impregnable. It is thus unjust to accuse
the Brazilian iron-clad squadron of failing in its duties, for, on
the contrary, it is little less than rash to expose the Bahia within
pistol-shot, as she now is, of the enemy’s fortress.
“As for the effects of the bombardment from the squadron, it is known
positively that it has caused considerable injury and losses to the
enemy. On the 12th instant the squadron bombarded Humaita, and the
division abreast of Curuzu directed its fires on the headquarters at
Paso Pucu, where, upon the same day, there happened to be on a visit
Messrs. De Couverville and De Libertad.
“REPUBLICA.”
The annexed extract, translated from the Comercio del Parana, an
Entre Riano newspaper, leads one to believe that the allies cannot
boast much of their reputed victories over the Paraguayans:
“I am quite certain you have all heard of the grand victories we have
obtained in the last few days. Oh, what victories! Precisely like
all the rest we have obtained upon the present, costing as dear as
that of the 24th September, and the taking of Pilar, the former of
which cost the Brazilians some twenty-five hundred men, and the
latter not much less. A friend who writes to me from Tuyuti says: ‘I
was present at that
[Page 239]
massacre, for I can call it nothing else. The engagement was brought
about by the Paraguayans endeavoring to rescue forty-four prisoners
taken at Pilar. A regiment of allied cavalry in attacking the enemy
fell into a puntano or swamp, their ammunition got wet, and the
whole of them remained at the mercy of the foe.’
“In Tuyuti there exists the most frightful misery among the
Brazilians, who are, as you may probably have heard, the best cared
for. I do not exaggerate in telling you that not only are they
reduced to begging from the shopkeepers in the camp, but from the
passers by. It seems that our respectable allies, the gentry of the
Chaco, are reappearing on the scene. Three days ago I met a party of
them, Guaieurus. It consisted of a lieutenant, armed with a saber,
two sergeants, with muskets, and five rank and file, with long
knives. I had the curiosity to ask the chief where he was going, and
with indescribable coolness, he answered, ‘to Humaita.’ Great hopes
we must have of reducing the fortress with such contingents.
“Notwithstanding the unfavorable result of the first negotiations for
peace, there are many who believe that the negotiations will be
resumed.”
The Standard to day gives the accompanying item of news from the seat
of war. The scarcity of meat, both in the allied and Paraguayan
camp, seems to be a fact beyond doubt:
“By a private letter from the army we learn that, owing to the
prevalence of cholera, coffee and caña are now given to the
Brazilian soldiers. The meat is so poor that officers and men, for
the most part, live on biscuits, rice, and farina. The Brazilian
hospitals are well cared for, and upon a splendid footing. The
allied strength in Tuyuti is twelve thousand Brazilians and two
thousand Argentines, including the Paraguayan legion.”
October 25.—The last news received from the
provinces respecting Juan Saa is of a less alarming character. It
appears that this celebrated rebel leader has found no support and
little sympathy in Bolivia, and well-informed parties give the
assurance that the Argentine republic has nothing to fear from
Bolivia.
General Paunero, who applied some time ago and obtained leave from
the government to absent himself from his command, and come to
Buenos Ayres on account of a family affliction, but would not avail
himself of it until affairs in the interior Were in a more settled
state, is now preparing to return, and it is rumored that he is
likely to be appointed to the vacant post of minister of war.
The following extract from the Standard, giving the number of vessels
aground in the Parana River, proves the difficulties in navigating
its waters:
“Vessels aground in the Parana—17th.—A Brazilian gunboat, with some troops on
board, was aground some fifteen leagues below Corrientes, cargo
trimmed to port to assist to get her off.
“18th. There are a great many vessels aground
below Goya. American bark T. C. Cushing, Captain Rogers, laden with
horses, is aground below Yaquarite, on the left bank of the
river.
“19th. The British bark Quickstep and British
brig Adelaide were at anchor at La Paz, having no water to pass the
shallows.
“20th. An Italian gunboat under sail was
passed, just above Rosario, proceding down the river.
21st. British brig Albion, of Liverpool, was
at the Boca Guarzu, bound for Liverpool; British three-masted
schooner, E. Shun, was at anchor on the bar below Martin Garcia.
There are about thirty sailing vessels aground or at anchor waiting
for water between La Paz and Goya.”
October 26.—The question of the future
presidency of the Argentine Republic is every day more and more
engaging the attention of the public. The local papers both in this
city and in the rest of the confederation devote a great deal of
their space to this important subject. The Tribuna, which is
undoubtedly the most influential organ of the River Plata press, has
boldly proclaimed Señor Sarmiento as its candidate, whilst the
Nacion Argentina attacks this candidate without openly proposing any
other, although it is well known that it is determined to support
Señor Elizalde’s pretensions. The press of Entre Rios, as was to
have been expected, is unaninous in writing in favor of General
Urquiza, as the fittest candidate for the presidency. Besides these
there are other names that have been mentioned as likely to be
brought forward as competitors for the highest magistracy in the
republic, such as Señor Alsina, governor of Buenos Ayres, Señor
Velez Sarsfield, Dr. Rawson, General Taboada, and others. Of these,
however, only the first is believed to have any chance of success.
Indeed, it has been asserted and very currently repeated that the
Tribunals only using the name of Señor Sarmiento as a mask, and that
its candidate in reality is Governor Alsina. Nothing, however, has
appeared that could substantiate this assertion. On the contrary,
the Tribuna evinces every day more zeal in defending Señor
Sarmiento’s cause. In its number of yesterday, it published a letter
addressed to its editor by Colonel Mansilla from the allied camp, a
translation of which is given below. Colonel Mansilla, although a
nephew of the celebrated dictator Rosas, is an influential member of
the liberal party, and has succeeded in establishing for himself
[Page 240]
a high reputation, not
only as a brave soldier and good officer, but also as an
accomplished writer. His advocating, therefore, so warmly Señor
Sarmiento’s nomination cannot fail to have considerable weight; and
the statement he moreover makes that Sarmiento is the favorable
candidate in the army, if true, is of considerable significance.
Colonel Mansilla’s letter to the editor of the Tribuna is as
follows:
“Camp Tuyu-Cué,
October 20, 1867.
“You are aware, ever since I was in Buenos Ayres, that my candidate
for the future presidency of the republic is the same as the
Tribunals—Sarmiento. For the honor and glory of our country the man
whom I pointed out as the ideal candidate, when we talked over the
subject, is becoming every day more a possible, a real candidate. I,
who do not insult you by harboring the supposition that you advocate
this candidate insincerely, and who, in my sphere, and within the
compass of my limited resources, am working for it and anxious for
its success by means analogous to the end and to the principles it
symbolizes, am happy to inform you that our candidate can rely upon
the support and sympathy of many of our most notable officers in the
army, who are all individually ready to work for him.
“By and by, I will write to you more at length on this subject. In
the meantime, I am anxious that this letter should be published.
“Yours, truly,
“L.V.MANSILLA.”
October 27.—A fraud involving the loss to
government of the rather large sum of seven millions of paper
dollars ($280,000) has been discovered in the custom-house here. The
authors appear to have been one or two employés, of the custom-house
in league with several clerks of different commercial houses of high
standing and respectability in this city. The matter is under
judicial investigation, but the guilty parties are said to have
escaped before their evil doings were discovered.
The news brought by the last mail from the interior provinces shows
that tranquility is far from having been restored. The Tribuna
publishes a letter dated Santiago, 15th instant, announcing that
official intelligence had just been received of the rebel chief
Varela, having attacked the town of Salta and taken it after a short
resistance. Although General Navarro hurried up with a respectable
force and obliged the rebels to abandon the city only a few hours
afterwards, Yarela and his men committed unheard-of excesses in the
few hours they remained in Salta, murdering and pillaging its
inhabitants and carrying off an enormous booty.
Just before the mail steamer left Rosario news arrived that Governor
Luque of Cordova had resigned his post.
The Banda Oriental seems also to be on the eve of new troubles. The
papers report that a certain Colonel Aparicio, one of the principal
leaders of the Blanco party, has crossed from Entre Rios to the left
margin of the Uruguay, somewhere between Paysanda and Salta,
accompanied by a few followers, with the avowed intention of raising
the standard of revolt against General Flores’s government. It is
also reported that General Urquiza and the Entre Rios government
have endeavored to frustrate Colonel Aparicio’s expedition, and
given timely warning of it to the authorities of Paysanda.
October 28.—The news of Colonel Aparicio’s
intended invasion of the Banda Oriental, communicated from here by
telegraph to Montevideo, has caused there considerable excitement.
It is, however, believed that the move is an isolated attempt,
which, if discountenanced by General Urquiza, will be easily put
down.
October 29.—The regular steamer from
Corrientes, due yesterday, did not arrive, and there is in
consequence a dearth of news to-day.
The Standard has the following in regard to Colonel Aparicio:
“Yesterday we heard that Aparicio is one of the greatest Blanco
Caudillos of the day. He it was who, when Flores entered Montevideo
in 1865, made a great raid into Rio Grande, carried off prisoners of
war, and liberated slaves by the hundred. Respecting his pedigree
there is much obscurity; at an humble mud rancho on the wayside in
the Florida district, it appears, he first saw light. He has figured
in most of the unhappy broils of his country. Profound political
observers regard him as the creature, the tool, of others, who, now
that the elections are appreaching, find it convenient to have him
running about the country. What truth there may be in this version
it is difficult to say; but the calling out of the national guards
is inevitable, as is also the result of the elections under such
circumstances.”
October 30.—The Espigador steamer from
Corrientes arrived yesterday, and brought the news of some partial
fighting in Paraguay, in which the allies, as usual, according to
their own account, have obtained another success. The following is
the Standard’s version, which agrees with what is given by the other
papers:
“SUCCESS OF THE ALLIES.
“The following telegram was received from the Tigre yesterday, at
3.15 p. m.: On the morning of the 21st instant a Brazilian
ambuscade, composed of three divisions of
[Page 241]
cavalry, on the right of the line of the
allies, surprised eight hundred Paraguayans, taking two hundred
prisoners and killing three hundred. The Brazilians lost seventy to
eighty, rank and file, and one cornet killed and one captain
wounded.
“On the same morning, on the left of the line, an Argentine
ambuscade, composed of two divisions of cavalry, were hotly engaged
with the enemy; and at the moment when victory was still doubtful,
Colonel Videla arrived with a squadron of the 3d regiment of
cavalry, which charged furiously, completely defeating the
Paraguayans, who left eighty dead on the field. The Argentine loss
was sixteen rank and file and three officers wounded and one officer
killed. At the last moment it was reported that a picket of one
hundred men, with its commander, had passed over to the Argentine
camp.”
The Tribuna of to-day publishes a long letter of Señor Hector S.
Varela, co-proprietor of that paper, from Paris, giving an account
of a brilliant speech made by him at the peace congress, held at
Geneva, in defense of republican institutions, and more particularly
of the United States and the republics of South America, which had
been virulently attacked by a M. Dupasquier.
From Cordova the news of Governor Luque’s resignation is confirmed.
It appears that when he sent it in to the legislature the latter
showed some disinclination to accept it, and Governor Luque then
informed that body that he had delegated the governorship into the
hands of a Señor Peña, an extreme liberal, until his successor
should be duly elected.
October 31.—With reference to the last news
from the seat of war, the following letter of the Standard’s
correspondent contains some interesting details:
“THE WAR IN THE NORTH.
“Corrientes,
October 25, 1867.
“Gentlemen: All I can communicate with
certainty respecting the last battle is that the Paraguayans sought
the combat and got worsted, leaving four hundred killed or badly
hurt, and two hundred prisoners. The allied loss is reported to have
been very insignificant. Other versions state the loss on either
side to be nearly equal. Caxias was to have marched from Tuyu-Cué on
the 24th to take a position at Tayi. It is not known here if he has
effected the desired purpose. If he can accomplish it, and maintain
himself at that point, the reduction of Humaita must soon follow.
The cholera is on the decline at the different encampments; still it
is far from being extinct. Every precaution is being taken to
prevent the further spread of the plague. The sale of all conserves,
no matter if of flesh, fruit, or fish, is strictly prohibited. Due
attention is given to cleanliness, while all care is bestowed on
those that are convalescent; four and five patacones are paid for
fowls for the sick. At Itapiru measures are in progress to remove
the garbage. Here no preventive steps will be thought of until the
plague is widely disseminated, when ‘sauve qui
pent’ will be the watchword—people flying in all directions
to escape perdition. Till now the authorities and denizens in
general are indifferent as to what may come—Brazilian gold absorbing
every other consideration. An extensive conflagration of hay has
been going on at Isla de Itapiru for the past three days; many
hundreds of bales, said to be the property of Mr. Dufour, have been
consumed. It is supposed to have been purposely set on fire, which
is probable, as the flames, when first discovered, were seen to
issue from different parts of the pile. The loss is a serious one,
as much of the provender was in a sound condition. Holders of the
article here, since the fire, have advanced their prices.
“Yesterday the steamer Paysander passed upwards, with a brig in tow;
both vessels were loaded with horses. Other remittances of horses
are daily arriving at Paso de la Patria from all parts of this
province, as well as Entre Rios, notwithstanding the prohibitory
decree. Most of the animals are stolen ones. However, few questions
are asked as to how the sellers became possessed of the horses. The
brute, as soon as sold, has its ear clipped, which at once
determines the ownership in an indisputable manner. It is to be
hoped the allies will bestir themselves and bring the wretched war
to a conclusion, now that they have a good supply of sound horses,
in all respects fit for the campaign, while those of the enemy are
known to be utterly unfit for service. The Sisters of Mercy have
arrived, and proceeded to their destination. Here has been a large
sale of every description of goods; the value of the amount sold was
55,000 pata-cones. Many of the articles sold would have brought more
in Buenos Ayres.
“I remain yours, truly,
“SINBAD.”
Colonel Aparicio, whose invasion of the Banda Oriental has been
already alluded to, appears to have retraced his steps and crossed
over again to Entre Rios territory. He has been subsequently
arrested at Concordia by the gefe politico of that department, Don
Justo Carmen Urquiza.
November 1.—The following, relative to
proceedings in the Santa Fé legislature, is an extract from the
Standard’s Rosario correspondent:
“The legislature of Santa Fé will meet again for the dispatch of
business on Friday
[Page 242]
next.
Dr. Quintana intends presenting a project of a minute, to be
addressed to the national government, praying them to conclude the
war by arranging a peace with Paraguay. I have no doubt but that it
will pass with a large majority. The communication commences with
this strong language:
“‘As no voice has been raised within the precincts of the national
assembly, (to urge for peace,) it falls upon the people to do it, to
the shame of those who have not fulfilled their duty.’”
New governors have been elected in the provinces of Mendoza and San
Juan, in the first a Señor Villanueva, and in the second a Señor
Zaralla. They both belong to the liberal party and enjoy a good
reputation.
A lieutenant colonel and a major of the late Confederate States
service are reported by the papers to have arrived here from the
headquarters of the allied army in Paraguay, recommended to the
national government by President Mitre, to whom they have proposed
to raise a foreign legion, composed, if possible, of North Americans
and Englishmen, for service in Paraguay. The name of the first of
them is McTuor.
November 2.—On account of yesterday being a
closed holiday, no papers appeared this morning, and there is no
news.
November 3.—The Tribuna publishes a
translation in Spanish of a note which I addressed to Don Luis
Varela, brother of its proprietors, Don Hector and Don Mariano
Varela, congratulating him upon the remarkable oratorical triumph of
his brother Hector at the peace congress of Geneva, in its session
of 11th September last, in defense of assailed progress and
civilization under republican institutions in this hemisphere.
The news from Montevideo is not very satisfactory. General Flores,
eldest son of Colonel Fortunato Flores, whose brutal behavior
obliged his father to send him to Europe about three or four months
ago, has just returned to Montevideo from Paris, to the great
disgust of his fellow-citizens in general. It is reported that in
consequence of this, Señor Flangini will resign the portfolio of
foreign affairs, and his successor is likely to be Señor Bustamente.
With reference to this the Standard of to-day says:
“Things in Montevideo look rather stormy again; the government has
notified General Suarez that for the present he must remain in the
city and abandon his proposed excursion to the camp. This is
doubtless on account of some information received respecting the
squashed-up invasion on the Uruguay; but even in the city affairs
are in an unsettled state. Minister Flangini has sent in his
resignation, also many of the officers of the liberated battalion;
all this is said to be owing to the premature return from Paris of
Fortunato Flores, the son of the governor. It is thought that Señor
Bustamente will succeed Flangini; his promotion will be a loss to
Montevideo, since he has made an excellent chief of police, and it
will be difficult to get any one so well qualified to fill this
important post.”
November 4.—A great public open air meeting
took place yesterday, in one of the principal squares of this city,
in accordance with a printed invitation, as a public manifestation
in honor of Señor Hector Varela, for his great success at Geneva.
The meeting was well attended, several speeches were made, and funds
collected to present an album and a gold medal to Señor Varela.
The French gunboat Decidee arrived yesterday from Corrientes, having
on board M. Cochelet, late French consul in Asuncion. She has also
brought dispatches for this legation from the United States legation
in Paraguay.
November 5.—A telegram from Montevideo
announces the arrival there of the Marcelo Diaz, a Brazilian
transport, direct from the seat of war, with news that on the 29th
ultimo an action took place between the Paraguayans and Porto
Alegre’s forces at Tuyuti, which resulted in the latter occupying
three of the enemy’s trenches on the right flank; the loss on both
sides is reported to have been considerable.
The published correspondence from the seat of war reaches only to the
27th, up to which date the only news of importance was the assurance
that cholera had completely disappeared.
A file of Paraguayan papers to the 5th of last month has come to
hand. If any credit is to be attached to the statements of the
Semanario, it would appear that the most patriotic and indomitable
spirit of resistance pervades all classes of Paraguayans, who are
animated by unbounded confidence in their ruler, and in the ultimate
triumph of the Paraguayan arms in this sanguinary war of
independence. These papers teem with accounts of public meetings
held by the Paraguayan ladies, and eloquent speeches made by them
for the purpose of raising contributions of jewelry and other
objects towards the expenses of the war.
They also contain some interesting data on the commerce between
Paraguay and Bolivia, which seems to be so much on the increase,
that the latter republic has appointed a consul general in
Asuncion.
November 6.—General Mitre’s official report to
Vice-President Paez of the action of the 29th ultimo is published in
to-day’s papers. This action, which had been erroneously reported to
have taken place at Tuyuti, happened near a place to the north of
Humaita, called the “Potrero Ovella.” This Protrero Ovella is the
converging point of all the roads that lead from the interior to
Humaita, a position strong by nature,
[Page 243]
and rendered more so by the fortifications
raised by Lopez to protect it. It could only be approached by a
narrow causeway, along which the Brazilians, under the immediate
orders of General Mena Barreto, charged with the bayonet, and. after
suffering considerable losses, succeeded in carrying the position.
Marquis de Caxias’s official report to General Mitre of this action
is herewith appended:
POTRERO OVELLA.—TAYI.
[Official dispatch from the Marquis de Caxias to
General Mitre.]
“Headquarters Tuyu-Cué,
“November 1, 1867.
“I have to inform you that, according to information received from
Brigadier J. M. M. Barneto, charged by me with the operation already
known to your excellency, he marched, on the morning of the 29th
ultimo, at the head of a force composed of the 1st, 2d, 7th, 8th,
and 9th battalions of infantry of the line, and 23d and 24th of
volunteers, four pieces of artillery, fifty-four sappers, and first
and second divisions of cavalry, arriving at the bridge of the
Arroyo Hondo, when he left one of the cavalry divisions to guard
that position and the rear of the expeditionary force. Continuing
his march and approaching the Potrero Ovella, he received
information from the vanguard that a line of skirmishers was in
sight, supposed to be the vanguard of a superior force. He then
ordered his own skirmishers to advance, protected by the 1st and 3d
regiments of cavalry, he following with the bulk of the column.
“He might have advanced about half a league, when Colonel Manuel de
Oliviera Bueno, who was engaged in watching the movements of the
enemy, sent word that he was in possession of a pass leading to a
redoubt, which, after the action, he found to be defended by two
deep ditches, and in the flank covered by marshes, and in front by a
narrow and deep lake. He then ordered the before-mentioned brigadier
to advance with two pieces of artillery, protected by two columns of
cavalry in echelon, supported by a battalion of infantry, masked by
a line of skirmishers, which kept up a fire with those of the enemy.
He sent two battalions to the right and left of the pass, and two
others in the direction of the redoubt, followed by the cavalry and
artillery in the rear. The column thus proceeded in the form of a
half-moon, and were soon engaged in a bloody contest, resulting in
the retreat of the enemy not only from their first lines already
described, but from the others, equally well protected by extensive
and deep swamps. The lines were carried successively by our troops
at the point of the bayonet. I have much pleasure in saying that
General Mena Barreto reports that officers and men alike
distinguished themselves.
“The enemy then endeavored to retreat within the fortifications of
Humaita, but were pursued and completely cut to pieces by our
cavalry. We have buried eighty Paraguayan corpses, and have taken
fifty-six prisoners, besides a quantity of ammunition and arms. Our
loss in killed and wounded amounts to three hundred and seventy
men.
“According to my instructions, General Mena Barreto marched yesterday
at 5.30 in. the morning, with a strong force and two pieces of
artillery, to reconnoiter the barranca of Tayi. He halted there at
7.30, sending forward a picquet of carbineers to explore it. It was
discovered that there were no intrenchments.
“Our two guns then fired upon a steamer in the river Paraguay. She
replied with two shots that did not reach the barranca, and then
steamed away towards Humaita. We made two prisoners, one of them a
sergeant, who formed part of the guard at Tayi, which had fled,
leaving a few lances and fortification tools in our possession.
“At 11.30 Brigadier Mena Barreto returned to the Potrero Ovella,
leaving a regiment of cavalry at Tayi.
“Afterwards I received news that the before-mentioned steamer had
returned, accompanied by another. They commenced to bombard Tayi,
and succeeded in burning some carts I had placed there to imitate
pieces of artillery. They fired also at the brushwood on the banks
of the river, thinking naturally we had infantry concealed there. A
third steamer was seen, but she passed up the river. One of their
steamers and an armed raft remained all the day in the port of
Tayi.
“From what we have hitherto ascertained, there exists a road by the
coast of the river Paraguay to Humaita. The Potrero Ovella is, we
find, about three leagues in extent, and composed of woods, lakes,
and marshes, all of which we have explored. There is roaming within
it a number of scattered cattle, which we shall collect on the first
opportunity.
“The town of Pilar was explored, and it was found that there exists
neither garrison nor fortification of any kind. The few people who
were there on our arrival had embarked in rafts, and remained in the
center of the river.
“Congratulating your excellency on this new triumph over the enemy, I
have only to communicate that orders have been given to the general
in command of the expeditionary force to retain the present
positions until further instructions.”
[Page 244]
The Tribune of to-day, in its telegraphic news from Montevideo,
says:
“It is beyond doubt that Flangini will shortly withdraw from the
Foreign Office. Señor Bustamente is to be named prime minister, and
will also discharge ad interim the duties of
foreign minister, until the return from Europe of Señor Hector
Varela, who is to succeed Flangini.”
November 7.—The Standard publishes to-day my
note to Señor Don Luis Varela, alluded to under date of the 3d of
this month; it is herewith appended:
THE UNITED STATES LEGATION AND MR. L. VARELA.
“Legation of the United States of
America,
Buenos Ayres, November 1, 1867.
“My Dear Sir: It affords me great pleasure
to congratulate you upon the signal success which your distinguished
brother, Señor Don Hector F. Varela, has achieved in his masterly
speech, delivered in the most worthy and eloquent manner at the
peace congress, in Geneva, during its session of the 11th September
ultimo, in defense of assailed progress and civilization under
republican institutions in this hemisphere. This manly and noble
defense will live as a lasting monument of respect and sincere
gratitude in the hearts of all the American people north and
south.
“I am, with sincere regard, your obedient servant,
“A. ASBOTH.
“Señor Don Luis Varela,
Buenos Ayres.”
The last mail from Paraguay has brought the intelligence of the death
of President Lopez’s eldest son, killed in a late cavalry
engagement.
Certain of the native local papers having given currency to some
absurd information about President Lopez, said to have been
communicated by the French consul, the Standard of this morning
makes the following remarks:
“Respecting the assertions ascribed to the French consul, some have
foundation. The imprisonment and ill treatment of Mr. Capdevila is,
for instance, too true, and the general complexion of the gossip
from Humaita may be more or less well painted; but the absurd
history of the caged tigers, to which Lopez, like a second Caligula,
flings his human victims to be devoured, is an abominable falsehood.
And the circumstance that M. Cochelet was lodged in a part of the
fortress of Humaita exposed to the fire of the allies, is easily
explained by the fact that there is no part of that fortress which
is thus not exposed. It is a pity that our colleagues should go out
of their way to publish silly exaggerations, as the state of affairs
in the interior of Humaita is doubtless quite bad enough, and we are
all pretty well disposed to believe that the resources of the ruler
of Paraguay are well nigh exhausted. Let the allies push on their
reinforcements and be above calumny. Marshal Caxias is at least
better employed, and we find on the 29th of October General Mena
Barreto, under his orders, took possession of a very important
position, which may lead to final results.”
November 8.—The Standard of to-day has the
following leader on the position of the allies:
“THE POSITION OF THE ALLIES.
“Never since the commencement of the Paraguayan war has the campaign
possessed so much interest for the general reader as at present; the
allies, profiting by dearly bought experience, are at last adopting
tactics which must result in either hemming in the Paraguay army at
Humaita or forcing the enemy to attack on disadvantageous terms. It
is much to be regretted that we have no book or guide at our command
to describe the country in the neighborhood of the present
operations, but as far as we can judge from the hasty sketches in
the Semanario, the allies are entering localities every way
dangerous to an invader. At Tayi, a commanding position on the
Paraguayan river, just a stretch above Humaita, there is an immense
isleta or jungle, in the vicinity of which already a sanguinary
battle has been fought; according to the Paraguayan version, the
Brazilians were driven back here on the 3d with great loss, while
the allies claim a great victory on the occasion. The subsequent
operations, however, remove all doubt as to this fight, for we find,
on the 27th, a regular hand-to-hand fight at a point midway, called
Potrero Ovello. This potrero occupies a very commanding position a
little out of Humaita and on the road to Asuncion; here were posted
the abastecedores of the army, and since the move of Caxias to
Tuyu-Cué, Lopez has had hundreds of his soldiers digging trenches
and strengthening the position. Up to the 3d ultimo, Caxias, it
appears, knew nothing of this place, but the fights at the isleta
taught him the topography of the ground, and on the 27th ultimo a
powerful division was dispatched to take the place by storm. The
brave cossacks of Rio Grande, under General Andrade Neves, and seven
battalions of infantry, under Salustiano, marched in single file
through a tortuous path from the allied encampment. The road passes
through a glen, where a handful of Paraguayans, if well posted,
might have held the
[Page 245]
pass
and checked the invaders; but the Brazilians encountered no
opposition until they came face to face with the enemy at the
Potrero. The enemy seemed to trust more to the strength of their
position and their bravery than to numbers. Two hundred and fifty
Paraguayans held the place undismayed at the splendid charge of the
Brazilians; there was nothing for it but the bayonet;. the fire of.
the enemy was steady, well directed and concentrated; but the
Brazilians with equal heroism charged up to the very ditches at
double-quick step. The Rio Grande cavalry won new laurels, and
dashing up to the very trenches of the Paraguayans, saberd the
gunners. The Paraguayans never flinched an inch until they saw the
Brazilians at their flank; they then retreated in good order to
Humaita, the nature of the country being such as to impede
pursuit.
“Important as is this position in a strategic point, it costs the
Brazilians dearly, and those who know the difficulties attending the
attack of an intrenched position will not read with surprise that
the Brazilians had over five hundred hors de
combat, whilst the enemy did not lose a tenth of that
number. A very sad episode occurred during the fight. Colonel
Olivier a, who but the day previously had been promoted, was shot
dead by a subaltern officer, owing to some high words passing
between them. The position once gained by the Brazilians was
occupied, and the Marquis Caxias, in person, inspected the place,
and ordered the cavalry to hover about Tayi, whilst the artillery
mounted some brass pieces to command the river. The Paraguayan guard
at Tayi only numbered a sergeant and a few men. From the willful
weakness of the place it is thought that Lopez wishes to get the
Brazilians in this dangerous spot, but lines of the allies are so
extended that if Lopez adopts the first Napoleon’s tactics the
allies will find out their error. The allies at present stretch over
an immense extent of country, and the only feature in their favor is
that the enemy may be said to be without cavalry. During the last
month the allies have invariably attacked with success, and a
summary of the various engagements shows great advantages gained by
the allies and heavy losses by the enemy. This has led to a complete
change of tactics on the part of the allies; large divisions are at
present penetrating the country, and very possibly ere long we shall
hear of the crossing the Tebicuari and the occupation of Villa Rica.
Porto Alegre has been ordered to move to the right, and thus, in
fact, form the rear-guard near Tuyu-Cué; the evident object of this
move is to strengthen the allied line which shuts Lopez in the
peninsula, but all these movements and tactics can only have one
result; a terrible and sanguinary battle has to be fought, Ten
thousand desperate Paraguayans have to force their way into the
country; the allies under no circumstances can avoid this, and the
sooner it comes to pass the better for friend and foe; the base of
operations will evidently be the Villa Pilar, when Porto Alegre
evacuates that most useless of all positions, the fens of
Tuyuti.”
The telegraph wires from the Tigre announce the arrival of the
Uruguay steamer with dates from the allied camp to the 3d instant.
Great fighting has been going on. On the 2d the Paraguayans made an
attempt by land and water to retake the positions of Potrero Ovella
and Tayi to the north of Humaita, but were repulsed with great loss
on both sides, whilst the next morning before dawn they surprised
the allies in their rear at Tuyuti, and very nearly succeeded in
taking possession of Porto Alegre’s whole encampment; here, too,
they were eventually repulsed, but although they suffered great
losses they contrived to inflict even greater losses on the allies,
and carried off several pieces of artillery, after setting fire to
the Argentine sutler’s camp.
To-day’s Standard has the following leader, implying a covert threat
to Lopez, which I have reason to believe has been inspired in an
official quarter:
“ENGLISHMEN IN PARAGUAY.
“If President Lopez has ever speculated on the chances of
intervention in his favor from abroad, or of domestic changes in the
states now hostilizing him, he must by this time be thoroughly
undeceived. It is in the highest degree improbable that his position
will be altered by any occurrence extraneous to the natural course
of the campaign. We may take it for granted that he must rest the
issue of the contest on his own military resources. What may be the
strength of these it is difficult for us to form any reliable
estimate; but the latest reports, after careful sifting of ex parte statements, present unmistakable
signs of that gradual exhaustion so long predicted.
“On the other hand, it may be doubted whether, since the war
commenced, the bonds of the triple alliance have been more firmly
knit than at this moment. The primary stipulation of the treaty of
alliance, that Lopez shall abdicate his power, runs more chance than
ever of being exacted to the letter. The Brazilian empire, it is
certain, will shrink before no sacrifice of men or money to attain
that object.
“As far, then, as we can judge from appearances, Lopez is either
obstinately fencing with his fate, or he is the dupe of parties
personally interested in the continuance of the war. Neither of
these alternatives is very creditable to his sagacity.
“We may say safely that we have never been the political advocates of
General Lopez. We have always considered his system of government as
an anachronism, and,
[Page 246]
even
more, as an impossibility, confronted as it must be by the steady
advance of European ideas in these regions. But, in common with many
of our fellow-countrymen, we have sometimes closed our eyes to his
political acts, and have chosen to contemplate him only in the light
of a ruler who, on the margin of a desert, and surrounded by an
indigenous population, has made great efforts to foment industry and
introduce the mechanical arts. In fostering these he has employed
the revenue of the country with an uprightness which defeats
calumny, and has patronized and well treated the English and other
foreigners who have aided him in the attempt.
“What sympathy we may still entertain towards General Lopez we cannot
better expend than in cautioning him against information which, for
mercenary ends, may be given him to disguise the real truth of his
position. If his position is such as it is now commonly represented,
he may be sure that his enemies are not sanguinary, and that they
will be only too glad to give him the opportunity to escape, if he
chooses to accept it. Impartial spectators of the events now in
progress would advise him to do so with all convenient speed.
“But it is possible that other counselors of President Marshal Lopez
may ridicule this officious advice, as well as the views which seem
to prevail as to the position of a potentate who, far from being in
the straits we speak of, is secure, they would tell us, in the
assurance of ultimate triumph. In that case, we have even greater
reason for now adverting to a question of more serious import to us
than mere speculation as to the result of a contest in which we are
neutral.
“There are still Englishmen in the employ of General Lopez; and were
we not averse to parallels, that might be thoughtlessly drawn
between him and another distant potentate with whom Great Britain is
now about to cast up accounts, we would say there are still certain
Englishmen forcibly detained in captivity by General Lopez. But we
prefer to consider them as foreigners, who from choice of interest
have entered his service, and who have hitherto faithfully served
him. From the nature of their callings, civil rather than military,
we can yet hope that, propria motu, he will
be inclined to accept their resignation, although he may have lately
refused that boon to a direct demand in their behalf.
“President Marshal Lopez must be aware that, as far as Europe is
concerned, his future reputation is bound up in the safety and
honorable treatment of foreign residents in Paraguay, and we can
scarcely believe the too commonly expressed opinion that Lopez, now
brought to bay, is callous to praise or censure, present or
posthumous; and that the safety of the foreigners in his clutches
has no other guarantee but the immediate personal ends, the caprices
of a barbarian.
“On the contrary, we see in his diplomatic notes that he makes some
sacrifice, even of veracity, to give a plausible coloring to his
acts, when they are to be judged in distant countries, or where, in
his own almost pathetic words, “his voice cannot reach.” We know,
also, that he spends large sums for no other purpose than to enable
his agents in London or Paris to represent his proceedings favorably
to the civilized world. We may, therefore, reasonably conclude that,
as it has been remarked of the rest of us, he is neither so great a
philosopher as to be above censure, nor so great a beast as to be
beneath it.
“And, moreover, when he reflects on the responsibility of holding in
his hands the lives of a few innocent foreigners, he will probably
hesitate before he permits any will ful injury to them, either in
the hour of his triumph or of his fall. In the former case, he would
risk the fruits of his success by incurring the vindictive and
instant chastisement which we can positively assure him powerful
European nations are preparing to inflict; and in the latter case,
whilst permitted to live, he would be branded as a monster, or would
subject his memory uselessly and gratuitously to the execration not
only of his immediate enemies but of the world in general.”
With reference to the new British minister near this government the
Standard says:
“Mr. William Lowther, whose appointment as minister plenipotentiary
to the Argentine Republic has been announced by the telegram from
Montevideo, is the youngest son of Colonel, the honorable Henry
Cecil Lowther, (M. P. for Westmoreland,) brother to the Earl of
Lonsdale. Mr. Lowther was born in 1821, and married, in 1853,
Charlotte, youngest and only surviving daughter of Lord Wensleydale,
by whom he has a large family. He is one of the oldest secretaries
of embassy in our diplomatic service.”
November 9.—The papers to-day publish full
details and official reports of the late fighting in Paraguay. The
battle of Tuyuti, viewed in any light, is a bloody and ugly
business, and shows the danger the allies incur in having their line
stretched too far to be safe from attacks such as the one they
suffered at Tuyuti on the 3d instant. In the action of Tayi there
seems to be no question that the Paraguayans were worsted. They
landed in three steamers, attacked and got repulsed completely, and
of the three steamers one was sunk by the Brazilian artillery, the
other burnt, and the third entirely disabled. The following detailed
account of the Tuyuti business, as well as Marquis de Caxias’
official report of the affair at Tayi, are from to-day’s
Standard:
[Page 247]
“THE LATE BATTLES OF TUYUTI AND TAYI.
“Tuyuti,
November 4, 1867.
“At daybreak (4½ a. m.) yesterday morning the Paraguayans made a
fearful onslaught on our position. The sutlers and camp followers
suffered heavily at the hands of the cowardly enemy, who plundered
and murdered all before them. From one of the runaway merchants I
gleaned the following, which I hasten to communicate, knowing your
anxiety to have a full and true account of the engagement.
“Scarcely had the sun peeped above the horizon, dispelling the dark
shades of night and lighting up the neighboring woods and valleys
with its million rays, when we were startled by the ring of musketry
on our right; presently the war clang increased, and it became
evident that the Johnson battery, held by the Correntino division,
was being assailed. The rapid discharge of two heavy guns, followed
by a deadly silence, too plainly proclaimed the issue of the fight,
at least so I felt, knowing that the few Correntinos left there
could never hold out against any formidable attacking column. My
conviction was shared by the Brazilian generals, who hurried forward
their men on the first sound of alarm. While all around was bustle
and excitement General Porto Alegre, with becoming serenity, scanned
from a slight eminence in front the whole line, adopting
instantaneously the most energetic means of defense.
“The enemy must have numbered 8,000 bayonets, for the most infantry.
They advanced in loose file, quick pace, but good order, and
extended over our entire front line. The column approached in two
divisions, the first of which fell deliberately on our right as if
to carry all before them, while the second or reserve, from a little
to the rear, practiced a series of harassing assaults on the
Brazilian left. The combat deepens around our ramparts, of which the
enemy boldly endeavored to possess themselves; the Brazilian
reserves dispute their own hand to hand with the assailants, whose
numbers at length prevail over valor and discipline; the Paraguayan
banner waves triumphantly over the heaps of slain as the Brazilians
fall back on Porto Alegre’s headquarters; here they concentrated and
awaited the advance of their comrades.
“This slight incident was the turning point of the whole day, and
this early repulse it was which threw the final victory into the
hands of the allies.
“For while the enemy, unable permanently to occupy the position, were
actually impeded in their retreat by the trenches they had so dearly
won, our retrograde movement, without entailing disorder, had so
contracted our line of defense that we were enabled, with a small
force, to hold at bay the fiercest assaults of the enemy until our
reserves came up, which quickly changed the fortune of the day.
Nothing but the stern determination of our veterans could withstand
the hairbrained daring of the enemy; and as each column advanced
large gaps were opened in their massive lines by our own
incomparable gunners. We had now time to load and take deliberate
aim with our field-pieces, for, as the Paraguayans were unprovided
with artillery, they could not get at us except with the bayonet, no
easy matter either, behind stone walls. It may be Lopez had
calculated on capturing our guns and ammunition, and in this he was
not out, for two fine rifled pieces were left behind by the
Brazilians; but in future the gallant marshal would do well to
instruct his braves in the use of “spiked cannon;” he would
doubtless find it of great service in concluding a campaign with men
who “never give up the ship.” I am more inclined to believe,
however, that the marshy and wooded nature of the country through
which they marched would not permit of a long carriage train,
otherwise it was a grievous error, and entirely blasted the fruit
which, with a little judgment, might have ripened under the dazzling
rays of their early success.
“In this critical moment the rapacity of our savage enemy proved our
best friend. During one of those occasional lulls, whilst the enemy
were organizing a fresh attack and we preparing to receive them,
dense volumes of thick black smoke, commingled with flames, were
wafted by on the morning breeze; overcome by the suffocating vapor,
we stood motionless on our arms until aroused by the commotion among
the camp followers. It was indeed a life and death struggle for
these defenseless wretches; all who could not fly were butchered as
they stood, their goods robbed, and houses burned. When Porto Alegre
saw this, he charged at the head of a picked corps, driving back the
enemy with dreadful carnage. From this dates the enemy’s repulse,
which, as the day wore on, was followed by increased disorder.
“General Hornos coming up with the San Martin 3d of the line and
Correntino divisions, charged home on the broken masses, retaking
the lost trenches and compelling the pursued to leave behind all
their booty except two light guns, which, despite the noble efforts
of the allied horse, were carried off to Lopez, the scanty trophies
of that bloody day.
“The enemy’s loss must have been fearfully heavy; more than two
thousand of their dead were buried by the victor. The trenches,
streets, and even the huts of the little village are filled with
slain, so as to render it impracticable to pass on horseback. Our
own loss may be laid down at seven to eight hundred, including many
Argentine and
[Page 248]
Brazilian
officers. The valiant Porto Alegre had two horses shot under him,
and was finally disabled by a wound in the left arm. Major Castilla
led the Paraguayan charge, and was killed by Alegre whilst tearing
down the Brazilian flag from the battlements in front of the
imperial commander’s tent.”
[Second dispatch.]
“Headquarters, Tuyu Cué,
November 2 1867.
“I hasten to inform you that, in accordance with my instructions,
Brigadier J. M. M. Barreto attacked Tayi with the infantry under his
orders.
“Disposed in parallel lines, supported by three columns of attack,
one on the right, one in the center, and one on the left, they
charged with the bayonet with the greatest intrepidity, and advanced
up to the intrenchments which the enemy had raised with incredible
celerity, and not only did our troops take these, but they
completely defeated two battalions of infantry, eight hundred
strong, without firing a shot, killing five hundred and taking sixty
prisoners. Many of the enemy in escaping threw themselves from the
banks of the river into the water.
“Our 4-pounders fired with such certainty at the three steamers in
front of Tayi, (and which no doubt had conveyed thither the forces
engaged,) that one of them was sunk, another burned, and the third
moved off with her paddle-wheels damaged.
“It is satisfactory to me to be able to transmit such favorable
intelligence, and the more so that Brigadier Barreto informs me our
loss did not exceed thirty men in killed and wounded.
