No. 57.
Mr. Scruggs
to Mr. Fish.
Bogotá , September 27, 1876. (Received November 13.)
Sir: It was announced in my No. 188, of the 13th instant, that rumors of a decisive battle in the Cauca had reached this city. Since then these reports have been confirmed; but beyond the fact that the government or “liberal” forces were victorious, comparatively little is known as to details.
[Page 96]The battle occurred on the 31st ultimo, at Los Chancos, about three leagues north of Buga, in the valley of the Rio Cauca. The government forces, numbering in all about 3,500 men, were commanded by General Trujillo; those of the insurgents, variously estimated from 5,500 to 7,000 men, were under command of General Córdoba. With the exception of two regiments of national forces, both armies were composed of raw levies, but generally well armed with Remington rifles.
The battle began at the hour of 8½ a.m. and continued until 2 p.m., resulting, it seems, in the complete rout of the insurgents, whose loss, killed and wounded, is estimated at from 1,000 to 1,200. That of the “liberals” is put down at 500, killed and wounded. As we get these results entirely from the victorious party, perhaps some allowances should be made for the great disproportion in numbers and casualties. It is certain, however, that several stand of arms, including one Gatling gun and large stores of ammunition, fell into the hands of the victorious party.
The insurgents retreated to Manizáles, where they effected a re-organization, and received some reinforcements from the interior of Antioquia, and where they are said to be preparing to make a stand. General Trujillo, who seems to have been reasonably prompt in following up his advantage, entered Cartago on the 5th with his entire force; and on the 10th had sent forward an advance-guard, as far as Santa Rosa, some three leagues beyond, in the direction of the Antioquian line.
Such was the position of the two opposing armies at latest accounts. In an unofficial letter from Cartago, dated the 8th instant, and addressed to the President, General Trujillo confirms the above statements. Since then military operations have been unusually active in the State of Tolima. The national government seems to be concentrating all its available force in that State at Ibaqué, evidently looking to the transfer of the seat of war to Antioquia.
Cundinamarca is still swarming with guerrilla bands, and all travel and communication between this capital and the surrounding country is almost entirely suspended in consequence. There are still three of these bands, variously estimated in the aggregate at from 2,500 to 3,500 men, in the mountains within a few hours’ ride of this city, and which keep it in constant alarm.
I have, &c.,