t>70 The Campaign of the Spanish Constitutionalists. [!>EC. 



to adopt the resolution which he ultimately took. The rashness of 

 Valdes seriously compromised the enterprise into which they had 

 embarked, at the same time that it exposed that commander to probable 

 destruction. It was indispensable to march immediately to his support, 

 and by vigorous exertions endeavour to counteract the mischief of a 

 first blunder. It was neither humane nor politic, to abandon these 

 Spaniards to their fate. Impelled, therefore, by such weighty con- 

 siderations, but against the dictates of his better judgment, General Mina 

 determined to march forthwith into Spain. He felt fully aware of the 

 incompetence of the means in his power to carry on any extensive ope- 

 rations, and he probably limited his views, for the moment, to recon- 

 noitring the country, and aiding to liberate Valdes from his difficult 

 position. The force which Mina could command has been differently 

 stated, but we have good reason to suppose it did not exceed three 

 hundred men. Of these a considerable number were officers of all 

 ranks, from that of general to lieutenant : these gentlemen formed 

 themselves into a body, which they called the sacred battalion, and they 

 cheerfully submitted to undergo all the toil, and perform all the duties 

 of private soldiers. The services of these men, however valuable in 

 other circumstances, were little available in the present posture of events. 

 These officers were old veterans, the youngest not below forty, almost 

 all infirm and suffering from the effects of a long series of sorrows and 

 misfortunes ; they could ill support the excessive fatigue which they 

 had magnanimously imposed on themselves, and, considering the nature 

 of the service they were now to perform, they were certainly inferior to 

 a company of common soldiers. 



Mina's little army began its march on the 18th of October, and on 

 the 20th entered Spain. The gallant body contained in its rank several 

 generals and chiefs of higli merit and standing in the army, amongst 

 others Butron, Lopez, Banos, Alexander, O'Donnel, Sancho and others. 

 Mina also took with him the brave Colonel Tauregui, better known by the 

 name of El pastor, or the shepherd, in allusion to his calling, previous 

 to his taking arms against the French during the Peninsular war. The 

 sufferings which these brave Spaniards underwent were very severe. 

 We know from the most authentic sources that for several days and 

 nights they enjoyed no moment of repose, passing the nights among the 

 fastnesses of bleak mountains without shelter or protection. A violent 

 storm, which continued for a whole day, added to the misery of their situ- 

 ation they were literally soaked in the rain, suffering from fatigue and 

 want, and exposed to a variety of dangers in a province, which, as we 

 have already mentioned, is one of the least inclined to a political change. 

 But nothing was sufficient to damp the ardour of the devoted troop and 

 they patiently endured all the hardships which they were compelled to 

 undergo. They had taken their position on the heights of Vera, no doubt 

 with the intention of effecting a junction with the corps of Valdes, or at 

 least to be near in order to offer him assistance in case of necessity. 

 Meantime El Pastor, who commanded a body of a hundred men had 

 advanced towards Irun, and after a short fire succeeded in expelling the 

 small garrison which defended that post. 



It soon became evident to the judicious observer that the reception of 

 the patriots was not so cordial as it had been confidently anticipated. 

 The number of those who joined the ranks of the liberals was limited, 

 and though the inhabitants did not rise against thenr, still there was no- 



