123 Narrative of I he kite Conspiracy at Cadiz. (^August, 



in the cause of Spanish liberty, the executive part of the affair is ahvaj's 

 entrusted to individuals of inferior note. 



We have stated that the signal agreed upon to inform the liberals of the 

 Isla de Leon of the success of the attempt, was to leave unlighted the 

 tower-beacon. It so happened that, in the terror and confusion which 

 prevailed at Cadiz, the man whose task it Avas to tend the tower-beacon 

 neglected to perform his duty. On this neglect the most favourable 

 construction was put by those of tlie isla — they liailed, as a token of 

 success, what was the mere effect of disorder and forgetfulness. Here- 

 upon the leaders proceeded to the execution of their task ; the cry of 

 liberty was i-aised, and the whole of the town of St. Fernando was, in a 

 few moments, thrown into a ferment. The regiment of royal marines, 

 two companies of the line, and the youths of the naval school, imme- 

 diately pronounced themselves in favour of the constitution, which was 

 solemnly proclaimed. The existing authorities were deposed, and new 

 persons appointed to fill their places. The enthusiasm spread with rajii- 

 dity ; and the inhabitants having been invited to join the ranks of the 

 liberators, no less than four hundred of the people offered themselves 

 as volunteers in the course of the night. The dawn of day found the 

 town in the bustle of preparation ; and early in the morning a body of 

 about fourteen hundred men began their march towards Cadiz, with 

 banners flying, and drums sounding. Patriotic songs were sung ; an 

 air of proud satisf;iction pervaded every countenance ; and the progress 

 of the motley assemblage bore rather the aspect of a triumphant jiroces- 

 sion than a military march. They proceeded to Cadiz under the firm 

 impression that this city had pronounced itself in favour of a change of 

 government. They hastened, therefore, to interchange the embrace of 

 congratulation with their friends — to celebrate the promised regenera- 

 tion of Spain, and to restore independence to its ancient seat. No sooner, 

 however, had the rejoicing crowd reached what is called the Cortadura, 

 than to their consternation they perceived the fortress, which is situated 

 about two miles from Cadiz, put in hostile array. They endeavoured to 

 obtain a hearing, but were immediately answered by a volley, which 

 did some execution among the condensed mass. An event so totally 

 unexpected paralyzed the energies of the most daring. It was evident 

 that Cadiz was not under the power of the constitutionalists ; and yet 

 how was this to be reconciled with the token of success which they had 

 perceived the night before ! 



But there was no time for reflection : a contest or immediate retreat 

 was inevitable. To attempt to storm the fort appeared impracticable : 

 they were compelled to return to San Fernando. There the chiefs 

 assembled in council, and deliberated on the difficulties of their posi- 

 tion. The town of San Feimando is open on every side, and totally 

 destitute of the means of defence. The ferment had already began to 

 subside ; whispers of fear and distrust were beginning to prevail ; and 

 it was finally resolved, that those who still adhered faithful to the cause 

 should retire in a mass from the town, and endeavour to join the small 

 band of constitutionalists that roved near the coast — about eight hundred 

 men. , 



Resolved to follow this course, and placing themselves under the 

 command of an officer named Rosique, they departed from San Fer- 

 nando. Rosique conducted this troop to ^'^eger, a small town built on 

 an eminence. The situation appeai-ed favourable, and it was besides 



