392 APPENDIX. 



light infantry on the flanks, and in that posture of defence began his march 

 for San Nicolas. Ramirez formed his cavalry in column of divisions in order 

 to attack him, and they must undoubtedly have perished, were it not for 

 the interposition of Carrera, who had two objects in view, which impelled 

 him not to concur in the attack on the column : — first, amongst the infantry 

 of the enemy he knew there were six hundred Chilenos, who being the 

 bravest would in all probability have been the first to perish. These soldiers 

 he expected in a few days would be his own, and by destroying them then, 

 he would have deprived himself of those men with whom he afterwards ter- 

 rified his enemies. Secondly, he knew that veteran soldiers led by brave 

 chiefs would dispute each yard of ground with an obstinate courage, and 

 that many of the Federalists would necessarily fall in reducing them, which 

 would cause a suspension of operations for some time, as the Federalists could 

 not recruit their army without returning to Santa Fe or Entre-Rios ; which 

 would give time to the government of Buenos Ayres, to make new prepar- 

 ations. Such were the causes which made Carrera consider that a victory 

 over this column of infantry would be too dearly bought. 



They harassed the rear of the column for a few leagues, many soldiers 

 from excessive fatigue were obliged to throw themselves on the ground, and 

 give themselves up to the parties which hung on their rear. — Colonel Major 

 Balcarse, and Colonels Rolon and Vidal commanded the infantry. Their 

 spirited resolution and good dispositions for their defence did them as much 

 credit, as the shameful flight of the Director, Rondeau, did him dishonour. As 

 only nine hundred infantry entered San Nicolas, their total loss in killed, 

 wounded, and prisoners, may be computed at 300. 



The Federalists continued their march towards Buenos Ayres, leaving a 

 small force in the vicinity of San Nicolas and San Pedro to observe the 

 operations of the enemy. 



Rondeau with one of his aides-de-camp escaped from the field of battle, and 

 arrived in Buenos Ayres about 4 o'clock the following morning. As they sup- 

 posed themselves the only survivors of the expedition, they declared to the 

 Congress the dreadful destruction which their cavalry had suffered, and which 

 they supposed it altogether impossible their infantry could have escaped. 



About 7 o'clock in the morning a proclamation was published in all the 

 streets, announcing to the people the dismal reverse of fortune which the 

 Patria had just sustained; and the total loss of her son's horse and foot, in 

 the battle of Cepeda, the governor " alone having escaped to tell them." This 



