APPENDIX. 



403 



The remainder of the Federal force was at San Antonio, five leagues 

 distant from the Canada de la Cruz, where Carrera and Lopez were en- 

 gaged with the enemy's guerillas. In the meantime expresses were sent 

 to the detachments which were out, and to Colonel Benevente at Areco, 

 desiring they would advance with all possible speed. Benevente mounted 

 our division immediately; and about 11 or 12 o'clock we arrived on the 

 field of battle, having galloped all the way: we changed our horses, and dis- 

 positions were given for the attack. The militia of Rosario, with a detach- 

 ment of Chilenos, formed our right division, commanded by Lieutenant- 

 Colonel Garcia; the Chilian hussars occupied the centre, commanded by 

 Colonel Benevente ; and the dragoons of Santa Fe, commanded by General 

 Lopez, were opposed to the Colorados on the right of the enemy's line. 

 General Alvear, who acted as captain of his company of officers, bravely 

 repulsed all the enemy's guerillas. Our force was so very inconsiderable, 

 that it was impossible to spare any part of it for a reserve. General Carrera 

 commanded the whole, without assigning any particular place in the field 

 for his station. 



All being ready, the action commenced by Lopez charging the Colorados 

 on the enemy's right. Garcia, on the right of our line, also charged the 

 enemy's left. No advantage appeared on one side or the other for some 

 time ; the dragoons of Lopez were at length repulsed by the Colorados, 

 and retired fighting, about three hundred yards. The Porteiios now con- 

 sidering the action as gained, shouted for victory ; and their centre division, 

 commanded by French, advanced to charge our regiment, French and Bene- 

 vente (who were particular friends) first saluting each other in front of the lines. 

 As the Porteiios charged they kept up a heavy fire on us : the Chilenos used 

 not their fire-arms ; but, sword in hand, moved with such celerity and cou- 

 rage, that the Portenos had not time to secure their carabines or draw their 

 swords, before we were on their line, which was soon broken, and fled with 

 precipitation and disorder. The left of the enemy's line, seeing their centre 

 destroyed (on which all their dependence was placed), fled also ; and the 

 Colorados on their right, who had gained much advantage over Lopez, 

 were obliged to escape lest we should take them in the rear. 



The rout was complete, the fugitives being pursued about six leagues. 

 The Santafecinos gave no quarter : the Chilenos took 250 prisoners, not 

 including Major-General French, Adjutant-General Montes la Rea, and 



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