APPENDIX. 407 



Rincon de Gorondono, to call Carrera to Buenos Ayres, and who had fol- 

 lowed Alvear since his revolution in the army of Buenos Ayres (before 

 mentioned), now thought it the best way to atone for his former perfidies by 

 becoming a spy on our operations, and continually communicating with the 

 enemy. 



The situation of our camp and distribution of our men were as follows : 

 a strong detachment was at four leagues distance, in the province of Santa 

 Fe ; other detachments were at one league from our encampment, guarding 

 our horses ; the remainder of the cavalry were encamped in fenced orchards 

 about one league from the town, and were not allowed to have horses sad- 

 dled. A company of infantry, all the officers of Alvear, and some artillery 

 soldiers, with five pieces of cannon, occupied the town. 



That the Portefios might succeed the better in taking us altogether unpre- 

 pared, deputies were sent to treat with the generals ; and, breaking through 

 all the laws of war and honour (being informed of our situation by their spy), 

 they surprised us whilst in this treaty, and they succeeded so well that it 

 became a general stratagem of our enemies in all our future actions with them. 



On the evening of the 31st July, our spies gave notice that about 150 of 

 the enemy had entered San Pedro, about 14 leagues distant ; these we sup- 

 posed to be the rear-guard of the enemy, who, though numerous, did not 

 cause preparation, vigilance, or caution, on our part ; so very contemptible 

 was the idea which we entertained of them. 



Lopez had information that Dorego intended falling on us .at day-break 

 next morning, and was about to despatch an express, when Alvear, who was 

 in his encampment, offered to caiTy the news. Lopez confided this commis- 

 sion to his care ; but, owing to forgetfulness, inattention, or treachery, he 

 supped at an intermediate house, slept there all night, and, consequently, 

 deprived us of that information which would have secured us from so un- 

 expected and dreadful a catastrophe. 



August 1st, before day, Carrera with the deputies proceeded from San 

 Nicolas to the encampment of Lopez. At day-break the detachments 

 which guarded our horses were surprised, and put to the sword : a soldier, 

 however, escaped to our encampment with the information. Such officers 

 and soldiers as had horses in the encampment, saddled and mounted them ; 

 whilst those who had not, formed on foot, and began their retreat towards San 

 Nicolas. The number of officers and soldiers who were mounted did not 

 exceed 250 men, who took the field to protect the retreat of the dismounted 



