LOED COCHliANE'^S LETTER. 



65 



them to the forts of Aguada Ingles and San Car- 

 los, immediately took possession of the first. The 

 second was taken by assault after dark, in spite 

 of all the efforts the enemy made to defend it. 

 The rapidity with which we took the forts and 

 batteries of Avanzado, Barro, Amagos, and Cho- 

 rocomago, can only be compared with the valour 

 and resolution of the officers and men who enter- 

 ed the Castle of Corral along with the enemy, 

 whom they were" pursuing to this last point that 

 remained to them. In this manner fell all the 

 batteries and forts on the southern bank, whose 

 artificial strength is nothing when compared with 

 their advantageous natural situation. 



I inclose you the letters of Major Beauchefs, 

 who commanded the brave detachment of 250 

 men with which the patriot Colonel Freyre sup- 

 plied me, and of Major Miller, who commanded 

 the marines. Of the gallant conduct of these two 

 officers, and that of Captain Erezcous, who com- 

 manded the detachment from the Intrepid, as of 

 all the rest, I can say nothing in praise adequate 

 to their merit, and, consequently, I shall recom-*. 



VOL. 1/ B 



