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before, thej would most probably ha\^e entered the town imme- 

 diately, while part of the enemy's forces were out of it, and unpre- 

 pared. This delay, though short, gave the latter time to entrench and 

 fortify their streets, and to post themselves in the most advantageous 

 stations. 



During the few days Ave were in possession of the suburbs 

 I was requested to take charge of the Pulperias (houses where liquor 

 is sold), in order to prevent the soldiers from getting intoxicated. 

 I had a serjeant and a small party of soldiers under my directions, 

 and placed sentinels where I thought proper. While engaged in 

 this service I had it in my power to render assistance to many 

 families who had fled hither from the town for refuge. Many of the 

 houses I found filled with females, almost frightened to death ; to 

 these I gave such protection as my influence over the soldiery enabled 

 me to offer, and supplied them with provisions by means of the Peons. 



It was afterwards determined to enter the town ; the misfortunes 

 attending that rash attempt are too notorious to need repetition here. 

 A capitulation was signed by our chiefs, and an armistice took 

 place during the fulfilment of the terms. In fact the situation of 

 our army was so critical, that they were obliged to accede to the con- 

 ditions dictated by the enemj', or perhaps eventually to become priso- 

 ners at discretion. The restoration of Monte Video was the stipu- 

 lation most to be regretted, for every principle of good policy 

 required us to keep that town to the last extremity, nay some of the 

 best-informed among the Spaniards were of opinion, that our army 

 should have been contented with the possession of the north side of 

 the Plata, Avithout venturing any farther, because we should thus 

 have commanded the trade of the interior, and Buenos Ayres would 

 in the end have found it necessary to come to terms of accommoda- 

 tion highly to our advantage*. 



* It is with great regret that I mention the ill-requital which the Peons met with from 

 our army. They had been promised great rewards for their activity in driving cattle and 

 securing provisions during the march, and for their great services as messengers. After the 



