Herald Of The Valley

From the N. Y. Nat. Advocate. June 23.

INTERESTING FROM THE SPANISH MAIN.

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.

CURacao. May 30. 1823.

Reported capture of Maracaibo, and total defeat of Gen. Morales.

We have had for several days past, flying reports of the fall of Maracaibo, and defeat of Gen. Morales.—all of which, however, wanted confirmation. By an arrival today from Aruba we have received the grateful intelligence that the reports are true, and that Maracaibo has actually surrendered to the victorious arms of Colombia, and fell in the following manner:

On the 27th inst. two Spanish armed schrs sailed from Maracaibo for Porto Cabello, not knowing that the Colombian Admiral, Padilla, had crossed the bar a few hours previous, and by whom they were shortly captured;—the whole fleet then stood to the Lagoon, and at daylight Admiral Padilla manned these two Spanish schooners with seamen and marines, ordered them to hoist Spanish colors and make sail for the city, and that he would send a few sail in chase, which however should not overtake them; all things being prepared, at 10 a. m. the manoeuvre commenced, the whole Colombian fleet made sail in chase of these two decoy vessels. They were seen by the forts, which not suspecting the trick, began to fire on the Columbians and protect the supposed Spanish schooners, which anchored close under fort St. Carlos, and remained in battle array, firing blank cartridges at Padilla, till his fleet engaged the forts. A landing was then effected from the schooners, and the crews entered the fort with three cheers in a few moments, however, the Spaniards found out the cheat, and were thrown into confusion; this gallant little band of Colombians harassed them in the rear while Padilla in front was pouring in a galling fire: the carnage now became dreadful, the Colombian brig of war Mars was sunk by a point blank shot, and nearly all on board perished. Morales finding his situation a bad one, retreated with his army to Gibraltar, leaving Admiral Padilla and the Colombian forces in possession of his strong hold, the forts being manned by the Patriots and their flags hoisted, they proceeded towards the city "which immediately rallied around the standard of Liberty." Morales not thinking himself safe, went on towards Porto Cabello, taking Coro in his way. When two days march from Coro near Valencia, he fell in with the advance guard of General Paez, an action ensued, and Morales' army was completely routed. In this as in several other actions, the Spanish Gen. displayed a want of courage, leaving the field of battle, and his army to the mercy of the enemy; this is the sum total of the news received to-day.