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The New Hampshire Gazette
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
Extract of letter from St. Croix dated May 6 reports British retreat from St. Johns, Porto Rico, abandoning heavy artillery, baggage, and leaving 527 dead; repelled by prepared Spanish defenses under Governor Don Castro, aided by volunteer Spanish and French sailors.
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"So great was the confusion and hurry at the re-embarkation of the British troops, that they left all their heavy artillery behind, and part of their baggage, and 527 men dead on the field. They expected to meet with little or no resistance, however in this they were mistaken, for Don Castro the Governor, an officer who distinguished himself during the conquest of West-Florida from the British, was well prepared to receive them, although his forces were small. Furnaces for heating shot had been for some time past constructed, and the fortifications put in the most complete state of defence. The Spanish and the French sailors in the port immediately formed into volunteer companies, manned the several batteries, and co-operated with the militia with the greatest ardour and cordiality."
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Foreign News Details
Primary Location
St. Johns, Porto Rico
Key Persons
Outcome
british left all heavy artillery and part of baggage behind; 527 men dead on the field; successfully repelled by spanish forces.
Event Details
British troops retreated in confusion during re-embarkation from before St. Johns, Porto Rico, expecting little resistance but met with strong defense from Governor Don Castro, who had prepared fortifications with furnaces for heating shot. Spanish and French sailors in the port formed volunteer companies, manned batteries, and cooperated with militia.