The Enquirer

From the Red River Herald.

Alexandria, Sept. 10, 1813.

We have no further particulars of the affair of the 18th ult. near St. Antonio, than those issued in an extra on Wednesday.— Nothing could have been more unfortunate. A band of the genuine sons of liberty, elated with the prospects before them—unused to any thing but victory, & but little acquainted with discipline, thought nothing was necessary but to rush upon the enemy, and every thing would yield to the overwhelming force of their arms. The panic was truly great, when, after completely defeating an advanced guard of the enemy (who had been placed three or four miles a-head of the main body of Arredondo's army) and taking three pieces of cannon, drove them before them, and pursuing them, three or four miles, found themselves in an ambuscade, surrounded with a very superior and well prepared force, with artillery ranged on all sides, which opened up on and raked them with immense slaughter. The utmost confusion ensued—every man was trying to make his escape—they fled in every direction—not more than three or four could be found together except those who were closely surrounded by the enemy (suppose 400) and were fighting their way out. Not more than 50 of those who escaped have been seen or heard of, several of whom have arrived here and give but an imperfect account of the action—They say the enemy were in close pursuit as far as the Trinity— there were 40 or 50 sick and disabled in the hospital at St. Antonio, have fallen into their hands, and many will be taken on the road. Several hundred of the Republican Spaniards & Indians are drove from their homes and are fleeing before the enemy. Manchaca was killed in the action—Gen. Toledo, col's. Kemper and Perry, and some other officers are at Natchitoches, expected here hourly. No correct idea can be formed of the loss of the Royalists; but it is supposed to be considerable. Some danger is apprehended at Natchitoches, from the immense body of Spaniards and Indians that are pressing forward. An express passed thro' this place a few days since, from capt. Overton, commanding at Natchitoches, for New Orleans—the Contents not known.

Alexandria, Sept. 17, 1813.

We have not been able to collect a satisfactory list of the killed & taken in the battle on the 18th ult, near St. Antonio. We are happy to learn that the loss of the Patriots was not so great as was at first supposed. Upwards of two hundred of the Americans have got in, and it is expected many more are on the way who will probably escape. Cols. Kemper have arrived here—they say there were about 450 Americans, and between 6 and 700 Spaniards and Indians in the battle, and as far as could be ascertained, it was calculated there were 3 to 1 on the part of the Royalists—The action lasted more than an hour, and it is reduced to a certainty, that had it been sustained five minutes longer, the result would have been glorious to the Patriot cause, the Royal cavalry had been routed and their Cannon completely silenced in minutes before the Patriots retreated. It is understood that some hope is entertained of another expedition, which may prove more successful than the former—May the genius of liberty speed them, and crown their efforts, to give independence to an oppressed people, with complete success.