Richmond Enquirer

SPANISH AMERICA.

Fourth Bulletin of the Central Army.

The junction of the two divisions of Gens. Monagas and Zaraza being accomplished, conformable to the orders of the commander in chief, the army commenced its march from the head quarters at St. Diego Cabrutica, the 25th August, in the morning, in the direction of the Aragua. The object of the commander in chief was to take possession of that important position, before the forces that the enemy was collecting in the plains of Caracas, could occupy it. It was necessary to make most rapid marches, but such was the rigour of the season, that any other army less animated than ours, with the enthusiasm of liberty, would have been detained.

Copious and continued rains, impetuous torrents, immense rivers, inundated plains, and obstacles of every description, that could only be vanquished by republican constancy, were encountered at every step. Notwithstanding we arrived the 3d inst. at Guatacaro, where obtaining information of the movements of the army of the enemy under the command of Morales, the commander in chief determined to march back: (contramarch) the 4th upon those forces, to prevent their junction with those of Aragua, whose commander thought proper to accelerate our plan precipitately, under the delusion that we were flying.

Our army was encamped on the hill of the Alacran, on the morning of the 6th, when the outposts announced they had discovered the enemy on the heights of the Roble. Our army was formed in order of battle in their position, the cavalry of Gen. Monagas occupying the right, the infantry the centre, under the command of Lieut. Col. Pedro Leon Torres, with two picquets of Indian bowmen, commanded by their chiefs, Monaure and Tupepe: and on the left, the cavalry of Gen. Zaraza: the reserve commanded by Brevet Col. Ricardo Meza, formed in column the rear guard.

At 11 A. M. the enemy began to make his appearance on the hill in our front, with columns of his cavalry, which were reconnoitred on our right by Gen. Monagas, and on the left by Col. Infante.

A party of the enemy's light troops took possession of a wood in front of our right, and the rest of his columns followed, forming his line, supported on the same wood with another in his rear; his infantry occupying the centre, covered by Indian archers, and the wings with large bodies of cavalry; in the centre they had a 4 pounder.

A party of the enemy's light troops attempted to take possession of an intermediate small wood, between his left and our right, and ours opposing him, the action commenced. The commander in chief then ordered the whole line to move forward, which was effected in the best order—the enemy reinforced his light troops in the woods, and the same was done under a smart fire on both sides, whilst our line descended from the hill with the greatest coolness, the enemy occupying his advantageous position.

On our arrival at the wood, the enemy made a general discharge which was returned by our line, continuing its march rapidly. The valiant squadron having at its head Gen. Zaraza, fell upon the enemy's right, which he caused to retire to the rear of his infantry, while the commander in chief, taking the colours of the battalion, (de Barlovento) put himself at the head of the infantry, commanding them to charge with the bayonet, precipitated himself into the enemy's line.

Gen. Monagas charged on the left: the infantry of the reserve joined the line in this movement, and the cavalry on our right, charged on the enemy's left, with such impetuosity, that the battle was decided in a few minutes in the complete destruction of the enemy.

The enemy left more than five hundred killed on the field, amongst whom was captain Quixado, of the King's battalion, with nearly all its officers. We took 300 prisoners, 550 muskets, a large quantity of lances, ammunition chests, one color, one field piece, and many horses. He was pursued with perseverance in every direction, and the same night the whole of our army arrived at Chaparro.

Our loss consisted of 1 killed, amongst whom was a cornet of the gallant squadron, and about 10 wounded: amongst whom were 12 officers of various ranks. In no action was their intrepidity and good order more conspicuous: soldiers, officers, chiefs and generals, all were animated with the same spirit, and, to cite any in particular, would be doing an injury to the rest.

Head-Quarters, at Aragua, Sept. 5th, 1816

CARLOS SOUBLETT, Ma. Gen.

GENERAL ORDER.

Gregor McGregor, General of Brigade of the Republican Army of Venezuela, and General in Chief of the Army of the Centre, to the Victors of the Alacran:-

SOLDIERS!

You have just gained a signal and memorable victory, which will carry terror amongst your enemies, and reanimate the confidence of our oppressed brothers. The insolent army no longer exists that tyrannized over these provinces, not by the superiority of its valor, but by that of its numbers. The whole of its infantry has perished. The miserable remains of its cavalry runs dispersed in the mountains, and even its chief, who in the delirium of his pride, dared to despise you, flies frightened to hide himself in the woods of Aragua.

Soldiers of Liberty!—Already the tyrants of Venezuela, with their wild and infamous partisans, tremble at your name; let us exterminate them at once, that the republic may rise majestic and terrible, supported by your arms and sustained by your bayonets. Another victory easier for you to gain than that of yesterday, will forever seal your glory, and insure your happiness, and your illustrious names will be recorded in history.

Head-Quarters, at Chaparro, the 7th September, 1816.

GREGOR MCGREGOR.