Chapter XIX: Appendix: I

A general court-martial was held at Chelsea Hospital, on
Lieutenant-General Whitelocke, on January 28, 1808. Its members
included the conqueror of Agra and Lasswarree, and the future hero
of Coruña. They were General the Right Hon. Sir W. Medows, General
the Hon. Chapel Norton, General Viscount Lake, General Hulse,
General Ogilvie, General Cuyler, Lieutenant-General the Right Hon.
H. E. Fox, Lieutenant-General Sir James Duff, Knight;
Lieutenant-General Harris, Lieutenant-General Viscount Cathcart,
Lieutenant-General Dundas, Lieutenant-General Ross,
Lieutenant-General Pigot, Lieutenant-General Sir George Nugent,
Bart.; Lieutenant-General Loftus, Lieutenant-General Wilford,
Lieutenant-General Garth, Lieutenant-General Lloyd,
Lieutenant-General Stavely, Lieutenant-General Sir John Moore, K.B.

_First Charge._--That Lieutenant-General Whitelocke, having
received instructions from his Majesty’s Principal Secretary of
State to proceed for the reduction of the province of _Buenos
Ayres_, pursued measures ill calculated to facilitate that
conquest; that when the Spanish Commander had shown such symptoms
of a disposition to treat, as to express a desire to communicate
with Major-General Gower, the second in command, upon the subject
of terms, the said Lieutenant-General Whitelocke did return a
message, in which he demanded, amongst other articles, the
surrender of all persons holding civil offices in the government of
_Buenos Ayres_, as prisoners of war: that the said
Lieutenant-General Whitelocke, in making such an offensive and
unusual demand, tending to exasperate the inhabitants of _Buenos
Ayres_, to produce and encourage a spirit of resistance to his
Majesty’s arms, to exclude the hope of amicable accommodation, and
to increase the difficulties of the service with which he was
intrusted, acted in a manner unbecoming his duty as an officer,
prejudicial to military discipline, and contrary to the articles of
war.

_Second Charge._--That the said Lieutenant-General Whitelocke,
after the landing of the troops at _Enseñada_, and during the march
from thence to the town of _Buenos Ayres_, did not make the
military arrangements best calculated to ensure the success of his
operations against the town, and that having known, previously to
his attack upon the town of _Buenos Ayres_ upon the 5th July 1807,
as appears from his public despatch of the 10th of July, that the
enemy meant to occupy the flat roofs of the houses, he did
nevertheless, in the said attack, divide his forces into several
brigades and parts, and ordered the whole to be unloaded, and no
firing to be permitted on any account; and, under this order, to
march into the principal streets of the town unprovided with proper
and sufficient means for forcing the barricadoes, whereby the
troops were unnecessarily exposed to destruction, without the
possibility of making effectual opposition such conduct betraying
great professional incapacity on the part of the said
Lieutenant-General Whitelocke, tending to lessen the confidence of
the troops in the judgment of their officers, being derogatory to
the honour of His Majesty’s arms, contrary to his duty as an
officer, prejudicial to good order and military discipline, and
contrary to the articles of war.

_Third Charge._--That the said Lieutenant-General did not make,
although it was in his power, any effectual attempt by his own
personal exertion or otherwise, to co-operate with, or support, the
different divisions of the army under his command, when engaged
with the enemy in the streets of _Buenos Ayres_ on the 5th of July
1807; whereby those troops, after having encountered and surmounted
a constant and well-directed fire, and having effected the purport
of their orders, were left without aid and support, or further
orders, and considerable detachments under Lieutenant-Colonel Duff
and Brigadier-General Craufurd were thereby compelled to surrender;
such conduct on the part of the said Lieutenant-General Whitelocke
tending to the defeat and dishonour of his Majesty’s arms, to
lessen the confidence of the troops in the skill and courage of
their officers, being unbecoming and disgraceful to his character
as an officer, prejudicial to good order and military discipline,
and contrary to the articles of war.

_Fourth Charge._--That the said Lieutenant-General Whitelocke,
subsequent to the attack upon the town of _Buenos Ayres_, and at a
time when the troops under his command were in possession of posts
on each flank of the town, and of the principal arsenal, with a
communication open to the fleet, and having an effective force of
upwards of 5000 men, did enter into, and finally conclude a treaty
with the enemy, whereby he acknowledges in the public despatch of
the 10th of July 1807--“That he resolved to forego the advantages
which the bravery of his troops had obtained, and which advantages
had cost him about 2500 men in killed, wounded, and prisoners;” and
by such treaty he unnecessarily and shamefully surrendered all such
advantages, totally evacuated the town of _Buenos Ayres_, and
consented to deliver, and did shamefully abandon and deliver up to
the enemy the strong fortress of _Monte Video_, which had been
committed to his charge, and which, at the period of the treaty and
abandonment, was well and sufficiently garrisoned and provided
against attack, and which was not, at such period, in a state of
blockade or siege; such conduct on the part of the said
Lieutenant-General Whitelocke tending to the dishonour of his
Majesty’s arms, and being contrary to his duty as an officer,
prejudicial to good order and military discipline, and contrary to
the articles of war.

* * * * *

The proceedings of the court-martial on Lieutenant-General Whitelocke fill a volume of 671 pages, from which I give the following extracts:--

In opening the case the Judge-Advocate described it as being “the
most important occasion, in the military history of the country,
that ever called for inquiry of a nature like the present.” The
expedition, he said, had not only totally failed, with the
lamentable loss of a great proportion of the gallant army engaged
in it, but it ended in the absolute surrender of those valuable
advantages which the valour of British troops under another
commander had previously acquired in the important post of _Monte
Video_. “By this most unfortunate event,” he said, “all the hopes
have been defeated which had been justly and generally entertained,
of discovering new markets for our manufactures, of giving a wider
scope to the spirit and enterprise of our merchants, of opening new
sources of treasure, and new fields for exertion in supplying
either the rude wants of countries emerging from barbarism, or the
artificial and increasing demands of luxury and refinement, in
those remote quarters of the globe. Important as these objects must
be at all times to this country, the state of Europe, and the
attempts that have been daily making to exclude us from our
accustomed intercourse with the Continent, have added to the
importance of these objects, and to the disappointment of these
hopes.

“The disappointment has been cruelly embittered by the disgrace
which such a failure, under all the circumstances, has attached to
the British arms. The diminution of our military fame must be felt
at all times as a great national calamity, but at no period so
severely as in this crisis of the world, when our military
character has become more essential than ever, not merely for our
honour or our glory, but for the independence, the liberties, the
existence of Great Britain. It is, however, a great consolation,
that whatever may have been the stain which our military renown has
received, the conduct of the troops has had no share in producing
it. I believe, the more this attack of the 5th of July is examined,
the more clearly it will be found that no troops ever showed more
courage; that no officers (with the exception of whatever may turn
out to be connected with the subject of these charges, and I hope
the result of this inquiry may prove the exception to be
undeserved), but, with that exception, that no officers ever
displayed more zeal, more conduct, more devotion of themselves to
the common cause in the course of the most triumphant engagement,
than was displayed by the British officers through the whole of
that destructive day.... But it is not upon reports that these
charges are founded; they rest upon better evidence. They are
taken, not from idle talk or vain rumour, but the orders and
despatches of General Whitelocke himself. There is not a fact
alleged against him which is not derived from his authority. The
character assigned to these facts does, indeed, invoke imputations
of the most grave and serious nature; but the facts themselves are
founded upon his own account of his own conduct; so much so, that I
might be well warranted in contenting myself, on the part of the
public, with laying the orders and the despatches of General
Whitelocke before you as documents, of themselves, and without any
other evidence, abundantly sufficient to call upon him for his
defence. He is his own accuser: he has furnished the strongest
testimony against himself.”

Copy of a letter from Lieutenant-General Whitelocke, to the Right
Honourable William Windham, dated Buenos Ayres, July 10th, 1807.

BUENOS AYRES, _July 10th, 1807_.

SIR,--I have the honour to acquaint you, for the information of his
Majesty, that upon being joined at Mount Video, on the 15th of
June, by the corps under Brigadier-General Craufurd, not one moment
was lost by Rear-Admiral Murray and myself, in making every
necessary arrangement for the attack of _Buenos Ayres_. After many
delays, occasioned by foul winds, a landing was effected, without
opposition, on the 28th of the same month, at the _Enseñada de
Barragon_, a small bay about 30 miles to the eastward of the town.
The corps employed on this expedition were--three brigades of light
artillery, under Captain Fraser; the 5th, 38th, and 87th regiments
of foot, under Brigadier-General Sir Samuel Achmuty; the 17th light
dragoons, 36th and 38th regiments, under Brigadier-General the
Honourable William Lumley; eight companies of the 95th regiment,
and nine light infantry companies, under Brigadier-General
Craufurd; four troops of the 6th dragoon guards; the 9th light
dragoons; 40th and 45th regiments of foot, under Colonel the
Honourable T. Mahon; all the dragoons being dismounted, except four
troops of the 17th, under Lieutenant-Colonel Lloyd.

After some fatiguing marches through a country much intersected by
swamps and deep muddy rivulets, the army reached _Reduction_, a
village about nine miles distant from the bridge over the _Rio
Chuello_, on the opposite bank of which the enemy had constructed
batteries, and established a formidable line of defence. I
resolved, therefore, to turn the position, by marching in two
columns from my left, and crossing the river higher up, where it
was represented fordable, to unite my force in the suburbs of
_Buenos Ayres_. I sent directions at the same time to Colonel
Mahon, who was bringing up the greater part of the artillery, under
the protection of the 17th light dragoons and 40th regiment, to
wait for further orders at _Reduction_. Major-General Levison Gower
having the command of the right column, crossed the river at a pass
called the _Passo Chico_, and falling in with a corps of the enemy,
gallantly attacked and defeated it; for the particulars of which
action I beg to refer you to the annexed report. Owing to the
ignorance of my guide, it was not until next day that I joined with
the main body of the army, when I formed my line by placing
Brigadier-General Sir Samuel Achmuty’s brigade upon the left,
extending it towards the convent of the _Recolleta_, from which it
was distant two miles, the 36th and 88th regiments being on its
right, Brigadier-General Craufurd’s brigade, occupying the central
and principal avenues of the town, being distant about three miles
from the great square and fort; and the 6th dragoon guards, 9th
light dragoons, and 45th regiment being upon his right, and
extending towards the _Residencia_. The town was thus nearly
invested; and this disposition of the army, and the circumstances
of the town and suburbs being divided into squares of 140 yards
each side, together with the knowledge that the enemy meant to
occupy the flat roofs of the houses, gave rise to the following
plan of attack:--Brigadier-General Sir Samuel Achmuty was directed
to detach the 38th regiment to possess itself of the _Plaza de
Tauros_ and the adjacent strong ground, and there take post. The
87th, 5th, 36th, and 88th regiments were each divided into wings,
and each wing ordered to penetrate into the street directly in its
front. The light battalion divided into wings, and each followed by
a wing of the 95th regiment and a 3-pounder, was ordered to proceed
down the two streets on the right of the central one, and the 45th
regiment down the two adjoining, and after clearing the streets of
the enemy, this latter regiment was to take post at the
_Residencia_. Two 6-pounders were ordered along the central street,
covered by the carabineers and three troops of the 9th light
dragoons, the remainder of which was posted as a reserve in the
centre. Each division was ordered to proceed along the street
directly in its front, till it arrived at the last square of
houses next the river _Plata_, of which it was to possess itself,
forming on the flat roofs, and there wait for further orders. The
95th regiment was to occupy two of the most commanding situations,
from which it could annoy the enemy. Two corporals, with tools,
were ordered to march at the head of each column, for the purpose
of breaking open the doors. The whole were unloaded, and no firing
was to be permitted until the columns had reached their final
points, and formed. A cannonade in the central streets was the
signal for the whole to move forward.

In conformity to this arrangement, at half-past six o’clock of the
morning of the 5th instant, the 38th regiment moving towards its
left, and the 87th straight to its front, approached the strong
post of the _Retiro_ and _Plaza de Tauros_; and, after a most
vigorous and spirited attack, in which these regiments suffered
much from grape-shot and musketry, their gallant commander,
Brigadier-General Sir Samuel Achmuty, possessed himself of the
post, taking 32 pieces of cannon, an immense quantity of
ammunition, and 600 prisoners. The 5th regiment, meeting with but
little opposition, proceeded to the river, and took possession of
the church and convent of Saint _Catalina_. The 36th and 88th
regiments, under Brigadier-General Lumley, moving in the appointed
order, were soon opposed by a heavy and continued fire of musketry
from the tops and windows of the houses, the doors of which were
barricaded in so strong a manner as to render them almost
impossible to force: the streets were intersected by deep ditches,
on the inside of which were planted cannon, pouring showers of
grape on the advancing columns. In defiance, however, of this
opposition, the 36th regiment, headed by the gallant general,
reached its final destination; but the 88th, being nearer to the
fort and principal defences of the enemy, were so weakened by his
fire as to be totally overpowered and taken. The flank of the 36th
being thus exposed, this regiment, together with the 5th, retired
upon Sir Samuel Achmuty’s post, at the _Plaza de Tauros_, not,
however, before Lieutenant-Colonel Burne, and the grenadier company
of the 36th regiment, had an opportunity of distinguishing
themselves, by charging about 500 of the enemy, and taking and
spiking two guns. The two 6-pounders moving up the central streets,
meeting with a very superior fire, the four troops of the
carabineers, led on by Lieutenant-Colonel Kington, advanced to
take the battery opposed to them; but this gallant officer being
unfortunately wounded, as well as Captain Burrell, next in command,
and the fire, both from the battery and houses, proving very
destructive, they retreated to a short distance, but continued to
occupy a position in the front of the enemy’s principal defences,
and considerably in advance of that which they had taken in the
morning.

The left division of Brigadier-General Craufurd’s brigade, under
Lieutenant-Colonel Pack, passed on nearly to the river, and,
turning to the left, approached the great square, with the
intention of possessing itself of the Jesuits’ college, a situation
which commanded the enemy’s principal line of defence; but, from
the very destructive nature of his fire, this was found
impracticable; and after sustaining a heavy loss, one part of the
division throwing itself into a house, which was afterwards not
found tenable, was shortly obliged to surrender, whilst the
remaining part, after enduring a dreadful fire with the greatest
intrepidity, Lieutenant-Colonel Pack, its commander, being wounded,
retired upon the right division, commanded by Brigadier-General
Craufurd himself. This division having passed quite through to the
river _Plata_, turned also to the left, to approach the great
square and fort, from the north-east bastion of which it was
distant about 400 yards, when Brigadier-General Craufurd, learning
the fate of his left division, thought it most advisable to take
possession of the convent of _Saint Domingo_, near which he then
was, intending to proceed onwards to the Franciscan church, which
lay still nearer the fort, if the attack or success of any other of
our columns should free him, in some measure, from the host of
enemies which surrounded him. The 45th regiment, being further from
the enemy’s centre, had gained the _Residencia_ without much
opposition; and Lieutenant-Colonel Guard, leaving it in possession
of his battalion companies, moved down with the grenadier company
towards the centre of the town, and joined Brigadier-General
Craufurd. The enemy, who now surrounded the convent on all sides,
attempting to take a 3-pounder which lay in the street, the
Lieutenant-Colonel with his company, and a few light infantry under
Major Trotter, charged them with great spirit: in an instant the
greater part of his company and Major Trotter were killed, but the
gun was saved. The Brigadier-General was now obliged to confine
himself to the defence of the convent, from which the riflemen
kept up a well-directed fire upon such of the enemy as approached
the post; but the quantity of round shot, grape, and musketry to
which they were exposed, at last obliged them to quit the top of
the building; and the enemy, to the number of 6000, bringing up
cannon to force the wooden gates which fronted the fort, the
Brigadier-General having no communication with any other columns,
and judging from the cessation of firing that those next him had
not been successful, surrendered at four o’clock in the afternoon.
The result of this day’s action had left me in possession of the
_Plaza de Tauros_, a strong post on the enemy’s right, and the
_Residencia_, another strong post, on his left, whilst I occupied
an advanced position opposite his centre. But these advantages had
cost about 2500 men in killed, wounded, and prisoners. The nature
of the fire to which the troops were exposed was violent in the
extreme. Grape-shot at the corners of all the streets, musketry,
hand-grenades, bricks and stones from the tops of all the houses.
Every householder, with his negroes, defended his dwelling, each of
which was in itself a fortress: and it is perhaps not too much to
say, that the whole male population of Buenos Ayres was employed in
its defence. This was the situation of the army on the morning of
the 6th instant, when General Liniers addressed a letter to me,
offering to give up all his prisoners taken in the late affair,
together with the 71st regiment, and others taken with
Brigadier-General Beresford, if I desisted from any further attack
on the town, and withdraw his Majesty’s forces from the river
_Plata_; intimating at the same time, that from the exasperated
state of the populace, he could not answer for the safety of the
prisoners, if I persisted in offensive measures. Influenced by this
consideration (which I knew, from better authority, to be founded
in fact), and reflecting of how little advantage would be the
possession of a country, the inhabitants of which were so
absolutely hostile, I resolved to forego the advantages which the
bravery of the troops had obtained, and acceded to the annexed
treaty, which I trust will meet the approbation of his Majesty.

I have nothing further to add, except to mention, in terms of the
highest praise, the conduct of Rear-Admiral Murray, whose cordial
co-operation has never been wanting whenever the army could be
benefited by his exertions; Captain Rowley, of the royal navy,
commanding the seamen on shore; Captain Bayntun, of his Majesty’s
ship “Africa,” who superintended the disembarkation; and Captain
Thomson, of the “Fly,” who had the direction of the gun-boats, and
had previously rendered me much service, by reconnoitering the
river, are all entitled to my best thanks.

As his character already stands so high, it is almost unnecessary
to state, that from my second in command, Major-General Levison
Gower, I have experienced every zealous and useful assistance. My
thanks are likewise due to Brigadier-Generals Sir Samuel Achmuty
and Lumley, and to Colonel Mahon, and to Brigadier-General
Craufurd, commanding brigades. I cannot sufficiently bring to
notice the uncommon exertions of Captain Fraser, commanding the
royal artillery, the fertility of whose mind, zeal and animation in
all cases, left difficulties behind. Captain Squire, of the royal
engineers, is also entitled to my best thanks. Nor should I omit
the gallant conduct of Major Nichols, of the 45th regiment, who, on
the morning of the 6th instant, being pressed by the enemy, near
the _Residencia_, charged them with great spirit, and took two
howitzers and many prisoners. Lieutenant-Colonel Bradford, Deputy
Adjutant-General, has likewise a great claim to my approbation, as
a gallant and promising officer. The officers of my personal staff,
Lieutenant-Colonel Torrens, military secretary, Captains Brown,
Foster, Douglas, and Whittingham, aides-de-camp, must also be
mentioned by me in terms of just regard. The knowledge which the
latter possesses of the Spanish language has been eminently useful
to me.

This despatch will be delivered to you by Lieutenant-Colonel
Bourke, Deputy-Quartermaster-General, who has afforded me that
assistance which might be looked for from an officer of his
military talents and attachment to the service; to whom I beg to
refer you for any further particulars respecting the military
operations in this part of the world.--I have the honour to be, &c.

(Signed) JOHN WHITELOCKE, Lieutenant-General.

The Right Hon. W. Windham, &c. &c. &c.

Copy of Letter from Lieutenant-General Whitelocke, to the Right
Honourable William Windham, dated July 10th, 1807.--Private.

BUENOS AYRES, _July 10th, 1807_.

SIR,--I have the honour to inform you, that immediately after my
arrival at _Monte Video_, on the 10th of May, I began to make every
possible preparation for the attack of this place, as the first and
most essential step towards the reduction of the province. For this
purpose sloops of war and other light vessels were sent to
reconnoitre the southern bank of the river, in order to fix upon
the precise point of debarkation. It was found that the water was
too shallow to admit of a landing, under cover of the ships of war,
anywhere to the westward of the town of _Buenos Ayres_, nor nearer
to it on the eastward than the _Enseñada_ of _Barragon_. This bay
was, therefore, fixed upon as the point of debarkation, and every
arrangement that could previously be made was pressed forward with
expedition, whilst I waited anxiously for the arrival of
Brigadier-General Craufurd’s corps, and the fleet with which I had
sailed from England.

On the 27th of May, Rear-Admiral Murray and Brigadier-General
Craufurd arrived at the mouth of the river; but owing to a
prevalence of contrary winds, the expedition did not reach Monte
Video until the 14th of June. I immediately determined not to wait
the arrival of the convoy from England, as by the general voice of
the inhabitants, and of those officers who had passed the winter in
the province, the months of July and August were represented as
most unfavourable to military operations, on account of the heavy
and continual rains which prevail at that season. Having fixed upon
_Colonia_ as the place of assembly from which the expedition was to
proceed, I sent the troops upwards, in small divisions, on account
of the intricate navigation, leaving at _Monte Video_ the 47th
regiment, the detachments of the 20th and 21st light dragoons, two
companies of the 38th regiment, and a corps of militia, formed by
the British merchants, in all composing a garrison of about 1300
men, under the command of Colonel Browne, of the 40th regiment; and
after much delay, caused by contrary winds, Rear-Admiral Murray and
myself arrived opposite the point of debarkation on the 28th
ultimo.

In the morning the fleet stood into the bay, and before night the
whole army, consisting as per margin,[16] was landed, without
opposition, on the enemy’s coast. The greater part of the next day
was occupied in landing artillery, horses, and stores. Immediately
on the landing of Brigadier-General Craufurd’s brigade, and the
38th and 87th regiments, I detached Major-General L. Gower with
this force and two 3-pounders, to occupy the heights in my front,
about five miles distant; and the next morning I proceeded to join
him with the rest of the army, four 6-pounders, and two 3-pounders,
the remainder of the artillery not being landed. The same day I
directed Major-General L. Gower to precede my march with his
advanced corps, substituting the 36th and 88th regiments, under
Brigadier-General Lumley, for the 38th and 87th regiments; and I
left Colonel Mahon, with four troops of the 17th light dragoons,
and the 40th regiment, to protect the guns when they should come
up, and cover the rear of the army, being principally induced to
break my force into these divisions, for the purpose of more
readily procuring cover and fuel. On the 1st of July the advanced
corps drove a small party of the enemy from the village of
_Reduction_, and took post about two miles beyond it, whilst I
occupied the village with the main body. I was now distant about
nine miles from the bridge over the _Rio Chuello_, on the opposite
bank of which I understood the enemy had constructed batteries, and
intended to make a stand. I determined, therefore, instead of
forcing the bridge, to turn the enemy’s line of defence, by
marching from our left, and crossing the river in two columns
higher up, where it was represented fordable, and continuing to
march until I should have got completely to the westward and
northward of the town, appuyed my left on the river _La Plata_, and
opened a communication with the fleet. On the 2nd instant, at nine
o’clock, Major-General L. Gower marched with his corps, which
should now be considered as the right column, and I marched myself
at ten, with the intention of uniting our forces that evening in
the suburbs of the town. Major-General L. Gower having crossed the
river, his leading brigade fell in with a considerable corps of the
enemy, under General Liniers himself, which he attacked with great
vivacity, completely overthrew it, taking ten pieces of cannon and
some prisoners. The Major-General halted on the ground from which
he had driven the enemy, waiting my arrival, and sending, at the
same time, a summons to General Liniers (No. 1), which was refused
on this occasion, as well as the following day, when I sent to him
myself (as per No. 2). Owing to the ignorance of my guide, who
conducted me by a considerable detour, I did not reach the
Major-General until the next day, when I formed my line by placing
one of my brigades under Sir Samuel Achmuty, on the left of
Brigadier-General Lumley’s, extending it towards the convent of the
_Recolleta_, distant about two miles; and another under
Lieutenant-Colonel Guard, on the right, towards the _Residencia_,
whilst Brigadier-General Craufurd’s brigade occupied the central
and principal avenues into the town, being distant about three
miles from the great square and the fort of _Buenos Ayres_. In
pursuance of my original design, I intended to march the next
morning by my left to the convent of _Recolleta_, which standing on
high ground immediately over the river, I could have communicated
with the fleet, and landed heavy guns for a vigorous attack of the
town, should General Liniers obstinately refuse to surrender it.
Upon consulting, however, with Major-General L. Gower, he submitted
to me another plan of attack, which as it promised a more
expeditious issue, inasmuch as it obviated the necessity of
marching to the left, and the delay which would be occasioned by
landing heavy guns and erecting batteries, a delay which I the more
dreaded on account of the rains having, to all appearance, set in,
and the men being in a great degree exposed to the severity of the
weather, from the impossibility of conveying camp equipage. I
consented, for these reasons, to change my plan, and adopt what
seemed to be generally approved by the general officers under me.
Besides, the measure of bombardment, or any other measure which
might occasion an indiscriminate loss of life, ruin the town, and
irritate the people, appeared to me, upon reflection, contrary both
to the letter and spirit of my instructions. I hoped also, by this
plan, to be able to dislodge those who opposed the progress of his
Majesty’s arms, and by driving them to the bottom of the town,
there make a number of prisoners, which might be, in our hands, so
many pledges for the return of the 71st regiment and the other
troops captured with Brigadier-General Beresford, whilst the
peaceable inhabitants, and those best disposed towards us, by
remaining quietly in their houses, might escape the danger of the
attack. The nature of this attack can be best explained by annexing
the General Order (No. 3). The result was successful in the
principal points, as I obtained possession of the _Plaza de
Tauros_, a strong post on the enemy’s right flank, 32 pieces of
ordnance, and a large depôt of ammunition and provisions, as well
as the _Residencia_, another strong post on the enemy’s left, and
four pieces of cannon which defended it. But these conquests were
purchased with the loss of 2500 men killed, wounded, and prisoners,
and amongst the latter Brigadier-General Craufurd and other
officers of rank. The conduct of both officers and men in this
action has been gallant in the highest degree, and the severity of
the loss occasioned solely by the obstinacy of the defence. The
enemy had dug ditches across the principal streets, and placed
cannon within them: he occupied the flat roofs of all the houses in
commanding situations, and from thence, and the windows, poured a
destructive fire of musketry, hand-grenades, fire-pots, &c. upon
the columns as they advanced; having likewise had the precaution to
barricade the doors in so strong a manner as to render them very
difficult to force, though the troops had been provided with
instruments for that purpose. Every householder, with his negroes,
defended his dwelling; and it is, perhaps, not too much to say,
that the whole male population of _Buenos Ayres_ was employed in
its defence, which very population in the field would probably not
have withstood the attack of two British regiments.

On the morning succeeding the attack I received a letter from
General Liniers, offering to give up all prisoners taken in the
late affair, as well as those taken with Major-General Beresford,
if I condescend to relinquish the attack, and withdraw his
Majesty’s forces from the province. A correspondence upon this took
place, which ended in the treaty I have the honour to transmit.

My reasons for acceding to this negotiation were briefly these:--I
had lost in the preceding attack ---- men, although I had gained a
strong post on the enemy’s right flank, from which I communicated
with the fleet, and from which it might be possible to fire heavy
cannon on the town, and otherwise annoy it. Yet the enemy’s chief
defences were too remote from this point, and too much covered by
houses to allow me to hope that I could, in any given time, destroy
them by cannon alone, even if the nature of my instructions had not
militated against such a measure. General Liniers had likewise
acquainted me in his letter, that he could not answer for the lives
of his prisoners, if the attack was persisted in; and from
everything I have since heard from the officers themselves, I have
reason to believe they would all have been sacrificed to the fury
of an exasperated rabble. Nothing, therefore, remained to be done
offensively, but another attack on the town, conducted in a manner
similar to the last; the event of which must have been doubtful, as
my force, when collected, did not reach 5000 men; and, if even
successful, my loss would probably have rendered that force
insufficient to keep the place when taken. If it was deemed
fruitless to attempt another attack, there yet remained two modes
of retreat, either by treaty, or re-embarking in the face of the
enemy. The latter measure would certainly have been attended with
additional loss, and the wounded and prisoners of the late affair,
as well as the 71st regiment, in all 4000 men, lost for ever to
Great Britain. In return for which I should have possessed but a
nominal command at _Monte Video_, a post which can never be
considered of any advantage whilst the capital of the province and
the great entrepôt of commerce remained in the hands of the enemy.

I determined, therefore, to accede to this treaty, by which I shall
be enabled to bring off my own army almost entire, and recover the
71st regiment, a point which my instructions has taught me to
consider as of the first importance; and I shall evacuate a
province which the force I was authorised to calculate upon could
never maintain, and which, from the very hostile disposition of its
inhabitants, was in truth not worth maintaining.

I shall dispose of the army in the manner pointed out in my
instructions, the particulars of which I shall detail to you from
_Monte Video_, by another man-of-war that will sail from thence
with duplicates of these despatches. Trusting that the conduct I
have pursued in this difficult situation may meet with the
gracious approval of his Majesty,--I have the honour to be, &c.

(Signed) JOHN WHITELOCKE, Lieutenant-General.

This will be delivered to you by Lieutenant-Colonel Bourke, to
whom, as well as Sir Samuel Achmuty, I refer you for further
particulars.

(A true copy) E. COOKE.

Right Honourable William Windham, &c. &c. &c.

TREATY.

A Definitive Treaty between the Generals in Chief of his Brittanic
Majesty and of his Catholic Majesty, as per the following articles:

1st. There shall be, from this time, a cessation of hostilities on
both sides of the river _Plate_.

2d. The troops of his Brittanic Majesty shall retain, for the
period of two months, the fortress and place of _Monte Video_; and,
as a neutral country: there shall be considered a line drawn from
_San Carlos_ on the west, to _Pando_ on the east, and there shall
not be on any part of that line hostilities committed on any side,
the neutrality being understood, only that the individuals of both
nations may live freely under their respective laws--the Spanish
subjects being judged by theirs, as the English by those of their
nation.

3d. There shall be on both sides a mutual restitution of prisoners,
including not only those which have been taken since the arrival of
the troops under Lieutenant-General Whitelocke, but also all those
his Britannic Majesty’s subjects captured in South America since
the commencement of the war.

4th. That, for the prompt despatch of the vessels and troops of his
Brittanic Majesty, there shall be no impediment thrown in the way
of the supplies of provision which may be requested for _Monte
Video_.

5th. A period of ten days, from this time, is given for the
re-embarkation of his Britannic Majesty’s troops, to pass to the
north side of the river _La Plata_, with the arms which may
actually be in their power, stores and equipage, at the most
convenient points which may be selected, and during this time
provisions may be sold to them.

6th. That at the time of the delivery of the place and fortress of
_Monte Video_, which shall take place at the end of the two months
fixed in the second article, the delivery will be made in the terms
it was found, and with the artillery it had when it was taken.

7th. Three officers of rank shall be delivered for and until the
fulfilment of the above articles by both parties; being well
understood, that his Britannic Majesty’s officers who have been on
their parole, cannot serve against South America until their
arrival in Europe.

Done at the Fort of _Buenos Ayres_, the seventh day of July, one
thousand eight hundred and seven, signing two of one tenor.

SANTIAGO LINIERS,
CASER BALBIANI,
BERNARDO VELASCOS,
JN. WHITELOCKE, Lieut.-Gen. Comm^g.
GEO. MURRAY, Rear-Admiral Comm^g.

(A True Copy) E. COOKE.

Major-General Gower to General Liniers, July 3.

CORAL DE MISERALA, BEFORE BUENOS AYRES, _July 3, 1807_.

SIR,--Captain Roache, of the 17th dragoons, whom I had the honour
of sending unto you this morning, having informed me that you
wished to communicate with me on the subject of terms, I beg to
acquaint you, that his Excellency Lieutenant-General Whitelocke has
ordered me (from his sincere wish to spare an unnecessary effusion
of human blood) to intimate to you, that in the present situation
of affairs, if they do not proceed to further hostilities, he will
grant terms to the town of _Buenos Ayres_: that the following must
be the basis on which they are to be granted; but that any trifling
alteration which may make them more favourable, without altering
their original fundamental stipulations, may possibly be agreed
to:

1st. All British subjects detained in South America must be
delivered up, and sufficient hostages placed in the power of the
British Commander till their arrival at _Buenos Ayres_.

2d. That all persons holding civil offices dependent on the
government of _Buenos Ayres_, and all military officers and
soldiers, become prisoners of war.

3d. That all cannon, stores, arms, and ammunition, be delivered up
uninjured.

4th. That all public property, of every description, be delivered
up to the British Commanders.

5th. That the free and unrestrained exercise of the Roman Catholic
religion be granted to the inhabitants of _Buenos Ayres_.

6th. That all private property on shore shall be respected, and
secured to its owners.

Our force is so considerable that I believe, in candour, you cannot
doubt of the ultimate result. I trust you will believe me when I
assure you that a wish to avoid so dreadful a scene as that which a
town taken by assault always presents is the only thing which has
induced his Excellency Lieutenant-General Whitelocke to permit me
to address you.

(Signed) J. L. GOWER, Major-General.

His Excellency Gen. Liniers, &c. &c. &c.

(A true Copy) E. COOKE.

Major-General ELLIO’S Answer to Major-General GOWER.

_July 3, 1807._

SIR,--By orders of the Spanish General, _Don_ Santiago Liniers, I
answer to the letter brought by your flag of truce respecting the
surrender of this capital, by saying that nothing relative to
laying down our arms will be attended to--that the Spanish General
has a sufficient number of brave troops, commanded by brave chiefs,
full of desire to die in defence of their country, and that this is
the moment to show their patriotism.--I remain, &c.

(Signed) Major-General CALL. ELLIO.

Major-Gen. Levison Gower.

Plan of Attack.--Circular.

HEADQUARTERS, CAMP BEFORE BUENOS AYRES, _July 4, 1807_.

SIR,--Herewith I have the honour to enclose instructions for the
attack of Buenos Ayres. The refusal of the Spanish General to
listen to terms, and the state of the army from fatigue and bad
weather, leaves but little choice as to the mode of accomplishing
our purpose; otherwise I should assuredly be disposed to adopt one
_equally calculated_[17] to secure to us possession of the place
without the probable chance of so much blood being spilt.

I therefore have to desire that you will impress upon the minds of
all officers acting under your immediate orders, the necessity of
preventing, in as great a degree as possible under such
circumstances, acts of violence on the persons of those who do not
carry arms, as well as women and children.--I have the honour to
be, &c.

(Signed) JOHN WHITELOCKE.

To Brigadiers.

COPY OF GENERAL ORDERS,

_4th July, 1807_.

Sir Samuel Achmuty to detach the 38th regiment, to possess itself
of the _Plaza de Tauros_ and the adjacent strong grounds, and there
post itself.

The 87th, 5th, 36th, and 88th regiments to be divided into wings,
and each wing is to penetrate into the street directly in its
front, in a column of sections right in front.

The light battalion to penetrate by wings into the second street,
on the right of that leading up from Mr. White’s house, and the
next to it, followed by the 95th regiment.

The left division of the 95th is to receive its orders from Colonel
Park, the right division from General Craufurd; two 3-pounders to
follow these columns, one each. The 45th to advance by wings, left
in front, up to the two next streets beyond the light battalion.
The carabineers to move up with the cover two 6-pounders, which
will be advanced up the street from Mr. White’s, and remain with
them.

The 9th light dragoons to move to the left, and take the ground of
the light battalion, at five o’clock, where they will receive
further orders.

Each officer commanding a division of the left wing, which is from
the 88th to 87th inclusively, to take care that he does not incline
to his right of the right wing, that is, light brigade and 45th
regiment to the left.

The cannonade in the centre to be the signal for the whole to rush
forward; and each division to go, if possible, straight down the
street before it, till it arrives at the last square of houses near
to the river _Plate_, of which they are to possess themselves, and
on the tops of which they are to form: if they find that they
suffer by any interior defences, to lodge themselves as far in
advance as they can. Two corporals, with tools, to be attached to
the head of each column. The whole to be unloaded, and no firing to
be allowed on any account.

When the business is over, the utmost exertion to be used to keep
the men collected and formed.

The regiments may leave their packs in their present cantonments,
with a subaltern’s guard, if they wish.

The cannonade will commence at 30 minutes past six o’clock
precisely.

(A true copy) E. COOKE.

Major-General Gower’s Orders.

Major-General Levison Gower, as second in command, will be occupied
in making the necessary arrangements relative to the executive
duties and localities of the situation, aided by Brigadier-General
Sir Samuel Achmuty; whose able assistance will also be brought in
aid of what may appertain to the many other points to which the
attention of the Commander of the forces must of course be
directed, in a command in its nature new and intricate.

The other appointments to the Staff will be communicated to the
army on the arrival of the additional force.

The 9th light dragoons to march to the left, and take the ground of
the light battalion at five o’clock, where they will remain till
further orders.

Lieutenant-General Whitelocke to General Liniers.

HEADQUARTERS BEFORE BUENOS AYRES,

_July 4, 1807_.

I beg you will do me the justice to impute to the principles of
humanity only, the information I give you of my arrival, having
joined the troops under the command of Major-General Levison Gower
with the principal column of the army. I dare say it is not unknown
to you that another column awaits my orders within little more than
a league from your capital.

I beg, therefore, only to be informed, if, after this faithful
communication, you still adhere to the answer given to the
Major-General in your letter of yesterday, who was authorized to
address you on this subject, in the event of his arrival before me.

The bearer, Captain Whittingham, has my orders to deliver this, and
to wait half an hour from that time for your answer, yes or no.

J. WHITELOCKE.

To General Liniers, &c.

General Liniers to Major-General Whitelocke.

SIR,--I have just received your Excellency’s letter of this date,
to the contents of which I have the honour to reply, that whilst I
have ammunition, and whilst the same spirit which now animates this
garrison and people shall continue to exist, I shall never think of
delivering up the post which has been confided to me: and I am
perfectly convinced, that I have more than sufficient means to
resist all the efforts which your Excellency can make to conquer
me.

The duties of humanity of which your Excellency speaks, will, I
conceive, be more wounded by your Excellency, who is the aggressor,
than by me. I merely do that duty which is prescribed to me by
honour and the just right of retaliation.--I have the honour to be,
&c.

(Signed) SANTIAGO LINIERS.

_July 4, 1807._

RIGHT (A true Copy) E. COOKE.

CORAL OF MISERALA, _July 3, 1807_.

SIR,--I have the honour to report to you, for the information of
the Lieutenant-General Whitelocke, that the advanced corps under my
command, consisting of three companies of the 95th light battalion,
36th and 38th regiments, with two 3 and two 6-pounders, advanced
from the position I had taken up in front of the village of
Reduction; and, after making a considerable detour from the badness
of the roads, I crossed the _Chuello_ at the _Chico_ Pass; from
thence I continued my route, though very strongly enclosed, and
difficult ground, till the head of the column arrived at the
junction of two roads, about 500 yards from the Canal of
_Miserala_. At the same moment that we discovered the enemy, they
commenced a heavy, though, after the first round, not well-directed
fire of shot and shells, my artillery having been left in the rear,
under the protection of three companies of Brigadier-General
Lumley’s brigade, owing to the inability of the horses to bring it
up at the same rate at which the infantry marched. I directed an
immediate attack to be made on their left flank with the bayonet,
which was executed by Brigadier-General Craufurd in the most
perfect manner, with his brigade, and he was so well seconded by
the gallantry of Lieutenant-Colonel Pack and Major Travers, the
officers and men of the 95th, and light battalion, that in five
minutes the enemy’s force, though strongly posted behind hedges and
embankments, gave way, leaving about 60 killed and 70 prisoners,
with all their artillery, consisting of nine guns, one howitzer,
three tumbrels with limbers complete.

I beg to state that the conduct of every officer and soldier
engaged was admirable; and that I am also under great obligation to
Brigadier-General Lumley, for his exertions to take a share in the
action, but which alone the very exhausted state of his regiments,
from the severity of the march, prevented. Immediately after I
formed, I found that he had taken a good position on the right of
the light brigade, to support it in case of re-attack.

I am happy to add our loss has been but trifling, not exceeding 14
rank and file killed, 5 officers, and 25 rank and file wounded. The
exact returns I have not been able to obtain.--I have the honour to
be, &c.

(Signed) J. LEVISON GOWER, Major-General.

Lieutenant-Colonel Torrens, Military Secretary.

II.

Extract of a Letter from Sir S. Achmuty to Mr. Wyndham.

The escape of General Beresford, an event as pleasing and important
as it was unexpected, has put us in full possession of the views of
the leading men, and the real state of the country. He had been
ordered, immediately after the fall of _Monte Video_, to a town 300
leagues inland, and was already between forty and fifty leagues
from _Buenos Ayres_, when two Spanish officers, in the family of
the Governor, who had been endeavouring to enter into some
political negotiation with him, proposed to assist and accompany
him in making his escape, which, with great difficulty, was
effected; and the General, after being three successive days
secreted in _Buenos Ayres_, fortunately reached the ship with our
despatches.

Letter from General Liniers to Admiral Stirling and Sir Samuel Achmuty.

BUENOS AYRES, _March 2d, 1807_.

SIRS,--I am very sorry that the first time I have the honour to
write to your Excellencies, is on the unpleasant subject of
complaining of proceedings of officers of your nation.
Major-General Beresford and Lieutenant-Colonel Pack, of the 71st
regiment, forgetting every sentiment of honour, and in violation of
their word, and the oath which they had taken on the 6th of
September last, have absconded, and the first with the infamy of
having fomented an insurrection in this county, where the greatest
part of his vile accomplices, now under the lash of the law, will
soon pay for their horrid crime.

This violation of public faith and the law of nations, has,
however, only increased the enthusiasm of all the inhabitants of
this city, ever ready and disposed to bury themselves under the
ruins of their edifices sooner than give themselves up to any other
dominion than that of their lawful sovereign.

The pretext which Mr. Beresford makes use of, in alleging that
there was a pretended capitulation, your Excellencies will see by
the enclosed prints is without foundation, and it only remains with
me, conformably to the laws of war, to reclaim those two prisoners;
and I trust to your integrity that you will order them to be given
up: at all events I fulfil my duty in reclaiming them, and the
military world will decide on which side justice is.

I do not answer Mr. Beresford, not having anything to add to what I
now express to your Excellencies; and I have only further to
observe, that the determination of the people, as has been
represented by their magistrates, is irrevocable: they are resolved
to defend themselves to the last extremity, and prepared to make
their defence memorable.

Your Excellencies will, therefore, avoid making any further offers;
for be assured, that no answer will be returned, and that nothing
but force can decide our fate.

God preserve your Excellencies many years.

(Signed) SANTIAGO LINIERS.

To their Excellencies Sir C. Stirling and Sir S. Achmuty.

CORAL DE MISERALA, _July 2, 1807_.

SIR,--I had the honour to report to you, for the information of the
Commander of the forces, that the advanced corps of the army now
occupy a position, the centre of which is across the prolongation
of the centre street of _Buenos Ayres_. I have taken most of the
cattle intended for the consumption of the city for this day, and
occupy the principal _coral_. I have secured 20,000 lbs. of
biscuit, and my corps is fully supplied with it; spirits I am
searching for, and I have hopes that I shall be able to secure
some; to what extent I do not yet know. I sent to report to you,
yesterday evening, immediately after the action, in which I stated
we had taken eight pieces of cannon, I now find it increased to
ten, many prisoners, and a great quantity of arms and ammunition.
General Liniers and Colonel Ellio were both present. Supposing that
a considerable impression may have been made by so complete a
defeat as this considerable portion of their force has sustained, I
have sent in a summons to General Liniers, at first verbally only,
to discover how they appeared to feel in the town. Colonel Ellio
met Brigade-Major Roache who went with the flag, and requested
that they might receive a written proposal. I have now, therefore,
sent one, founded on the instructions I received yesterday by
Colonel Bourke.

I believe it will not be difficult to, nearly if not entirely,
invest the town by placing about 1000 on my right towards the
_Chuello_, and all the rest on my left towards the Recollata,
having that in the rear. The centre of the town makes a salient
angle; it appears to me, therefore, that our centre should be a
little refused, and our flanks thrown forward, as the right will be
rested on the _Chuello_, and the left secured by the _Plata_; but
this of course must be regulated by the better judgment of the
Commander of the forces.--I have the honour to be, &c.

J. LEVISON GOWER, Major-General.

Lieutenant-Colonel Torrens, &c. &c. &c.

_Sentence._

The court-martial having duly considered the evidence given in
support of the charges against the prisoner, Lieutenant-General
Whitelocke, his defence, and the evidence he has adduced, are of
opinion that he is guilty of the whole of the said charges, with
the exception of that part of the second charge which relates to
the order that “the columns should be unloaded, and that no firing
should be permitted on any account.”

The court are anxious that it may be distinctly understood that
they attach no censure whatever to the precautions taken to prevent
unnecessary firing during the advance of the troops to the proposed
points of attack, and do therefore acquit Lieutenant-General
Whitelocke of that part of the said charge.

The court adjudge that the said Lieutenant-General Whitelocke be
cashiered, and declared totally unfit and unworthy to serve his
Majesty in any military capacity whatever.

PRINTED BY BALLANTYNE, HANSON AND CO.
EDINBURGH AND LONDON.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] About £50,000.

[2] = £240,000.

[3] = £4500.

[4] A _cruzado_ = nearly five shillings.

[5] Under £5.

[6] The _boucan_ was a wooden instrument used by Brazilian cannibals for roasting their victims. Hence the word _buccaneer_.

[7] £1200.

[8] _Vide_ _Humboldt’s_ Researches.

[9] Frezier.

[10]

“And lo! deep in yon cave Honorius long did dwell,
In hopes to merit heaven by making earth a hell.”
--_Childe Harold._

[11] Hist. Novi Orbis, lib. III. c. 21.

[12] It is interesting to English readers to know that the high post of Captain-General of _Chili_ was, in November 1787, confided to _Don_ Ambrose Higgins, a native of Ireland, who was, two years later, appointed Field Marshal of the Royal Armies.

[13] A cruzado = nearly five shillings.

[14] Condamine.

[15] The following was told me by a lady now in her eighty-first year, as having been current in her youth:

“My first is an emblem of purity,
My second’s a thing of security;
My whole is a name, which if yours were the same,
You would blush to hand down to futurity.”

[16]

3 brigades artillery.

5th }
38th } Brigadier-General Sir S. Achmuty.
87th }

17th dragoons.

36th }
} Brigadier-General Lumley
88th }

95th }
} Brigadier-General Craufurd.
Light battalion }

4 troops 6th dragoon guards.

9th light dragoons.

40th }
} Colonel Mahon.
45th }

[17] The _Italics_ are the author’s.

* * * * *

Typographical errors corrected by the etext transcriber:

Count Daborre went before the wind=> Count Datorre went before the wind {pg 31}

[Sidenote: 1776.]=> [Sidenote: 1676.] {pg 98}

Beckham, however, showed=> Beckman, however, showed {pg 102}

also to legislatiou=> also to legislation {pg 111}

_Curaçoa_=> _Curaçao_ {pg 156}

Bogota, 1850=> Bogotá, 1850 {pg 158}

_Don_ Antonia Gonzaga=> _Don_ Antonio Gonzaga {pg 164}

new governor, Gomes Freyre de Andrada=> new governor, Gomes Freyre de Andrade {pg 188}

and of encourging them=> and of encouraging them {pg 231}

removal of Bishop Gardenas=> removal of Bishop Cárdenas {pg 247}

durch die Provinzeu von Rio=> durch die Provinzen von Rio {pg 270}

A well-sustained fusilade=> A well-sustained fusillade {pg 278}

up to there middle in water=> up to their middle in water {pg 287}

offensive and unusal demand=> offensive and unusual demand {pg 297}

estimated by Dean Fuñes=> estimated by Dean Funes {pg 210}