Page:Letters from the Battle-fields of Paraguay (1870).djvu/108



78 INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. â€¢-

February \S, 1868. — The Brazilian iron-clads run past the batteries of Humaita.

March \, 1868. — The Paraguayan canoes attack the Bra- zilian ironclads. Marshal-President Lopez retires from his Head-Quarters at Paso Pucii to Timbo, and thence to the line of the Tebicuary River. A general movement in advance on the part of the Allies takes place (March 21)^ the result being that the batteries of Curupaity are evacuated (March 22).

June 18-20^ 1868. — Marshal-President Lopez discovers, or suspects that he has discovered, a conspiracy with revolutionary intentions, headed by General Berges. Many executions are reported.

July 24, 1868. — The garrison of Humaita, surrounded on all sides and starved out, evacuates the so-called stronghold, makes for the Gran Chaco, on the other side of the river, and on August 6th surrenders.

August 22, 1868. — The Paraguayans evacuate the batteries of Timbo, north of Humaita.

August 28, 1868. — The Allies become masters of the deserted line of the Tebicuary Biver. Marshal-Pre- sident Lopez retires to Villeta, up stream.

Oct. 1, 1868. — Four ironclads force the Angostura bat- teries.

November, 1868. — Marshal Caxias determines once more to turn the enemy^s right flank, and directs Marshal Argolo to begin a military road through the Gran Chaco. Admiral Viscount de Inhauma forces the Pass of Angostura, November 15.

December 5, 1868. — The vanguard of the Brazilian army crosses the Paraguay River and lands unopposed on the left bank at San Antonio.

December 21-27, 1868.— The ^^ Waterloo of the war.^' After four several actions, Marshal-President Lopez,