Page:The History of San Martin (1893).djvu/513

Rh bayonet, and on we went, keeping our line as steadily as on a parade day, and with a loud "hurrah" we were upon them. I must do the Spaniards the justice to say that they met us gallantly, and the struggle was for a brief time fierce, and the event doubtful. But the bayonet in the hands of British soldiers, more especially such a forlorn hope as we were, is irresistible. The Spaniards, five to one as they were, began to give ground, and at last broke and fled.

"Then it was, and not till then, that two companies of the Tiradores came up to our help, and our cavalry, hitherto of little use, fiercely pursued the retreating enemy.

"The remains of the corps passed before the Liberator with trailed arms at double quick, and received with a cheer, but without halting, his words, 'Salvadores de mi Patria!'"