Page:Tupper family records - 1835.djvu/106

84 his immense superiority in cavalry. He shewed us his front, his right resting on a farm house called Ezaguirre, much strengthened by walls and ditches, and his left on another called Ochagavia, scarcely less capable of defence. A large body of cavalry was stationed on the right of Ezaguirre. We marched in parallel columns; the battalions in close columns of companies, Pudeto forming the left of the line. Each flank was protected by two pieces of artillery,—a howitzer in the centre; our cavalry, about one hundred and eighty strong, was advanced considerably before our left flank.

"The battle began by a charge which the enemy's cavalry, posted at Ezaguirre, made upon our cavalry, which, being much weaker, fled instantly. The enemy's cavalry pursued ours so vigorously, that the greater part passed our column within fifty paces; the rear companies faced about and opened fire, which soon obliged them to retire.

"Our column had already halted on coming within range, and a very smart cannonade opened on both sides; the enemy's guns were extremely well served, but did little execution notwithstanding, as, owing to the chance of the ricochet, every ball went directly over the column it was intended for, and one went through my flag.

"We had halted in front of Ochagavia, at the distance of little more than half a mile from the house. Our three light companies were ordered to move to the right and to attack the left of Ochagavia; I was ordered to lead the attack in front; we expected to