from the place of debarkation towards the city of Buenos Ayres. “In this fatiguing service,” says Rear-Admiral
assailed with probable advantage, the troops were landed near that town, Jan. 18th, 1807. On the following day, about 6,000 of the enemy marched out to attack them, but were repulsed with great slaughter, and the loss of a gun; and the British afterwards commenced the siege of the place. This proved a most arduous undertaking, from the strength of the works, and the want of sufficient entrenching tools.
After a few days firing, it was discovered that the whole of the powder in the fleet was reduced to about two days’ consumption; and to add to the difficulties of the commander, he received intelligence of the rapid approach of an army of 4,000 picked men, with 24 pieces of cannon; he therefore determined, if possible, to take the city by assault; in which design, though with a heavy loss, he succeeded. A six-gun battery erected within 600 yards of the defence of Montevideo, though exposed to the superior fire of the enemy, which had been incessant during the whole siege, effected a breach, that was reported practicable on the 2d February. Orders were issued for the attack an hour before day break on the ensuing morning. At the appointed time, the besiegers marched to the assault, and approached near the breach before they were discovered; but then a most destructive fire was opened upon them. During the night, the enemy had so barricadoed the breach with hides, as to render it nearly impracticable; and in consequence of the prevailing darkness, the assailants mistook it for the undamaged wall. In this situation, they remained under a heavy fire during a quarter of an hour, when the breach was discerned by Captain Renny, who was killed as he mounted it. The troops then rushed to it, and, difficult as it was of access, forced their way into the town, where they were opposed by cannon planted at the ends of all the principal streets. They however courageously advanced in all directions, clearing the streets and batteries with their bayonets, and overturning the guns. The first column was followed by Colonel Browne with the 40th regiment, who also missed the breach, and twice passed through the fire of the batteries before they found it. The 87th regiment was posted on the outside near the gate, which the troops who entered by the breach were to open for them; but their ardour was so great, that they scaled the walls, and entered the town as the troops within approached the gate. At day-light, every thing was carried except the citadel, which made a shew of resistance, but soon surrendered; and early in the morning, to the great credit of the victorious troops and their commander, the women were seen peaceably walking the streets The number of British troops employed in the reduction of Montevideo, amounted to upwards of 4,000, of whom 1,200 were engaged in the assault; that of the Spaniards to 6,000. The loss of the British, which fell principally on the storming party, was about 600; the enemy had about 800 killed, 500 wounded, and upwards of 2,000 officers and men, including the Governor, made prisoners; the remainder escaped in boats, or secreted themselves in the town. The squadron cooperated in this brilliant achievement, having landed a considerable num-
