countenance. I dare say he will soon talk of beginning again without any confusion of face. Indeed he has reason to believe he may go any length in amusing our expectations, considering how fond of being deceived we have appeared. It is said we are going to the island of Aruba. Under the next date, you shall have the history of our recent performances and mishaps.

LETTER XVIII.

At Aruba.--Events after leaving Trinidad.Army disembark.--Gain Le Vela de Coro.-March to Coro.--Disaster at that place.-Return, and evacuation of the Main.

Aruba, August 15th, 1806.

WE anchored at this place yesterday; and I now proceed to the relation of what has happened from the time of leaving Trinidad.

On the 23d and 24th of July, all the officers and men belonging to the Columbian Army embarked on board the vessels mentioned before. The Sunday following passing by the island of Margaritta-the people forsook the church, and manning the batteries of the place

discharged several shots at our squadron without injury. We anchored and went ashore at the island of Coche where we remained one night. Atday light on the 2d of August through a mistake of the pilot we anchored within nine miles of La Vela de Coro on the west side of the bay, instead of anchoring within reach of the batteries as was intended.

Pursuant to the following general order* the

*The right hand cypher in the following estimate of numbers was added to deceive the enemy, in case they should ever see the order. Our force is what remains when the cypher is cut off. viz. Two hundred and ninety one. On board of the Lily, August 1st. 1806.

"G. O." "As it is intended that the army shall disembark in the course of this night, the following order is to be attended to

1st division under the command of col. Compte de Rouvray, Hulans,

Guides with captain Sanchez and Cayetana,

350

150

2d division under the command of lieut. col. Kirkland,

first division under the command of col. count de Rouvray, disembarked from the squadron in the boats, with a view to effect an immedi ate landing; but a gale of wind set in nearly as soon as all the necessary preparations were made; and obliged the row boats and barges to be taken in tow by the gun boats, in which situation they remained the whole day, unable

"Captain Campbell of his majesty's ship Lily will give the necessary orders for the distribution of the boats; and the commanding officer of each detachment will take care that a proper proportion of officers is sent in each boat.

This order of debarkation, was accompanied by the following instructions :

"G. O."" Parole, Columbia. Countersign, Victory.

"Order of Attack.

"As soon as the first division, under the command of col. Compte de Rouvray, has disembarked a suffcient number of troops, he will attack the battery of the punta, in conjunction with the detachment from the navy. Having carried that, he will leave it in possession of a detachment of the navy; and then proceed with the rest of the troops: and take possession of the custom house and enemy's ar tillery near it, where he will leave the remainder of the naval detachment; and then proceed on the road leading the town of Coro, where he will halt until informed of the landing of the 2d division.

"After receiving this information, he will proceed and

to gain the point of attack on account of the roughness of the sea and the violence of the wind. The principal part of the second division, under Kirkland were at this time on board the Leander, as the boats of the squadron were not sufficient to disembark both divisions at once. This occasioned a transfer of his troops to his majesty's ship Bacchante (captain Da

take possession of the town of Coro, on the supposition that he will be supported by the 2d division.

"The naval detachment, charged with the care of the battery and town of Vela de Coro, will take care to send piquets on the roads leading into town, with orders not to allow any person to go out without a pass from the commanding officer; and any person coming in, to be strictly examined and acknowledged as a friend.

"A piquet of Indians under the command of capt. Leon, is to be posted on the road leading to Paraquana. Every species of plundering, is in the most positive terms prohibited; and the general expects that every person composing this army, will conduct himself to all such of the inhabitants as appear friendly, in such a manner, as will conciliate their affections; and only treat as enemies all such as appear in arms, and make resistance.

"The proclamation and pamphlets attached to them to be placed and distributed in every conspicuous place; by the commanding officers of the different detachments, agreeable to the ninth article of the same. All reports to be

cres) where they remained until day light the The Bacchante got under.

next morning.

weigh and beat up nearly abreast the strongest fort of La Vela de Coro during the night; the brigs Attentive and Express and the gun boats also stationed themselves within point blank shot of the same place.

On the morning of the 3d, the first division landed and were soon followed by the second, which would have arrived at the same time, had not the want of boats rendered it impossible. Whilst the troops were advancing

forwarded to the head quarters of the army at La Vela de Coro. As it will in the course of a day or two, be easy, to get any thing that may be wanted from on board the fleet, no baggage of any kind is to be carried on shore at the time of embarkation. Each man may carry on shore with him two or three biscuits.

"Lt. col. Roorbach is to join the detachment under the command of lt. col. Kirkland, and to duty with it until further orders.

(Signed)

WM. ARMSTRONG,

Q. M. General.

This order of attack, is to be executed, as nigh as possible, conformable to the preceding mode laid down; should circumstances oblige any officer to deviate from it, he is to do it, with the utmost circumspection and caution.”