THE BOMBARDMENT OF CARTHAGENA.

Evening Star, Issue 3435, 24 February 1874, Page 3

THE BOMBARDMENT OF CARTHAGENA.

GALLANT CONDUCT OF AN ITALIAN COMMANDER. When the bombardment was at its height on December 1, seven or eight shells falling every minute, the Admirals of the English and Italian fleets lying off Esoombrera determined to endeavor to get the noncombatants out of Carfchegena, and accordingly Capt. Paule and Commander Amezaga entered the besieging lines to arrrange for an armistice. A total suspension of hostilities was refused, but it was agreed during four hours not to fire into the harbor, so that the non-combatants might safely embark. Accordingly the Italian sloop Anthion, Commander Amezaga, entered the harbor, accompanied, by two Italian and two French boats, England being indirectly represented by three officers of the Lord Warden. For a short time the firing was very slack on both sules, and preparations were made to take women and children on board the boats. The Intransigcntes, however, came about the officers, and used most insolent and abusive language, denouncing the English as'brigands who had stolen the ship* and ruined the- Intransigent! revolution. Com mander Amezaga displayed gn at coolness and tact, but still the confusion and difficulty in the embarkation were so great that the English Consul requested the Italian commander to enter the town. Firing had recommenced, and was very heavy oa both sides, shells falling in the harbor and about the landing place. After some debate, the commander, having been strictly enjoined by his admiral not to expose the lives of his men, declined to land while such heavy firing was going on, but ultimately consented to take an Italian boat on shore, and was accompanied by Captain Paule of the Lord Warden, and Mr Allen, who acted as Italian Consular Agent. It reallyrained shells, and . e . lading became a matter of extreme difficulty. It was ultimately effected, but the moment the Italian commander put his foot ea shore, he was threatened with pistols and accused of coming to take the Junta away. 1 he rest is thus told by the ‘Times’ ’ correspondent : “The Commander, in a short, eloquent speech, explained the object of the mission, and shamed the Volunteers into gratitude and civility. They no longer opposed our landing, but shells were falling so thickly on all sides that it was impossible to embark the women and children. It was obvious the armistice arrangements had failed. We have since learnt the Intransigcntes made a sortie during the time stipulated for a suspension of hostilities. Th>s provoked the besiegers’ vigorous firing. At this moment the Hart entered the harbor, followed by the French Renard and the German boats. The sight of the German and English flags irritated the Intransigcntes. Some became more violently abusive than ever. They vowed they owed no obligation to robbers and traitors. Peters, an Intransigeute Englishman, told the Consul if the foreign ships attempted to leave the harbor without the special permission of the Junta, the Numancia would fire, and, if the Numancia failed to fire, he would fire from his own ship. The situation was getting very critical, and as the newlyarrived boats could be of no use, it was thought best they should return to Kscombrera. All the time a time a heavy interchange of fling was going on, shells being taken from the shore to the Intransigeute ironclads. Young boys and girls were helping to move them. Over 100 women and children then embarked. The Intransingentea’ Commissioners came on board. The women escaped. Peters followed them, and began giving orders, threatening that the Numancia should fire on the Anthion if she carried the fugitives away. He especially addressed Roque Barcia, who bad come on board at the last moment by himself, as if he wished to escape. Commander Amezaga declared that no man should give orders or utter threats on board his ship, and ordered the men to go to quarters and prepare for action. The order was instantly obeyed by the sailors, who began to muster with arms, but the children whom the pommander flad ordered to be sent below crowded into the room, prying, screaming, clinging to him, and refusing to obey. Peters’ returned to the Numancia, threatening. Two big guns were ostentatiously loaded, one shot from which would have sunk them. The Italian Commander stood on the poop, and in a loud voice asked the crew of the Numancia to hear him. He declared no man should insult the Italian flag, if they fired he would fire and though they might easily sink hipi fle Jmd the Italian natiop aqd twenty Italiafl irbnplads beflind him. Nothing could' be finer than his conduct and demeanor, It produced an immediate effect on the Intransigentes. The Junta Commissioners apologized, declaring that Peters had acted without authority and was drunk. They went immediately to his ship Darro, and took him away as a prisoner, with an armed guard, to the Numauia. His ruffianly conduct might have caused a fearful tragedy, and has made all of us-Englishmen ashamed that he was our countryman. Eoque Barcia then made a speech. He was profuse in his thanks to the Italian Commander for his noble conduct, and in his regrets at what had occurred. The Anthion then left the harbor without further molestation, and took its passengers to, Pornaan, where they lauded with food and were consigned to the Alcalde. Gur mission, however, was so badly and ungratefully received, that we resolved not to enter the harbor again, but to receive fugitives outside, and to have the non-combatants brought out by the Intransigcntes themselves.*' The gallantry and humanity of Commander Amezaga have excited the highest admiration. The officers of the combined squadrons gave him a complimentary dinner, and Admiral Yelverton at once wrote to the Italian admiral bestowing high praise u^on

the conduct of the commander, and expressing a hope that that officer would receive a merited reward.