NAVAL ENGAGEMENT IN SOUTH AMERICA.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 300, 31 December 1879, Page 6

NAVAL ENGAGEMENT IN SOUTH AMERICA.

PATRIOTISM tn LIHA.

THE HUASOAB

PARTICOr \RS OF THE CAPTURE OF THE HUASCAB.

Panama, Oct. 25. The Slar and Herald has the fall story of vbe naval battle between tha Peruvian ironclad fluascar and a division of the Chilian fleet :— Steaming along the coast, the Haascar, at about three and a half a.m., on the Bth October, signalled to her consort, the Union, that the enemy was in sight, and immediately proceeded at full speed to the northward, hoping to elude their vigilance in the darkness, and trusting to the superior rapidity of the Union to mislead the opposing squadron. The Union rather invited the eaemy'a attention in hopes that the Huaecar might get far enough ahead before daybreak to escape. The Chilian vessels were one ironclad and three wooden steamers. At seven a.m. of the 7tb, the Chilians were still in pursuit, about 6,000 metres from the Uaioo, and the Huaacar ahead, but

WHEN THE FOG LIFTED

There appeared directly in front the remaining division of tha enemy's fleet, an iron armored frigate and three corvettes or transports. The Peruvians wished to avoid a conflict with the Chilian fleet, and endeavored to escape, but to 00 purpose, Tbe Huascar at 9.30 a.m. found herself in front of tbe Moro Mejillooes and a second ironclad within cannon shot, whilst the first waa coming rapidly up. Running in towards shore in the bay of Mejillones de Bolivia, the Huascar awaited the advance of her nearest antagonist and let drive ber two turret guna, following up -the discharge by an attempt st ramming, which proved unsuccessful, owing to tbe power possessed by the Chilians to turn in their own length with their twin screws. Tbe fire was instantly returned, and mitrailleuaea in. tbe tops of the Huascar and her enemies' commenced their dreadful rattle. Tbe Union, to save herself, continued her flight.

THE HUASCA.B, UNAIDED, CONTINUED THE FIGHT,

She placed herself between the enemy's vessels, bat the Chilians took every opportunity of getting in shots at the stern of tbe ram, her vulnerable point, and the Haaacar was taken frequently at a disadvantage. She several times repeated her attempt to ram, but unsuccessfully. After two hours combat the Huascar, with her hull riddled, engines damaged, turret so jammed it would not revolve, and with only four officers anwounded, hauled down tha Peruvian flag and surrendered. The Chilian ironclad

first into aottoa fired her broadsides very rapidly, as with her twin screws she was able to present to her adversary in a few minutes any battery she wished to use. The Haasoar's guna were well served and in an hoar she discharged twenty - five shots. Her gonoera were all foreigners, twentyfive of the crew in all being. Europeans. The damage dtrae the Chilian ironclads was considerable. The Alminante Cochraoe, whioh sustained the . brunt of tbe battle, was somewhat damaged bat the Blanco Encalada escaped almost entirely. The unequal character of tbe fight may be understood when it is known that the Haascar bad bat two 300-poanders to oppose to twelve, and her armour was 4£ inches as against 9 inches.

Subscriptions have been opened in Lima for the purchase of an iron-clad, to be called the Almicante Gran. Men give their money,, their houses, their estates, their watches and even their sleeve links. Women have thrown into the fund their diamonds and silver plate. One lady sent diamond jewellery valued at £2,0Q0. Others have been equaly liberal. Tbe Archbishop of Lima heads the subscription with 2,000 soles. Already nearly 200,000 soles have been collected.

carried 200 men, officers, sailors, marines, and engineers. Her plating amidships was 4£ inches, tapering off to 2£ iochei in box and stern, aad her measurement about 1,250 tons, with 2 Armstrong rifles (300-poanders) ia turret, and two 40-poaoders on deck, which probably coald not be ased from the height of the Chilian vessels, and the extremely short range, sometimes 300 metres, sometimes a stone's throw. Commander G-rau, of the Huascar, and both his lieutenants were killed in the engagement with the Chilian fleet. Many of the crew were killed and wooDded. At the close of the action the Huaacar nearly sank. It was thought doubtful whether she could res oh poit. Mrs. Grau is reported as dying soon after being informed of her husband's death.