THE WAR BETWEEN CHILI AND PERD.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3805, 9 March 1881, Page 2

THE WAR BETWEEN CHILI AND PERD.

The most important events in the war between Chili and Peru is the capture of Pisco, a fortified fort 100 miles" from Lima. A score of vessels had been havering round the coast for sevoral days, and ten days ago, one afternoon, the Angamos, the flagship of the squadron, steamed into Pisco, demanding the surrender of the town. The insult was met by a broadside from the fort, and the other ships of the squadron having come ia, a hot fight ensued. Three several attempts to land were frustrated, and it is doubtful if the Chilians would not have been finally driven back, but the news was brought to the commander of the allied forces that a strong force had landed at three sheltered and undefended spots a few miles down the coast, and were marching up to cut off his retreat. Upon this General Zamudia, who had less than 2000 men resolved to abandon the town and retreat. He blew up the iron railway pier, 2000 feet long, set lire to the Government buildings and • railway station, destroying the accumulated rolling stock, the bonded stores, and fell back inland, having to cut his way through the advance of the Chilian forces, which were 7,000 strong. He lost a total of 300 killed and wounded from his small force, most of whom were shot by mitralleuses and small arms, the fire from the ships being almost harmless, owing to the long range. The town was speedily sacked by the Chilians, who found rare booty in an immense quantity of spirits and wines which had accumulated en route to the capital. The Chilian loss was estimated by the Peruvian commander as thrice his own several steam launches and boats having been sunk in the attempt to land.