Mr. Buck to Mr. Bayard.
Lima, Peru, November 21, 1885. (Received December 18.)
Sir: Colonel Relaize, in command of the first division of the army, operating in the center, under date 15th instant reports that he engaged the whole army of General Cáceres that day at Pampas on the heights of Jauja. Thus far the news is fragmentary and sent by messenger from Jauja to Chicla, some sixty-odd miles, and telegraphed from there.
Colonel Relaize reports the total defeat of Cáceres, and that the latter left the field with but a remnant of his forces after a fierce conflict, which lasted fron 1 p.m. till 6 p.m., resulting in the loss of four colonels and five hundred men prisoners.
Such subsequent telegrams as have reached from Chicla confirm the report of Colonel Relaize to the minister of war, and state in addition that many of the revolutionists were drowned in attempting to cross the river, and among those lost is said to have been Colonel Pacheco Cespedes. Thus much for the news given out by the Government for publication.
There prevails here some incredulity, but there is a manifest general disposition to discredit all news favorable to the Government given out under press censorship.
I understand that Colonel Gonzales reached here last night with official report in greater detail, but up to this hour, 1 p.m., I have been unable to learn particulars. I am using my best efforts to get details, and the minister of foreign relations promised if anything of importance reached him in time to communicate before the closing of the mail, he would send it. If I can learn facts more definitely I will give the substance as fully as time will permit before sealing this for the mail.
General Echenique returned to lea, as I reported by last mail was his stated intention, but as yet it seems that he has made no movement towards Arequipa, though there is perhaps reason for believing such movement is intended.
If the news from Jauja is true, it is of course very important, and it is desirable that the Government should push forward to the occupancy of Arequipa, Puno, and Cuzco, for it is conceded that Cáceres still lives and is at large; this being the case, one can only judge of his future course by the intimations found in his past. He seems to have the organized sympathies and interest of the Indian race with him in a degree to which they have perhaps not often been excited since the final overthrow of the Inca power there. There seems to be something of a national race phase to the conflict which is exceptional as compared with previous revolutionary movements in Peru. * * *
[Page 628]Since the Government’s success at Truxillo and Cajamerca, and the comparative pacification of the north, business conditions appear considerably improved.
It is now nearly 3 p.m. I have just received a message from the minister of foreign relations saying the latest news he has confirms that already given, but without any important details from Jauja except it seems the Government have claims to have taken 600 prisoners, and that this victory virtually makes an end of the revolution.
I have, &c.,