Identifier: battlerollencycl00perc (find matches)
Title: The battle roll: an encyclopedia containing descriptions of the most famous and memorable land battles and sieges in all ages
Year: 1858 (1850s)
Authors: Perce, Elbert, 1831-1869
Subjects: Battles
Publisher: New York, Mason brothers
Contributing Library: The Library of Congress
Digitizing Sponsor: Sloan Foundation

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ined the fence without loss, and thence opened a brisk fire upon the retreating enemy. The Costa Ricans fled for protection behind a neighboring building, whence, with more security,they could prevent pursuit. It was necessary,however, that they should be driven entirely from that vicinity, and in order to gain a position to effect that object, the Americans were obliged to cross a street swept by the enemy's fire. It was a hazardous experiment, as the opposing force numbered more than 100 men;but nothing daunted, the gallant thirteen essayed the perilous adventure; and, although the bullets whistled in fearful proximity to them, not a man was killed or wounded.The position they sought, was gained, and then in earnest the crack of the rifle became the death-knell of the foe. The Costa Ricans, with great obstinacy, sought to maintain their ground, and returned the fire with zeal and eagerness. In this conflict, Captain Hueston fell mortally wounded. The remaining twelve, maddened to fury by the death of
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RIVAS. 529 their comrade, fired so fast and furious, that in a few minutes thirty of the enemy were slain, and unable to sustain the fearful storm, the Costa Ricans were compelled again to relinquish their position, and seek greater security elsewhere. They retreated precipitately; and were hotly pursued by the assailants. Fortifying themselves behind a broken adobe wall, they again turned upon their pursuers, and opened a determined fire. In this assault. Lieutenant Gray was slightly wounded. To drive the Costa Ricans from the wall, and obtain possession of it was the object and determination of the pursuers. The enemy perceiving this,again sought safety in flight. With the loss of eight or ten more of their number, they succeeded in reaching the building from behind, where they again sought to repulse the advance of the Americans. In the further prosecution of the pursuit, Lieutenant Gray and a private were slain. The Costa Ricans,closely pursued, finally made good their re-treat, and little exec

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