Battle of San Juan (1797)

__NOTOC__Infobox Military Conflict
conflict=Battle of San Juan (1797)
partof=the French Revolutionary Wars
date=April 17 - May 2, 1797
place=San Juan, Puerto Rico
result=Spanish victory
combatant1=flagicon|UK|1606 Britain
combatant2=flag|Spain|1785
commander1=flagicon|UK|1606 Ralph Abercromby
commander2=flagicon|Spain|1785 Governor Ramón de CastroThe Battle of San Juan was a 1797 British attack on the Spanish port city of San Juan in Puerto Rico.

On April 17, 1797, Ralph Abercromby, with a force of 6,000-13,000 men [Confirmation of troop count is unattainable, only Spanish and Puerto Rican sources are available regarding troop count.] , which included German mercenary soldiers and Royal Marines and a 60 to 64 ship armada, invaded the island of Puerto Rico.

The morning of April 17, the Spanish sighted an enemy convoy off the coastline. Upon this sighting, the Chiefs of Staff and the Governor immediately put a defense plan into action. Along strategic points throughout the coastline, garrison troops were placed into position. While attempting to maneuver ships into the inlet, the British fleet encountered a problem. There was an underwater reef that was very narrow so that only frigates and smaller transport ships could enter. The British placed two frigates at the opening of the port to deny entrance to other ships. On April 18, anchored British ships began bombarding points where the Spanish had taken defensive positions to protect the beach.

After some minor battles, the British sent a ship flying diplomatic colors to the entrance of the port and was met by an aide-de-camp who was given a message for the Commanding Officer of the city. In the message, they demanded the immediate surrender of Spanish forces. The British ship did not wait for a response, and in some confusion later in the night, a Spanish ship carrying a reply message came under fire.

Controlling the port became a chess match as the Spanish fleet mimicked every move by the British armada. The British were able to land many small groups of soldiers along the beach, some of which were German soldiers who were fighting alongside the British. During the day on April 19, two German soldiers were captured. One of the soldiers had in his possession a hand-written paper containing a name of a city resident. The Spanish, fearing a traitor in their ranks, had this man arrested.

The order was given on Friday, April 21 by the Spanish to destroy San Antonio bridge to eliminate an opportunity of the British forces to take cover and advance their position.

Saturday April 22, the Spanish began taking up defensive positions after noticing large regiments of British flying their colors just out of range of the Spanish cannons. Trenches were dug and spiked boards were emplaced to slow the impending attack.

On Monday, April 24, Militia Sergeant Francisco Diaz was chosen to lead a party of seventy men to attack a British position. They met approximately 300 British soldiers who they were able to force to retreat despite their inferior numbers. The raiding party found a cannon battery and captured fourteen prisoners. The British then staged a counterattack and the Spanish raiding party was forced to flee.

Fierce fighting continued for the next 5 days. Both sides suffered heavy loses. On Sunday, April 30 British ceased their attack and began their retreat from San Juan.

References

Alonso, Mariá M. and Milagros Flores, The Eighteenth Century Caribbean and the British Attack on Puerto Rico in 1797. National Park Service [Puerto Rico] , 1997.

Publisher National Park Service, [Puerto Rico] Year 1997ISBN 9781881713203

ee also

* Fortín de San Gerónimo

Footnotes

External links

* [http://www.puertorico1797.com/index_files/Page722.htm Fixed Regiment of Puerto Rico]
*cite web|author=Alonso, María M.|title=Chapter XIV - Abercromby's Siege|work=The Eighteenth Century Caribbean & The British Attack on Puerto Rico in 1797|url=http://www.nps.gov/saju/14.html|accessdate=July 7|accessyear=2006