THE SOUTH AMERICAN WAR.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 2, Issue 351, 30 December 1879, Page 2

THE SOUTH AMERICAN WAR.

CAPTURE OF THE HUASOAR. -■ Panama papers give a few particulars of /ut the fight between the Chilian and Peru- Vjl vian vessels on November 8, The Huas- Hg car and the Union were in company when flfl they sighted the enemy, and endeavored SB to escape, but the comprising flfl one ironclad and three steamers pursued MM them. The vessels were ahead; but when the fog lifted, the re- an mainder of the enemy's fleet consisting of n| an ironclad frigate and three corvettes, were discovered directly in front. Escape ™ therefore was impossible. The HuascaT attempted to get away from her nearest antagonist but was unsuccessful owing to the power possessed by\the Chilians of turning in their own length with twin screws. The Huascar then \megd. fire from her turret gun, which wasfflratly returned. The Union, to (WJ capture or destruction, continuWyon her flight. The Huascar repeatedly attdhiptod to ram during the two hours the cornßat lasted, but with her hull riddled, her engines damaged, and her turret jammed so that it would not. revolve, there was nothing for it but to surrender. Only four of the officers were unwounded. She hauled down the Peruvian flag and sur- v rendered. The Huascar'a gunners were ftt all fore'gners, principally English and Scotch. She damaged one of tho Chilian ironclads considerably. The Huascar carried 210 men all told, Subscriptions have been offered in Lima to purchase a: new ironclad. Men give money, houses,, estates, and watches, and the women f heir jewelry. A commission has sailed to. Europe to purchase another vessel to replace the Huascar.