Battle of San Lorenzo

The Battle of San Lorenzo was the first military confrontation of the Argentine War of Independence, between realistas (royalists, loyal to the Spanish Crown), led by General José Zavala, and the rebel forces of the Granaderos a Caballo, the cavalry unit led by General José de San Martín.

Related Topics:
Argentine War of Independence - Spanish Crown - José Zavala - Cavalry - José de San Martín

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The battle took place on 3 February 1813 in San Lorenzo, province of Santa Fe. The royalists, about 250 men, sailed on eleven ships from their base in Montevideo, up the River Plate and the Paraná River, passing by the port of Rosario (then a small village), and landed a few kilometres north on San Lorenzo's port, near the San Carlos Monastery, at about 5:30 in the morning.

Related Topics:
3 February - 1813 - San Lorenzo - Santa Fe - Montevideo - River Plate - Paraná River - Rosario

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Though covered by cannon fire from the ships, the royalist forces were quickly diminished and had to retreat. According to San Martín's report, the royalists lost 40 men, at least 12 were wounded, and 14 were taken as prisoners by the rebels, who in turn lost 26 men, out of about 150.

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