Battle of Tarpellanca facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Tarpellanca
Part of the Chilean War of Independence
Date September 26, 1820 Location Tarpellanca ford, on the banks of the Laja River Result Royalist victory
Belligerents
Chilean Army	Royalists Mapuche Allies
Commanders and leaders
Pedro Andrés del Alcázar	Vicente Benavides Juan Manuel Picó Toqui Catrileo
Strength
600	2,400

The Battle of Tarpellanca happened on September 26, 1820. It was a fight during the Chilean War of Independence. This battle took place between the new Chilean Army and Spanish royalist fighters. It was part of a tough period called the Total War campaign.

Background to the Battle

After a victory at the Battle of Pangal, the royalist forces wanted to attack the city of Los Angeles. These forces had about 2,400 guerrilla fighters and Mapuche allies. They were led by Vicente Benavides.

The city of Los Angeles was defended by around 400 soldiers. They were led by Marshal Pedro Andrés del Alcázar. The city had already survived four attacks from the same enemy.

At this time, Marshal del Alcázar received some fake orders. The orders seemed to be from General Ramón Freire. They told him to leave Los Angeles. He was supposed to move his soldiers to Chillán to join the main army. This main army was operating from Concepción.

Marshal del Alcázar did not know that the Patriot army had lost at Pangal. So, he decided to leave Los Angeles. He took all the people with him. He knew they would be in danger if they stayed.

On September 25, he left the city. He led the Cazadores de Coquimbo battalion. He also had 50 artillery troops. About 150 friendly Mapuche allies joined him. Around a thousand civilians also came along. They brought their belongings and animals. This made their journey very slow.

The Battle Begins

Early on September 26, the group was crossing the Laja River. They were at a place called the Tarpellanca ford. The river split into two parts, with a small island in the middle.

Suddenly, Benavides' troops attacked them. Marshal del Alcázar and most of his group were trapped on the island. They quickly formed a defense. They made a circle with their carts to protect themselves.

The battle lasted for 13 hours. As night came, the Patriot soldiers started to run out of ammunition.

To save the many civilians with his group, Marshal del Alcázar decided to talk with Benavides. The Patriots agreed to surrender. In return, their lives would be spared. All the civilians would be allowed to pass safely. Marshal del Alcázar and his officers would stay as hostages. The surviving soldiers would join Benavides' guerrilla group. The agreement was made at 2 AM on September 27.

After the Battle

After the Patriot troops surrendered, Benavides ordered the prisoners to march. They started moving towards Yumbel.

On the morning of September 28, Benavides gave a sad order. Instead of being set free, the captured soldiers were killed. The city of Los Angeles was then burned down.

See also

In Spanish: Combate de Tarpellanca para niños