Siege of Paysandú facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Siege of Paysandú |
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| Part of the Uruguayan War | |||||||
 Brazilians and Colorados storm the town of Paysandú |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Empire of Brazil Colorados |
 Uruguay |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
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| Strength | |||||||
| Brazil: 2,210 30 cannons Colorados: 800 7 cannons |
1,254 15 cannons |
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| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| Brazil: 90 dead 207 wounded Colorados: Unknown |
400 dead and wounded | ||||||
The Siege of Paysandú was an important battle during the Uruguayan War. It started on December 3, 1864, and ended on January 2, 1865. During this time, forces from Brazil and the Colorado Party tried to take control of the city of Paysandú in Uruguay. The city was defended by the Uruguayan Army. After a month of fighting, the Brazilian and Colorado forces won the battle.
Contents
The Siege Begins: December 1864
On December 3, 1864, the Brazilian navy started blocking the port of Paysandú. They used one large warship and four smaller gunboats. Inside the city, about 1,254 Uruguayan soldiers defended Paysandú. They had 15 cannons and were led by Colonel Leandro Gómez.
The attacking forces were much larger. Brazil had 2,210 soldiers and 30 cannons. The Colorado Party, who were allies of Brazil, had 800 soldiers and 7 cannons. Colonel Gómez was asked to surrender, but he refused.
Early Attacks and Waiting for Help
From December 6 to December 8, the Brazilian and Colorado armies tried to storm the city. They fought their way into the streets but could not fully capture Paysandú. The leaders, Marquis of Tamandaré (for Brazil) and Venancio Flores (for the Colorados), decided to wait. They knew more Brazilian soldiers were on their way.
Meanwhile, Uruguay sent General Juan Saá with 3,000 men and 4 cannons. His mission was to help the trapped soldiers in Paysandú. The Brazilian and Colorado forces briefly stopped their attack to deal with this new threat. However, General Saá decided not to fight and retreated before reaching Paysandú.
Final Assault and Victory
On December 29, more Brazilian soldiers arrived in Paysandú. This was Field Marshal João Propício Mena Barreto's Army of the South. They brought more infantry and artillery.
On December 31, the Brazilians and Colorados started their attack again. After fierce fighting, they finally broke through the city's defenses. By January 2, 1865, they had taken control of Paysandú.
After the Battle
After the city was captured, the Brazilians took Colonel Gómez prisoner. They then handed him over to the Colorado forces. Colonel Gregorio "Goyo" Suárez, a Colorado officer, had Gómez and three of his officers killed. This was likely because Gómez had previously harmed members of Suárez's family.
The Church of Paysandú was badly damaged during the siege.
See also
In Spanish: Defensa de Paysandú para niños
