A retreat was now the only expedient left, which was accomplished under the countenance of a strong reinforcement from the camp, but under the effects of a galling fire from the fort. The Spaniards, however, did not dare to pursue a body of men, now weakened by loss, but covered with glory. Nearly seven hundred composed the list of killed and wounded upon this occasion.
The future operations of the army ceased to be offensive, and their exertions necessarily became precautionary. Dissentions, with their arising results, delay and disease, accomplished what the enemy durst not attempt.
It belongs not to me to enlarge upon either causes or effects in my limited detail, excepting where in either there may seem a tendency to involve the military character of those men whose memoirs and services I have undertaken to record. The Soldier may appear as often distinguished amidst misfortune, as the Citizen, though his country will render honours to the victorious alone, like the world, which, too often, confines its incense to the prosperous.
It is a tribute due to the gallant subordinates of the fleet and land force to say, that, throughout their arduous duties, they evinced a courage and perseverance worthy of their country and their cause. While history is bound to publish truths, it never ought to extenuate the errors of any branches of its subject.
By the 16th of April some hundreds became sick from exposure to the weather, the heavy rains that periodically set in about this time, and the scanty supplies of water; among whom were many of the principal officers.
Upon the 23d and 24th, Councils of War were held, which decided upon an immediate re-embarkation. Captain Knowles of the Navy, who had throughout bore a distinguished part in the duties of an Engineer, was now entrusted with the demolition of Castillo Grande, which was with much labour completed on the 25th, and all the guns rendered unserviceable. The same was effected at Bocca Chica. Upon the whole, the Spaniards sustained a heavy loss, as appears from the following detail:
| Guns | ||
| Bocca Chica Castle | 80 | |
| Fort St. Joseph | 20 | |
| Fort St. Philip | 15 | |
| Fort St. Jago | 6 | |
| Fascine batteries on Barradera side | 20 | |
| Four men of war at Bocca Chica | 332 | |
| Two batteries at Passe Cavalla | 13 | |
| Castillo Grande | 63 | |
| Port Mazinello | 12 | |
| Seven galleons | 128 | |
| Conqesadon and Dragon men of war | 134 | |
| —— | ||
| 723 | ||
| ==== | ||
Such events to the enemy were for some time irretrievable, and long felt. The charges of repairing the different fortifications must have been prodigious, when we consider the strength with which they were constructed.