July 3, 1807.
Sir,—By orders of the Spanish General, Don Santiago Liniers, I answer to the letter brought by your flag of truce respecting the surrender of this capital, by saying that nothing relative to laying down our arms will be attended to—that the Spanish General has a sufficient number of brave troops, commanded by brave chiefs, full of desire to die in defence of their country, and that this is the moment to show their patriotism.—I remain, &c.
(Signed) Major-General Call. Ellio.
Major-Gen. Levison Gower.
Plan of Attack.—Circular.
Headquarters, Camp before Buenos
Ayres, July 4, 1807.
Sir,—Herewith I have the honour to enclose instructions for the attack of Buenos Ayres. The refusal of the Spanish General to listen to terms, and the state of the army from fatigue and bad weather, leaves but little choice as to the mode of accomplishing our purpose; otherwise I should assuredly be disposed to adopt one equally calculated[17] to secure to us possession of the place without the probable chance of so much blood being spilt.
I therefore have to desire that you will impress upon the minds of all officers acting under your immediate orders, the necessity of preventing, in as great a degree as possible under such circumstances, acts of violence on the persons of those who do not carry arms, as well as women and children.—I have the honour to be, &c.
(Signed) John Whitelocke.