The field of Ayacucho presented an animated scene as the signal to attack was given by the gallant Cordova, who, dismounting and placing himself in front of his division, waved his sword above his head with the enthusiastic order “Forward, with the step of victors!” His confident bearing had an immediate effect on the troops, and they moved to the attack in splendid order, the charge, which was made in four parallel columns with the cavalry in the intervals, proving fatal to the enemy. The historical fight was won after a little more than an hour’s struggle, during which the royalists were driven back with great slaughter. At first, the viceroy’s troops fought with skill and courage, but they were gradually driven back and obliged to abandon the field. The viceroy was wounded and taken prisoner, which had a depressing effect on his followers. General Valdes made an unexpected detour and attacked the left flank of the patriot army with such success that the fortunes of the day hung for a few moments in the balance; La Mar’s forces were obliged to retreat, and a part of Lara’s division which went to his assistance was also driven back; but at this critical juncture General Miller, commanding the Junin Hussars, made a splendid charge, forcing the enemy to retreat and giving the patriots time to recover their position. An impetuous charge was then made on Valdes’s ranks, which sent cavalry and infantry flying in all directions. The victory was won; General Canterac and General Valdes, as well as thirteen other generals, five hundred officers and three thousand rank and file, became prisoners of war. Before sunset General Canterac sued for terms, and a capitulation was agreed upon which does the highest credit to the generous spirit of the victors. The losses to the royalists were fourteen hundred killed and seven hundred wounded, while the patriots had three hundred and seventy killed and six hundred and nine wounded.