Preparation for Retreat—Causes of Delay—Force at Virgin Bay—The Granada and the Once de Abril—Promotion of Fayssoux—The Attack of the Allies on Henningsen—His Defence—Charge of O’Neal—Henningsen’s Difficulties—Destruction of the Town—Loss of the Fort—The Americans abandon the Plaza—They take Possession of the Guadalupe—Henry and Swingle—Disease in Henningsen’s Camp—Strategems of the Allies—Henry’s Entrenched Position—Cholera and Typhus—Commissary and Ordnance Stores—The Hospital at Omotepe—The Attack of Indians on the Island—Exaggerated Report—Reinforcements from San Francisco and New-Orleans—Organization of them—Landing of Waters at Granada—His Relief of Henningsen—Embarkation of the whole Force—Justice and Policy of Destroying Granada PAGE 313 CHAPTER XI. OPERATIONS ON THE SAN JUAN. Spencer’s Attack on the Serapaqui—He takes the Boats at Punta Arenas—Course of Capt. Erskine of the Orion—Mora’s Force on the San Carlos—Occupation of Castillo—Capture of Fort San Carlos—Full Possession of the Lake by Mora—Spencer’s Services—His Employers—Connivance of Mr. Marcy—Violation of Neutral Rights by Costa Rica—Causes of Mr. Marcy’s Action—British Fleet at San Juan del Norte—The Costa Rican Decree—Lockridge at Punta Arenas—Interference of British Officers—Arrival of Titus—Action at Serapaqui—Desertions—Difficulties of the Costa Ricans—Titus at Castillo—Effects of his Misconduct—Instructions sent to Lockridge—Reinforcement under Capers and French—Failure to attack Castillo—Disorganization of the Force—Explosion of the J. R. Scott—Subsequent Attempts to open the Transit PAGE 342 CHAPTER XII. THE DEFENCE OF RIVAS. Force at Rivas in December, 1856—State of the Allies—Charges against Belloso—Rangers at Nandaime—Rivas prepared for Defence—Advance of the Allies to Obraje—Skirmish at Obraje—Allies occupy San Jorge—Henningsen’s Attack on San Jorge—March to San Juan del Sur—The Americans at Virgin Bay—Attempt to carry San Jorge by Surprise—Proclamation of Mora—Cannonade of San Jorge—Desertion—Its Causes—H. B. M.’s Steamer Esk at San Juan del Sur—Sir Robert McClure and Capt. Fayssoux—Commander Davis and the U. S. Sloop St. Mary’s—Davis’ Visit to Rivas—Encounters near the Transit and at Jocote—Red Star Guard—Address to the Troops—Action of 16th March—News by the Orizaba—Attack of the Allies on Rivas, the 23d March—Their Repulse and its Results—Rations at Rivas—Second Attack of 11th April—Women Leave Rivas—Conduct of Davis—Treaty with Walker—Capture of the Granada—Conclusion PAGE 367 THE WAR IN NICARAGUA. Chapter First. THE VESTA AND HER PASSENGERS.