Battle of Santiago (1844)

The Battle of Santiago (Spanish: Batalla de Santiago) was the second major battle of the Dominican War of Independence and was fought on the 30 March 1844, at Santiago de los Caballeros, Santiago Province. Although outnumbered, Dominican troops, part of the Army of The North and led by General José María Imbert, defeated Haitian Army troops led by General Jean-Louis Pierrot.[1]

Battle of Santiago
Part of the Dominican War of Independence

Illustration of General José María Imbert in the battle of March 30 by José Alloza
Date30 March 1844
Location
Santiago de los Caballeros, Santiago Province
Result Dominican victory
Belligerents
Dominican Republic Haiti Haiti
Commanders and leaders
Gen. José María Imbert
Col. Pedro Eugenio Pelletier		 Haiti Gen. Jean-Louis Pierrot
Haiti Gen. St.-Louis
Strength
400 infantry
100 cavalry
3 cannons
3 forts		 10,000
Casualties and losses
1 wounded 600+ killed

Predule
General Matías Ramón Mella

In the meanwhile, the Dominicans were in the process of raising money to purchase weapons for the army. Donations from wealthy people in Santo Domingo also added to the funding. In Santiago, many figures joined in on the cause, such as Pedro de Mena, Ángel Daniel, Juan Luis Bido, and Ramón Bidó.

Matias Ramon Mella, who in addition to taking part in these fund raisings, embarked on a mission to enlist troops for the Libertion Army. He was stationed in Santiago when all of a sudden, news arrived from Cap-Haitian that an invading force, led by Jean-Louis Pierrot, was heading towards the city. In a panic, he left the Cibao to warn his comrades of the invasion, leaving the defenses in the hands of lieutenant José María Imbert. He took precautions to prepare the city for combat; he built moats and even built forts, named after the national slogan Dios, Patria y Libertad across it.

Meanwhile, Colonel Ramón Santana, stationed in Baní sent reinforcements, while General Francisco Antonio Salcedo was advancing to Talanquera and Escalante, with the purpose of luring the Haitians to Santiago. Due to this, however, Pierrot swept through Montecristi, and captured Dajabón. Four days later, Pierrot divided his troops into colomns of 2,000 men.

The Battle

Finally, on March 30, Pierrot was now in the city of Santiago. Upon arrival, the Haitians attacked, but were immediately countered by Imbert and Commander Achilles Michel at forts. The Haitians counterattacked, but were quickly repulsed by Dominican artillery and riflemen led by Fernando Valerio. In a desperate move, the Haitians tried to repel off the atrack, but were unable to withstand the cannons and were defeated. After suffering heavy losses, Pierrot was forced to retreat, securing Dominican victory once again.

References
  1. Authors, Multiple (2013). Imperial Wars 1815–1914. Amber Books Ltd. ISBN 9781782741251.

Bibliography

See also


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