Mr. Buck to Mr. Bayard.
Lima, Peru, October 31, 1885. (Received November 27.)
Sir: On the 25th instant the montoneros attacked Canta. A small command had been left there when the greater part of the Government force marched to the neighborhood of Chicla. These, it is stated, under Colonels Bento and Vargas, repulsed the attack of the revolutionists.
It is stated on authority of El Liberal published at Cuzco, date not given, that Battalions del Cuzco and Cazadores del Cuzco would march immediately to the center, presumably to join Cáceres in the valley of [Page 626] the Jauja; also that a new battalion is being organized at Cuzco in the interest of Cáceres to remain there. It is also stated in same paper that it is not believed Cáceres will give battle until joined by the forces from the north and south.
Of the defeat of those in the north at Cajamarca you are already advised.
On the 27th instant a large force, of about 1,400 men, according to the best information I can get (which, indeed comes from a member of the cabinet), embarked at Callao under the command of General Echenique, the minister of war, for the south. I am informed that the plan of operations on part of the Government contemplates landing at Pisco, from which point the army will proceed to lea, which is connected with Pisco by railroad, retake that place, and then march across the Cordilleras to cut off Cáceres from the south and intercept the forces moving from Arequipa Cuzco and other points in that direction.
I have, &c.,