The Paraguayan War 1865-70

Major Battles of the War

by David A. Stewart
Maps by Karasa
Illustrations by Archambault

First Tuyuty (Estero Bellaco): Fought in May of 1866. The Allied armies, of about 35,000, encamped on slightly high ground near Humaita, with the Brazilians on the left and the Argentines on the right. instead of remaining on the defensive, Lopez ordered a four pronged attack by some 20,000 men. The attack was supposed to take place at dawn, but was delayed until 11:00 a.m. Despite the columns becoming uncoordinated, the attack achieved surprise and nearly broke through the Allied armies. The main weight fell on the Brazilian 3rd Division (General Sampaio) and the 1st Mounted Artillery. In fierce fighting, the Paraguayans were thrown back, though the Allies could not pursue. Losses were about 7000 for the Allies and 12,000 for the Paraguayans.

Curuzu: Fought on September 3, 1866. The Brazilians successfully took one of the advanced Paraguayan posts. It is chiefly known for the rout of the Paraguayan 10th Battalion, one of the few such instances of the war. The 10th was decimated (literally) at Lopez's orders, and the survivors transferred to other units.

Curupaity: Fought on September 22, 1866. The Allies attempted to storm the Paraguayan entrenchments on the river side. Allied forces consisted of about 11,000 Brazilians and 7,000 Argentines. The Paraguayans, under Diaz, had some 5000 men and 49 guns (including eight 68 pounders) plus some rockets. The assault was a bloody shambles. The Allies had some 9000 casualties, while total Paraguayan losses were only about 50. As a result of the battle Agentine support for the war was drastically weakened.

2nd Tuyuty: Fought on November 3,1867. Lopez was attempting to halt the Brazilian flanking movement around Humaita. The 8000 men attack force under General Barrios achieved a complete surprise against the Brazilian II Corps. The attack lost momentum when the impoverished Paraguayans stopped to plunder the Brazilian camp. Counterattacks forced back the Paraguayans, who did manage to bring off some captured artillery.

(In January, 1868, Mitre resigned command of the Allied armies to be replaced by Brazilian Marshal Caxias. The war now became principally a struggle between Brazil and Paraguay. By February the Brazilian fleet had run the batteries of Humaita and had fought off a raid by a Paraguayan canoe feet. On July 24, 1868, Lopez ordered the evacuation of Humaita.)

Lomas Valentinas: Fought between December 21 and 27, 1868. This battle wasthe culmination of Marshal Caxias' campaign toflank the Paraguayan positions. It was preceeded by th bloody battles at Ytororo, Avay, and Ita-Ibaty. At Ytororo,the Paraguayan 23rd Battalion was reduced from 300 men to 9. Brazilian losses caused the disbandment of several volunteer units to make up for shortages. Finally, in a series of assaults on the fortified lines, the Paraguayan Armywas annihilated, with only Lopez and his escort escaping.

(in January, 1869, Caxias occupied Ascuncion and declared the war to be over. Unfortunately, Lopez was still at large and still commanded the loyalty of most of his people. Between January and August he managed the fantastic feat of raising a new army of some 10,000 men. These were concentrated around the new capital at Piribebuy. Brazilian forces were now commanded by the Conde d'Eu.)

Piribebuy: Fought on August 12, 1869. The Brazilians captured the city in a fierce action.

Acosta Nu (Campo Grande) Fought on August 16,1869. This was the last batteries. Since they possessed a very low profile, they were virtually impossible to hit at anything other than point blank range. They raised such havoc with Brazilian ironclads that they were nicknamed "Wooden Monitors". The Canoe Paddlers Corps were special detachments who conducted raids along the river and swamps using canoes. They were also used against the Brazilian fleet, the idea being to steal out at night and board the ironclads. once aboard lighted large caliber shells would be thrown into the gunports. The tactic did not work very well. The ironclads would lie alongside each other and "hose" their neighbor's decks with grapeshot and canister from their heavy guns. major battle of the war. Once more the Paraguayan Army was virtually destroyed, but once more Lopez escaped. The remnants, not over 500 in number, eluded Brazilian patrols in the interior for several months.

Cerro Cora (Rio Aquidaban): Fought on March 1, 1870. Brazilian patrols finally located Lopez's band and mounted a surprise attack. In the fighting Lopez was killed by a cavalry corporal. This marked the end of the war.

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