destruction on all, who should attempt to overthrow their religion. The excitation of the moment proved sufficient, the San Salvadorians were defeated, and retired in confusion.
From that period to the end of the year, the war continued with various success,—many battles were fought; but with so little spirit and under such wretched direction, that no important results followed. A military spirit could not be infused into the people, and the troops composed of recruits forced into the service, deserted their colours the first favourable opportunity. Battles were pompously announced in the gazettes, in which two were killed, and three horses wounded; and a long bulletin of the taking of St. Ana, (which had previously been evacuated by the enemy,) announced the capture of three horses, and one sabre!
Under such circumstances the contest assumed rather the appearance of a childish quarrel, than the struggle of opposing states. But although the war thus languished, its effects were perhaps more disastrous than would have followed a more profuse effusion of human blood. Commerce was altogether suspended,and agriculture neglected; while contribution after contribution drained the city; and ruined the inhabitants. The state of the public finances was at this time as wretched as can be imagined. After the different
