Battle of Campichuelo

The Battle of Campichuelo was a battle fought on 19 December 1810 between revolutionary forces led by Manuel Belgrano and Royalist troops on the right bank of the Paraná river, as part of the Paraguay campaign of the Argentine War of Independence. It ended with a victory for the forces of Belgrano.

Antecedents

The Primera Junta determined to send an expedition to Paraguay in response to the belief that there was great party supporting the Revolution, who were oppressed by the Governor Velasco. On 24 September, agreed to send General Manuel Belgrano, who by decree of the 4th September, had been invested with the office of governor and captain general of the peoples of the Banda Oriental.

The battle

Because Royalist Paraguayans had removed all boats on the river Paraná at its borders, the forces under Belgrano's command had to cross a large number of rafts, boats and canoes for the purpose, carrying large loads of leather skins . The crossing took place on December 19, 1810 from the former capital missionary Santa Maria de la Candelaria (Misiones Province today) and nearby sites located in the current province of Corrientes. Belgrano crossed in front of a small force: 800 men, half cavalry and infantry, with 6 small caliber guns. They faced a 500-men strong royalist force led by Pablo Thompson. Belgrano issued a proclamation between advocates for the cause of freedom of peoples and to join their ranks, upon their refusal attacked and defeated Paraguayan royalist guard.