Battle of San Carlos (May 1813)

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Battle of San Carlos (May 1813)

The Battle of San Carlos took place on 15 May 1813 during the War of Chilean Independence. It was fought near San Carlos, Chile, between Chilean patriots and Royalist forces. The action ended without a clear winner and had lasting consequences for the independence movement.

Background
- In May 1813 the Royalist army, commanded by Juan Francisco Sánchez, was retreating toward Chillán. Their baggage train had moved well ahead of the main force and the rear guard was short of supplies.
- Chilean patriot Jose Miguel Carrera chose to intercept the Royalists at San Carlos instead of letting them reach Chillán.

The battle
- Carrera placed his infantry in the center and used his cavalry to flank, trying to avoid the Royalist artillery.
- The patriot infantry conducted a bayonet charge, but a volley from Royalist guns broke their line, and the cavalry attacks failed as well.
- Juan Mackenna brought up a fresh division later in the day, but it could not change the outcome.
- By nightfall the patriots had dispersed, and the next morning Carrera and Mackenna had no units left to mount another attack.

Aftermath
- Carrera’s failure to achieve a decisive victory led to the later Siege of Chillán in 1813, a campaign that was a disaster for the patriots and contributed to Carrera’s dismissal from office.

Casualties and strength
- Patriots: about 4,036 troops; around 100 killed.
- Royalists: about 6,000 troops; around 70 killed.