Spanish American War
THE LAST ENGLISH ATTACK....
SIR RALPH ABERCROMBY
Towards the end of the 18th century, England wanted to restore the balance of power in Europe in such a way that it could retain control of the seas and consequently dominate world trade. If England could take control of the Caribbean, this would aid the process. Therefore, in 1797, Great Britain sent Admiral Sir Henry Harvey and General Sir Ralph Abercromby to command a powerful naval fleet of some 60 vessels to the Caribbean to conquer Trinidad and Puerto Rico. Together with Jamaica, these territories would form a triangle of English power in the Caribbean. In February of 1797, they were able to take the island of Trinidad from a sick and demoralized Spanish garrison. This gave them confidence to believe that they could do the same in San Juan.
The English fleet arrived to the waters of San Juan on April 17, 1797 and the next day, Abercromby landed 3,000 men on the beaches of Cangrejos. By taking control of the surrounding area, he sought to cut off communication between San Juan and the interior of the island, but the Spaniards then began to send in reinforcements and provisions by canoe through the Bayamon River and Cataño. The English then set up siege batteries and began to bombard the Spanish defenses, managing to destroy part of the forts of San Gerónimo and San Antonio but owing to the fury with which the Puerto Ricans defended, they were unable to advance towards San Juan. Many English soldiers died, and Sir Ralph Abercromby had to retreat without gaining entry to the city of San Juan. He left behind cannons, mortars and obuses which were later melted down and used to make a statue of Juan Ponce de León, which can be seen in Plaza San José in Old San Juan.
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Last Update: March, 2000