Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 50, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 February 1899 — A NICARAGUAN HEROINE. [ARTICLE]

A NICARAGUAN HEROINE.

How a Soldier’s Daushter Defeated Capt. Nelson’s Forces. It ia weil 1 known that Lord. Nelson, the hero of Trafalgar, had but one eye, and it is commonly supposed' that he lost it in the ordinary fortunes of war. Such, however, is not the truth, if the story current in Nicaragua may be believed. In. 1780 England, sent out an expedition, to enforce her claims to certain lands adjoining the isthmus. The point of attack was Fort San Carlos at San Juan del Norte. Two hundred sailors and marines under the leadership of Capt. Nelson were landed. The cowardly garrison of Spanish soldiers deserted the commandant, but he refused to leave. His daughter, Donna Rafaela Mora, a girl of 15, remained by his side and determined to do all she could for her father and for her country. She took up her position behind an embrasure, seized a gun and when the party advanced fired directly at their leader. He fell, his eye pierced by a bullet. His followers were instantly thrown into confusion, and the garrison, seeing its opportunity and inspired by this young heroine, returned to duty and succeeded in driving the English forces back to their boats. Donna Rafaela Mora was decorated by the king of Spain, commissioned a colonel in. the royal service and pensioned for life. Nelson’s biographers merely state that he was repulsed at Fort San Carlos, and claim that he lost his eye in Corsica. The foregoing story has, however, been considered authentic, and by reason of it Gen. Martinez, the grandson of Donna Rafaela, was sufficiently popular to be elected president of the republic in 1857 by a grateful people.— Brooklyn Eagle.