Battle of Arlabán (1812)

The Battle of Arlabán of 1812, also known as the Second Surprise of Arlabán, took place in the mountain pass of Arlabán, Guipúzcoa, Basque Country, near the border with France, on 9 April, 1812, during the Peninsular War. A Spanish force of 3,000–3,500 men led by Francisco Espoz y Mina intercepted a great French convoy (2,000–3,000 regulars and 150 cavalry) of General of Division Caffarelli. The attack was a success, and after a one hour, the French were completely defeated. The Spanish casualties were estimated at 30 killed and wounded, and the French lost between 600–700 men, and 300 captured. The Spanish also rescued 800 Spanish, British and Portuguese prisoners (5 officers), and captured the valuable convoy (weapons and baggage, two colours, letters from Joseph Bonaparte to Napoleon, and a great amount of jewelry, valued between 700,000 and 800,000 francs). Joseph Bonaparte's personal secretary, Jean Deslandes, was killed in this action.