Battle of Piribebuy
The Battle of Piribebuy was fought on August 12, 1869 in the Paraguayan town of Piribebuy, which was then serving as a temporary capital of the Paraguayan government. The Paraguayan defenders, who were poorly armed and included children, fought the attacks of the Allied forces, led by French-born Brazilian general Prince Gaston, son-in-law of Emperor Pedro II of Brazil. The town refused two peace envoys, calling for surrender, sent by the Conde d'Eu. At 0400, the Brazilian batteries surrounding the town started a bombardment which lasted until 0800, when the infantry charged. Gen. João Manuel Mena Barreto was mortally wounded leading a cavalry charge.
The battle lasted 5 hours, with the Allies, who had overwhelming numerical advantage, capturing the town. The town's hospital was burned and official documents were lost in the resulting fire.
