THE CIVIL WAR IN CHILI, THE BATTLE OF VINA DEL MAR; This general engagement took place on August 23rd, 1891, between devisions of Balmaceda's and the Congressional troops, with the Esmeralda and the Almirante Cochrane aiding the latter by firing at Fort Callao, and endeavouring to silence the field batteries at the back. The Congressional troops failed to capture Vina del Mar, but eventually cut the railway line a few miles out, and crossed over to the back of Valparaiso.