[Translation.]
Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward
Mexican Legation to the United
States of America,
New York,
November 20, 1865.
Mr. Secretary: In my note of the 25th
October last I sent you a copy of a decree dated 3d October, issued
by the usurper who pretends to be the ruler of Mexico, authorized by
his signature and those of his accomplices, members of his cabinet,
in which all Mexicans defending the independence of their country,
and even those who conceal or aid the patriots in any way, are
ordered to be shot without trial or judgment of any kind.
This barbarous and bloody decree, the most cruel ever yet seen, has
already began to be executed. It is now my painful duty to inform
you that on the 13th of October last the Generals Arteaga and
Salazar, and Colonel Diaz Paracho, Villa Gomez, Perez Milicua, and
Villanos, five lieutenant colonels, eight commandants, and a number
of subordinate officers, were surprised and taken prisoners by the
French forces in the town of Santa Ana Amatlan, State of Michoacan,
as appears from the official despatch sent to the usurper, of which
I enclose a copy in French.
[Page 462]
These generals and colonels belonged to the regular army of the
republic were officers, of education and profession, and had fought
for the independence of their country from the time the French first
landed in Mexico.
General Arteaga had reached the highest rank in the Mexican army, and
had recently succeeded ex-General Uraga in command in the army of
the centre. He was thoroughly loyal, a patriot without blemish, and
enjoyed a high reputation of honesty and probity among his
fellow-countrymen of all political shades. His constancy and
suffering in the campaign against the French, Austrian and Belgian
invaders in the State of Michoacan, for the last two years, would
suffice to give him great reputation if he had not already possessed
one. His humanity was proverbial, as the French, Belgian, and
Austrian soldiers who were taken prisoners by his forces at
different times can testify.
The other chiefs and officers who were made prisoners with General
Arteaga, though they had not arrived at the high position of their
leader, were not less respectable and worthy.
These distinguished Mexicans were executed in accordance with the
above-mentioned bloody decree of the usurper of Mexico. I have
information, of the truth of which, unhappily, there is no doubt,
that the two generals and four colonels were barbarously sacrificed,
in flagrant violation of the laws of war and every principle of
justice. But the consequences of these sanguinary murders must
finally be favorable to the cause of Mexican nationality; for such
acts of barbarism will not be tolerated by the Mexican people, who
will punish the invaders and their instrument, so openly violating
all the customs of nations and every principle of justice.
In communicating to you the news of these unpleasant events, I
embrace the occasion to renew the assurances of my most
distinguished consideration.
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c., Washington, D.
C.
[Enclosure No. 1.—Translation.]
From the “Estafette,” a French
paper published in the city of Mexico, of the 31st October, 1865.
Colonel Mendez made the following report to the War Department of
his expedition against the disaffected of Michoacan:
On the 6th I left Morelia with the imperial battalion and two
squadrons of the 4th regiment of cavalry, commanded by Colonel
Wenceslaus Santa Cruz, and took the road to Patzcuaro, where I
arrived on the 7th. The rest of my brigade joined me in the
night, and on the 8th I started for Uruapan, where all the
forces of the enemy, under Arteaga, were assembled.
I arrived in sight of Uruapan at three o’clock on the 9th, but a
severe storm prevented me from entering the town. The streams
had risen so high, my forces were separated into three sections.
I could not cross the torrents till midnight. The enemy had
several divisions. One of 700 men, under Ronda and Riva Palacio,
started towards Paracho; another of 600 men, under Zepeda,
Martinez, and Simon Guttierez, took the direction of Los Reyes;
and the rest of the forces were commanded by Arteaga and his
subordinates, Salazar and Diaz Paracho. He had many officers
following his headquarters, and forces to the number of ten or
twelve hundred men. This column marched towards Tancitaro.
On the 10th I rested awhile, intending to pursue Arteaga. It is
useless to inform you that I flanked the enemy, instead of
fronting them, so as to threaten both detachments and deceive
Arteaga, who was my main object.
On the 12th I left San Juan and reached Tancitaro, where the
enemy was posted. He left, and I pursued with my guerillas for
three leagues. I was sure of overtaking him and whipping him
before night, but that would not secure the leaders, so I made a
halt at Tancitaro.
At 2 o’clock this morning I took 400 infantry with 300 cavalry
and started for Santa Ana Amatlan, where I would wait for
Arteaga and defeat him. In fact, the enemy could not believe it
possible for me to march twelve leagues a day in such hot
weather. It did cost me fourteen men, and most of the horses of
the 4th regiment are foundered; but I attained my end: the enemy
is completely routed.
[Page 463]
Among my prisoners is the commander-in-chief, Arteaga, General Salazar, Colonel Diaz Paracho, Villa
Gomez, Perez Milicua, and Villanos, five lieutenant colonels,
eight commanders, and a large number of subordinate officers, a
list of whose names I will send you. All the supplies, munitions
of war and horses, mostly useless, have fallen into our hands.
We have 400 prisoners, most of whom I will release, as they were
enlisted by force along the line of march.
The government alone can appreciate this victory. I must make
honorable mention of Lieutenant Rangel, of the 4th cavalry, whom
I promised, in his Majesty’s name, to promote to a captaincy,
and for whom I solicit the cross of knight of the order of
Guadalupe. This brave officer entered the city at the head of
twenty men, and we are much indebted to him for the victory.
Second Lieutenant Navia, of the imperial battalion, with only
eight men, followed Rangel. I have made him no promises, because
he belongs to my battalion. In due time I will make a proper
report of the gallant conduct of these two officers, that the
worthy may wear upon their breasts an honorable signal of their
bravery, serving to encourage their companions.
I congratulate your excellency, and beg you to inform my august
sovereign of this memorable day. God grant you many years.
RAMON MENDEZ, Colonel.
This achievement, one of the most glorious of the campaign, does
the greatest honor to Colonel Mendez, and simplifies the task of
pacificating Michoacan. Arteaga, without being a skilful
general, is an honest and sincere man, who has distinguished
himself more than once in his career by traits of humanity.
Justice to the conquered.
