Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Thirty-ninth Congress, Part III
Señor Romero to Mr. Seward
Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to transmit to you, for the information of the government of the United States, the documents mentioned in the annexed index, mostly taken from the official paper of the Mexican republic, and consisting chiefly of official reports of military operations in the western military division of the Mexican republic, from July to September of the present year.
It is with pleasure I avail myself of the present opportunity of renewing to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration.
Hon, William H. Seward, &c., & c., & c.
Index of documents sent by the Mexican legation in Washington to the Department of State of the United States, with the note of this date, in relation to operations on the western military line.
| No. | Date. | Contents. |
| 1866. | ||
| 1 | June 23 | General Rubi, governor of Sinaloa, transmits the official report of the battle of Yxcuintla. |
| 2 | July 18 | The minister of war acknowledges the receipt of same. |
| 3 | June 30 | Letter of General Pesquiera, governor of Sonora, to the consul of the republic in San Francisco, California, reporting his military movements in the months of May and June, 1866. |
| 4 | Aug. 14 | General Martinez’s official report of the capture of Hermosillo, in the State of Sonora. |
| 5 | Sept. 26 | Minister of war’s answer to same. |
| 6 | Sept. 2 | Official report of the attack of Alamos. |
| 7 | Sept. 7 | General Pespuiera’s official report to the minister of war of the capture of Ures. |
| 8 | Oct. 5 | Reply of the minister of war. |
| 9 | Sept. 14 | Official report of General Corona, chief of the western army, of the battle of Palos Prietos, near Mazatlan. |
| 10 | Oct. 8 | Reply of the minister of war. |
| 11 | Sept. 19 | Correspondence from Mazatlan in regard to the situation on the western military line. |
| 12 | Sept. 21 | Mazatlan correspondence on the same subject. |
No. 1.
Government and military commandancy of the state of Sinaloa.
The general-in-chief of the united brigades of Sinaloa and Jalisco reports as follows from that quarter:
“The citizen general, Perfecto Guzman, reports from Acaponeta on the 18th to these headquarters, as follows:
“‘By special orders from headquarters, I set out from Cacalotan on the 8th for Santiago Izcuintla, with my brigade and Colonel Donato Guerra’s cavalry, trying to keep our movements secret from the enemy, who discovered us by means of his scouts.
“‘At 10 o’clock p. m. of the 13th I reached Arrayan plain, where, in consultation with Colonel Donato Guerra, Colonel Juan de Dios Bojas, and Lieutenant Colonel Andres Blancarte, I determined to divide our attacking forces as follows: On the centre were the Huajicori battalion of Colonel Cipriano Segundo, and the independents of Celso Cosio; on the right was the section of Colonel Camilo Isiordia; and on the left, Colonel Florencio Pacheco, with a cavalry section. The second Huajicori battalion, under Colonel Eligío Alvarez, and the Ocampo squadron, under Colonel Jesus Arteaga, and the Guzman squadron, under Francisco Lora, were held as reserves. With the forces so distributed, and my orders given, I marched to Santiago on the 11th by 8 o’clock in the morning. I ordered the attack upon the centre. The enemy, under Agaton Martinez and José Zapia, was assaulted so rudely he gave way and left us masters of the field after half an hour’s fight. On the evening of the same day the enemy assembled on the opposite side of the river more than one hundred cavalry, and crossed back at Palomas ford to attack me. I ordered Colonel Guerra out with two hundred cavalry to meet them; they took to right, and were pursued two miles or more. The enemy lost thirty-one killed, among them an engineer and the commander of the place, both Frenchmen. Fifty prisoners, mostly natives, were captured; eight muskets, fourteen rifles, two sabres, three pistols, thirteen saddles, one hundred and two horses and fifteen mules were taken.
“‘On our side, Jesus Verdugo, second sergeant in the Ocampo squadron, was wounded. At night my men came into the town and remained three days, when we had to leave for want of provisions, coming to this place, where I am awaiting orders. I must commend to your consideration, chiefs, officers, and soldiers, for they all did their duty.’
“‘All of which I have the honor to communicate to you, and congratulate you on this new triumph for republican arms.”
[Page 402]I send you a copy of this for your own information, and that you may communicate it to the war department. And I transcribe it for you, citizen minister, for your intelligence.
F. Sepulveda, Secretary.
The Minister of War and Marine, (wherever he may be.)
No. 2.
Department of State–Bureau of War and Marine–Section first.
In your despatch of the 23d of June last enclosing me the report of the general-in-chief of the united brigades of Sinaloa and Jalisco, of the same date, the President of the republic has had the pleasure to find a confirmation of the success of General Perfecto Guzman’s expedition with Colonel Donato Guerra, against Lozada’s gang. We are glad to hear the enemy was whipped in the first encounter on the 8th, and the town of Santiago Izcuintla captured; also, that he was badly repulsed on the second attack, with the loss of thirty-one killed, one an officer of the place, and another an engineer, and fifty prisoners taken, eight shot-guns, fourteen muskets, two sabres, three pistols, thirteen saddles, one hundred and two horses, and fifteen mules.
The citizen President is much pleased to learn the success of the expedition, and the gallant behavior of the officers and men, to whom he requests me to present his thanks.
The Governor and Military Commander, of the State of Sinaloa, (wherever he may be.)
No. 3.
[Untitled]
Much Esteemed Friend: I received your welcome letter of the 30th of May yesterday; it gave me the more pleasure, with the news in it, as it is the only one I have had from you since December, when you sent me the President’s permission to visit your city. I wrote to you then that I could not come on account of a fever, which left me very weak, in spite of the active life I have led since March. I wrote to you also about the end of February, informing you I intended to take the field, but you say neither of the letters reached you.
I have heard of Mr. Gonzalez’s aspirations, and the discredit he has brought upon himself by attempting to take the presidency from Mr. Juarez. He is so blind he cannot see how false and ridiculous his position is. The political career of Gonzalez Ortega and his adherents furnishes us another example of those anomalies so frequent in this transition period, when a new germ of life is budding for the republic. Such is ray hope, and I know our ills will end, because I trust in the prudence and energy of our worthy President and hi sbrave collaborators in the work of moral reorganization.
It would make this letter too long to tell you all that has occurred since I quit my asylum in the Territory of Arizona, and I will not trouble you with a detail of the causes that brought me to my present situation.
General Garcia Morales took the field four months before me, while I was sick, and did much good. Now conquering, then conquered, his constant activity did much to encourage the people of Sonora, who have never despaired of the country’s safety. When I returned to the scene of action I found all disposed to join against the oppressors. If we seem slow in organizing our forces, it is because we are in want of arms that should have reached us long ago. However, I can say to you, we have got over the worst, and are now ready to give the traitors a finishing blow.
The forces of General Martinez, united with mine under the title of the united brigades of Sonora, Sinaloa, and Jalisco, attacked Almada in Hermosillo with four hundred men. Taken in force on the 4th of May, we had to fight six hours against Langberg and Tanori, who came up with eight hundred men. It was a hard-fought battle, and fortune began to favor us, when a panic demoralized our forces, just at the time the enemy started for Alamito, five leagues from Hermosillo, with nobody to pursue him. I merely mention this to show you what an opportunity we have lost from a small circumstance.
The battle-field was entirely deserted, but it was too late to rally in pursuit. General Martinez and I remained in Hermosillo till midnight, with an escort of only fifty cavalry, waiting for re-enforcements; but both the cavalry and infantry were too far from the field of action in different directions, and so the enemy had time to return and occupy the place the next day. In Langberg’s report of the 6th of May there was but one truth. He said, “Our [Page 403] loss was considerable; “and he had a right to say so, for he lost more than half his forces in the two actions of the 4th.
Another expedition took place on the 5th of June on the same town, and as soon as our troops approached, the garrison disbanded, and left in our possession one rifled cannon, some provisions, and ninety muskets.
This was the time to have destroyed Tanori, who was present with all his forces, but fortune did not favor us this time either. The Indians routed a section of our forces under Alcontara, and thus frustrated our intentions. But the misfortune has only put us back a few months, when the enemy will have to be kept at bay by rangers.
Though the traitors have called upon the French in Guaymas to aid them, they have obtained no succor. They came out on the 29th of May with three hundred men to open the way, but finding we were ready for them they retreated to Cieneguita. But for that demonstration you would suppose the invaders did not care what became of their allies.
They are preparing to continue operations with more vigor, and I think we shall have an engagement by the end of next month, when I hope to have the pleasure to give you the news of the restoration of constitutional order in the whole State.
As ever, your affectionate friend and colleague,
Señor Don JOSÉ Antonio Godoy, Mexican Consul in San Francisco.
No. 4.
Mexican Republic–Government and military commandancy of the state of Sonora.
General Angel Martinez, major general of the united brigades of Sonora, Sinaloa, and Jalisco, on the 14th, reports as follows:
REPUBLICAN ARMY, UNITED BRIGADES—GENERAL’S QUARTERS.
I have the honor to report operations to you from the time we left Cumuripa till our occupation of this place. On the 23d ultimo the Sinaloa and Juarez defenders, with Colonel José T. Otero’s forces, met in Cumuripa, and started next day to the Suaqui mines. We reached Tecoripa on the 25th. The Sonora battalion, under Otero, was sent from Suaqui to attack the traitor Arvallo in San Javier. A hard rain impeded his operations, and gave the enemy a chance to escape; he was pursued, and two prisoners were taken from Campos, who left his horse and escaped on foot. Colonel Otero accomplished this bold feat.
On the 28th we left Tecoripa and camped for the night at Cumbros. On the 29th we reached Adivius, and came to Matape by the 30th. From that place a message was sent to General Jesus Garcia Morales, ordering him forward with the forces he had. At Pitiquito we heard he had suffered a reverse, and of course could not come to Matape. By forced marches on the 12th and 13th we reached this city by your orders, where we surprised the garrison of 150 men, who ran off and left their guns in our possession.
We pursued the enemy and killed nine, and two wounded were sent to the hospital. It was the 13th when we occupied the place, and we got into quarters to-day. All preparation is made for the enemy, in case he returns to attack us.
The inhabitants welcomed us as their real deliverers, and you know our soldiers have done their duty as defenders of the honor and independence of our dear country.
I felicitate you cordially on the conclusion of a campaign that restores the legitimate State government in the principal city of Sonora.
Independence and liberty! Hermosillo, August 14, 1866.
ANGEL MARTINEZ.
The General-in-Chief, Present.
In transmitting the above to you, I will add, that you may make it known to the President of the republic, that notwithstanding the sufferings of our soldiers, none have deserted, and all are cheerful; and the way in which the citizens offer their services to the government is the most conclusive proof of the hate the citizens have for the empire, except the traitors of Gandara.
The Minister of War.
No. 5.
Department of State, Branch of the War and Marine–Section first.
The citizen President of the republic has had the pleasure of receiving your despatch of the 17th of August last, enclosing that of the 14th, from General Angel Martinez, reporting his operations from the 23d up to date, when he dispersed the traitor forces under Arvallo, and occupied Hermosillo on the 13th of August, surprising the garrison.
General Ignacio Pesqutera, Governor and Military Commander of the State of Sonora, Hermosillo.
No. 6.
Government and military commandancy of the state of Chihuahua–Republican army, Matamoras section–Commandant’s quarters.
At half-past ten this day, the traitor José Tranquilino Almada, with 200 cavalry armed with sabres and muskets, and 400 foot rifles of Pimas and Yaquis, and 600 Jara Indians of Yaquis and Mayos, appeared on Crucecito hill, and threatened the town, garrisoned by 130 cavalry and 350 infantry, including my command. We instantly marched out to meet them at Aurora, where they had halted. Finding they were trying to surround the town, the commander divided us into three columns.
The enthusiasm of our soldiers amounted to frenzy, and in one hour of fierce combat a most glorious day was gained for the country. The enemy, frightened by the fury of our brave republicans, cowardly fled in every direction, leaving fourteen loads of ammunition, sixty-seven fire-arms, most of them fine French rifles, a few horses and lances, &c. We also found scattered arms and ammunition in the tents that have not yet been removed, and the correspondence of the traitor Almada, who escaped with his sons and six officers over the hills. They were pursued by our men, guided by one of Almada’s deserters, and it is hoped he may be overtaken.
Sixty-seven killed of the enemy have been found on the battle-field, and thirteen out of twenty-one prisoners were shot. On our side, we regret the death of two of our cavalry, and nine men wounded, two of the Matamoras section. This explains the dead of the enemy for our soldiers.
All the chiefs, officers, and men engaged in this action behaved gallantly, and merit commendation; but I will confine myself to my own command, and say I am satisfied with all my officers and men, but particularly with citizens Edward Valenzuela, Martin Salido, Vicente S. Ampudia, and Jesus and Juan Salido, who came to us in the beginning of the action, and conducted themselves with exceeding bravery.
Please accept my congratulations, and felicitate the governor of the State on this triumph of the national arms over traitors, and commend the patriots of the canton for the part they took in the engagement.
Independence and liberty! Alamos, September 2, 1866.
JOSÉ M. BARBEITIA.
The Civil Chief of the Canton of Matamoras.
Guazapares, September 6, 1866.
A true copy:
No. 7.
Government and military commandancy of the state of Sonora.
General A. Martinez, major general of the united brigades, communicated to me yesterday the following report:
Ensign Epifanio Casanova, chief of our explorers, arrived at Rayon on the 2d instant with the news that a portion of the enemy’s cavalry, numbering fifty, had fallen upon us at Noria de Aquilar, killing two out of the ten men there. Lieutenant Colonel Nicolas Gonzales was instantly sent out with cavalry in pursuit, joined by Santiago Valle.
On the 3d Nicolas Gonzales had a skirmish with the enemy that seemed to be going to Rayon. We instantly sallied out to meet him. He took the strong position at Huerta, and we encamped on a neighboring hill. Our cavalry soon joined us, leaving Captain Casildo Manjarrez to watch the enemy two miles from us.
The Tepic lancers, under Captain Severiano Sanchez, came up the next day with twenty [Page 405] men to watch the enemy. As our forces were not acquainted with the ground, the enemy intercepted the communication with us; but, after a slight skirmish, they got back safely to our camp.
The enemy was still at Huerta on the 4th, and to dislodge him we came to this place. Before arriving at Noria we caught an enemy’s scout, who told us his force was 1,000 men of all arms, and four pieces of light artillery, commanded by the traitor Tanori. On the way we had notice that General Jesus G. Morales was about to join us with a small force of infantry and cavalry.
At Noria de Gandara we came up with the Sonora cavalry, under José Pesquiera. Before reaching Bajadero three of the enemy’s spies were captured, who told us that Langberg had just passed, with an escort of only fifteen men, going to join Tanori. He was pursued, but not taken. We halted a while at the Bajadero, and then went on to Guadalupe, to make it the base of our operations. The western brigades crossed the river at the ford to skirmish with the enemy; and the Sonora brigade, under Antonio Rincon, remained to wait for General Jesus G. Morales. We had hardly got to Santa Rita when Colonel Davalos informed us that Rincon told him the enemy, under Langberg and Tanori, had fallen upon him, and he was retreating. We soon heard the report of fire-arms, and the enemy soon made his appearance on an eminence in front of Santa Rita, his sharpshooters pursuing our cavalry. To protect our baggage I had it gathered on Santa Rita hill, and guarded by Colonel Miguel Silva. We then began our retreat in order, though much harassed by the enemy attacking us on all sides.
Under these circumstances I determined to risk a battle, and I sent Colonel Davalos with his Sonora defenders and hunters to secure a retreat. In our retreat two of our wagons stuck in the mud and could not be got out, and a wounded man in one of them was killed by the enemy. This incident made the traitors think our forces demoralized and in full retreat.
The Sonora cavalry of José Pesquiera was not in the action, because it was called off on other duty.
The western cavalry brigade came upon the town by the Paso de Aguilar, and went on to Guadalupe, where the roar of cannon indicated the battle that was going on. The enemy was attacking the hunters, who defended themselves bravely. The first Sonora battalion, under Prospero Salazar, formed on our right to protect our flank passage. All this was done while the battle was going on. The enemy began by charging our right flank, and was beaten back to his original position by the Sonora battalion. We were now opportunely re-enforced by the second Sonora battalion, under Tiburcio Otero. I ordered the hunters to attack two pieces of artillery of the enemy. It was done successfully, and the enemy was repulsed in every direction. Our cavalry charged his left flank and routed it. Captain Fuentes, with a few men, took one of the pieces of artillery and two prisoners. The other piece of artillery was left on the field. Langberg, chief of the traitors, was killed in the fight.
I then headed the cavalry to prevent the enemy from finding refuge in this city, and was successful in my attempt.
The behavior of our men was admirable; our artillery was well managed and did good service. The enemy, of more than 1,000 men, was routed by 500 of ours, as many of our men could not participate,
On the 5th we struck our tents and took possession of Guadalupe, where we remained till the night of the fourth. We had ten killed and eighteen wounded. The enemy had forty-two killed and many wounded, escaping to the mountains.
On the morning of the fifth, the first and second Sonora and Juarez battalions, with two pieces of artillery, under Colonel Adolfo Alcantara, left Guadalupe and joined me the next day.
We now determined to advance on the city, where there was a garrison of 300 men under Teran y Barrios. We afterwards learned that Teran, Arvallo, and Tanori, overcome by fear, had taken to flight; so the imperialist band in Sonora evaporated like smoke from pure fright.
An order for surrender was sent in, without humiliating conditions, but was refused, and at one o’clock the siege was begun.
General Jesus G. Morales now came up with seventy men, and was received by shouts from us. He said he had shot Pioquinto Griego, one of the imperial partisans.
The Gonzales battalion, under Salva, assaulted one of the forts, rook it, and gained a piece of artillery. He then marched on to another, but was unfortunately killed, with Colonel Rochin; Captain Joaquin Fuentes was badly wounded, as well as the second adjutant, Salvador Alvarez. Antonio Slanes and Roman Ruisanchez were killed at the same time. They were common soldiers.
The next attack was on the fort called La Correccion by the second Sonora battalion under Otero, and the first under Colonel Salazar; Colonels Davalos and Alcantara were to direct operations around the place. At this stage the enemy quit the Correccion and fired as he left, wounding Major Jesus Chaves.
At one o’clock in the morning the enemy left in complete confusion. Those defending the Correccion were double traitors, because they left eighty men on the parapet, and they were captured; they also left three pieces of artillery, their ammunition, and one hundred mules. [Page 406] The enemy had forty killed, and lost one hundred and sixty prisoners. There were four foreigners among the killed.
The morning of the sixth dawned to find no imperialists in the town. The capture of Ures cost us no great loss, but the lives of some valuable men, mostly belonging to the battalion of cazadores. I congratulate you on this extermination of the so-called imperial government in this State.
I do not mean to say we are done, but the hardest work is over, and we may soon hope for a general peace in this State.
Independence and liberty! Ures, September 7, 1866.
ANGEL MARTINEZ.
The General-in-Chief, Present.
In having the honor to transmit this to your department, for the information of the President of the republic, I must say the officers and men of the united brigades behaved gallantly, and made themselves worthy the consideration of the government of the republic and the gratitude of the people of Sonora. I cannot particularize persons, because many were prevented from taking part in the combat.
The War Department, in Chihuahua.
No. 8.
Department of State, Branch of the War and Marine–Section first.
The citizen President of the republic has heard of the operations communicated in General Angel Martinez’s despatch of the 7th, and sent to me on the 8th. He is pleased to hear of the defeat of Tanori and Langberg and the death of the latter, as well as the capture of the city. The conduct of the chiefs, officers, and men who took part in the action is duly appreciated by the supreme magistrate of the nation, and the importance of the triumph will tend to drive the traitors out of the Stale, and, perhaps, frighten them out of the republic.
General Ignacio Pesquiera, Governor and Military Commander of the State of Sonora, at Ures, (or wherever he may be.)
No. 9.
Mexican Republic–Army of the west–Quarters of the General-in-Chief.
In order to beat the garrison of Palos Prietos, an outpost of Mazatlan, one mile distant, a few days ago I sent riflemen from the line of Urias and Piedra to harass the enemy at night in his position, so that, getting used to that system, he would become careless and suffer himself to be surprised. For that purpose I set out from Unionville, on the 10th, with 1st and 2d infantry brigades, a part of the 4th, and some of the 5th and 6th cavalry.
The bad state of the roads, caused by hard rains, deranged the preconcerted combination, and I determined to wait a day longer, covering my plan by shooting towards the town. At 2 o’clock on the morning of the 12th I sent a column of infantry, under General Domingo Rubi, with five pieces of mountain artillery and ammunition for it, to wait as a reserve. I then ordered another infantry column, under General Ascencion Correa, with the cavalry of Colonel E. Parra, to take a position between the port and Palos Prietos. Another infantry column, under General Manuel Marquez, was commanded to. attack the front and right flank of the enemy in his fortified position. All these commands were faithfully executed, and the principal entrance of Palos Prietos was attacked by bayonets in the hands of the valiant soldiers of the above-named column.
The rough ground, the darkness of the night, and the perfect knowledge the defenders had of their position, allowed all not killed to escape. Over 150 killed were found upon the battle-field. On our side were 27 killed and 67 wounded. Among those killed was Commander Legaspi, and other worthy officers, who perished gloriously mounting the enemy’s parapets. I will send their names and those of the men killed, in a separate paper, as soon as the proper information is obtained.
I waited here for the enemy till convinced he would not come out, because expected aid had not arrived; and knowing the gunboats would open upon us as soon as it was day, I retired a short distance, leaving colonel Francis Tolentino to watch the enemy. He would not venture out of his trenches, but plied his artillery vainly upon us. Thinking if I retreated he would follow me, I ordered my forces to quarter at Venadillo, Higueras, and Urias.
[Page 407]My Correa column was in the rear, and 70 Africans attacked it, till 100 Jalisco cavalry and 80 liberty guides came up to its aid. The former was commanded by Colonel Simon Gutierrez, the latter by Colonel L. Pintado. The enemy fled before them, leaving 17 killed and one commandant and 17 Arab horses in our possession. On this account we may be assured the enemy lost, in killed and wounded, 200 men, mostly French, without counting one officer and 20 men, mounted and armed, that came over to the republican side, bringing five traitors and one French sutler as prisoners, the last of which was shot by them. The enemy is badly demoralized; so much so I think they will evacuate the port, for they seem to be making preparations now.
As the French and traitors did not return in force to occupy Palos Prietos, I ordered it to be garrisoned by some troops from this army corps, withdrawing the rest to their former positions.
This I communicate to you for the information of the supreme magistrate of the nation.
The Minister of War and Marine, in Chihuahua.
No. 10.
Department of State, Office of War and Marine–Section first.
The citizen President of the republic has received, with the greatest satisfaction, your despatch of the 14th to me, communicating the news of the glorious victory of the 12th, at Palos Prietas, one mile from Mazatlan, killing over 150 of the enemy dead on the field, besides 18 cavalry that charged on the rear of the Degollado battallion, which was retiring to its quarters at Venadillo, Higueras, and Urias, as you ordered, with the hope of attacking the enemy again in the same fort, if he came back; but seeing that he did not, on the other hand, concentrate along the line of the fort, you ordered the troops of this army corps to occupy the fort permanently, and the rest to retire to their former positions.
General Ramon Corona, Chief of the Western Army Corps, at Villa de Union.
No. 11.
[Untitled]
Since my last, matters in Sinaloa have been much the same as at my previous dates, Corona annoying the French in every way possible. From his batteries on Holderness island he easily threw shells into the town, which have done some little damage. To drive him from the Garita, the French troops were sent to occupy Palos Prietas, and Corona fell back to the Presidio. On the 11th instant, however, the Mexicans surrounded the imperialists, drove them from their garrison, captured two guns, and held the works until the French were reenforeed from this city.
In this battle, the most severe engagement they have yet had, the French lost 150 killed and wounded; the imperial Mexicans admit their loss to be 300; and it is said that Corona lost 250. After being so roughly handled, Palos Prietas was evacuated by the French, who retired to their fortification at Mazatlan.
The Continental arrived to-day from Guaymas, bringing some important news from Sonora, which I give as I had it from a passenger:
OCCUPATION OF HERMOSILLO.
General Pesquiera occupied Hermosillo about the middle of August, where he was enthusiastically received. Colonel Fistier, commanding the French at Guaymas, left that city with his entire force on the 18th ultimo, to join Lanberg and Tanori, and drive Pesquiera from Hermosillo. The heat was intense, and he lost several men by sun-stroke during the march. On his arrival at Hermosillo, on the 24th, he found that Pesquiera had left the day previous, with many wagons loaded with supplies, &c. Lanberg and Tanori did not care to act in concert with the French, thinking the liberals were too strong to admit of an attack. The entire failure of the expedition from Guaymas, the loss of his men, and care and anxiety had so depressed Colonel Fistier that he put a pistol ball through his head to end his misery and disgrace. Colonel Fistier had been for some time in command of the French troops at Guaymas, and his gentlemanly conduct and conciliatory bearing had won him the esteem of every one.
[Page 408]LIBERAL SUCCESSES.—CAPTURE OF URES.
About the first of the month, General Martinez, of the liberal forces, marched to attack Ures, which was defended by Generals Lanberg and Tanori, the Yaqui Indians, who have of late been so successful in their battles.
The principal fight took place on the 4th instant, at Guadaloupe, a small town some eight leagues from Ures. It was very severely contested, but ended in the utter defeat and rout of the imperialists. Lanberg was killed, and Tanori escaped to Guaymas, where he arrived on the 10th, with about half a dozen men. It is said that when the death of Lanberg was reported to Martinez he discredited it, whereupon a Mexican soon rode up, dragging the body of the unfortunate general with his riata. The body was afterwards hung to a tree and death threatened any person who should cut it down. The same day Martinez moved on to Ures, which was garrisoned by some three hundred men, who, ignorant of the fight at Guadaloupe, gave battle, and were utterly cut to pieces. No quarter was given, and the place was sacked by the soldiers.
EVACUATION OF GUAYMAS.
On the 11th instant, notice was given that Guaymas would be evacuated on the 13th, and that those of the inhabitants would be taken who chose to go. At the same time, a fearful picture was drawn of the destruction of life and property that would ensue on the arrival of the liberals.
Many of the poor people fled the place, and all of the French merchants took refuge on board the ships of war. On the 13th, the transport Rhin and another vessel sailed, crowded with troops and passengers. Before leaving, however, the French filled several boats with arms and ammunition for the Yaqui Indians, telling them that after their departure the city would be at their (the Yaqui’s) mercy, and that there was plenty of booty in it for them. The utmost consternation prevailed when the dastardly act was known in the city. The Americans placed themselves under the orders of Consul Conner, a home-guard was organized, and every precaution taken against surprise.
The house of the consul was crowded with people seeking protection, and his ware-rooms were filled with merchandise and personal effects. On the evening of the 14th instant the city was illuminated, and on the morning of the 15th nearly half the houses were decorated with American flags. That same day, at 9 o’clock in the morning, General Martinez entered the city with a small body of cavalry—the greater portion of his force having been sent to clean out the Yaqui Indians. Soon after his arrival he took formal possession of the Plaza, and issued a proclamation guaranteeing protection in their persons and property to all who remained quietly at home, and denouncing in strong terms the misrepresentations made by the French on their departure. Wonderful to relate, an American man-of-war was in the harbor—the Saranac having that morning arrived. When people were told of it, they would not credit it. “Tell us,” said they, “that a man-of-war is here to protect us!” But really, is it not strange, that with all the American interest at stake in Sonora and Sinaloa, and Lower California, we have had no vessels here to look out for us? There are enough on the coast, but the commanders find Panama and Acapulco, where they can get New York and San Francisco papers three times a month, in more need of their presence than we are “That’s what’s the matter.”
No. 12.
Evacuation of Guaymas.
In giving you the news from this place I can only mention one or two occurrences that I could flatter myself would, in the least degree, interest your numerous readers. First and most important is the evacuation of Guaymas by the French and imperial forces, which took place on the 12th instant, and the place was immediately occupied by the liberal forces.
Corona’s movements.—Next on the tapis comes the attack of Corona on the advanced positions of this place, which took place on the night of the 11th or morning of the 12th, at 2½ a. m., by Corona advancing at the head of four thousand men to within a quarter of a mile of Palos Prietas (a fortified palisade, about two miles from the Plaza,) and, under cover of the darkness, throwing about seven hundred men, under command of Colonels Grenados and Martinez, in the rear of the fort, thereby cutting off communication with the town, and at three o’clock a. m a simultaneous attack was made on the rear, side and front of the south wing of the position, which, after three charges, was entered from the rear, Grenados taking one piece of artillery and gaining possession of the imperial magazine.
At this critical moment for the small garrison, (commanded by Captain Delatask and composed of one hundred and eighty French and Mexican troops,) Captain Delatask called for volunteers to retake the piece, when Lieutenant Maire of the sixty-second French regiment, at the head of forty men, advanced to the charge at the point of the bayonet, and [Page 409] succeeded in reaching the cannon and cutting down those loading it, but he encountered so deadly a fire from all sides that he was compelled to retire; but as it was life or death to the garrison, he again rallied, and, at the head of twenty-five men, succeeded this time in taking the piece and turning it on the enemy, when two companies from the north side being ordered to re-enforce him, they succeeded in clearing the works and steadily maintained their position, and keeping up a rapid discharge of musketry until re-enforcements under Commander Robiero reached them from the city, (who had to fight their way to the place through the liberal forces there stationed, and did not reach their hotly pressed comrades until after four o’clock a. m.,) when the garrison continued to hold the enemy in check until the battalion of Cazadores and cavalry arrived and a general advance was made, driving the liberals back, and at ten o’clock all was over save random shooting.
The utmost bravery is said to have been exhibited by both sides. Captain Delatask is highly spoken of for his coolness and bravery during so trying a time, keeping back by a handful of determined soldiers such a superior force. Lieutenant Maire is now enjoying the praise of all for his daring feats in facing almost certain death for the preservation of the garrison. Colonel Grenados, of the attacking party, is said to have had three horses and a mule killed under him, and several bullets pierced his clothing and beard, but he received no wound—a strange occurrence, as it is said of him he never was in a battle before without receiving from one to a half dozen. In the advance of the imperial troops in the morning, the chasseurs d’Afrique, with their fine Arabians, were drawn into an ambuscade and were roughly handled, losing some very valuable horses and a good many men. Alonzo Ridley, an American, received a commission as captain in the imperial service, on the field of battle.
After the battle.—The sight which met the eye of the beholder after the fight was horrible beyond description, most of the dead having been killed by the bayonet, sword, or machetas of the contending parties, and gave evidence with what desperation the defence had been made, when only massacre stared them in the face.
Miscellaneous.—News from Guaymas gives account of the killing of General Lanberg, of the imperial army.
City of Mexico papers announce the death of Frank Mullen, (an ex officer of the confederate army, and since in command of Contra Guerrillas with Mejia,) at Cordova, of fever.
Many are looking forward to the evacuation of this place by the imperialists, but considerable doubt is expressed as to it since the news of President Johnson’s proclamation in regard to blockading, and it is now thought by many that it will be held until the final evacuation of the country by the French.
No. 13.
[Untitled]
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the evacuation of this port and the State of Sonora by the French squadron and land forces will take place on the 14th instant. I have been officially informed of this fact by the admiral in command. The preparations for embarcation which have been going on for a few days, and the fact of the withdrawal of these forces, have created a panic among the population, both native and foreign, and, in consequence, the steamer which leaves on the 13th for Mazatlan and San Francisco will be crowded beyond her capacity. The French portion of the community, and Mexicans who have been compromised, or who have given support to the empire, are making every exertion to escape the almost certain retribution which awaits them at the hands of the incoming liberals. The merchants and respectable families not compromised in these political difficulties, apprehending danger from the lower classes during the interim of the withdrawal of the French troops and the entering of the liberal forces, have sought the protection of this consulate, as no one here appeared to be able to suggest or move in a plan to protect the place from rapine or murder. I informed the admiral and the commander of the place that I would communicate the fact and the time of the withdrawal of the troops of General Pesquiera, chief of the liberal forces of the State, in order that he might be ready to take possession immediately, and thereby guarantee order and security. With the approval of these officers I have despatched a messenger to General Pesquiera with this information and with an appeal to his generosity in behalf of those who are threatened with ruin, and who are now preparing to flee the country. I trust his answer will be conciliatory and humane. The knowledge of the fact of my having communicated with Pesquiera has restored quiet to the place, and many hope yet to be able to remain in their homes. The steamer for San Francisco will leave on the 13th, when I may be able to report the city quiet again in the possession of the officers of the constitutional government.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C