Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Thirty-ninth Congress
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 copy of a letter I received from General Diaz, chief of the oriental line of the Mexican republic, dated at Tlapa the 9th of May last, informing me of the military operations of the forces under his command in the State of Oaxaca, together with the copy of a communication dated the 15th of June last, and addressed by General Garcia, second in command on the same line, from Amatlan, to the minister of war and marine of the Mexican republic, informing him of the movements recently taken place on the southern coast of the State of Vera Cruz, and chiefly in front of Tlacotalpam, now held by the French. I also enclose the two reports to which the said communication refers.
I am pleased to have this occasion of renewing to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration.
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.
[Translation.]
Much Esteemed Friend: Your letters of the 22d of February and 23d of March last have just reached me, and inform me of the good aspect of our affairs in that country. They also tell me of your inability, up to the latest dates, to raise the means I so much need to effectual service. I wish to quit the skirmishing in which I am engaged as a pastime, but to operate on a great scale requires money; for without it, the men I can raise are of no service.
I have also received the government orders making me commander-in-chief of the eastern line, a proof of confidence I will remember with pleasure. I cannot say much about our situation here. When orders reached me I could have crossed to the other side of the State, (Oaxaca,) but as the enemy has only one point to watch, he could bring all his forces upon me, and as skirmishing did some good, I determined to remain here to Wait for supplies, so that I could cross over with some advantage. So if the enemy attempts to move, we can threaten him and hold him in check.
There is another reason: I could have more resources and elements of war in those towns, but the men are not so fit for service; being further south, they wish to fight in their own sections. As the resources are on that side, and the men on this, it is best to divide them. If I can do it, I will take men from Mixteca, the valley of Puebla, and Tlaxcala, who are disposed and can place confidence in me. If I cannot get means from you, Garcia, or elsewhere, I shall have to give up my plans and cross the State and do the best I can.
I will give you some brief details of my late operations. After my return to the coast from Mixteca, which I did in good order, though the enemy followed me closely, I changed my base of operations. One column followed me from Mixteca, and learning that another was coming from Sola and Juquila, I hurried and reached Pinotepa before them. There I stopped till both columns united, and then I went to Lo de Loto, where I waited for the enemy until the 25th of February. He succeeded in scattering my advance, and not one man got back to camp, and the first thing I knew the enemy was in front of me. I effected a retreat, moving to Ometepec and leaving my cavalry under the command of General Leysoa, with orders to cover our march. That incident interrupted my plans.
The enemy’s cavalry attacked us twice and were repulsed both times. I lost one officer, Manuel Alberto, in the skirmish, killed three of the enemy, wounded many, and took one prisoner.
I got some supplies in Ometepec and marched hurriedly to Janieltepec. The enemy was surprised to hear I was a day’s journey in a direction different from what he thought. I suddenly countermarched towards his base of operations, and attacked him with such success that we captured 232 muskets and some ammunition.
On the 14th of April I marched to Putla with a small force and routed a detachment of 200 men. On the 25th I gathered all the enemy left, secured transportation for the booty, and went on the next day to Tlajiaco. The garrisons of that place, Tastlahuaca, and Huajuapam, had gone to Teposcohila. I advanced to Tolomecal, which the enemy had left for Tantuezlan. They heard of my movements in Oaxaca, and the enemy was re-enforced. I then countermarched to Tlajiaco, to surprise the Austrian garrison, but it had retired and joined the main body of the army.
My movement upon Tlajiaco produced the good effect of calling the enemy’s attention in that direction, supposing I was going to attack in force, and General Leysoa reached his place of destination in safety.
I think to remain here some days to rest my troops and equip others with the arms I took from the enemy, and do other things which I need not mention.
My great trouble is want of means. I am invited by all the towns, that offer me men and the arms the empire has furnished them, but I have no money to pay them, and I prefer the small force I have. If I had means I could enlarge my force and march where there are wealthy traitors and make them pay the expenses of this war. My expenses are small; my soldiers only get twelve cents a day, and often less, and the officers serve without pay.
Some advise me to levy forced loans upon the towns, but I do not think it best; extortion is contrary to my nature, whatever Forey may say to the contrary.
I have had the last government decrees published. The first, prolonging the presidency, was very favorably received. I have not mentioned this to you before, because I considered it my duty to obey or resign. The plan seems to me not only the best, but the only one to be adopted.
The decree for the prosecution of General Ortega and other officers like him is in accordance with the rules and practices of the army. I believe in the rigor of martial law, and I think the government has done exactly right.
I beg you will continue your favors, while I remain your friend and servant,
Señor Don Mateo Romero, Washington.
[Translation.]
MEXICAN REPUBLIC—HEADQUARTERS OF THE EASTERN LINE—SECOND GENERAL-IN-CHIEF.
Amatlan, June 15, 1866.
The certified copies of the reports of the chief advancing on Tlacotalpam, which I enclose to your department, will inform you of the principal movements against the enemy holding that place taken place since my last communication, in which I informed you of its occupation by the imperial forces and five French war vessels, and of our encampment at Mototepec, only two leagues from that city, where our forces now are and will remain some time.
You will see by the last report that our camp has been moved from Mototepec because the enemy was re-enforced in Tlacotalpam, and their gunboats prevent us from attacking the place. They bombarded us on the 6th, and destroyed a number of houses, doing much damage to the inhabitants.
Another reason for our move is, the rainy season has begun, and the marsh lands of Tlacotalpam are not healthy, and we were compelled to go. to some higher region till the rainy season is over. After a rest in a more healthy region we may attack the enemy with more courage, and perhaps succeed in driving him from Tlacotalpam, the only place he has been allowed to hold in the line of my command.
I communicate this for the information of the President of the republic.
The Minister of War and Marine.
[Translation.]
MEXICAN REPUBLIC—ADVANCED SECTION ON TLACOTALPAM—COLONEL-IN-CHIEF.
Citizen General: Yesterday morning, at eight o’clock, the enemy, to the number of two hundred infantry and cavalry, sallied out of the city upon our advance, trying to surprise Commander Eulalio Vela, who was in ambush to watch the enemy hunting cattle. The consequence was a conflict which resulted in our favor, though Commander Vela had but one hundred men of both kinds.
The enemy fled in haste, leaving their dead in our hands.
When the skirmish began I moved with a column to threaten Fort Hornos. The enemy came out, but soon retreated with the loss of three men and four horses.
Commander Vela, whose bravery on this occasion corresponded with his reputation, received three bullet wounds, but did not leave the field till the enemy was driven back to his trenches. Lieutenant Lili was also wounded on an occasion that makes him worthy of recommendation. We had but two of our men killed, while the enemy paid dearly for his audacity. As soon as I heard Commander Vela was wounded, I sent Colonel Pablo Diaz to his aid. We buried six of the enemy found killed in the camp he had deserted. We also got three horses, fourteen percussion rifles, one sabre, harness, and some very bad provisions. We released two prisoners that had been forced into the enemy’s ranks. We learned from spies that the enemy had sixteen wounded.
On this occasion the gunboats could be of no service to the land forces because they were too far off, and the French marines despise the land forces and show contempt for them.
This I communicate to you for your information, congratulating you on the happy event that once more proves the valor and resolution of our troops.
Independence and liberty! Camp near Tlacotalpam, May 25, 1866.
FRANCISCO CARREON.
The Second General-in-Chief of the Eastern Line, at Amatlan.
Amatlan, June 15, 1866.
I certify to the above copy:
[Translation.]
MEXICAN REPUBLIC—HEADQUARTERS OF THE EASTERN LINE—SECOND GENERAL-IN-CHIEF.
Citizen Minister: Colonel Francisco Carreon, chief of the advance on Tlacotalpam, reported to me yesterday from the vicinity of that city, as follows:
“Citizen General: Having fixed upon a plan with Lieutenant Colonel Diaz y Lagos to attack the enemy in his lines, that officer marched with his section at daybreak along the [Page 185] river and began the battle. He was received with artillery and musketry, yet his brave men charged with the shout of Viva la republica, and drove the enemy from his trenches. The rangers then made an attack on the other side and succeeded in the object of their attack. Colonel Diaz y Lagos, having effected his design, retired without being molested. That brave officer and his valiant subordinates have demonstrated the true courage of the soldiers on the eastern line. When the firing had ceased in the direction of Ribera I attacked Fort Hornos with equal success. Lieutenant Colonel Ariza, at the head of a column composed of the second Zaragoza battalion and the Cosamaloapan, charged bayonets upon the enemy, who, however, held his position for a short time, and then suddenly fled to the city.
“During these skirmishes there were many personal fights of great honor to the republican soldiers. I then came to Lieutenant Colonel Ariza’s aid with my Acayucam company, to drive the haughty imperialists from the heights, whence they kept up a continued fire. The fight continued vigorously, and many houses along the river caught fire and were consumed. While our men were winning fadeless laurels I sent a company to the other side of the town and it accomplished what I wanted.
“At five in the afternoon I returned to my camp, after destroying Fort Hornos. My losses are detailed in annex No. 1.
“I cannot say what was the enemy’s loss, but we buried eleven bodies, and from traces of blood many wounded must have been carried off.
“All my officers and men did their duty, but I must particularize the brave conduct of Captain José Maria Iglesias, with Ariza’s forces, who fell bravely with sword in hand. He had the tribute of funeral honors, as mentioned in 2 and 3. The gallant conduct of Lieutenant Colonels Ariza and Diaz, as well as that of the ranger commanders and other officers, commend them to the gratitude of the nation.”
I communicate the above, with great respect, for your information, and in just eulogy to Colonel Carreon and the brave Mexicans who fought with him at Tlacotalpam, in defence of national independence.
The body of Captain Iglesias was buried to-day, with due honors, in the principal church, where the shade of his glorious memory will ever repose.
The Tuxtla national guards joined in the fight, and did good service on the opposite side of the river. I have not yet had the report of its colonel, Larrañaga. Honor and glory to the brave Mexicans who have on this occasion sacrificed themselves for their country.
Independence and liberty! Amatlan, June 3, 1866.
ALEJANDRO GARCIA.
The Military Commander of——.
Amatlan, June 15, 1866.
A certified copy:
[Translation.]
MÉXICAN REPUBLIC—FORCES NEAR TLACOTALPAM—COLONEL-IN-CHIEF.
Citizen General: Last night I heard the enemy had formed a new line of fortifications not far from the first, and I immediately determined to drive him out of them. So, with Colonel Diaz Lagos and Captain Jimenez, I took a position on the Casemate road, leaving a small force to protect the camp and baggage. At daylight Captain Jimenez attacked Puente Garcia, and was met by the enemy’s artillery and rifles. Colonel Diaz then came up, and drove the enemy back into the town. Next, Captain Lauro Candiani, Lieutenant Albino Reyes, and Prudencio Martinez, surrounded the town. I then sent out two companies of rangers, under Perez and Rohoso, to attack Teran. Captain Alonzo also came up with his cavalry. All these forces charged the enemy at once, and drove him back some distance. As the enemy’s cannonade was continuous, I sent Captain Bossa out with one company of the Zaragoza battalion to take their guns, while Colonel Ariza was to command all our forces. My right wing was well protected by cavalry, and my left was sustained by Lieutenants Zamudia and Barreiro, with a Minatitlan company. I stationed my line of reserve in the main road, and took a position with my own men at Hornos. This was scarcely effected when a brisk fire began on both sides. One of the French steamers then began to bombard the town; many houses were knocked down, and the thatched ones were burned. The spectacle at this moment was sad and imposing; the bells of St. Michael’s church, occupied by our soldiers, ringing strangely in contrast with the sight of burning houses.
The enemy had now retreated to their last intrenchments, and the object of our attack being gained, I ordered our forces to beat a retreat.
Our losses are detailed in No. 1. Ribera street, and the streets around St. Michael’s church, were strewn with dead bodies of the enemy.
All the troops of this section behaved gallantly, so I can give no special recommendations; [Page 186] but to comply with my duty, I must make honorable mention of the second company of active rangers, commanded by Captain Candiani, and of the Zaragoza battalion, under Captain Rohoso.
I have the honor to communicate this to you, with the greatest respect.
Independence and liberty! Camp near Tlacotalpam, June 6, 1866.
FRANCISCO CARREON.
The General Second in Chief of the Eastern Line, at Amatlan.
Amatlan, June 15, 1866.
A certified copy:
[Translation.]
MEXICAN REPUBLIC—EASTERN LINE—INFANTRY SECTION.
After reconnoitring Tlacotalpam on the 9th, wishing to drive the enemy out, I moved a part of my forces yesterday, with a column of cavalry under Colonel Gomez, upon that city, forming two columns of infantry under Lieutenant Colonels Diaz, Lagos, and Ariza.
My schemes were frustrated; for the enemy retreated as soon as our forces appeared, and burned all the houses behind him. He did this to discover our number, for it was not yet day.
The imperialists took refuge in their limited fortifications, and on board the four French war steamers, that instantly opened fire upon us. It did not frighten our soldiers, for they advanced almost to the parapets of the forts.
At four o’clock in the morning, while this was going on, several of the enemy’s soldiers came over to our side.
My sole object was to draw the enemy out of his trenches to an open field fight; but failing in that, I ordered the retreat of the attacking columns at six in the morning, by the national road, in sight of the enemy on land and on the boats.
Knowing the enemy in the town depended on his large artillery and the steamers moored in the river, and had not the courage to come out, I continued to annoy him; and this I will continue, informing you of the result.
The General Second Commander in Chief of the Eastern Line.
[Translation.]
MEXICAN REPUBLIC—ADVANCED STATION, NEAR TLACOTALPAM.
At eleven at night my forces were in front of Tlacotalpam, about to begin the attack, when the gunboats opened upon us, and we were compelled to retire. They are now on the surrounding heights, determined to annoy the garrison as long as possible.
The General Second in Chief of the Eastern Line.