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 remit to you, for the information of the government of the United States, the documents mentioned in the annexed index, which show what have been the military operations of the army of the north of the republic of Mexico, from the beginning of April to the end of June last, in which such operations ended with the capture of Matamoras, after the complete victory obtained by the national forces over the enemy at La Mesa de Santa Gertrudis on the 16th June aforesaid.
This is a very satisfactory occasion for me to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurance of my most distinguished consideration.
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.
Index of the documents which the Mexican legation at Washington remits to the Department of State of the United States, with its note of this date, upon the military operations of the army of the north.
| No. | Date. | Contents. |
| 1866. | ||
| 1 | Feb. 22 | Proclamation of General Garza, chief of the forces of the south and centre of Tamaulipas, to the troops which sustained the usurpation of Maximilian. |
| 2 | April 25 | Official report of General Albino Espinosa, quartermaster general of the army of the north, to General Escobedo, chief of said army, of the battle of Tanquecitos against Dupin on April 24, 1866. |
| 3 | May 22 | Proclamation of General Pedro Martinez chief of the third brigade of cavalry of the army of the north, to the towns along the southern line of New Leon. |
| 4 | May 27 | Proclamation of General Escobedo, of the army of the north, on occasion of late events. |
| 5 | May 30 | The constitutional alcalde of Rio Blanco communicates to General Escobedo the outrages committed by the French in that settlement during the occupation by them. |
| 6 | May 31 | The commander of the squadron of Rio Blanco makes similar communication to General Escobedo. |
| 7 | June 5 | General Escobedo orders General Treviño, in command of the first division of cavalry of the army of the north, to make reprisals on the prisoners taken from the enemy. |
| 8 | June 8 | Proclamation of Lieutenant Colonel Darius Garza, of the army of the north, to the inhabitants of the second district of the State of New Leon, on account of the depredations committed by the French. |
| 9 | June 30 | Introduction to the official documents on the victory of La Mesa de Santa Gertrudis. |
| 10 | June 16 | Official report of General Escobedo to the minister of war, of the victory of La Mesa de Santa Gertrudis. |
| 11 | June 16 | Proclamation of General Escobedo, congratulating the troops of his command on their participation in such victory. |
| 12 | June 19 | Report in detail from General Escobedo to the department of war, of the same victory. |
| 13 | June 23 | Capitulation of the city of Matamoras, by which it was delivered to the forces of the national government of Mexico. |
| 14 | June 23 | Proclamation of General Caravajal to the inhabitants of Tamaulipas, mentioning the occupation of Matamoras. |
| 15 | June 23 | Proclamation of General Garza to the inhabitants of Matamoras. |
No. 1.
[Translation.]
The general commanding in chief the forces of the central and southern districts of Tamaulipas to the troops of any nationality sustaining the empire:
Soldiers: It is four years since you were brought here to fight us, who only ask to govern ourselves according to republican principles. You are made to believe that the ridiculous throne of Maximilian can be consolidated in this country, and you have not been told that we are so far from accepting it that the only emperor we ever had (Iturbide) paid with his head for the title he bore so short a time.
Iturbide was a Mexican—was supported by Mexicans. He had in his favor the great renown which he justly obtained by making us shake off the Spanish yoke, and yet he fell. Do you think that a foreigner, sustained by foreigners, who comes from Austria, begging the protection of Napoleon III, to make himself emperor of a country which does not even know him, can long usurp the supreme power of our country? Soldiers, you have been misled. In lieu of a military promenade, which you thought to take through our country, you find that every one of our defiles swarms with liberal forces, always ready to oppose you.
Many among you have come to make part of the so-called guard of the emperatrez; but, in place of the life of luxury which you expected, you are obliged to run over Mexico from one end to the other, to meet death at the hands of the audacious guerillas.
French, Germans, Belgians, Italians, (I address myself to all foreigners who compose the imperial army:) Our country has magnificent lands, which only await laborious hands to [Page 194] repay with usury the trouble of cultivation. Abandon that army which wages such an unjust war upon us; come where the defenders of Mexican independence are found. If you wish to share our toils, you shall enjoy the same privileges as the republican soldier. If you prefer your passports for the north or any other foreign country, they shall be furnished you, with all the securities of our legislation. But if you wish to settle as peaceable citizens on any part of our lands, you shall be protected so that you may live quietly.
Many among us formerly belonged to the French army and the foreign legion; they can tell you how they have been treated. You will then see that I do not mislead you.
No. 2.
Army Corps of the North.
We take the following despatch from the official bulletin, of Linares:
Soledad, April 25, 1866.
I am pleased to inform you that I started on the 24th, at three in the morning, for Valle de Purisima, with a division of infantry and one section of mountain artillery. We left the sick and baggage at that place.
The design of this march was to attack a force of French and traitors, consisting of 300 infantry, 300 cavalry, and two pieces of mountain artillery, under Dupin, that had arrived at Arroyo on the 23d.
On the morning of the 24th I arrived at the Tanquecitos and Soledad crossroads, where I found General Aureliano Riveras, at the head of the San Luis cavalry brigade. Scarcity of water along the main road forced me to the Chavez pond, where I arrived at three in the afternoon. After a short rest, I went on to Tanquecitos. On the way I perceived a great dust on the left of the road, near Jaramillo, and soon learned from scouts that it was caused by the enemy’s cavalry returning from water.
I immediately ordered citizen Aureliano Riveras, with 100 cavalry, to attack him and cut off his return to the town, or to feign an attack and draw him into ambush, while I took possession of Tanquecitos and intrenched there.
At half past five in the afternoon I ordered cannon to open on the place to drive the enemy out. He soon returned the fire, but did not continue long. Trusting to their strength, the French traitors dashed upon us, and we had to give back till we came to the infantry, when the battle became general.
I then ordered Colonel E. Mayer with the Zaragoza battalion to a stream where cavalry could only pass in two places. He started with the shout of hurrah for the republic! and very soon came up with the enemy. In the mean time I sent Colonel A. Flores, with a battalion of hunters and a company of sappers, to take the advance. They marched forward with the same shouts of confidence.
Some of the enemy that had crossed in pursuit of our cavalry had to retreat in double-quick, and fell back to the protection of a column of infantry and a piece of artillery. But be soon returned to the charge, with a company of rifles, and came within a few yards of our lines. I had already begun to advance with the rest of the battalions and two pieces of artillery, trusting the left to Colonel L. Casares, of the mixed battalion. I ordered an attack, filling in battalions, and it was so mortally destructive the traitors soon retreated.
I now ordered General Riveras to cross the river and drive the enemy back, and I gave a similar order to Captain Garcia, who commanded the escort. The enemy now presented himself for the third time, but was so warmly received by our cavalry he had to retreat in great precipitation.
Our victory was complete. We held possession of the field, but the darkness of the night favored the enemy in his escape, and he carried off the greater part of his dead and wounded. We found ten Europeans killed on a small space of ground, so we judge his loss must have been one-fourth. The traitors are generally one-half, and, as we did not find one of them dead upon the field, we think they must have deserted when returning from water, instead of joining the French.
As my only object was to whip Dupin, and I knew he was expecting 300 men to re-enforce him, I started for this place, where I arrived at noon to-day.
Our loss was insignificant. As soon as I learn it I will let you know. A few side-arms and saddled horses fell into our hands. I cannot recommend any officer especially, as they all behaved courageously. After a march of fourteen leagues, over a rough road, without [Page 195] water or provisions, our brave fellows whipped an equal number of the enemy, better armed and provisioned.
I congratulate you, general, on this national victory of the 24th of April, begging you will make it known to the President of the republic.
Independence and liberty!
ALVINO ESPINOSA.
Citizen Mariano Escobedo, General-in-Chief of the Northern Army Corps, at Linares.
Linares, April 26, 1866.
A true copy:
No. 3.
[Translation.]
Pedro Martinez, cavalry colonel, thief of the third brigade in the southern line of New Leon, to the people of Galeana, Iturbide, and Rio Blanco:
Fellow-citizens: The convicts Pablo Basaldua and Juan Martinez have this day been sentenced to suffer the extreme penalty of the law for treason to their country, in aiding and abetting its enemies in the destruction of its towns. The former deserted from the home company of Galeana José Maria Muños, and joined the invaders to guide them in their destructive expeditions. The latter was put in office by the enemy, and exerted himself as an informer against his countrymen, persecuting his own people, and even turning against his master.
It is painful to be obliged to inflict the extreme penalty of the law upon sons of our own people, who have given many proofs of patriotism in the present contest; but even that fact aggravates the crime for which they must pay dearly—those who look upon this war as they have upon others, and think their crimes will go unpunished. No, my friends, treason must be punished upon the sacred soil of our liberties, and those are much mistaken who think they can fight for gain, but are not obliged to fight for the salvation of their country.
You have already seen what you are to expect from strangers, who sack our towns to civilize us, murder our defenceless families to teach us humanity, and commit all sorts of atrocities in the name of peace. This was recently done at Rio Blanco, where the bandit Dupin, the hyena of Tamaulipas, hung invalids and cripples whose brothers had taken up arms in defence of their country.
Can any one remain indifferent after witnessing such conduct? Do you not feel the blood mount to your faces, my friends, when you see the foreigner insult you in your houses? You have strong arms yet, and the advantage of a good cause. Where are the fortunes you labored for so hard? Gone! All passed into the hands of those who came to teach you to save, and to establish order and morality. You understand them now. You know the fine phrases they use to hide the thirst for robbery which they feel, and the iniquitous plan of their despotic master, the Emperor of the French. We must now pay them for the harm they have done us, and the only way to do this is to take up arms and right our way to victory, leaving our families in the mountains till peace recalls them to their homes. Down with the infamous invaders and the hateful traitors!
And you, people of the southern part of New Leon, you who have not yet felt the invader’s yoke, look at the fate of Galeana, Rio Blanco, and Iturbide, and see what you are to expect if you do not rise at once to defend your rights and the holy cause of the independence of our mother country.
Yes, fellow-citizens, war to the knife against the slaves of Napoleon, who are polluting our soil, who come to destroy our nationality and rob us of our wealth. Down with Maximilian, who has the effrontery to call himself emperor, and then kneels to his French master, begging him to oppress the Mexican people, and cement his throne with their precious blood. Down with the invaders and traitors! Let us sustain our independence and the supreme magistrate of the nation. Hurrah for the republican army?
No. 4.
[Translation,]
Mariano Escobedo, general of the republic and chief of the army carps of the north, to the troops of his command:
Companions in arms: The enemy having prepared a great combination to fight our forces, and, as announced by his chief, Doual, to annihilate us, several Franco-traitor columns were set in motion on the march from Monterey, Saltillo, and Matelmala. The proposed [Page 196] operations were nullified in a few moments, as may be said, for they were compelled to return to their former position, and suffered greatly in their transit from desertions. There is scarcely a battalion constituting the first cavalry division but what has lost some soldiers through desertion. This simple fact, laying aside their hurried countermarch, which can well be termed a flight, manifests how demoralized and tired of fighting are those who have adhered to the “Austrian,” and how anxiously they await the time when they can return to their homes, very sorry, as they are, that they ever came to this country to cement a throne which is in open opposition to the conviction and will of the Mexican people.
That constancy and valor which are always the distinctive characteristics of great souls have ever animated the heroes of Paso de las Cubas, Villa de Guadalupe, Monterey, San Salvador, and St. Isabel, and in many other combats in which the liberal arms were covered with glory.
Soldiers! The enemy has lost all hope of triumph. For this reason you see him flee whenever you approach. Despair has made its way in his midst, causing him to abandon his banners and seek yours.
Forward, braves! forward! The republic has a right to expect great things of you yet. There are many forced marches to be made, battles to be fought, enemies to conquer, and injuries to avenge. Will you fall back now, when the enemy has almost given up all hopes of conquest? The valor you possess, the constancy and decision of your chiefs, and the good sense and feeling of the people everywhere, make us hope that you will not recede, and that you will not desist until you see your country happy and free.
Then will you have fulfilled your duty, and history will record your actions, and the future generations will bless your names.
No. 5.
[Translation.]
CONSTITUTIONAL JURISDICTION OF RIO BLANCO.
You have heard of the enemy’s movement upon this valley through the communications of Colonel Pedro Martinez. He remained several days in Soledad, and then retired to Laja; but this was only a feint to make us believe he had left. He returned on the 19th with 1,200 men, 600 of which were traitors, and took us by surprise. They remained eight days in the valley, and then went back to Soledad. They shot six unfortunates, viz: Isidoro Martinez, Nicolas Rodriguez, Mateo Ortega, Hijinio Flores, Gregorio Ramirez, and Pedro Melendez. They broke open the doors and sacked all the houses; took all the corn they could find; destroyed all the standing grain; killed all the hogs and chickens in the valley, throwing the offal into the streets and public squares till the smell was intolerable and threatened an epidemic. They broke into the judge’s office, destroyed the archives, threw loose papers into the streets, broke the chairs and benches, and carried off all the arms they could find. They took the image of St. Francis out of the church and fastened it to a pole; they despoiled the Virgin of Sorrows of her finery, and divided it among them; and then laid the body of the saint upon the altar! They killed a servant of Estanislao Camacho, at Virgin ranch, and stole all the cattle in the surrounding pastures. They did the same at the farms of San Juan, Sandia, and Pequeño. It is not known exactly how many cattle were taken, but the rough estimate is 3,000.
The valley is completely ruined, and its inhabitants reduced to the greatest distress. They will have to go elsewhere to find food, as everything was taken or destroyed by the enemy.
The people of San José did not suffer so much, as their visitors did not number more than one hundred French, who made their appearance on the 22d, and were soon repulsed and driven across White river by Captain Camero.
They caught a Spaniard named José Respaldiza, at Bocacil, and made him cut grass for their horses. They carried off Encarnacion Alvarez and Florencio Gonzales from the valley. They tried to catch Commander Reyna, but he got out of their way.
I send you this despatch from my farm of Joya de los Encinos, where I intend to stay till the enemy makes his appearance.
Accept my respect and high regard.
A. GONZALES.
The Citizen Don Mariano Escobedo, Governor and General-in-chief of the Northern Army.
May 30, 1866.
I certify that this is a copy of the original.
Given at Paso del Zacate, on the 5th day of June, 1866.
No. 6.
[Translation.]
REPUBLICAN ARMY OF THE NORTH—FREE SQUADRON OF RIO BLANCO——COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.
From the enclosed despatch of the chief official of this city, you will see the harm that the bandit Dupin has done here. Every family is in mourning; the house-doors have been broken, and the houses sacked. The people have suffered much; there is no exaggeration; the alcalde’s report is true. You could not believe the devastation without seeing it: everything is destroyed, and it is impossible to live here. Higinio Flores was sent to tell the French were coming, when Dupin caught him and had him shot. Isidoro Martinez was sick at home, and Mateo Ortega was not in service; Gregorio Ramirez had a brother in our army; they were all three shot. Nicolas Rodriguez had been ensign, and they murdered him. The other man they murdered was half-witted and nearly blind, yet they had him shot. I cannot sufficiently express my horror at these vile assassinations.
I make this communication for consequent action.
Independence and liberty! Rio Blanco, May 31, 1866.
M. REYNA.
The Citizen Mariano Escobedo, General-in-chief of the Northern Army.
Paso del Zacate, June 5, 1868.
I certify the above to be a true copy of the original.
No. 7.
[Translation.]
NORTHERN ARMY CORPS—GENERAL-IN-CHIEF.
The repeated acts of cruelty and barbarism committed by the invading army, whose leaders have not regarded the laws of war, have compelled our supreme constitutional government to issue various orders and circulars, and, among them, the general order of the 15th of November to the army corps under my command. The substance of that order was that I should observe the same conduct towards their prisoners that the enemy showed to us, and this was made known to them through some exchanged prisoners. General Douay, commander of the forces that devastated Rio Blanco, Galeana, and Linares, could but know what to expect from men he called bandits, thieves, and robbers if his men were taken prisoners by them. And now the alcalde of Rio Blanco informs me that six men were shot by the French without the least form of trial, though they were unarmed citizens.
Humanity can hardly believe that chiefs of a civilized nation would commit such atrocities under a banner that boasts of the greatest enlightenment in Europe. But, now that Rio Blanco, Galeana, and Iturbide are destroyed, we must obey orders and retaliate.
Since the enemy desire it, I command you to execute six of the French prisoners now in your hands within three hours after the reception of this despatch, in compliance with this order, and to make the execution known, and the names of the persons executed.
General G. Treviño, Chief of the First Cavalry Division of the Northern Army at Cerralvo.
No. 8.
[Translation.]
Dario Garza, cavalry lieutenant colonel of the republican army, chief of scouts in the northern army, to the citizens of the second district of the State of New Leon and his under officers:
Friends and Fellow-citizens: The cut-throats and pirates sent to devastate our unfortunate country by that ambitious tyrant Napoleon III, under the name of an army, to rob us, murder us, and establish a ridiculous empire, with the scion of a degraded house, no longer conceal their aims.
[Page 198]The destruction of Galeana and San Pedro de Iturbide by Douay, the cruelty of Jeaningros at Allende towards old man Garza Valdez, are facts that speak plainly. Let us prepare to repel force by force, and let us make one more effort to escape his cruel mode of civilization by making victims of us; we prefer death to dishonor and such enlightenment.
Fellow-soldiers, it is your place to chastise his audacity; he will find us always ready to fight, and must acknowledge us worthy defenders of our country. Show him no mercy; give none to his traitor allies; let Mexico struggle for her captured rights, and her name will be respected and admired by the entire universe.
Subordination and discipline, abnegation and patriotism, are the virtues needed to make our enemies tremble at our approach, and repent that they had ever assaulted a free nation.
Let us make one more effort, with faith and confidence, and you may be sure I will be by your side, your companion and friend.
No. 9.
[Translation.]
The battle of Santa Gertrudis.—A victory over the enemy on the 16th of June, 1866.
The glorious victory of the 16th of June, over the traitors at Santa Gertrudis, is one of the most important of this war. If, in a military point of view, it is not so important as that of the 5th of May, no other can be compared to it in political and military consequences. It demoralized the escort of silver from Monterey to Mier, and caused the surrender of Matamoras. News from the latter place, and intercepted letters, show how complete the demoralization was. There was desertion from the Belgian forces, and their number was so diminished that they were obliged to retreat in haste, not delivering the specie they had in charge.
The surrender of Matamoras, from peculiar circumstances, was an unexpected event. It was certain the place was destined to fall into the hands of the forces fighting at Santa Gertrudis; but it was hardly believed the traitors would evacuate the place when our forces were fifty leagues distant. This shows the great importance of the victory in a moral point of view. There was the greatest disorder among the rebel troops when they left Matamoras; that public? opinion hitherto suppressed by bayonets was against them.
The victory of Santa Gertrudis, and the consequent evacuation of Matamoras by the traitors, have given a solid basis of operations to the republican army. The immense supplies captured will help to organize a strong army that can carry the war into the interior as soon as Monterey is taken. The possession of Matamoras puts us in communication with the United States, whence the necessary arms and ammunition can be obtained. If we add to this the moral effect of the victory in other parts of the country, we can easily comprehend its importance to our cause. The defenders of the republic have hitherto been represented as disorganized bands of robbers, ready to run at the slightest notice; but it is now seen they form a regularly organized army, well diciplined. The late victory is a proof of this; numbering less than the traitors, they attacked them and routed them completely. The enemy had every convenience for defending the convoy, or they would not have started with it.
The elegant discipline of the liberal army is also shown in its conduct just after the victory; the convoy was captured entire, and delivered intact to the commander. That shows the discipline of the republican soldier, and is the best refutation of our enemy’s base calumny. They erected gibbets to hang our patriots as robbers.
Before concluding, I must say something about the results of this signal victory. It is not an isolated fact, but the result of mature patriotic deliberations. One year ago all the frontier was under the so-called empire, and those who sympathized with the national cause had to conceal their opinions or suffer the violence of arbitrary power. Yet in those trying times there were men who did not lose all hope. Solitary and alone they rushed into the combat, and, contending with every difficulty, they raised arms and marched ahead, inspired by patriotism and the hope of ultimate success. They routed the enemy frequently, and thus commanded respect. The victories of Paso de las Cabras, Santa Isabel, Catorce, and Valle de Purisima are so many laurel crowns upon the temples of the Mexicans who offered themselves a sacrifice to the republic.
Let us trust to our faith in independence as long as there remain such men as fought at Santa Gertrudis. We will not despair in the hour of misfortune, but will encourage the desponding to fight on to the bitter end.
No. 10.
[Translation.]
MEXICAN REPUBLIC—NORTHERN ARMY CORPS—GENERAL-IN-CHIEF.
I have the honor to inform you of the splendid republican victory at Santa Gertrudis, gained by my forces over the Austrians and traitors escorting a convoy of goods from Matamoras to Monterey. I had only 1,500 men, with the first Tamaulipas brigade under Colonel Canales, while the enemy had 2,000. Trusting to superiority of numbers he attacked me in my intrenchments, where I was waiting. He had the advantage of artillery, too. The attack was violent, but my troops were not dismayed in the least; we reserved our fire till the enemy came close, then fired and charged bayonet, driving him back in great confusion.
The victory is complete, and though we have not yet struck our tents, we have picked up more than a thousand muskets and other arms, have captured all the artillery, six field pieces, two mountain pieces, and any quantity of ammunition; leaving more than four hundred killed on the field, most of them Austrians, a great many wounded, and over eight hundred prisoners, two hundred of whom are foreigners. Our loss is only two hundred men killed and wounded. As soon as I can collect the particulars I will make a report of the battle.
I cannot commend any one of my men in particular; all did their duty, fighting like good Mexicans for the honor of the republic and our national independence.
Please communicate this despatch to the supreme magistrate of the nation, and felicitate him, in the name of the army corps of the north and the first Tamaulipas brigade, on this day’s brilliant victory of the republic over its foreign enemies.
Independence and liberty! In camp, 16th June, 1866.
M. ESCOBEDO.
The Minister of War and Marine of the Mexican Republic, (wherever he may be.)
Camargo, June 17, 1866.
A true copy:
No. 11.
[Translation.]
Mariano Escobedo. general of the republic and chief of the northern army corps, to the troops that took part in the battle of Santa Gertrudis:
Companions in arms: The national arms are once more crowned with glory; your forced marches and untold hardships have not been useless, for the Austrians and traitors, though superior to you in numbers, have been forced to succumb to your courage and resolution. You have brought the usurper’s Austrian mercenaries to your feet to implore your clemency, and you, fierce in combat but generous in victory, like true soldiers of the republic, have been merciful to them. The men that appeared so mighty in your front not long ago exist no more; those not killed are wounded and prisoners; a few officers escaped, but their flags and treasures remain in our hands. Their chiefs, miserable cowards, had not the courage to brave death on the field of battle, but trusted their lives and safety to the fleetness of their horses.
Fellow-soldiers, the invaded republic confides its salvation to the courage of its children, and I am sure they will protect it or perish in the attempt. One year ago we were fighting without resources, almost without hope, with nothing but our patriotism to sustain us: yet our faith in the national cause never wavered; now that the northern army is everywhere victorious, who will dare to oppose it? Let us hasten onward, fellow-soldiers, and capture Matamoras; then we can have time to rest. We will leave a guard to protect our rear, and then Monterey and Saltillo will soon be ours; the frontier will be freed from the odious presence of the invaders and their accomplices; we will carry the war into the interior of the republic, and help our brothers to fight till our soil is rid of the slaves of Napoleon the Third. You know, fellow-soldiers, we have always respected the law and the customs of society; go on, as you have done up to this time, battling with the enemy and protecting peaceful citizens, and our cause will surely triumph in the end. Then you can settle down quietly with your families, and hold up your head in pride at having done your duty, fighting for national independence and the honor of the republic.
No. 12.
[Translation.]
MEXICAN REPUBLIC—NORTHERN ARMY CORPS—GENERAL-IN-CHIEF.
According to my promise on the 16th, I have the honor to give a complete report of the battle of Santa Gertrudis, which you will communicate to the citizen President.
I had already fixed my headquarters at Linares, when I was informed that the enemy from Matamoras and Monterey had united to protect a convoy of merchandise and specie between the two cities. Without knowing whether to credit the report or not, I took the necessary precautions of stationing a division of infantry at China, the second cavalry brigade at Paso del Zacate, and the first brigade between Monterey and Ceralvo. To cut off re-enforcements for the French column that had left Monterey, I ordered Colonel Pedro Martinez to threaten Saltillo with 300 cavalry, assisted by the governor of Coahulia, with his available force, while Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Garcia should watch every entrance to Monterey, and prevent any communication.
When my forces were thus stationed, I learned that 1,500 French and 500 traitors had left Monterey on the 7th. This report was soon confirmed by General, Geronimo Treviño, who was watching them and annoying them in every possible way, blocking up the road, filling the wells and springs, and using every legal strategy to harass an enemy. In the mean time I was expecting to hear of the enemy coming out of Matamoras as an escort to a caravan of goods for Monterey; but Colonel Canales, who was on the lookout, could obtain no such information. I then determined to march out to meet the French, which I did on the 9th, stopping the first night at Aldamas. On the 10th I came within ten leagues of Ceralvo, where I remained the 10th and 12th, watching the enemy. The French got to Ceralvo on the 12th, and I learned from a captured messenger from Mejia to De Tucé, that they would not leave there till they heard the convoy had got to Mier. For this reason I changed my plan of operations, and by forced marches reached Santa Gertrudis,, three leagues from the enemy, on the 15th. Knowing the enemy would be obliged to advance, as there was not enough water for his 2,000 mules, I prepared for battle in the following manner; I divided my forces into five columns for attack, and one for reserve. Colonels J. A. Flores and Luis G. Caceres, over the first infantry column of 250 men, with the 1st brigade. The second column, of the same number of men, was commanded by Colonels Miguel Palacios and Edelmiro Mayer. The third, of 300 men, by Colonels Francisco Naranjo and Adolpho Garza. Fourth, the Tamaulipas brigade, of 300 rifles, under Servando Canales and Julian Cerda, with two columns of cavalry. Fifth, composed of the northern legion, under Joaquin Garza Leal, and the Lampazos explorers, under Juan N. Saenz and Higinio Villareal, all under the command of General Geronimo Treviño. The reserve of 300 men, sappers, sharpshooters, and riflemen of the Rio Grande, was commanded by Colonel Salvador F. de la Cavada and Lieutenant Colonel Vicente Mariscal.
Thus divided, the columns were sent into the field to await the enemy, who soon appeared, leaving his baggage in the rear. On the 16th, at six in the morning, the enemy opened upon us with his cannon, while the infantry continued to advance slowly. My orders were implicitly obeyed; the men lay flat on the ground, the cavalry concealed in a thicket of trees. The enemy continued to advance till he got within rifle-shot of our lines, when I ordered my men to charge. This was done bravely; the infantry continued to advance, till both armies had to combat with side-arms. The enemy feigned an attack on our left with two infantry columns, and attempted to surround us. At this moment I ordered the cavalry to charge, and General Treviño made a bold assault on the right. This was so successful that the enemy was completely flanked on the left. The combat with side-arms was of short duration, having ended at seven in the morning, with the complete destruction of the Austria-traitor forces.
I enclose a report of the killed and wounded (No. 1) on both sides, and of the prisoners we have taken. No. 2 is a list of artillery, arms, &c., taken from the enemy. No. 3 is a. list of the prisoners. The traitors are not included, because they are incorporated into our ranks. No. 4 is a general sketch of the battle.
I cannot make particular recommendations, because, as I said, every man did his duty. Convinced of the justice of our cause, our soldiers had no doubt of victory, and marched forward certain of success. During the combat there were many personal encounters worthy of the greatest admiration.
As a consequence of this glorious triumph of the national cause, the garrison in Matamoras is thrown into the greatest confusion, and to take advantage of it, I will march upon the place to-morrow, hoping to be able to give you an early account of my expedition.
[Page 201]Before concluding I must praise this army under my command for its excellent conduct and discipline, and recommend it to the notice of the citizen President of the republic, with whom I rejoice at this signal triumph of our glorious cause.
The Minister of War and Marine of the Mexican Republic, (wherever he may be.)
Camargo, June 20, 1866.
A true copy:
No. 13.
[Translation.]
Agreement for the surrender of Matamoras.
In the heroic city of Matamoras, on this twenty-second day of June, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six, at a meeting of citizen General D. Thomas Mejia and a commission of the people, consisting of Señors D. Augustin Mencheaca, D. Juan Prado, and D. Antonio de la Garza Chapa, of the first part, and citizen General D. Juan de la Garza, acting under the authority and in accordance with the instructions of the citizen governor and military commandante of Tamaulipas, General José M. J. Carvajal, for the purpose of treating for the surrender of the plaza, after the usual formalities, agreed upon the terms contained in the following articles:
Article 1. General Mejia is to deliver up the plaza of Matamoras within forty-eight hours to the citizen General Juan de la Garza, commanding the division operating against Matamoras.
Art. 2. The reception of the plaza will be according to the usual formalities, including the forces and armament of the plaza.
Art. 3. General Mejia shall be permitted to withdraw with the troops of his division unmolested by the road to Bagdad, with two rounds of ammunition.
Art. 4. The lives, property, and interests of the citizens are guaranteed, and they shall not be molested for their previous political conduct or opinions.
Art. 5. The government of the State reserves the right to investigate the conduct of those who have taken the more prominent part against it, for the satisfaction of public justice.
For the enforcement and carrying out of the foregoing agreement, we hereby sign in triplicate.
THOMAS MEJIA.
JUAN PRADO.
ANTONIO DE LA GARZA CHAPA.
AUGUSTIN MENCHEACA.
JUAN JOSÉ DE LA GARZA.
No. 14.
[Translation.]
The General of Division José Maria J. Carvajal, governor and military commandant of the State of Tamaulipas, to its inhabitants:
Fellow-citizens: The city of Matamoras is free from the oppression imposed on it by the force of the invader, and republican rule is once more established therein. The enemy, convinced that he had not the support of the public, has delivered the plaza into our hands. This success is the prelude to the complete triumph of the national independence on this frontier, and will in due time lead to carrying the war into the interior of the republic for the defence of our brothers.
To this end all patriots would contribute. The country requires sacrifices from her sons, All good Mexicans, though they may have been divided by dissensions and revolutions, can meet under the national banner.
[Page 202]Citizens, I solicit your concurrence. My chief desire is to sustain the cause of independence, receiving all of its faithful defenders without distinction of party, that we may show ourselves worthy of liberty, that we may maintain unity, and that previous dissensions may be forgotten.
To this end I shall make war solely against the French and the traitors. The inoffensive people shall have the amplest guarantees, and my firm determination is to respect all persons and property in conformity to the law of nations. Confident that my patriotic intentions are appreciated, I expect the aid of the people, that a complete triumph may be attained. The support of the people will be all-sufficient to enable me to combat the enemy, and confident in that support, I shall not hesitate in making the greatest sacrifices.
No. 15.
[Translation.]
PROCLAMATION OF GENERAL GARZA.
The citizen Juan José de la Garza, chief of the first division of Tamaulipas, and provisional commandant of the city, to its inhabitants:
Fellow-citizen: My taking military command of the city has been for the purpose of protecting the citizens in their life and property. Exemplary punishment will follow any disorder, without distinction of person, for it is not private individuals, but the competent authorities, that are the judges of the proper course of procedure.
All enjoy the guarantees which the law allows, and in no way shall these be violated. Far from this, I shall endeavor to re-establish confidence, and the efforts of all good Mexicans should be directed to the same end, and the salvation of our independence. Without the first the second is impossible. Mexicans, the epoch of our regeneration begins; union under the banner of Hidalgo, war upon the French and traitors, the triumphs of our independence and nationality, are the ends which we should have in view.
The frontier at all times has been the constant defender of liberty. Her sons gained the glorious battle of Santa Gertrudis; a wide field is open to us to fight for our nation’s cause; patriotic Mexicans will not recede from their undertaking. To participate in the glories and dangers is the highest wish of your companion and friend,