No. 283.
Mr. Nelson
to Mr. Fish.
Mexico, February 15, 1873. (Received March 21.
Sir: The last battle between the government forces and the insurgents under Lozada, as I have heretofore advised you, was fought on the 28th ultimo, at Mojonera. The rebels were severely beaten on that occasion, and dispersed into several bands, the principal of which, under General Placido Vega, essayed to take possession of Guadalajara; but the federal general, Corona, put the city in such complete defense that Vega, in a few days, retired from his position. Another band of two thousand rebels invaded the state of Sinaloa, but on the 29th ultimo they were routed at Rosario by a federal force commanded by Colonel Altamirano.
When the government received news of the invasion of Sinaloa, orders were issued closing the port of San Blas, and at the same time authorized General Ceballo to man a ship of war to prevent contraband trade by the insurgents.
The defeat at Mojonera appears to have utterly demoralized the troops of Lozada, and it is not probable that any considerable force can again be mustered under his command. Large bodies of cavalry have been dispatched by the government to pursue and destroy the rebels, who have taken refuge in the “barrancas” and hills.
On the 5th instant an English vessel of war entered the harbor of Vera Cruz, bringing important despatches to the government, referring, it is understood, to an attack on the Belize by the Indians of Yucatan.
The railway to Vera Cruz continues to run regularly.
I have, &c.,