Angel Martinez to Jesus G. Morales, January 10, 1866

[Translation.]

GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY COMMANDANCY OF THE STATE OF SONORA—REPUBLICAN ARMY, BRIGADE OF OPERATIONS—UNITED SECTIONS—GENERAL-IN-CHIEF.

I left Toro on the third for this city, determined to offer battle to the traitor José M. T. Almada. I passed the night at Venda. At midnight I sent out a band of scouts, under Cipriano Pardo, to reconnoitre the enemy’s advance in Carrizal, which I expected to reach on the fourth. On that night I sent all the cavalry under Colonel Ascencion Correa, through by-roads, to surprise the enemy at Salitral, while I advanced with the infantry, on the main road, to aid him if necessary. The enemy was surprised, and a courier of Almada was captured. He had despatches advising the commander at Salitral to attack the enemy as soon as his re-enforcements should arrive.

On the main road near Salitral I met an advance of the enemy and took one prisoner; this was about day-break; I then sent for the cavalry to join me.

I heard that Almada was about to move, so I hastened on and gained the heights of Cuchu-jaqui, a strong point for the enemy if they had got it. As the enemy did not appear, I continued to advance, meeting no opposition but a small cavalry force that was soon put to flight and pursued by Ensign Felipe Valle, with only twenty men, as far as the edge of this city.

We rested three hours at Mercedes, and camped that night at San Antonio de los Norotes.

On the 6th the enemy opened fire on my advance. I instantly changed my position and marched to Carboneras heights, where I waited for the attack. I sent out Cipriano Pardo with scouts; they reported that the enemy was in this city. I then began to advance and fell into ambush, but escaped without hurt.

At two o’clock on the morning of the 7th I marched round the hill to get in the rear of the enemy; this I accomplished before daylight, and had to wait some hours before it was light enough to begin the attack. The enemy then perceiving us, sent out 150 sharpshooters to annoy our flank. They were soon driven back.

I advanced with the squadron of lancers and the Hidalgo batallion, sending the latter under Colonel Correa to flank the enemy, while the cavalry was to be reserved to pursue the enemy if they attempted to escape without fight. Thus arranged the battle began. The lancers made the first attack, and their impetuosity decided the day. When I rode towards the infantry Commander Pardo informed me that Almada had taken to flight, protected by a small guard which I noticed in the distance. I started after him at such a rapid pace that the cavalry of tired horses could not keep up with me, and I suddenly found myself in front of nine men. I drew my pistol and shot Antonio Anselmo, brother of the traitor Almada, and second in command, while the others ran away, leaving their horses and arms. My horse was wounded by two shots.

This battle finishes the traitors in the district of Alamos. We took five pieces of artillery, (three bronze and two iron,) 216 muskets, and other munitions of war.

The enemy’s loss was about 180 of all ranks. The list of our killed you will find annexed hereto.

I communicate this for your information, congratulating you on a victory that will tend to restore peace to the weary country.