Anselmo Rubia to D. de la Bedolliere, Ensign, November 9, 1865

[Translation.]

MEXICAN IMPERIAL ARMY, DIVISION OF MEJIA—GENERAL-IN-CHIEF.

Matamoras, November 9, 1865.

General: I forward you enclosed copy of a communication, dated yesterday, sent to me by D. de la Bedolliero, lieutenant in the French marines, and acting commander of the armed gunboat Antonia. You can, by said communication, officially take cognizance or the following occurrences, which include so many flagrant violations of the neutrality which the United States have obligated themselves to keep in Mexican affairs:

First. That the Mexican steamboat Antonia, coming up the river with French troops on board, was attacked from the Texas shore without any provocation whatever. Nor was this insult to the French and Mexican flags, which were both floating on the boat, in any way punished.

Second. That the besiegers of Matamoras detached from their lines to attack, from Mexico, the said steamboat, crossed the Rio Grande under arms, without any opposition being made by the American authorities, officers or soldiers, from whom, on the contrary, they received a hearty welcome.

Third. That the same bandits were in direct communication with the American steamboat Tampico during the action. The relation of M. de la Bedolliero is confirmed by the unequivocal marks left on the Antonia by the projectiles sent from the Texas shore.

Besides this, occurrences of the same character have taken place in the neighborhood of Matamoras during the stay of the enemy. According to the daily reports of the steamers Paisano and Eugenia, a great number of persons, among whom could be distinguished the uniform of the United States and that peculiar to Cortina’s robbers, occupy themselves in insulting and even throwing stones from the city of Brownsville at the troops which man said boats, and this in the presence of the American officers and guards stationed on the bank of the river.

Such outrages, which cannot naturally be explained, have been noted, and relation of them will be transmitted to the Mexican government, and to his excellency Marshal Bazaine, in order that they may decide upon the real character of such actions. Accept, general, the assurance of my consideration.

THS. MEJIA, Commanding line of the Rio Grande.

The following is a copy of the communication referred to in the foregoing:

[Translation.]

MEXICAN IMPERIAL ARMY, DIVISION OF MEJIA—GENERAL-IN-CHIEF.

Matamoras, November 8, 1865.

General: I have the honor to inform you that, coming up the river Rio Grande with the Mexican steamboat Antonia, I was attacked by the liberals posted near Ranchito, on the Mexican side of the river. After the engagement I saw two horsemen crossing the river behind us. They landed on the Texas shore, and a few minutes afterwards three shots were fired at us from that side, almost immediately followed by three more, and yet another— altogether seven shots. I had a great deal of trouble to restrain my men and keep them from firing into the American shore I gave the order not to fire on the Texas side under any circumstances whatever, and was strictly obeyed.

The two horsemen who had fired upon us were galloping along the bank in the direction of Brownsville, and I am convinced that they were the same who fired upon us during the last affair, which took place about four miles from Matamoras.

When we arrived in front of the American camp, these two horsemen were prancing up and down, exchanging salutations and shaking hands with the American officers. Several men, wearing the same uniform, and who had no doubt crossed the river after the engagement, had rejoined these two, and seemed to be equally well received by the Americans.

During the morning we were continually annoyed by horsemen, who were firing at us under cover of ranches and chaparral. Arriving at a place called, I believe, Lamparena, we saw the American steamboat Tampico tied up to the Mexican shore and loaded with troops. The liberals continued to fire upon us until we were hid from their sight by the Tampico.

In passing they communicated with said steamboat, and again commenced their fire upon us, when we could not answer them without hitting the Tampico; and when a short time afterwards the superiority of our fire obliged them to fly, they went back to the Tampico again, communicated with her, and then followed us. I presume they went to the Americans to ask either for ammunition or information as to our armament.

I have thought it my duty to make these facts known to you.

I am, general, your very obedient servant,