De Regules to C. Matias Romero, August 9, 1866

Mexican Republic, army of the centre–General-in-chief.

In a private despatch which I sent you on the 30th ultimo from the Tiripitio hacienda, I had the honor to inform you of the enemy’s movement upon me, forcing me to evacuate Zitacuaro, his occupation and retirement, and my return on the 1st instant. I remained here till the 7th, when I determined to make a movement upon Anganguco, garrisoned by only four hundred traitors, but had to give up the idea because I heard that eight hundred French, on their way from Queretaro to Toluca by Morelia, had gone to San Felipe del Obraje to defend it. And, in fact, the French did reach Anganguco yesterday, with about five hundred traitors picked up from the neighboring detachments, and to-day marched upon this place, which I regret to be obliged to give up once more, because I have neither sufficient forces nor munitions to defend it.

You will perhaps think it strange that I call your attention to such trivial circumstances, quite natural in our warfare, where the enemy is not only striving to defend places that I threaten, but is struggling in his turn to seize those that I hold; but you must know what I do is of great importance, when you consider that the expedition sent against me is mostly composed of French troops commanded by French officers.

When the French declared they had not come to Mexico to interfere with the internal affairs of the country, but only to force respect for treaties violated by the government of the republic, and to protect the interests of their fellow-citizens; and now, as that had been effected, they determined to withdraw their troops, considering the expedition at an end, I cannot understand how and with what right they continue to make war on people who are opposing the government of the usurper, Maximilian, and give aid to places occupied by traitors who sustain him.

Such outrageous conduct, without provocation, (for my forces have never yet attacked them,) compels me to make it known to you, because it shows the absolute want of loyalty in the French government, the meanness it makes use of to deceive the world, particularly the United States, to which you are accredited.

I hope, therefore, you will make a proper use of the facts I here communicate with the government at Washington and the supreme government of the republic, and will tell me, in your reply, what conduct I ought to pursue. In the mean time it is understood that I will continue to sustain the rights of Mexico against domestic or foreign foes on all occasions, except when I am certain of defeat.

I protest to you my attentive consideration.