General Escobedo’s Official Report., December 1, 1865.

General Escobedo’s Official Report.

On the 22d of the past month I marched from Cadereyta with a portion of the army of the north, composed of the first and second brigades of Nueva Leon and two companies of mounted rifles of Coahuila, and camped that night in the town of Guadalupe, three miles east of the city of Monterey. From daylight of the following day part of the force of traitors (imperialists) which garrisoned said city began skirmishing with my advance posts, and the presumption was that they would attack my camp, knowing that the force under Major Ruperto Martinez, of three hundred men, had failed to join me. I immediately reconnoitred and prepared to receive their attack. The enemy, after shelling our lines severely, detached three strong columns, preceded by a line of skirmishers, and attacked our troops with the greatest decision. The battle soon became general; the enemy, astonished by the determined resistance he met, wavered, and at this moment a charge of our cavalry, under Colonel Trevino, on his rear and flanks, and the advance of the rest of the line, disconcerted him, and he was soon utterly routed; most of his force was dispersed, and the rest found refuge in the fortifications of the city. The enemy lost many killed, all his wounded remaining in our hands, many prisoners, and a great number of arms. On the following day the force of Martinez joined me, and I decided on attacking the place as follows: Three columns of attack were formed, the two first of infantry, under Colonel Naranjo and Major Martinez, and the third of cavalry, under Colonel Lostenes Rocha. These columns formed the line of attack, the whole under the command of Colonel Trevino, and were to be directed against the forts of Muralla and Carlotta, and after forcing these, to continue the attack on the northeast side of the plaza. Another line, composed of two columns, one under Lieutenant Colonel Garcia and the other under Major Leal, and under my personal command, was to make a feint and attack the forts of Cuesta and Puebla. The attack took place in the above order, with so much energy that the forts were soon in our possession. One part of their garrison was sabred by the cavalry, who took many prisoners, and the balance, by an inglorious flight, shut themselves up in the citadel and fort of the bishop, leaving us in possession of the city. The enemy had many killed and wounded, and left in our hands more than two hundred prisoners, all armed. On our side we lament the loss of six officers and thirteen soldiers.

Shortly after this, and when my soldiers were trying to get some rest from the fatigues of the two days’ fighting, I was informed that a French column, coming from Saltillo, was advancing to aid the traitors, (native imperialists;) and in fact shortly afterwards, undercover of the darkness preceding daylight, and guided by a column of traitors, they penetrated to the centre of the city, where they began a vigorous attack on our troops. With a small portion of our infantry I was able to detain them while our attack was being organized. This was soon effected. Major I. Trevino attacked them with the squadron of the Rio Grande by one flank, and with the infantry in front we soon made them retreat. At this moment Colonel Rocha charged, sabre in hand, on their columns, and completely repulsed the French and the traitors, following and sabring them beyond the city. The French left nineteen dead and the traitors twenty-eight. They carried off their wounded. We took some traitors prisoners, many guns, lances, and some horses.

As all my officers and men behaved well, I make no special mention of any in particular. They have all fulfilled their duties as soldiers and patriots.

I have sent out reconnoitring parties towards Saitillo and Marin, as I am informed that from the last place a French column is advancing, commanded by Jeanningros in person; and from Panas another is also advancing of the same troops.

Independence and liberty!