James F. Wilson to William Hunter, April 7, 1872

Mr. Wilson to Mr. Hunter.

Sir: Referring to my dispatch No. 74, under date of the 10th February last, in which I informed the Department that General Queroga had occupied Camargo with a force of about one thousand revolutionists, I have now to state that a telegram was received to-day by General Palacios, commander of this city, from Reynosa, sixty miles distant, informing him that the enemy were a few miles from that place, apparently intending to advance on Matamoras.

From all I can learn General Treviño, governor of the State of Nuevo Leon, who inaugurated the revolution on this side of the Sierra Madra, has united his forces with those of General Queroga, and their united forces, amounting to about two thousand men, principally infantry, with several pieces of artillery, are marching on this city.

General Palacios has proclaimed martial law here, closed the gateways of the fortifications leading to the country, interdicted persons leaving the city by ferry to-Brownsville without passes, and is now arming and organizing the national guard for defense. The regular force under General Palacios consists of about three hundred tolerably well-drilled and well-armed men. In addition he expects to arm about one thousand national guards for fortification duty.

The defenses of the city are strong, and unless the troops inside should revolt a vigorous resistance can be made.

As soon as the revolutionists appear before the city I will personally remain here constantly during the siege, leaving my family in Brownsville, as reported in dispatch No. 83, of the 5th instant.

I am, &c.,