Letter from Orizaba, Mexico.–Movements of the French and native belligerents., February 21, 1867

Letter from Orizaba, Mexico.–Movements of the French and native belligerents.

The French army’s rearguard is still here, waiting for transports. General Castagnay is in command of it.

From this point Marshal Bazaine despatched a letter to Maximilian, again inviting him to go out with the French army. The letter was not replied to.

Maximilian at the head of an army of 5,000 men, with 25 pieces of artillery, moved out of the capital on the I6th, and toward Queretaro. Two skirmishes occurred on the way, the liberals retreating and flying in every direction. A sergeant was shot at the side of the emperor. He will unite at Queretaro with Miramon, and have a combined force of 16,000 men at that place.

There is no doubt but that Miramon was worsted by Escobeda, but to what extent has not transpired.

The Mexican Times (American) compares Miramon’s movements with those of Sheridan. The paper has made another turn: imperial—then liberal—then imperial again.

Generals Chacon (imperial) and Corona (liberal) met somewhere near Altenqueque, when a sharp fight ensued, resulting in the rout of Corona, and the loss of prisoners and guns.

Wires have been cut between the capital and Puebla, and the latter city submerged by destruction of the canal. Liberals are in force on the road between the two places; in fact, they hang on the rear of the retreating French and occupy every evacuated town.

There is a liberal force near this place and at Cordova, waiting the moving of the French, when they will, if strong enough, possess themselves of them.

A complete understanding exists between the liberals and the French; no collisions occur, and the French move in security without guards.

This city has an imperial garrison of 1,000 men, sufficient, it is believed, to hold the place unless the troop should prove treacherous.

Many Americans have accepted transportation and free passage to the States from the French marshal. French authorities have lately been specially kind to Americans.