Luis Mierz Teran to The Citizen General , Second in Command of the Eastern Line, August 18, 1866

Mexican Republic.

Colonel Camacho, commanding the imperialist troops in front, has sent me at 8 o’clock this morning the following communication:

“Mexican Empire, Tlacotalpam, “August 18, 1866.

“On surrendering this city to you, according to my agreement with the general second in command of the eastern line, I have also the honor to turn over to you privates Donaciano Cruz, Lucas Villanca, Casimiro Rodriguez, and Eufrurio Canada, made prisoners to the command of said general on the 10th instant, and Juan Manuel, captured on the 25th May last. I request you to send me, in exchange, to Alvarado an equal number of my soldiers made prisoners in the fight of the 10th of this month. Relying on your generosity and honorable antecedents, I leave in your power privates M. Garcia, J. Valderama, F. Espinosa, A. Perez, F. Flores, N. Arellano, B. Hernandez, and L. Barrera, of my command, who are very sick and cannot be removed. I hope you will let me know when they are able to join me, that I may send for them.

“Having known you, colonel, a long time since,, it is gratifying to me to deal with you on this occasion, and improve it to tender you my most distinguished consideration and esteem.

“MARIANO CAMACHO, Colonel.”

I have answered as follows:

“Mexican Republic: I am in receipt of your polite communication of to-day, relative to the surrender of this place according to the agreements concluded between you and the general second in command of the eastern line. I thank you for the good treatment received by our soldiers made prisoners in the fight of the 10th instant. I will send you to Alvarado an equal number of prisoners of your command, in compliance with your wishes.

“I duly appreciate your confidence in leaving under my care the sick of your command; they shall be treated as brothers, and may God crown my efforts to restore them to health.

“I also am gratified to deal with you on this occasion, and seize it to tender you my distinguished consideration.

“LUIS MIERZ TERAN, Colonel.”

It is 37 minutes after 8 a. m., and I receive a message from Colonel Camacho to the effect that the place is evacuated by his troops. I proceed to occupy it, and issue there this communication.