Porfirio Dias to Citizen, October 18, 1866

National army–Headquarters of the military division of the east.

Citizen Minister: After the battle of Miahuatlan, on the 3d instant, about which an official report has been sent to your department, I marched to Oaxaca, which was besieged by Colonel Felix Diaz, took active measures to perfect the siege and shut up the garrison, and just as I was about assaulting it I heard that a column of 1,500 men, of infantry, cavalry, and artillery, was coming to aid the besieged garrison. I at once left Oaxaca, and came without delay to meet the column. To-day at noon I met the enemy at “La Carbonera.” The battle began at 1 p. m. with great tenacity and determination on both sides. It is 7 o’clock p. m., and we are at Las Minas, having followed the enemy for three leagues, and captured 396 Austrian, Polish, and Hungarian prisoners, among whom are seven officers, four mountain rifled guns, over 600 carbines, and great abundance of munitions. I have had some very dear losses.

I have no time to lose, as I must prevent the escape of the enemy which was at Oaxaca with very good artillery and great abundance of arms, ammunition, and clothing. I will send you afterward a detailed account of this important victory.

Please congratulate the citizen President for it.