Porfirio Diaz to Señor Don Mateo Romero , Washington, May 9, 1866

[Translation.]

Much Esteemed Friend: Your letters of the 22d of February and 23d of March last have just reached me, and inform me of the good aspect of our affairs in that country. They also tell me of your inability, up to the latest dates, to raise the means I so much need to effectual service. I wish to quit the skirmishing in which I am engaged as a pastime, but to operate on a great scale requires money; for without it, the men I can raise are of no service.

I have also received the government orders making me commander-in-chief of the eastern line, a proof of confidence I will remember with pleasure. I cannot say much about our situation here. When orders reached me I could have crossed to the other side of the State, (Oaxaca,) but as the enemy has only one point to watch, he could bring all his forces upon me, and as skirmishing did some good, I determined to remain here to Wait for supplies, so that I could cross over with some advantage. So if the enemy attempts to move, we can threaten him and hold him in check.

There is another reason: I could have more resources and elements of war in those towns, but the men are not so fit for service; being further south, they wish to fight in their own sections. As the resources are on that side, and the men on this, it is best to divide them. If I can do it, I will take men from Mixteca, the valley of Puebla, and Tlaxcala, who are disposed and can place confidence in me. If I cannot get means from you, Garcia, or elsewhere, I shall have to give up my plans and cross the State and do the best I can.

I will give you some brief details of my late operations. After my return to the coast from Mixteca, which I did in good order, though the enemy followed me closely, I changed my base of operations. One column followed me from Mixteca, and learning that another was coming from Sola and Juquila, I hurried and reached Pinotepa before them. There I stopped till both columns united, and then I went to Lo de Loto, where I waited for the enemy until the 25th of February. He succeeded in scattering my advance, and not one man got back to camp, and the first thing I knew the enemy was in front of me. I effected a retreat, moving to Ometepec and leaving my cavalry under the command of General Leysoa, with orders to cover our march. That incident interrupted my plans.

The enemy’s cavalry attacked us twice and were repulsed both times. I lost one officer, Manuel Alberto, in the skirmish, killed three of the enemy, wounded many, and took one prisoner.

I got some supplies in Ometepec and marched hurriedly to Janieltepec. The enemy was surprised to hear I was a day’s journey in a direction different from what he thought. I suddenly countermarched towards his base of operations, and attacked him with such success that we captured 232 muskets and some ammunition.

On the 14th of April I marched to Putla with a small force and routed a detachment of 200 men. On the 25th I gathered all the enemy left, secured transportation for the booty, and went on the next day to Tlajiaco. The garrisons of that place, Tastlahuaca, and Huajuapam, had gone to Teposcohila. I advanced to Tolomecal, which the enemy had left for Tantuezlan. They heard of my movements in Oaxaca, and the enemy was re-enforced. I then countermarched to Tlajiaco, to surprise the Austrian garrison, but it had retired and joined the main body of the army.

My movement upon Tlajiaco produced the good effect of calling the enemy’s attention in that direction, supposing I was going to attack in force, and General Leysoa reached his place of destination in safety.

I think to remain here some days to rest my troops and equip others with the arms I took from the enemy, and do other things which I need not mention.

My great trouble is want of means. I am invited by all the towns, that offer me men and the arms the empire has furnished them, but I have no money to pay them, and I prefer the small force I have. If I had means I could enlarge my force and march where there are wealthy traitors and make them pay the expenses of this war. My expenses are small; my soldiers only get twelve cents a day, and often less, and the officers serve without pay.

Some advise me to levy forced loans upon the towns, but I do not think it best; extortion is contrary to my nature, whatever Forey may say to the contrary.

I have had the last government decrees published. The first, prolonging the presidency, was very favorably received. I have not mentioned this to you before, because I considered it my duty to obey or resign. The plan seems to me not only the best, but the only one to be adopted.

The decree for the prosecution of General Ortega and other officers like him is in accordance with the rules and practices of the army. I believe in the rigor of martial law, and I think the government has done exactly right.

I beg you will continue your favors, while I remain your friend and servant,