Señor Don Matias Romero to William H. Seward, July 13, 1866

Señor Romero to Mr. Seward

Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to transmit to you, for the information of the government of the United States, the copy of a letter I received from General Diaz, chief of the oriental line of the Mexican republic, dated at Tlapa the 9th of May last, informing me of the military operations of the forces under his command in the State of Oaxaca, together with the copy of a communication dated the 15th of June last, and addressed by General Garcia, second in command on the same line, from Amatlan, to the minister of war and marine of the Mexican republic, informing him of the movements recently taken place on the southern coast of the State of Vera Cruz, and chiefly in front of Tlacotalpam, now held by the French. I also enclose the two reports to which the said communication refers.

I am pleased to have this occasion of renewing to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration.

[Translation.]

MEXICAN REPUBLIC—ADVANCED SECTION ON TLACOTALPAM—COLONEL-IN-CHIEF.

Citizen General: Yesterday morning, at eight o’clock, the enemy, to the number of two hundred infantry and cavalry, sallied out of the city upon our advance, trying to surprise Commander Eulalio Vela, who was in ambush to watch the enemy hunting cattle. The consequence was a conflict which resulted in our favor, though Commander Vela had but one hundred men of both kinds.

The enemy fled in haste, leaving their dead in our hands.

When the skirmish began I moved with a column to threaten Fort Hornos. The enemy came out, but soon retreated with the loss of three men and four horses.

Commander Vela, whose bravery on this occasion corresponded with his reputation, received three bullet wounds, but did not leave the field till the enemy was driven back to his trenches. Lieutenant Lili was also wounded on an occasion that makes him worthy of recommendation. We had but two of our men killed, while the enemy paid dearly for his audacity. As soon as I heard Commander Vela was wounded, I sent Colonel Pablo Diaz to his aid. We buried six of the enemy found killed in the camp he had deserted. We also got three horses, fourteen percussion rifles, one sabre, harness, and some very bad provisions. We released two prisoners that had been forced into the enemy’s ranks. We learned from spies that the enemy had sixteen wounded.

On this occasion the gunboats could be of no service to the land forces because they were too far off, and the French marines despise the land forces and show contempt for them.

This I communicate to you for your information, congratulating you on the happy event that once more proves the valor and resolution of our troops.

Independence and liberty! Camp near Tlacotalpam, May 25, 1866.

FRANCISCO CARREON.

The Second General-in-Chief of the Eastern Line, at Amatlan.

Amatlan, June 15, 1866.

I certify to the above copy:

[Translation.]

MEXICAN REPUBLIC—HEADQUARTERS OF THE EASTERN LINE—SECOND GENERAL-IN-CHIEF.

Citizen Minister: Colonel Francisco Carreon, chief of the advance on Tlacotalpam, reported to me yesterday from the vicinity of that city, as follows:

“Citizen General: Having fixed upon a plan with Lieutenant Colonel Diaz y Lagos to attack the enemy in his lines, that officer marched with his section at daybreak along the river and began the battle. He was received with artillery and musketry, yet his brave men charged with the shout of Viva la republica, and drove the enemy from his trenches. The rangers then made an attack on the other side and succeeded in the object of their attack. Colonel Diaz y Lagos, having effected his design, retired without being molested. That brave officer and his valiant subordinates have demonstrated the true courage of the soldiers on the eastern line. When the firing had ceased in the direction of Ribera I attacked Fort Hornos with equal success. Lieutenant Colonel Ariza, at the head of a column composed of the second Zaragoza battalion and the Cosamaloapan, charged bayonets upon the enemy, who, however, held his position for a short time, and then suddenly fled to the city.

“During these skirmishes there were many personal fights of great honor to the republican soldiers. I then came to Lieutenant Colonel Ariza’s aid with my Acayucam company, to drive the haughty imperialists from the heights, whence they kept up a continued fire. The fight continued vigorously, and many houses along the river caught fire and were consumed. While our men were winning fadeless laurels I sent a company to the other side of the town and it accomplished what I wanted.

“At five in the afternoon I returned to my camp, after destroying Fort Hornos. My losses are detailed in annex No. 1.

“I cannot say what was the enemy’s loss, but we buried eleven bodies, and from traces of blood many wounded must have been carried off.

“All my officers and men did their duty, but I must particularize the brave conduct of Captain José Maria Iglesias, with Ariza’s forces, who fell bravely with sword in hand. He had the tribute of funeral honors, as mentioned in 2 and 3. The gallant conduct of Lieutenant Colonels Ariza and Diaz, as well as that of the ranger commanders and other officers, commend them to the gratitude of the nation.”

I communicate the above, with great respect, for your information, and in just eulogy to Colonel Carreon and the brave Mexicans who fought with him at Tlacotalpam, in defence of national independence.

The body of Captain Iglesias was buried to-day, with due honors, in the principal church, where the shade of his glorious memory will ever repose.

The Tuxtla national guards joined in the fight, and did good service on the opposite side of the river. I have not yet had the report of its colonel, Larrañaga. Honor and glory to the brave Mexicans who have on this occasion sacrificed themselves for their country.

Independence and liberty! Amatlan, June 3, 1866.

ALEJANDRO GARCIA.

The Military Commander of——.

Amatlan, June 15, 1866.

A certified copy:

[Translation.]

MÉXICAN REPUBLIC—FORCES NEAR TLACOTALPAM—COLONEL-IN-CHIEF.

Citizen General: Last night I heard the enemy had formed a new line of fortifications not far from the first, and I immediately determined to drive him out of them. So, with Colonel Diaz Lagos and Captain Jimenez, I took a position on the Casemate road, leaving a small force to protect the camp and baggage. At daylight Captain Jimenez attacked Puente Garcia, and was met by the enemy’s artillery and rifles. Colonel Diaz then came up, and drove the enemy back into the town. Next, Captain Lauro Candiani, Lieutenant Albino Reyes, and Prudencio Martinez, surrounded the town. I then sent out two companies of rangers, under Perez and Rohoso, to attack Teran. Captain Alonzo also came up with his cavalry. All these forces charged the enemy at once, and drove him back some distance. As the enemy’s cannonade was continuous, I sent Captain Bossa out with one company of the Zaragoza battalion to take their guns, while Colonel Ariza was to command all our forces. My right wing was well protected by cavalry, and my left was sustained by Lieutenants Zamudia and Barreiro, with a Minatitlan company. I stationed my line of reserve in the main road, and took a position with my own men at Hornos. This was scarcely effected when a brisk fire began on both sides. One of the French steamers then began to bombard the town; many houses were knocked down, and the thatched ones were burned. The spectacle at this moment was sad and imposing; the bells of St. Michael’s church, occupied by our soldiers, ringing strangely in contrast with the sight of burning houses.

The enemy had now retreated to their last intrenchments, and the object of our attack being gained, I ordered our forces to beat a retreat.

Our losses are detailed in No. 1. Ribera street, and the streets around St. Michael’s church, were strewn with dead bodies of the enemy.

All the troops of this section behaved gallantly, so I can give no special recommendations; but to comply with my duty, I must make honorable mention of the second company of active rangers, commanded by Captain Candiani, and of the Zaragoza battalion, under Captain Rohoso.

I have the honor to communicate this to you, with the greatest respect.

Independence and liberty! Camp near Tlacotalpam, June 6, 1866.

FRANCISCO CARREON.

The General Second in Chief of the Eastern Line, at Amatlan.

Amatlan, June 15, 1866.

A certified copy: