Tomas Mejia to Mariano Escobedo, Chief of the Army Corps of the North, (wherever he may be.), January 9, 1866

[Translation]

Department of State, Office of War and Marine–Section first.

The citizen President has been pleased to see the report of operations against Matamoras in your note of the 14th of November, which I am now answering. The valor and determination of the troops that fought under your orders; their sufferings from bad weather and want of provisions; the good conduct of the chiefs and officers in the various fights that took place at that time, and your own prudence, have deserved the President’s esteem, and have proved, although the final design was not accomplished, that they are worthy of the cause they defend, and that the country can trust to their valor for safety and final triumph. I communicate this to you, by order of the President, for your satisfaction, and the gratification of all those who fought under you at the siege of Matamoras.