Viezca to Eduardo Musquiz , Secretay pro tempore, March 8, 1867

Government and military commandancy of the state of Coahuila de Zaragoza.

The success of our arms at San Carlos and San Juan de Guadalupe, and the flattering prospect in the district of Parras, caused this government to attract the enemy’s attention by sending to Monterey for Colonel Geronimo Trevino’s forces, and proposing an attack on Saltillo or the city of Monterey itself. As the plan seemed plausible, an attack on Saltillo was fixed for the 15th instant. When the two hundred men were ready, (all we could arm in that quarter,) a despatch was received from the alcalde of Cuatro Cienagas, informing us of the arrival there of Colonel Jesus Gonzales Herrera from Parras, with three hundred men, having been driven out by Brincourt in force, aided by other imperialists under Francisco, Trevinoy and Maximo Campos. Of course this delayed our proposed expedition.

Not many days had passed before we heard from that quarter. Mention was made of the burning of Matamoras and Soledad, in that district, and of many houses of good patriots in Viezca; we heard of the murder of more than fifty innocent and unarmed persons, among them two men over eighty years of age, and a child of twelve. It was also said that Brincourt’s division had gone back to Durango, and left only three hundred French in Viezca.

As Colonel Gonzales had three hundred men with him, and could soon collect those dispersed by the French; and as the troops of Jeauningros were scattered at Parras, Saltillo, Rinconada, and Santa Catarina, and there were only six hundred of the enemy in Monterey, we determined to attack that town. On the 3d instant six hundred men were sent to Bajan, to act in concert with Colonel Trevino and Francisco Naranjo, with all probability of success.

I cannot omit to mention in this place, Mr. Minister, the honorable conduct of the people of this frontier. Considering the precarious situation to which they have been reduced by this foreign war, they have performed wonders; supplies have been furnished abundantly to our troops; clothing, horses, and arms to the forces of Laguna; and $9,000 to equip troops for Colonel Naranjo. Besides this they equipped 300 for Victoriano Zepeda, and furnished powder and other munitions to some forces in the State of New Leon.

Now the commander-in-chief will have the pleasure of starting on his expedition with men well clothed and well provided, and by the uninvited efforts of private citizens, prompted solely by feelings of patriotism and the desire to see foreigners driven from the land they have desecrated.

I must also inform you of the lucky escape of Commander Victor Berlanga from an ambuscade laid for him by the French in the State of Durango, with the loss of only a few provisions.

I will give you the particulars of the last fight as soon as they reach me.

I have the honor to inform you of this, that it may be communicated to the surpeme chief of the republic.