Viezca to Eduardo Muzquiz , Secretary, April 22, 1866

Department on war and marine–Government and military commandancy of the state of Coahuila de Zaragoza.

The result of our victories in San Carlos and San Juan de Guadalupe determined us to march against Parras. It was thought expedient to draw the attention of the enemy in another direction, and with this intent, Colonel Geronimo Treviño, who was near Monterey with all his forces, was ordered to harass the enemy in the State of New Leon until we could unite and attack Saltillo or Monterey. He thought it a good idea, and prepared to start for Saltillo on the 15th of last month.

Two hundred men were ready when news came from Cuatro Cienagas that Colonel Jesus Gonzales Herrera had to quit Parras with three hundred men, as General Brincourt was marching upon that place with a division, and was soon to unite with the forces of Francisco Treviño and Maximo Campos. So our proposed expedition upon Saltillo had to be postponed.

Not many days had passed when we heard the French had burned Matamoras and Soledad, and all the houses of loyal citizens in the town of Viezca. We also heard they had murdered fifty unarmed and innocent people, among them two men eighty years of age, and a boy of twelve. After that Brincourt returned to Durango, leaving only three hundred men to garrison Viezca.

Now, as Jeanningros’s forces were scattered, and as there were only three hundred men in Monterey, we determined to take that place, with Treviño and Naranjo to assist us.

I cannot here omit a respectful mention of the people of this frontier. In spite of their destitution they furnished ammunition, clothes, and provisions to the troops raised in their region, and contributed nine thousand dollars to equip Colonel Naranjo’s forces; they also gave aid to Colonel Zepeda’s regiment, and even went to manufacturing powder for the brave patriots that needed it so much.

The best soldiers in our army come from that region, and the best of it is they are all volunteers!

I cannot close this despatch without informing you that when Commander Victor Berlanga was returning from Guadalupe, he was surprised by a large troop of French, but escaped with the loss of a few provisions.

I will communicate the detail of recent events to the department as soon as received. You will please bring this to the knowledge of the supreme chief of the republic.