Viezca to Eduardo Muzquiz , Secretary pro tem. Chihuahua, January 1, 1866

[Translation.]

GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY COMMANDANCY OF THE STATE OF COAHUILA DE ZARAGOZA.

Colonel Jesus Gonzales Herrera informed me in a despatch of the 22d ultimo, from San Fernando, State of Durango, that about the middle of the month he marched on Parras, with one thousand men, aided by Colonel Juan Vega, with all the men he could raise in the district; on the way he received an insulting; challenge from the French officer in San Juan de Guadalupe, so he determined to attack that place first. He ordered Colonel Dario Lopez Orduno forward with a section of his troops, and he began the assault with his usual impetuosity. But a mortal wound soon disabled him, and he was brought from the field in a dying condition. Victor Berlanga succeeded him in command, and soon gained a complete victory. The enemy left seventy killed and many wounded and prisoners. Three men who were placed over the city to govern it were shot by our forces. We next moved on to San Carlos, in the same State, where there were 300 French and a number of traitors. The attack was made, and the enemy fled, leaving sixteen killed, fifteen wounded and five prisoners. We also shot eighteen fine horses. Though the soldiers were very tired, they pursued the enemy for several leagues. Colonel Herrera adds that he is now collecting his forces to move on Parras, which place he hopes to occupy in a very short time.

It affords me much pleasure to communicate to you these favorable feats of arms for the information of the President. I will make honorable mention of the men who distinguished themselves as soon as I get the particulars of the engagement.