[Translation.]
Señor Romero to Mr. Seward
Mexican Legation in the United
States of America, Washington,
April 8, 1866.
Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to enclose you
a copy of No. 11 of the official paper of the government of the Mexican
republic, published on the 8th of May last, at the town of El Paso del
Norte, containing a circular of the governor and military commander of
the State of Sonora, dated the 30th of December last, reporting a
victory gained the day before, by the forces of the republic over a
party of interventionists; also, a communication from the said governor
to the minister of war, containing the report of General Angel Martinez
on his Alamos expedition, in which he dispersed the force of the
interventionist Almada; and lastly, the answer of the minister of war,
General Ignacio Mejia.
I accept the opportunity to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances
of my most distinguished consideration.
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.
No. 1.
[From No. 11 of the official paper
of the constitutional government of the Mexican republic,
Paso del Norte, March 8,
1868.—Translation.]
Circular from the government and military
commandancy of the State of Sonora.
“More than four hundred traitors, under Santiago Campillo, jr., and
F. Barcelo, attacked this place at one yesterday, and after one
hour’s contest, were completely routed and pursued for three leagues
by the reserves of the brave commander, Juan G. Escalante.
“The result of the battle was, two killed on our side, Jesus Maduena
and Reyes Vega, of the first batallion, and four wounded, among whom
was Surgeon Eugene S. Wakefield. The enemy lost thirty killed,
eleven wounded, and fifty-one prisoners. We took one hundred muskets
with ball cartridges, and twenty-odd saddled horses. Many of those
forced to fill the enemy’s ranks are deserting and coming to our
quarters.
“The conduct of our soldiers is worthy of the greatest eulogy. Both
officers and soldiers behaved with the greatest gallantry; they all
did their duty, and all they ask is to be led where they can be most
useful.”
I communicate this to you that you may make it known to the
inhabitants of your district.
Independence and liberty!
Matape, December 30, 1865.
J. GARCIA MORALES.
Thomas G. Pico, First Officer.
The Military Commandant
of the district of------------------.
No. 2.
[Translation. ]
GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY COMMANDANCY OF THE STATE OF
SONORA.
I have the honor to enclose you a copy of the official report and
private letter received yesterday from General Angel Martinez,
giving an account of his victory over the traitors in the district
of Alamos.
In reply to the general, I inform him that there are no other traitor
bands in the State except those of Salvador Vazques and Refugio
Canori, from two to three hundred men each—one in the district of
Arizipe, the other in Magdalena, both now quiet. I will soon
communicate with the general, and recommence operations.
Please communicate this to the President, and congratulate him for me
on account of the glorious victories due to the valor of General
Martinez.
Independence and liberty! Camp in
Noria, February 1, 1866.
J. GARCIA MORALES.
D. Elial, Acting
Secretary.
The Minister of War, Paso del Norte.
[Page 140]
No. 3.
[Translation.]
GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY COMMANDANCY OF THE STATE OF
SONORA—REPUBLICAN ARMY, BRIGADE OF OPERATIONS—UNITED
SECTIONS—GENERAL-IN-CHIEF.
I left Toro on the third for this city, determined to offer battle to
the traitor José M. T. Almada. I passed the night at Venda. At
midnight I sent out a band of scouts, under Cipriano Pardo, to
reconnoitre the enemy’s advance in Carrizal, which I expected to
reach on the fourth. On that night I sent all the cavalry under
Colonel Ascencion Correa, through by-roads, to surprise the enemy at
Salitral, while I advanced with the infantry, on the main road, to
aid him if necessary. The enemy was surprised, and a courier of
Almada was captured. He had despatches advising the commander at
Salitral to attack the enemy as soon as his re-enforcements should
arrive.
On the main road near Salitral I met an advance of the enemy and took
one prisoner; this was about day-break; I then sent for the cavalry
to join me.
I heard that Almada was about to move, so I hastened on and gained
the heights of Cuchu-jaqui, a strong point for the enemy if they had
got it. As the enemy did not appear, I continued to advance, meeting
no opposition but a small cavalry force that was soon put to flight
and pursued by Ensign Felipe Valle, with only twenty men, as far as
the edge of this city.
We rested three hours at Mercedes, and camped that night at San
Antonio de los Norotes.
On the 6th the enemy opened fire on my advance. I instantly changed
my position and marched to Carboneras heights, where I waited for
the attack. I sent out Cipriano Pardo with scouts; they reported
that the enemy was in this city. I then began to advance and fell
into ambush, but escaped without hurt.
At two o’clock on the morning of the 7th I marched round the hill to
get in the rear of the enemy; this I accomplished before daylight,
and had to wait some hours before it was light enough to begin the
attack. The enemy then perceiving us, sent out 150 sharpshooters to
annoy our flank. They were soon driven back.
I advanced with the squadron of lancers and the Hidalgo batallion,
sending the latter under Colonel Correa to flank the enemy, while
the cavalry was to be reserved to pursue the enemy if they attempted
to escape without fight. Thus arranged the battle began. The lancers
made the first attack, and their impetuosity decided the day. When I
rode towards the infantry Commander Pardo informed me that Almada
had taken to flight, protected by a small guard which I noticed in
the distance. I started after him at such a rapid pace that the
cavalry of tired horses could not keep up with me, and I suddenly
found myself in front of nine men. I drew my pistol and shot Antonio
Anselmo, brother of the traitor Almada, and second in command, while
the others ran away, leaving their horses and arms. My horse was
wounded by two shots.
This battle finishes the traitors in the district of Alamos. We took
five pieces of artillery, (three bronze and two iron,) 216 muskets,
and other munitions of war.
The enemy’s loss was about 180 of all ranks. The list of our killed
you will find annexed hereto.
I communicate this for your information, congratulating you on a
victory that will tend to restore peace to the weary country.
Independence and liberty!
Alamos, January 10, 1866.
ANGEL MARTINEZ.
Jesus G. Morales, General-in-chief of the
forces in Sonora, (wherever he may be.)
Headquarters at Noria, February 1, 1866.
A true copy:
No. 4.
[Translation. ]
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, OFFICE OF WAR AND MARINE—SECTION
FIRST.
Your despatch of the 1st ultimo, with the official report and private
letter of General Angel Martinez, has been received. It gives an
account of the battle of Alamos and the dispersion of the traitors
in that district under Almada.
The President of the republic is pleased to hear of the gallant
conduct of the Martinez brigade and the well-arranged plans of its
commander to perfect the entire pacification of the State which he
has mentioned.
[Page 141]
I communicate this to you by order of the President, who desires you
to inform General Martinez how much his conduct is appreciated.
Independence and liberty! Paso del Norte, March 6, 1866.
MEJIA.
General Jesus Garcia Morales, At Noria, (or wherever he may be.)
Paso del Norte, March 6, 1866.
True copies:
MARIANO DIAZ, Chief
Officer.
