[Translation.]
Señor Romero to Mr. Seward
Mexican Legation in the United
States of America, Washington,
April 8, 1866.
Mr. Secretary: For the information of the
government of the United States, I have the honor to enclose you No. 11
of the official paper of the government of the republic of Mexico,
published at the town of Paso del Norte, on the 8th day of May last,
containing the official report made by the governor and military
commander of the State of Coahuila to the minister of war, in relation
to victories gained over the interventionists at San Juan de Guadalupe
and the hacienda of San Carlos, State of Durango, by the forces of the
republic, together with the reply of General Ignacio Mejia, minister of
war.
I avail myself of the opportunity to protest to you, Mr. Secretary, the
assurances of my most distinguised consideration.
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.
No. 1.
[From the official paper of the
Mexican government, El Paso Del Norte,
March 8,
1867.— Translation. ]
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
[Page 142]
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.
Independence and liberty!
San Buenaventura, January 29,
1866.
A. S. VIEZCA.
Eduardo Musquiz, Secretay pro tempore.
The Minister of War, Chihuahua.
No. 2.
[Translation. ]
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, OFFICE OF WAR AND MARINE—SECTION
FIRST.
The citizen President of the republic has considered your
communication of the 29th January, stating the plans for a new
campaign, and the generous aid contributed by the people of the
State, and is much pleased at such proofs of patriotism. He orders
me to thank you and the citizens who have aided to fit out the
expedition. He is indignant at the barbarous conduct of the French
troops, who came to burn the houses of Laguna, because they were
whipped at San Juan de Guadalupe and San Carlos, and General
Brincourt came all the way from Durango to murder two old men and a
child. Such deeds are evidence of the evils of intervention; and
these sanguinary and inhuman practices the French make use of to
terrify the people will certainly be avenged.
Independence and liberty! Paso del Norte, March 6, 1866.
MEJIA.
The Governor and Military Commander
of the State of Coahuila de Zaragoza,
(wherever he may be.)
Paso del Norte, March 6, 1866.
True copies:
MARIANO DIAZ, Chief
Clerk.
No. 3.
[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.
Liberty and reform!
Monclova, January 1, 1866.
A. S. VIEZCA.
Eduardo Muzquiz, Secretary pro tem. Chihuahua.
[Page 143]
No. 4.
[Translation]
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, OFFICE OF WAR AND MARINE—SECTION
FIRST.
Your report of the 1st January of the victories at San Juan de
Guadalupe and San Carlos, in the State of Durango, by Colonel Jesus
G. Herrera, has been made known to the President of the republic,
and he orders me to say to you that he is satisfied with the
important results of those operations, and the gallant conduct of
the chiefs and men engaged in them.
I have the honor to communicate this to you for your information and
the gratification of all interested.
Independence and liberty! Paso del Norte, March 6, 1866.
MEJIA.
The Governor and Military Commander
of the State of Coahuila de Zaragoza,
(wherever he may be.)
Paso del Norte, March 6, 1866.
True copies:
MARIANO DIAZ, Chief
Clerk.
