Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Thirty-ninth Congress
Señor Romero to Mr. Seward
Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to transmit to you, for the information of the government of the United States, the documents mentioned in the annexed index, mostly taken from the official paper of the government of the Mexican republic, and containing chiefly official reports of military operations in the northern military division of the Mexican republic, from June to September of the present year.
I avail myself of this favorable occasion to repeat to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration.
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., & c., & c.
Index of documents sent by the Mexican legation in Washington to the Department of State of the United States, with the note of this date, relating to the military operations of the northern army of the Mexican republic from June to September. 1866.
| No. | Date. | Contents. |
| 1866. | ||
| 1 | June 29 | Official report of General Escobedo to the minister of war, in relation to the capitulation of Matamoras made between General Carvajal and Tomas Mejia. |
| 2 | June 25 | Opinion of the quartermaster general of the army of the north on said capitulation. |
| 3 | June 23 | Text of the capitulation. |
| 4 | Aug. 4 | The minister of war to General Escobedo, informing him that the government disapproves of the capitulation agreed upon between General Carvajal and Don Tomas Mejia, and ordering General Carvajal to be tried by court-martial. |
| 5 | Aug. 7 | The appointment of General Tapia as governor of the State of Tamaulipas. |
| 6 | Aug. 26 | General Tapia to the minister of war, accepting the office. |
| 7 | Aug. 12 | An act drawn up in Matamoras rejecting General Carvajal as governor and making Colonel Canales governor for the time being. |
| 8 | Aug. 13 | Proclamation of Colonel Canales. |
| 9 | Sept. 12 | The minister of war informs General Tapia that the government disapproves of the events that occurred in Matamoras on the 12th. |
| 10 | Aug. 13 | Colonel Canales to the minister of relations, communicating to him all that happened in Matamoras on the day of the 12th. |
| 11 | Oct. 2 | Reply of the minister of relations to the preceding. |
| 12 | Aug. 13 | Colonel Canales communicates the events of the 12th to the minister of war. |
| 13 | Oct. 2 | The minister of war’s reply to Colonel Canales’s note. |
| 14 | Aug. 13 | Colonel Canales communicates the capitulation of Tampico to the minister of war. |
| 15 | Aug. 7 | Text of the capitulation. |
| 16 | Oct. 2 | The minister of war informs the governor of Tamaulipas that the capitulation is approved, with certain restrictions. |
| 17 | Aug. 22 | Tampico correspondence, giving details of the political situation of that port. |
| 18 | Aug. 8 | Official report of General Arce on the occupation of the city of Nazas, in the State of Durango. |
| 19 | Aug. 16 | Reply of the minister of war to the above despatch. |
| 20 | Aug. 5 | Official report of General Escobedo to the minister of war on the occupation of the cities of Monterey and Saltillo by the forces under his command. |
| 21 | Aug. 28 | The minister of war’s reply to the above despatch. |
| 22 | Aug. 8 | General Escobedo’s proclamation. |
| 23 | Aug. 8 | Official report of General Viezca on the occupation of the city of Saltillo, the capital of the State of Coahuila. |
| 24 | Aug. 21 | Reply of the minister of war. |
| 25 | Aug. 8 | Letter of General Viezca to the President of the republic, on the submission of the traitors Quiroga and Campos. |
No. 1.
Mexican Republic–Northern Army Corps.
By the enclosed documents you will hear of the capitulation of the traitor Tomas Mejia to General Juan José de la Garza, and the terms of the same, together with the remarks of the quartermaster general of the army under my command on that subject.
When Ireached this place, citizen minister, I could have annulled the stipulations between the traitor Mejia and General Garza, as the latter had no power to negotiate with a traitor who had done so much harm to the nation; but I wanted to confine myself to the chief duty of making war on the enemies of my country, and for that reason I wrote to the governor general that I was displeased with the act, for General Garza and Carvajal came from abroad to Mexico, and had no right to let Mejia off, helping him away and securing him from danger; therefore I protest, in the name of the army of the north and of the supreme government, against the offence.
If General Garza and Carvajal had not contributed to Mejia’s evasion, he might have got away alone, without a soldier, for I was marching upon the town; now he can go on with the war, and the blood of our soldiers, shed on the battle-field in defence of their country, will be sterile in its results. In fine, citizen minister, when the traitor Mejia was in a bad fix, after the glorious victory of Santa Gertrudis, two Mexican generals living in the United States of the north, went over into Mexico and assisted him to get away. Let me call your particular attention to this fact, and ask you to make it known to the President of the republic that he may decide upon it.
The Minister of War and Marine of the Mexican Republic, (wherever he may be.)
No. 2.
Mexican Republic, Army Corps of the North–General-in-Chief.
General Santiago Tapia, quartermaster of the army of the north, reports to me on the 25th as follows:
“Remarks on the terms of capitulation between General Juan José de la Garza and the traitor Mejia, addressed by the quartermaster of the army of the north to the general-in-chief of the same.
“Citizen General: The undersigned, believing it to be of great importance for the political future of the country—the capitulation made by the traitor Mejia to General Juan J. de la Garza—has reflected upon it seriously, and taking it in a military point of view as well as political, patriotic, and humanitarian, expresses his opinion, supported by the justice and testimony of his own conscience, regretting that his limited capacity does not allow him to do full justice to the subject.
“The citizen General Garza, in communicating with the enemy, did not act according to the precepts of military law, for he was in a foreign country without forces to threaten Matamoras, and was in no condition where the laws of war permit a capitulation like this which we are discussing. Moreover, as your army was near the before-mentioned place and had just gained a victory, and was on the way with ample elements to destroy the enemy that garrisoned Matamoras, and as the affair of Santa Gertrudis had caused a panic, and the enemy was far from aid, among hostile people, and did not even trust their officers and chiefs, it was General Garza’s duty to let you decide upon the proposals made by the traitor Mejia.
“It is certain the place could have been occupied without conditions, for I am sure you would not have compromised with the traitors, but would have executed our laws upon them.
“Considering these circumstances, the citizen General Garza ought not to have interfered, but should have delivered the enemy up to the chiefs who are sustaining the rights of their country by force of arms. Now, taking into consideration the power citizen General Garza was supposed to have to act in the manner he did, it may be observed he forgot in a lamentable manner that General Carvajal, being abroad, had no rights of any kind in the political or military affairs of our country, and therefore could not legally accept any obligation, or assent to any act that did not benefit the country.
“If those citizens had wanted to do a positive service to the country, they might have collected what forces they could around Matamoras, and annoyed the enemy, even at a distance, and prevented his escape by land. But instead of that, General Garza allowed Mejia to triumph unexpectedly by getting off with his troops, arms, and ammunition; and so the traitor escaped, and will probably go to Maximilian and make him believe it was by strategy he got away, instead of by an error of General Garza and his aids.
[Page 412]“In this ease positive advantages were sacrificed for the pleasure of holding Matamoras a few days, greatly to the national injury; and Garza violated the laws of war by granting honors to traitors that should only be granted to loyal and worthy enemies. I will not analyze General Garza’s conduct in hastening the capitulation mentioned, because I think him incapable of wishing to appropriate to himself the honors of a victory gained by others, and where he was not even present; but I regret his treatment of an enemy undeserving the rights of war.
“The political aspect of the capitulation contains ruinous principles, those of leaving criminals unpunished, when the laws of the country are strictly applicable to the traitorous offenders.
“The pardon of Mejia will encourage traitors and destroy all political morality, and hereafter any one may trample on the laws with impunity. If traitors are thus permitted to treat with loyal leaders—and all adherents of the empire are traitors—it establishes a fatal precedent that will do great injury to the country, leave traitors unpunished, and allow any one to scoff at national justice.
“It is demonstrated that in wars like the one we are now waging all nations adopt a fixed policy towards foreign enemies and invaders and traitors who aid them; and these principles or that policy have not been observed in Mejia’s capitulation, for he and his contemptible adherents ought to have forfeited their lives upon the scaffold. The enemies of our country attribute to the republican party all sorts of mean aspirations, and say we are acting to gratify exaggerated passion; but does such lenity prove it? Fortunately for the good name of Mexico, frequent acts of abnegation and endurance, united to the greatest unselfishness, and sacrifices of large fortunes as well as private interests dear to the heart of man, have been offered as a holocaust by our brothers upon the altars Of the country, and they refute all those truthless and undeserved assertions.
“Reflecting on the strange way in which Matamoras was occupied, I have sometimes thought the authors of the plan believed they were acting humanely in compromising with the traitors and not shedding their blood when they were in a very perilous position, not considering that Mejia, with those resources in his hands, now with perfect liberty to use them by virtue of the treaty of capitulation, may cause the ruin of numberless families; for his ferocious nature will impel him to dash upon the friends of those who spared his life with more bitterness than ever; and in a few days he will begin operations in the direction of Tampico, on the forces of the patriotic Colonel Ascencion Gomez, and then the nation, the mothers, widows, and orphans who are mourning the loss of dear relatives and cherished friends, will curse those who are trully to blame for the calamities.
“I have here given my opinion with the frankness that characterizes me, and in compliance with my duty on accepting the place of quartermaster of your army to be useful to my country in every way, and to speak to you loyally whenever circumstances require it, and when my silence might compromise me before my fellow-citizens. Therefore it is my duty, as general of the republic and quartermaster of this army, to say to you that I deem the honor of the nation insulted if you do not protest against and make void the strange and pertinicious capitulation made by General Garza and others, since it benefited Mejia and not Mexico, helping the traitors, and thus criminating themselves as aiders and abettors of treason, that threatens to overthrow our national independence.
“To prevent the republic and other nations that regard us from supposing us to be accomplices, through false prudence, of a crime that tarnishes the honor of the country, violates the laws and encourages our enemies, forgetting or disregarding the respect due to the supreme authority, we ought, with all the energy of reason, justice, and right, protest, as I recommended you, against the said capitulation. Notwithstanding the reasons I have given, on examining them, I am sure you will act as your political conscience dictates, directed by the responsibility that hangs over you as general-in-chief of an army corps in the field, and in accordance with the general ordinances of that army.
“Independence and liberty! Matamoras, June 25, 1866.
“SANTIAGO TAPIA.”
This I communicate to you for your information and communication to the citizen President of the republic.
The Minister of War and Marine of the Mexican Republic, (wherever he may be.)
No. 3.
Mexican Republic–Northern Army Corps–Seal.
In the heroic city of Matamoras, on June 22, 1866, appeared General Don Tomas Mejia, on the one part, and the city commissioners, Messrs. Augustin Menchaca, Juan Prado and Antonio de la Garza Chapa, and on the other, General Juan José de la Garza, authorized by [Page 413] the governor of Tamaulipas, General José M. J. Carvajal, to treat about the surrender of the town, under certain conditions, who agreed upon the basis contained in the following articles:
Article 1. General Mejia delivers the town of Matamoras, within forty-eight hours, to General Juan José de la Garza, chief of the Tamaulipas division, now operating on Matamoras.
Article 2. The reception of the town will be in accordance with the usual formalities, and in respect to the condition of the forces, armament, &c.
Article 3. General Mejia is allowed to withdraw the rest of his division, with arms and two rounds for each man, on the Bagdad road, without molestation by the liberal forces.
Article 4. The inhabitants shall be guaranteed in their lives, property, and general interests, without prosecution, directly or indirectly, or molestation for former political opinions or conduct.
Article 5. The State government reserves the right of trying the principal persons whose conduct needs investigation for public vindication.
And as proof, and for subsequent effect, the present is signed in duplicate.
TOMAS MEJIA.
JUAN PRADO.
AUGUSTIN MENCHACA.
ANTONIO DE LA GARZA CHAPA.
JUAN JOSÉ DE LA GARZA.
Headquarters at Ranchito, June 23, 1866—3 a. m.
I ratify the above.
CARVAJAL.
Ranchito, June 23, 1866.
A certified copy of the original.
EMILIO VELASCO, Secretary.
Matamoras, June 29, 1866.
I certify to this copy.
No. 4.
Department of State–Office of War and Marine–Section first.
With this date, I say to the citizen general of division, Jose M. J. Carvajal, governor and military commander of the State of Tamaulipas, as follows:
“In a communication from the citizen general-in-chief of the northern army corps, dated at Matamoras the 29th June, to which is annexed a copy of the capitulation made by you, through your commissioner, Juan José de la Garza, with Tomas Mejia, chief of the garrison of that town, the citizen President of the republic has learned that when the enemy was routed at Santa Gertrudis, and all alive were taken prisoners, leaving their artillery in our hands, with the arms, ammunition, and a quantity of goods, to the terror of the small garrison of Matamoras, on which the victorious forces were marching, you, just arrived in Tamaulipas from the United States, instead of collecting troops to prevent the escape of the traitors, entered into negotiations wish them and helped them to escape with the honors of war, and giving them guarantees that only the supreme government could grant.
“The citizen President cannot understand the reason you had for acting in that manner, making a treaty with the enemy when you had no forces to compel him to it, and General Escobedo was advancing on Matamoras by forced marches.
“Therefore it has been determined to decree as follows:
“First. The capitulation made by you on the 22d of June, through your commissioner, Juan José de la Garza, with Don Tomas Mejia. chief of the Matamoras garrison, is hereby declared null and of no force, because those who made it on the part of the republican government had not the proper authority.
“Second. Therefore, both you and Juan José de la Garza, who are responsible for the act, shall be subject to trial, you answering for the capitulation, and Juan José de la Garza, in part for same, and for other misconduct during this war, which I communicate to you by order of the citizen President for your information, and that you may issue the necessary orders for the execution of the above decrees.”
I transcribe this to you, for your information, in reply to your note of the 29th June, enclosing the opinion of the quartermaster general of the army corps on the subject.
General Mariano Escobedo, Chief of the Northern Army Corps, (wherever he may be.)
No. 5.
Department of Foreign Relations and Government–Government Branch–Section first.
Trusting to your patriotism, and as a reward for your services, the citizen President of the republic has been pleased to appoint you governor of the State of Tamaulipas. I send you instructions in another paper, ordering you to repair to that territory without delay, to begin the duties of your office. I enclose this despatch to citizen General José M. de J. Carvajal, former governor of that State, for his instruction.
Citizen General Santiago Tapia, Governor of the State of Tamaulipas.
No. 6.
Mexican Republic–National Army–General of brigade.
Citizen Minister: I learn with pleasure from your note of the 7th instant of the appointment of myself as governor of the State of Tamaulipas, by the chief magistrate of the republic.
I accept the office, but I must say that I do it because the State is in trouble in every branch of its administration, physical, moral, political, and military.
Be pleased to express my thanks to the President for the confidence he has shown for me in giving me the office.
The Citizen Minister of Relations and Government, Chihuahua.
No. 7.
An act drawn up by the garrison of this town.
In the town of Matamoras de Tamaulipas, on the 12th of August, 1866, its garrison assembled, composed of the following brigades and corps: Hinojosa brigade, first cavalry corps, first Tamaulipas battalion, second Tamaulipas battalion, Bravo shooters, Canales brigade, government escort, supreme power corps, Tamaulipas guides, mountain riflemen, Camargo squadron, Guerrero squadron, exploring corps, loyal Tamaulipans, Burgos loyals, Vera rangers, reform battalion, artillery battalion, Bravo lancers, and exploring volunteers.
Considering that citizen José Maria Jesus Carvajal, acting governor and military commander of the State, is not fit to govern it under present circumstances, because he does not pay the garrison, and makes no effort to do so;
Considering that the money contributed by the city has been uselessly wasted, to the neglect of the soldiers’ wants;
Considering that citizen Carvajal’s political progress has been feeble and indecisive, when in these times it should be strong and resolute;
Considering the small influence citizen Carvajal has over the garrison and the inhabitants of this city, he should not remain in power;
Considering that if violent and energetic means are not resorted to, greater evils may result;
Considering, finally, it is the duty of this garrison to stop this ruinous imposition, the chiefs, officers, and soldiers of said garrison have resolved:
1. To reject and depose citizen José M. J. Carvajal as governor and military commander of the State of Tamaulipas; 2. To make Colonel Servando Canales governor and military commander of the State, for his services to the national cause, and from the confidence we have in him; 3. That citizen Benito Juarez, constitutional President of the Mexican republic, be informed of this gubernatorial change in the State, and the reasons for it, while we declare our fidelity to all decrees and orders emanating from the supreme government of the nation; 4. That Colonel Servando Canales be informed of these resolutions, that he may assume the duties of said office in this State.
PEDRO HINOJOSA, General of the First Brigade.
The other signatures follow.
No. 8.
Servando Canales, cavalry colonel in the Republican Army, governor and military commander of the state of Tamaulipas.
Fellow-citizens: Yesterday you witnessed a military movement that deposed General Jose M. J. Carvajal from the office of civil and military governor of the State. You know the reasons of that act: a general dissatisfaction prevailed among the people, and there was no other remedy. Fortunately there was no blood shed, and not a gun fired. It was the best way to express the will of the garrison.
By your vote, and the will of my companions in arms, I am now doing the duty as civil and military governor of the State, which office I have accepted in pure gratitude to your confidence, and to prevent a headless government from going to destruction
I am aware of the dangers of the present crisis, and if I dare to brave them, it is with purest intentions to see my country free and happy.
Fellow-citizens: My government hoists the standard of independence and liberty, symbolized by the most holy principles of union and fraternity. I solicit and expect the aid of all the citizens of this State. I will hear the counsel of all, as humanity is apt to err from weakness. My government shall be the people’s government. Candor and good faith shall be my guide; we will have no disputes, no personal differences, no envies. We will lay our animosities aside, sacrifice our hate on the country s altar; let no sentiments find a place in your hearts but the desire for the independence and liberty of Mexico. Long life to the republic and liberty!
No. 9.
Department of Home Affairs, Office of the Secretary of Foreign and Home Affairs–Section first.
The citizen President of the republic has heard with regret of the act committed in the city of Matamoras, on the 12th of August last, by the forces under command of General Pedro Hinojosa and Colonel Servando Canales, with a view that the political and military command of the State of Tamaulipas should devolve on the second named officer, who accepted it in a proclamation issued on the 13th, thereby disavowing General J. M. de J. Carvajal, the incumbent at the time. Even had there been just motives for the dismissal of General Carvajal, it was only the supreme government that had the right to order his dismissal; and it had already so determined, on the 4th of said month, in order that General Carvajal might answer the charges against him for the capitulation he granted to Don Tomas Mejia.
You were then appointed as governor and military commandant to supersede General Carvajal. But until you superseded him, and until this determination of the government came to the knowledge of General Carvajal’s subordinates, they were bound to respect his authority. This error cannot, however, be excused, because of the third resolution of the act above mentioned, where it is provided to refer it to the citizenr Pesident, under protest, and abide by his determination. Such means having been used previously, in other like movements, does not deprive them of their true character of revolt, contrary to the most binding duties imposed by law and military discipline. No hope for the salvation of the country can be entertained, if a stop is not put to military revolts, which have so far been the cause of the misfortunes of the republic. The nation has been struggling for the last nine years against parties that revolted against the constitution and the laws, which, after having been defeated, went as far as treason itself, by calling foreigners to their aid. The people are struggling to establish forever respect for national law. and the principle that authority should not be derived through violence, by force of arms, but arise from the laws consented to by the free will and votes of the citizens; that law be superior to force: that public power be superior to military mutinies; and that arms be in the hands of those citizens who, instead of disregarding the laws and dismissing public officers, will but serve their country by true allegiance to the constituted authorities, and strict obedience to the laws. Disapproving, as the citizen President does disapprove, the military movements at Matamoras. and disavowing all the acts arising therefrom, he entreats you that, beside all the steps you may have taken as governor and military commander of the State of Tamaulipas, you should provide the best means for the submission of those forces, and direct Hinojosa and Colonel Canales to proceed to the seat of the supreme government, to answer for their conduct.
Independence and liberty! Chihuahua, September 12, 1866.
General Santiago Tapia, Governor and Military Commandant of the State of Tamaulipas, Matamoras.
No. 10.
Department of Foreign Relations and Government–Mexican Republic–Government of the state of Tamaulipas.
Citizen Minister: At two o’clock yesterday there was a political move in this city that resulted in the removal of General José M. J. Carvajal as governor and military commander of the State, and it was so unanimous and orderly that not one gun was fired, and the city soon subsided into its usual quiet.
I was immediately chosen by popular will to replace Carvajal, and I have taken charge of both offices in obedience to public opinion and to prevent anarchy.
You will learn the causes and reasons for the move from the papers I send you.
I have the honor to inform you of this, and request you will make it known to the citizen President, to whom, as well as to you, I make my humble submission.
The Minister of Relations and Government, Chihuahua.
No. 11.
Office of Government–Section first.
Your despatch of the 13th of August has reached the President. You tell of the move in Matamoras making you governor in place of José M. de J. Carvajal.
On the 7th of August General Santiago Tapia was made governor and military commander of your State. On the 12th of September I sent you a despatch informing you that the President disapproved of the terms of the Matamoras surrender and annulled all the articles, ordering Pedro Hinojosa and you to present yourselves to the supreme government to answer for your conduct. This despatch and the commission of General Tapia were published in the official paper of the 14th of September, of which I send you a copy.
The President requests me to say to you to obey the orders of Tapia, and to present yourself at headquarters immediately.
Colonel Servando Canales, Matamoras.
No. 12.
Department of State, Office of War and Marine–Mexican Republic– Government of the state of Tamaulipas.
Citizen Minister: I have the honor to inform you that on yesterday, at two o’clock in the afternoon, a political move occurred in this place, the sole design of which was to overthrow the administration of General J. M. J. Carvajal, for reasons stated in the papers accompanying this note. Only a change of persons has taken place. Carvajal was deposed from the place of civil and military governor of the State, and I have assumed those offices in accordance with the will of the people and the garrison, so as not to leave the government without a head to prevent anarchy and confusion, that would be so disastrous at a time like this.
Consequently, the undersigned and all the forces in the town are at the orders of citizen Benito Juarez, the worthy President of the republic, and are entirely disposed to continue fighting in defence of the sacred rights of independence and liberty. Be pleased, citizen minister, to communicate this note to the citizen President of the republic, and accept the best expressions of my respect and esteem.
The Minister of War and Marine, (wherever he may be.)
No. 13.
Department of State, Office of War and Marine–Section first.
From your despatch of the 13th of August the citizen President of the republic has heard of the move that occurred in your city on the 12th, when the garrison disavowed General Jose M. J. Carvajal as governor and military commander of the State and appointed you in his place till the decision of the supreme government, which offices you say you accept to prevent fatal consequences that otherwise might take place.
[Page 417]Before receiving your communication, when the President heard of the capitulation between Generals Carvajal and Tomas Mejia, General Santiago Tapia was made military governor of the State to prevent any evil results; but the supreme magistrate of the nation disapproves of the removal and substitution by armed force, and therefore orders were sent to General Tapia to summon you and General Hinojosa to appear before the government to answer for their conduct. When that is done your declarations will be duly considered.
Colonel Servando Canales, in Matamoras, or elsewhere,
No. 14.
Mexican Republic–Government of the state of Tamaulipas.
Citizen Minister: Colonel Gomez, chief of the brigade of that name, reports from Tampico on the 6th instant as follows:
“You will learn from the accompanying paper that finally, this day at three o’clock in the afternoon, this town fell into our hands, and consequently all the French and traitors that held it so long are expelled from the territory. On informing you of that pleasant event, I have the satisfaction of congratulating you, and of informing you that as soon as it can be done a circumstantial report of all that happened during the siege will be made out, with a list of all that was taken from the enemy, in accordance with the agreement entered into between General Pavon and the French chiefs.”
I am pleased to send this to your department for the information of the President of the republic, whom I congratulate on the splendid victory over the French and traitors that held the important town of Tampico.
The Minister of War and Marine, (wherever he may be. )
No. 15.
Military convention signed by General Desiderio Pavon, commander of the Mexican liberal forces operating on Tampico, S. Revaud, chief of the French naval forces, and Mr. Langlois, chief of the French forces in Tampico.
Article 1 The French troops now in the Casa Mata and Octavo forts shall appear on the wharf to-morrow, the 8th, between two and three o’clock of the afternoon, with their arms, their baggage, and their flag displayed, the band playing a march, with full cartridge-boxes for each man, to embark for leaving.
Art. 2. An armistice shall be religiously observed by both belligerents from now till the French gunboats that transport the troops shall have crossed the bar of the port.
Art. 3. French subjects residing in Tampico shall have full protection, and Consul Charles de St. Charles, having charge of the French and Belgian consulates, shall continue to exercise his duties as heretofore with all due protection.
No. 16.
Department of State–Office of War and Marine–Section first.
From your despatch of the 18th of August, and the accompanying papers, the citizen President of the republic has learned with pleasure that on the 8th of this month the important town of Tampico was entirely occupied by the republican forces, and the French garrison that held it left, in accordance with a convention between General Desiderio Pavon and its commanders; and the chief magistrate agreeing that circumstances made it necessary to draw up a treaty allowing the enemy to evacuate the place with their arms, baggage, &c., according to articles 1 and 2, has been pleased to ratify it; but he cannot and does not approve of article 3, because the consuls that favored intervention and desired the republic cannot be recognized as consuls, or have any official character; yet, like other foreign subjects, they are entitled to the protection that is allowed by the law of nations and the laws of the republic.
I communicate the above to you in reply to your despatch, and for consequent action.
The Military Commander, of the State of Tamaulipas, in Matamoras, (or wherever he may be.)
No. 17.
[Untitled]
My Dear Sir: Before this reaches your hands your readers will doubtless be in possession of the intelligence of the capture of this important post by the constitutional forces; but some further details, from an eye-witness of what has occurred here, may not prove uninteresting.
On the morning of the 1st instant a detachment of the constitutional forces of this State, under the command of Colonel Manuel Cuesta, suddenly appeared before Fort Iturbide, and assaulted it with the cry of “Viva la libertad!” Upon this the entire Mexican force, which had been placed in the fort as garrison, went over in a body to the liberals, and the fort and all its supplies fell into the possession of Colonel Cuesta. Eleven Frenchmen, including the commandant of the fort, were killed in the melée.
The State troops then rushed into the city and secured possession of Plaza Libertad and the custom-houses, and opened a brisk fire of musketry on the gunboat Musquito, driving her from her moorings, but she finally escaped with the French collector of customs and several Mexican rebels on board. The liberal forces then advanced to the Plaza de Armas, where they met the imperialists, and drove them to the forts Casa Mata and Octavo.
On the following day the Huesteca troops, numbering some one thousand men of all arms, under the command of General Pavon, crossed over from Puebla Viejo and effected a junction with the State troops. Hostile operations were continued until the 7th, the liberals not having sufficient powder to move as effectively as they wished and as the numercial strength of their force would have permitted. Meanwhile the dwelling-houses of the town suffered. severely from the merciless fire of the French forts, which being situated on elevated ground enabled them to aim at any house they wished to destroy. Notwithstanding this, however, they seemed to throw their fire indiscriminately through the city, killing men, women, and children, and causing the most wanton destruction of property. On the morning of the 7th two gunboats from Vera Cruz appeared in the river, cautiously approaching Fort Iturbide, and about three p. m. Casa Mata and the gunboats seemed to open a simultaneous fire upon the fort, which was continued until five p.m., when the gunboats reached the anchorage abreast the Plaza de Armas and hoisted a flag of truce, which was at once answered by the Mexican liberal commander.
The United States consul general and the Prussian and Spanish consuls were then authorized to confer with the French senior naval officer, in the presence of the Mexican Colonel Gomez, and preliminary stipulations were entered into for the retirement of the French forces and the surrender of the forts remaining in their possession. A further interview then took place in Casa Mata, and at eleven p. m. the terms of capitulation with all the honors of war were signed. At three p. m. on the following day the last remnant of the French force in the State of Tamaulipas was embarked upon the gunboats, and the soil of the State was again free from the presence of the foreign invader.
This town now bears the impress of the horrors of war. Houses more or less destroyed and injured by shot and shell, families mourning the loss of some of their number, and the traitors who have had imperial appointments trembling and in mortal dread of what is to be the result of their past misdeeds. The few French residents here are not molested, but they wear most elongated visages and whisper maledictions against the United States, to whose support of the liberals and opposition to the “empire” they attribute its rapid downfall. The liberal forces, since their occupation of the city, have behaved exceedingly well, and it is impossible to describe the feeling of relief and freedom that is experienced by all classes at the termination of the reign of terror which we have experienced during the whole of the French occupation. Communication with the interior is again open, and there is now a chance to move freely after the confinement we have been suffering here for more than two years past.
The political prefect, Don Toribio de la Torre, who had made himself so odious to his countrymen during the imperial occupation, and particularly in enforcing the barbarous decree of Maximilian of the 3d of October last, was caught at an early hour on the morning of the 1st, and was summarily executed. Such has been his traitorous reward.
Don Matildo Romero, who had been judge of the district during the Maximilian régime, and has played a conspicuous part in the imperial role, took refuge in the house of the United States consul general, where his family had already preceded him, and solicited the influence of Mr. Chase to save his life. This was, of course, cheerfully promised, and he was assured that the consul had authority from the military commanders to protect the lives and property of all who took refuge with him; yet such was the fear and remorse of the unhappy man that, notwithstanding all the assurances that were proffered to him, he could not overcome his fright, and committed suicide by taking poison. His treason to his country thus found its punishment at his own hands.
The conduct of the French at this place has been without excuse. After ruining the commerce of the place by their occupation, they have finished the work of destruction by bombarding the town, and inflicting wanton injury upon private property. They have also caused a great loss of life among those who were entirely non-eombatants. Their civilization has proved itself infinitely worse than any the past record of Mexico has ever presented.
Senor Don Matias Romero, Washington City, D. C.
No. 18.
Republican Army–Headquarters of the commanding general–Number 2.
Citizen Minister: I have the honor to inform you that this city was occupied to-day by our forces, driving out 100 traitors that held it, five of whom we killed, wounded 12, and took 59 prisoners, including two principal chiefs, who are dangerously wounded. All the enemy’s horses, arms, equipments, and ammunition were taken.
Be pleased to make this known to the President, and accept for yourself the assurances of my consideration and obedience.
Independence and liberty! Nazas, August 8,1866.
The Citizen Minister of War, at Chihuahua.
No. 19.
Department of State, Office of War and Marine–Section first.
By your despatch of the 8th instant, the President of the republic is pleased to learn that you have occupied Nazas, held by 100 traitors, five of which you killed, took 12 wounded and 59 prisoners, among them the two chiefs, badly wounded.
Independence and liberty! Chihuahua, August, 16, 1866.
General Francisco Arce, at Nazas.
No. 20.
Mexican Republic–Army of the North–General-in-Chief.
As I have already informed you, I set out from Matamoras, dividing my forces into three columns, and a ten days’ rain made me go slow. Yet the enemy holding the place found I was coming, and evacuated it on the 26th of June, and marched towards Saltillo, which place Douay left, spiking his cannon, and taking all precautions to prevent the desertion of his men. Lieutenant Colonel Euperto Martinez, with his New Leon rifles, and Caderéita Jimenez, with the explorers, occupied the deserted city the next day, and informed me of the fact, though they had done it without orders, and then continued on in pursuit of the enemy.
The French forces under Douay left Saltillo yesterday for Matahuela to meet Bazaine, who has 2,000 men with him, as we learn from intercepted correspondence. The French and traitors have been defeated so often in this part of the republic the troops are thoroughly demoralized. I will remain here only long enough to increase my forces and equip new ones, when I will open the campaign in the State of San Luis Potosi, unless I have different orders from the supreme government. Congratulate the President of the republic on the evacuation of Monterey and Saltillo by the cowardly enemy on our approach.
The Minister of War and Marine of the Mexican Republic, in Chihuahua.
No. 21.
Department of State, Office of War and Marine–Section first.
By your despatch of the 5th instant, the President of the republic hears with pleasure that Monterey was evacuated by the enemy on the 26th, and occupied by our forces under Colonel Ruperto Martinez, and that General Douay bad also evacuated Saltillo and marched towards Matahuela, to join some forces from San Luis, and so the city of Saltillo also fell into our hands.
The occupation of these two places, the only ones held by the enemy in the States of New Leon and Coahuila, is of the greatest importance to us. Thus the victory of Santa Gertrudis and the occupation of Matamoras free us from the invaders, and enable us to operate more effectually with the rest of the patriots.
In regard to the military operations that you propose in the note I am now answering, separate instructions will be sent to you when convenient.
General Mariano Escobedo, Chief of the Northern Army Corps, Monterey.
No. 22.
General Mariano Escobedo, chief of the northern army corps, to the troops under his command
Soldiers: More than seven thousand French and traitors that occupied the States of New-Leon, Coahuila, and Tamaulipas are there no longer. Those not completely whipped and routed, fled before the splendor of republican arms. The French General Douay, directing military operations on the frontier, retired with his demoralized troops, without gaining one victory, and Marshal Bazaine, chief of the invading army, came to save his weary battalions from dispersion.
The battle of St. Gertrude has altered the aspect of the military question sustained by the republic against its enemies; the occupation of the important places of Matamoras, Monterey, and Saltillo is the legitimate consequence of that important day.
Companions in arms: In the name of the citizen President, Benito Juarez, I welcome you to the capital of New Leon, where your fellow-countrymen receive you with open arms, and the ladies have crowns of laurel for your worthy brows. The northern frontier is now free, but our brothers inland, who have struggled so bravely against invaders, are yet suffering the yoke imposed upon them by foreign bayonets. Our duty is to aid them. We will rest awhile under arms; then, fully provided with supplies for them, we will carry the war where it is necessary, wherever there are foreigners and traitors, enemies of the great Mexican republic.
No. 23.
Mexican Republic–Government and military commandancy of the state of Coahuila de Zaragoza.
After the victory of Santa Gertrudis, where the convoy guard was routed—the capture of this place and the occupation of Matamoras—after the evacuation of Saltillo by the French and traitors—this place was occupied, as soon as the enemy had left it.
By this fortunate event the entire northern frontier is free from the invaders, and is now ready to march to the interior to overthrow the worm-eaten edifice called the empire. Colonel Zepeda, who took possession of Saltillo, was prevented from pursuing the enemy by his duties to regulate affairs around him. The next day Lieutenant Colonel Ruperto Martinez was sent out after the fugitives, and reports that a great number of deserters, French, Belgians, and traitors, are joining him every day. After equipping the second brigade of 1,000 men, I prepared to march to the States of Durango and Zacatecas, where there is most excitement, and the people need a leader against the enemy. For this purpose I have sent the brigade commander citizen Jesus Gonzales Herrera and Generals Auza and Arce, with full powers, to that section of country.
The reorganization of the districts and the equipment of troops has detained me here till now; but I start, for Saltillo to morrow to confer with the general of the northern army about operations upon San Luis.
I have the honor to communicate the above to you for the information of the President of the republic, whom I congratulate in the country’s name, for the favorable turn of events in our favor.
The Minister of War and Marine of the Republic, in Chihuahua.
No. 24.
Department of State, Office of War and Marine–Section first.
By your communication of the 8th, the citizen President of the republic is pleased to learn that Saltillo was evacuated by the enemy on the 4th, and immediately occupied by our forces; also, that you had gone to that city to regulate affairs, and confer with the commander-in-chief of the northern army in regard to the continuation of the campaign.
General Andres S. Viezca, Governor and Military Commander of the State of Coahuila de Zaragoza, in Saltillo.
No. 25.
Quiroga’s proposal to submit.
We give below a letter of Viezca to the President, with annexed documents, on Quiroga’s proposal to submit to the government, and deliver Campos up. Viezca’s reply shows the enemy’s situation, and that no commentaries are needed on Quiroga’s infamous proposal.
Parras, August 8,1866.
Respected Sir: I inform you officially, through the secretary of war, of the evacuation of Monterey and Saltillo by the French and traitors, and of our occupation of those important towns. The frontier now is free from the yoke the invaders sought to impose upon it, and everything induces us to hope their last hour is near.
Campos and Quiroga wanted to join our forces when they saw there was no hope for them, and thus save their lives and fortunes. I send you Quiroga’s first letter and my reply. He afterwards sent me a letter proposing to deliver Campos up, if we would let him join us in our war against the French, and continue at the head of his own forces. I told him I had not the authority to grant his request, and I did not believe it was my duty, even if I could. I send you copies of both documents. I hope my conduct in not treating with Quiroga and Campos will meet with your approbation.
As ever, I remain your true friend and servant,
President Benito Juarez, Chihuahua.
[Untitled]
My Dear Friend: I wrote to General Escobedo to-day, giving my opinion of the situation, and offering to join him in efforts against the invaders who have sought to subjugate us. I hope Señor Escobedo will accept my offer; but if he does not, I will do what I can to keep from being obliged to go to the interior to accept offers made me there; and for that reason I write this letter to you. If you consent to unite your forces with mine, please give me an official communication of the fact, addressed to the Aurora factory, where I will wait for it.
This offer embraces the person and troops of my friend Maximo Campos, who entertains the same opinion and wish; and I am resolved to follow his fate, whether his person and interests are protected or not.
Your friend and servant,
Governor Andres S. Viezca.
[Untitled]
Dear Sir: In answer to yours of the 30th, proposing to unite our forces to prevent another incursion of the frontier, I must say that, whatever General Escobedo may think, I believe the hard lessons we have had, and the blood that has been shed by our countrymen in contests with a foreign enemy, ought to serve as warnings for us in future; and I am sure the frontier can defend itself without its forces joining yours, that have fought for the odious project of intervention. Besides, it would be doing an injury to my conscience, and a violation of my duty, to accept your proposal, which is altogether inadmissible at this time.
My responsibility to the nation is great, and as a public officer I am bound by the law and public opinion. It may be well that you have determined to follow the fate of Maximo Campos; it is natural and logical, no one will deny.
Now, if you two have any feelings for the good of the country, you can place your troops at the disposal of the government, or the legitimate authorities of the republic, and accept, without conditions, the judgment of the law.
After saying what I have, I think it entirely unnecessary to send a commissioner to confer with you.
Your obedient servant,
Don Julian Quiroga, Saltillo.
[Letter omitted.]
To Messrs. Auza and Viezca:
The bearer, Don Ignacio Soto, can certify to the truth of this.
[Untitled]
To Don Julian Quiroga:
Your commissioner, Don Ignacio Soto, has conferred with me on the subject of your proposals to join me, under certain conditions, and I must say it is not in my power to accept your offers.
A. S. VIEZCA.
Parras, August 8, 1866.
True copies:
[Untitled]
From No. 1 of the News Bulletin of Saltillo, 5th of this month, we make the following extracts:
“General Escobedo arrived in Monterey the day before yesterday, and he is daily expected here with the main body of his troops.
“RECENT EVENTS.
“Campos and Quiroga, of the French party, were with him. We know they both received munitions of war from the French, and were encouarged to pronounce for Santa Anna, Gonzales Ortega, or any one else who might serve as a torch for internal conflagration. Poor deluded people! Worse than Napoleon or the basest of his agents. Why can’t they see that the national cause will finally overcome all their machinations?”
Major General Sheridan to General Grant,
[Received 4.30 p. m.]
New Orleans, November 27, 1866.
General U. S. Grant, Commanding Army:
I am just in receipt of news from Brownsville, and fear that General Sedgwick, commanding the sub-district of the Rio Grande, will, for some unaccountable and unjustifiable reason, demand of Canales the surrender of the town of Matamoras, on the plea of preventing the pillage of the houses of Americans, &c. The situation there is this: General Escobedo is in front of the city with about three thousand five hundred (3,500) men, and Canales offered to surrender if the liberal government would pay the merchants who have been supporting him in his illegal and infamous acts. This Escobedo would not agree to. I very much fear that these very merchants have in some way gotten around Sedgwick, who is, I fear, not a strong man, and have prompted him to this action which he contemplates. I have heretofore notified you that these very merchants were at the bottom of all the troubles over there. There is perfect harmony between Sedgwick and General Escobedo, and no objections are made to the contemplated act of General Sedgwick. Should General Sedgwick act as I have some reason to expect, I will at once disapprove of his action and relieve him from his command. I have telegraphed to General Sedgwick disapproving his contemplated act, or any action he may have taken in view of it.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
P. H. SHERIDAN, Major General U. S. A.
Official:
Major General Sheridan to General Grant,
My Dear General: The report in the newspapers that General Sedgwick had crossed the Rio Grande is premature. He certainly had not crossed or demanded the surrender of the town on the 23d instant, and I hope he has not made this blunder.
There is no doubt in my mind but that General Sedgwick has had some influence brought to bear on him.
Sedgwick went over to Matamoras and took breakfast with the merchants on the morning he wrote the letter which I enclose to you. There is something wrong about this transaction.
Escobedo was about to take the place by assault, and was able to do it, when Sedgwick apparently adopted his course to prevent it and save the merchants.
The whole affair, should it take place, will not complicate things, and my disapproval of it must have reached Brownsville yesterday, 29th instant.
I am, general, very, respectfully,
P. H. SHERIDAN, Major General U. S. A.
Gen. U. S. Grant, Commanding Armies United States, Washington, D. C.
Official:
Mr. Stanton to Major General Sheridan
Your telegram of the 27th instant to General Grant in relation to the contemplated action of General Sedgwick in crossing the Rio Grande has been submitted to the President, and your action in relation to General Sedgwick is approved and General Sedgwick’s proposed action disapproved. If he shall have crossed the Rio Grande you will relieve him and place him in arrest, to await the further order of the President concerning him.
Major General P. H. Sheridan, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Major General Sheridan to General Grant
General: I have an opportunity to go over to the Rio Grande this evening, and by going I can settle the Ortega affair, also the Sedgwick trouble, if any has occurred, and put things on a good footing, but I would like to have your approval of my absence. Affairs are in good condition here, and General Forsyth communicates to me from Texas frontier, no Indian troubles.
P. H. SHERIDAN, Major General.
General U. S. Grant.
Official: