After several alternate successes,[1] including the capture of Uruapan by Arteaga, the entire French force was called northward, leaving only Belgians to aid the Mexican garrisons, Pátzcuaro, Morelia, and Tacámbaro being the only permanent stations occupied. Arteaga advancing against the last-named town in July with nearly 3,000 men, Lieutenant-colonel Van der Smissen boldly attacked him with less than 1,000 allies, and achieved so decided a triumph as to cripple the Juarist general for some time.[2] The credit assumed for the Belgians in this and other encounters led to such discord with the Mexicans[3] that the former had to be withdrawn. Colonel Mendez, now chief in command, displayed great activity, and the republican nucleus having reappeared near Uruapan in October with about 1,000 men, he went in pursuit and obtained a signal victory at Amatlan, capturing 400 men, including the generals Arteaga and Salazar.[4] Maximilian's brigandage decree having just appeared, Mendez availed himself of this to promptly execute the two generals and three colonels, an act which created an outcry throughout the country, for the commander-in-chief of the republican
- ↑ The republicans shot Col Lemus, the commandant, and sub-prefect Paz. At the same time Pueblita gained an advantage at Los Reyes, and thereupon entered Uruapan. Col Clinchant came up and drove away his force, killing this famous leader, the latter 'vendiendo cara su vida.' Iglesias, Revistas, iii. 458; Bol. Rep., July 5, 1867.
- ↑ The united Belgians and Mexicans were placed at 850 men, and the republican losses at 300 killed, and 6 cannon and 165 prisoners taken. The allies suffered so severely as to retire to Morelia for recuperation. Niox, Erpéd du Mex., 508. Iglesias insists that only a part of the republican force was engaged; 2,500 escaped. Revistas, iii. 458; Diario Imp., Aug. 11, 1865. The empress felt flattered at so great a victory by her compatriots. With her French descent she took the next deepest interest in the 'pantalons rouges.' 'Tout régiment français me cause un battement de coeur,' she writes; mais . . . que suis-je pour ces hommes-là qui me sout tout!' Domenech, Hist. Mex., iii. 321.
- ↑ Neither of the leaders choosing to submit to the other, the Mexican claiming superiority of rank, the Belgian of nobility, etc.
- ↑ Vega, Ausiliares, MS., reduces the Juarists to 400 men. Vega, Docs, pt 24. Mendez had 300 cavalry and 400 infantry. The battle took place on Oct. 12th. Diario Imp., Aug. 11, 1865.
a time in doubt. Darkness prevented the pursuit of the republicans, who were said to have lost 500 men. Iglesias does not admit so severe a defeat.
