by a band of United States volunteers, and in conjunction with leaders like Naranjo, had captured all the towns along the Rio Grande, from Piedas Negras down.[1] Finding defection among his troops, General Mejía, who still held the command in this region, retired within the walls of Matamoros,[2] to await the aid promised by Bazaine. This coming by sea in the shape of a foreign legion,[3] Negrete thought it best to turn back on May 2d, after a feeble demonstration for two days.[4]
At the first news of the Juarist movements, the French commander-in-chief had despatched generals Brincourt and Neigre toward the Mapimí border, with a view to check the eastward movement of Negrete.[5] Coming too late for this,[6] he followed him, and at the same time Colonel Jeanningros advanced from San Luis Potosí,[7] both moving on Saltillo. Negrete had reached the latter place in the middle of May, and occupied the adjoining pass of Angostura to stop their approach; but after a feeble skirmish he retired during the night of June 6th,[8] taking, with
- ↑ This place had been taken April 23d, by Col Naranjo, the imperial garrison crossing the Rio Bravo to the confederates, who saved the greater number by opening fire on the pursuing Juarists. Iglesias, iii. 334.
- ↑ Negrete's forces are placed by Zamacois at 6,000, with 20 cannon, Hist. Méj., xvii. 986, while Niox credits Mejía with 3,000 men, assisted by 800 local volunteers; says a report in La Estrella de Occid., June 16, 1865, 1,800 infantry, 300 cavalry, and 1,000 volunteers.
- ↑ Of 500 men, under De Brian.
- ↑ Another probable reason for this lack of spirit was the failure of expected coöperation from the Texan side of the river. In his report, dated at Santa Rosalía on the same day, he declares that evidence was obtained of cooperation against him of confederates, who stood prepared to fall on his rear in case of an assault. Méx., Col. Leyes, 1863-7, ii. 243.
- ↑ General Aymard, commanding at Durango, taking personal command of the advance post at Rio de Nazas, so as to render assistance. Dupin's contra-guerriilas were ordered toward Matehuala to aid the column forming at San Luis Potosí, under Col Jeanningros. Niox, Expéd. du Mex., 469–70. Dupin, recalled for his cruelty, had been replaced by Captain Ney d'Elchingen.
- ↑ Not finding him at Mapimní, he turned to check a guerrilla inroad from Sinaloa, by way of Papasquiaro. This resulted in the repulse of Carbajal, who afterward came back in company with Patoni.
- ↑ Mejía had orders to coöperate from his side, but the federal authorities taking possession at this period of Brownsville, and manifesting hostility, he dared not leave Matamoros.
- ↑ His forces are placed at about 4,800 men. Jeanningros came up May 31st with about 1,500 men, and indulged merely in a skirmish while awaiting Brincourt. The approach of the latter caused Negrete to withdraw.
