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MEXICAN CIVIL WAR Letter, c. 1858

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Autographs

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Important Letter Describing the Mexican Civil War of 1857-1861

(MEXICAN CIVIL WAR 1857-1861).
Undated (c. 1858), Manuscript Letter Draft, Unsigned, but written to United States Minister to Mexico, John Forsyth Jr., from the Vice-Consulate in Mexico, both sides of 1 sheet, 10.5" x 8," Very Fine. Apparently written in haste and thus somewhat difficult to read, it is unclear whether this letter was written from Mexico City to Forsyth, who was then out of the country, or whether this was written from a U.S. Vice-Consulate somewhere in Mexico to Forsyth in Mexico City. When President Santa Ana was overthrown in the 1855 Revolution of Ayutla, Ignacio Comonfort became President. The new constitution of 1857 led to a civil war (the War of Reform) from December 1857 through January 1861. Two governments were established, the conservatives in Mexico City and the liberals in Vera Cruz. The liberals eventually won and the United States recognized their government, led by Benito Juarez. Forsyth had been appointed Minister to Mexico in 1856, but in 1858 he demanded his passport and withdrew from the U.S. Legation. This letter describes military movements in Zacatecas, in central Mexico, by Miguel Miramon (1831-1867). Also mentioned is an insult to the English flag and the looting of its treasury. The writer states that he expects to be under bombardment within a few days and will be unable to protect the American flag. This letter reads, in part:
"...Since four months the ( ) Army has entered this state...At first owing to their small number there was on their part a show of respect to liberty, life and property. After some 300 men were sent from this place to a hacienda near to the Mineral de Catorce, to be defeated by less than two hundred of them, and when reinforcements from the frontier to the number of 3000 with artillery marched there, the law concerning bandits and revolutionaries formulated by the Government of Mexico, there has been no limit to the destruction carried on by Vidanori (?) captains.....Miramon and his 3000 on the way from Zacatecas to this place, has felt the sharp fire of their rifles. The gallant little army, cut their way through the enemy causing some loss, but suffering almost a defeat. Zacatecas was the next scene of carnage. Without knowing the full particulars of the action, sufficient it is to say that Miramon with most of his officers and his troops fallen prisoners with all their artillery after 8 hours combat...."
This important and historical letter draft is in excellent condition with light age toning. A fabulous find for anyone interested in Mexican History.

John Forsyth Jr. (1812-1877) is best known as an American journalist and editor. After his time as Minister to Mexico (1856-1858), he was part of a delegation from Georgia to the Confederate government being formed in 1861.

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