[Mexican-American War]: Lafragua, José María:

$1,500 · Offered by William Reese Company

MINISTERIO DE RELACIONES INTERIORES Y ESTERIORES. EXMO. SR. – EL DIA 14 DEL CORRIENTE FUÉ OCUPADO EL PUERTO DE TAMPICO POR LOS AMERICANOS...[caption title and first line of ... A scarce circular from the Mexican Minister of Internal and External Relations, José María Lafragua, in the early days of the Mexican-American War. The occupation of Tampico was one of the first steps in the American invasion of central Mexico and ensuing advance on the capital. It was captured by a naval force under Commodore David Conner before Scott and his "Army of Invasion" were even on their way. This was one of several early American victories which shocked and worried the Mexican government. In this document, Lafragua announces the fall of Tampico, "very much expected and giving our enemies no triumph whatsoever," and emphasizes personal sacrifice and trust in Santa Anna as the guiding principles to lead Mexico through the war. In translation, he adds that the occupation: "nonetheless aggravates the situation in the Republic, because demanding new defense measures also imposes additional obligations and requires new sacrifices." He also accuses the Americans of encouraging incursions by the perennially troublesome indigenous tribes of Northern Mexico, stating that "the State of Durango has been devastated by the savages who, directed by American officials, have moved even closer to the capital." Lafragua further dismisses rumors that Santa Anna has been negotiating for peace with the enemy (San

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