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[Mexican American War]. Printed Circular by Mexican Minister of the Interior José Maria Lafragua Announcing the U.S. Capture o...
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Description
[Mexican American War]. Printed Circular by Mexican Minister of the Interior José Maria Lafragua Announcing the U.S. Capture of Tampico. Three pages, 8.75" x 13.25", [Mexico City]; November 27, 1846.FIRST PRINTING of an intelligence report from Lafragua to the governors of the Mexican states with news of the U.S. occupation of Tampico. He laments further incursions by American forces in Northern Mexico, and praises Santa Anna for saving the country. Translated into English, Lafragua writes, in part, "This event, very much expected and giving our enemies no triumph whatsoever, as they only occupied what had already been abandoned, nonetheless aggravates the situation in the Republic, because demanding new defense measures also imposes additional obligations and requires new sacrifices... At the same time, the State of Durango has been devastated by the savages who, directed by American officials, have moved even closer to the capital... It has been understood, to such an ignoble end, that the general Santa-Anna is involved in negotiating for peace... but such an idea cannot be supported, when one considers that the general Santa-Anna does not need to be a traitor to be the best man in Mexico, and does not have to walk that path of treachery and shame to arrive at the temple of immortality." Signed in type, Lafragua. There are no copies listed in OCLC, this is a rare printing. Housed in a custom quarter black smooth calf and blue cloth slipcase.
Lafragua's report records the first news of the U.S. occupation of Tampico and expresses fear that the occupation will extend to Alvarado and Veracruz. He laments that Durango has been desolated by "the savages" who are directed by the U.S. invaders and notes that the U.S. has occupied most of Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas, posing a threat to southern Mexico, and points to a blockade of the Californias and New Mexico. Lafragua then describes the poor state of Mexico and its vulnerability. In spite of this, Lafragua insists that the new government is reorganizing, and that Santa Anna will save the country.
Streeter writes, "Lafragua states that the new government which took charge in August found an empty treasury and a dispirited people, but in four months under Santa Anna it had accomplished wonders. Stating that the hour for sacrifices had come, an appeal is made for donations of money, livestock, or ammunition, and warning is given of Americans trying to spread discord and doubt among the Mexicans. It is an interesting document on Mexican morale after the American victories in the first few months of the war."
On November 15, 1846, American Naval Commander David Conner occupied the port town of Tampico. It was one of a number of offensives launched by General Zachary Taylor to occupy northern Mexico. That same month, American forces captured Saltillo and Victoria.
Condition: Creased along folds with numerous creases. Both pages of the bifolium have irregular top, right, and bottom margins. Pencil notations to the first page recto. Small, closed tears along margins and separations along the central vertical fold.
References: Streeter Sale 250.
Auction Info
2023 December 2 The Ted Lusher Texas History Collection, Part One Signature® Auction #6281 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
December, 2023
2nd
Saturday
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