Mexia to Viesca.
Jose Antonio Mexia describes the abortive Federalist attack on Tampico.
December 3, 1835 [English]-E.S.D.. Agustin Viesca Barra de Brazos Dice 3 1835 Mi querido amigo Despuesde una navegacion penosisima de ocho dias de la Barra de Tampico, acabode llagar a este punto. La fatiga y el mucho que hacer me impiden ahoraentrar en detalles sobre me {llegada} espedicion a Tampico: baste decira V. que ami entrada por el puerto naufrague a distancia de 500 pasos delFortin; que la guarnicion de este lejos de ofenderme se me unio y que emprediun ataque sobre la ciudad que no consegui tomar por que habiendose aun(?)mojado todas las municiones que llevaba no tenia mas que ocho cartuchossecos para cada hombre y que apesar de haberles tomado los cañonesy la casa de la Aduana, me vi en la imposiblidad de continuar el ataque,sobre las casas en que se habian hecho fuertes y tuve que retirarme alfortin a las 5 de la mañana. Alli permaneci 12 dias sacando de minaufrago buque cuanto podia serme util, pero lo principal me escaseabaque eran municiones deboca y guerra y dinero conque adquirirme uno u otro.Ni una alma se me acerco hasta que enfin vista la imposiblidad de permaneceralli aislado por mas tiempo y fletando una goleta me di la vela para estePuerto. Temprano voy a ocuparme en el desembarco de mi gente que ser nunos 150 hombres entre Americanos, franceses, y mexicanos; despues tengoque desembarcar los cañones que trage (4) balas metralls, armamentoy otros efectos demanera que no puedo abandonar este lugar, al menos sinel mandato espreso de V. o de la persona que tenga el gobierno. Me es indispensablesin embargo abocarme con el gobierno, asi para arreglar mis futuras operaciones,como para desprenderme del cargo que pesa sobre mi por el pago del fletede la Goleta que nos trajo. Por esto quisiera que V. o el que gobiernese tomaran el trabajo de venir a Brazoria inmediatamente; yo ire tambieny nos comunicaremos. Mas esto ecsige prestesa porque el buque permanecerafuera espuesto a cualquiera desgracia que tendre yo que reparar, porqueme tengo un solo peso conque atender alos gastos que erogan(?) las campaniasy porque es absolutamente necesario que yo sepa lo que debo hacer. Hagaseasi amigo mio y dispenseme V. porque no tengo ni aun fuerzas para continuaresta carta. Asi pues la concluyo haciendola estenciva a Zavala y Alpuchea quienes saluda su afmo amigo QBSM.
Jose Antonio Mexia.
Brazos Bar, Dec.3, 1835.
His Excellency Augustin Viesca.My dear friend—After a very fatiguing voyage of eight days, from Tampico Bar, I have arrived here. The fatigues, and my engagements, preclude, at present, my entering intothe details of my expedition to that port I was shipwrecked at the distanceof 500 varas from the fort; and that the garrison thereof, far from molesting me, joined my command; after which I took up my line of march upon thecity, which I attacked, and which I have not succeeded in taking, in consequence of my munitions having all got wet; and because I had but eight cartridgesto a man, that were useful; and although I have taken from the enemy twocannon and the Custom House, I found myself in the situation of being unable to continue my attack upon the buildings in which they fortified themselves,and was compelled to retreat to the fort at 5 o'clock A.M. I remained there12 days, saving from the wreck of my vessel all that could be useful tome, but the most important articles were wanting, which were provisionsand munitions of war, and the money wherewith to procure them. Not a soul came near me, until finally seeing the inexpediency of my remaining there isolated for any longer time, I chartered a vessel for this port.
I shall, with all speed, proceed to land my men, which are about 150, composed of Americans, French and Mexicans; after which I shall have to land the cannon (4), balls, grape shot, arms, and other articles, so that I cannot abandon this place, without your especial orders, or that of the individual exercising the executive branch of the government. It is however necessary that I should have an interview with the Executive in order that I may arrange my future operations, as well as be released of the charge which bears heavy upon me, on account of the payment of the charter-party of the schooner which brought us hither. For this reason, I wish you, or the individual exercising the Executive powers, would take the trouble of meeting at Brazoria immediately. I shall proceed there also, and we may communicate with each other. But this requires promptness of action, as the vessel remains without the bar, exposed to all dangers, for which I am responsible;also, as I am destitute of all means of furnishing the troops with necessaries;and inasmuch as it is absolutely requisite that I should be informed ofwhat I have to do. Let it be thus done my friend, and excuse me for I amso feeble that I cannot even continue any longer this letter; therefore I conclude it thus, making the same applicable also to my friends Zavala and Alpuche, whom salutes your affectionate friend.
(signed) Jose Antonio Mexia.
A true translation from its original Spanish on file, which I certify.GEO. FISHER.