American Historical Ephemera and Photography

"Noticias remitidas de Veracruz por una persona fidedigna" (News sent from Veracruz by a reliable person"). Autograph manuscript, unsigned, in Spanish. Vera Cruz [Mexico], 12 April 1847. 2pp, bifolium, 8 1/2 x 10 3/4 in. Possibly intended for Gen. Cosme Furlong in Puebla. A Mexican spy delivers a day-by-day accounting of news related to "enemy" American troops in Veracruz.

Document reads, in small part (translation): "Day 6. A meeting of War was held by the enemy to determine if they should wait for orders from their government or march upon the interior, and they decided in favor of the latter.... Day 8. Two thousand infantrymen, 1,400 horses and 400 carts departed.... Day 10. Nine-hundred voluntary infantrymen as well as Generals Scott and Worth with sixty horses of escort and 200 carts.... The Plaza is defended by 900 infantrymen and 500 volunteers and the castle is defended by another 3000 infantrymen. Pieces that have been disembarked: 22 mortars and 44 cannon from 6 to 36mm ... These enemies are trained only in the class and handling of the artillery, because in regard to discipline our 'Nationals' are better...however, their officers are very well trained...."

Two weeks after the fall of the port city of Vera Cruz to American forces under the command of General Winfield Scott, the following reconnaissance report was submitted. The capture of Veracruz allowed US forces to supply their army and march to Mexico City, ultimately contributing to the US victory in the war.