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 text]

México, November 27, 1846.. [3]pp. printed on a single bifolium. Folio. Old folds, light edge wear and creasing. Very good overall. In a blue cloth chemise and half morocco and cloth slipcase, spine gilt. 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 (truncated) 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 (Santa Anna did in fact promise General Zachary Taylor that he would begin such negotiations, but almost immediately reneged), saying "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."

The rest of the report emphasizes Mexico's predicament and the advance of the United States forces and calls for donations from citizens, but reaffirms faith in Santa Anna's guiding hand. Lafragua further denigrates the invading nation, "that overbearing federation, whose government insults with its actions the ashes of Washington; that people whose southern part is composed of greedy merchants for whom every great idea, every generous thought is subordinated to personal interest; those so-called democratic states who shun all with even a single drop of blood which the prideful Whites consider different from their own and who traffic shamefully in God's creatures...." The document is signed "Lafragua" in type, and has a blank space left to address the circular to "Exmo. Sr. Gobernador del Estado de...."

"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" - Streeter sale. The Streeter copy sold for $180 to Dawson's.

Despite his praise for Santa Anna in this document, Lafragrua was in fact a career liberal who flourished in the administrations following Santa Anna's ouster in 1855. He was Foreign Minister under Comonfort and later under Benito Juárez, who appointed him first director of the National Library of Mexico. His extensive collection of legal books and Americana was given to that library after his death. A rare and significant early Mexican-American War document - OCLC records nine copies as of cataloguing. STREETER SALE 250. OCLC 187447684, 1329206577, 21602037, 39269242. (Inventory #: WRCAM63253)