New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-08-05

second division of the French army, under command
OF Gen. Donai.
While tho first division was attending to the
operations we have oet described the second divis-
ion, at the head of which Gen. Donai had been
placed, was advancing in an opposite direction
through Cordova La Soledad, Orzaba, and tie
plateau of Auahnac At La Soledad they built n
bridge for the passage Of The army, and railroad
connecting Chiquihuite aud Cordova was started.
On their way no, they took Medelln. defended by a
strong body of guerras and drove out, at different
places. several bands of them which had attempted
to barricade the roads aud hinder their march. The
mos, serious of these engagements ~as that which
took place in the middle of January between three
companies OF infantry and corps of 800 Mexicans,
commanded by Col. Diaz Miron. Here is an account
of the engagement.
Col. Mlron having been informed of the arrival OF
20 empty wagons a. Plan del Rio, escorted by a
French force Of about 800 men, he marched the
same night with histro& Is to surprise them part
of bis corps, however, which ought to have attacked
the enemy in the rear lost their way, and did not
arrive in time, SO that the Colonel deferred the at
tack. He then prepared to fall back st daylight, AMI
"a
place called FL Organo, where he concealed bis men
in a wood on one eide Of the road, while few SOL
diers were pncei in ambush the other side TO AT
tract tho attention of the French while the others
should attack them in the rear. He likewise posted
$50 men in advance, to cut of their retreat.
The French made their appearance at in the
morning. and RI they arrived in front Of the MeXi-
cans lying in ambush the latter opened brsk fire,
which was executed with too much precipitation, 70
that he French had tine to form their columns and
to send out skrmishers, who rushed into the wood
and commenced firing the Mexcans. Cok Mirion
maintained his ground for two hours La the mean
time the detachmen: which had Lost it, way on ts
march to O,lan del Rio arrived by the National
road. commenced well directed fire on the rear of
the French, and created such confusion among them
that they fell back toward their wagons. Here the
Mexican cavalry, conjouly with the infantry. made
a charge against the docimated Frencbmen who bad
rallied. and this time received the Mexicans with
such bravery that the latter completely routed,
leaving Eve dead, sixteen wounded. aud twelve
prisoners, in their hands.
As early Is the 10th OF February, 1863, Gen.
Dona had forced the Cumbri, a range Of steepy
hills, which guard the approach Of tho plateau OF
Anahnac, and advanced IA FAR NJ Acncngo and
and Qlecholac Here that General insleadof making
his junction with tic division OF Bazaine at AmazOc,
takes the road leading Tepeacs, which lie reaches
on tho lith oflhe ramc month. That city formerly
tie capital Of State independent. Of Mexico. is An
Important military position. 1t was defended by
the Zacatecas contingent, which, aitor resistance
OF two hours. was put to fight by the French
cavalry. 1epescs, celebrated FOR the saubry OF ia
climate, aud where Physicians sent patients Of n
delicate constitution 10 also famous for its medical
establishment. which the authorities have converted
into Il hospital for the French troops.
According 10 "A French version. tie population Of
the plaieaus Of Anahuac Of Alcucingo. Quehoao San
Andre, etc.. extended the most cordial welcome 10
The officers and soldiers Of the invading army. Tho
land owners Of that region have been, 1t Is sAio, in
constant war against all Mexican rresidenis. They
supplied the French with oil Kind " provisions, a.
surlng ,bem a, the same time, that they were ready
IN fight with them for the purpose " establishing a
strong government, capable to secure order aud tran
quity to the country. Tie Catholic clergy Of Mex
lco have in most instances shown themselves very
favorable TO the French.
These movements, attended with a gres, deal OF
labor were not the only ones which marked the prcs-
euce Of the French IN Mexico. While the two great
divisions Of the army were advancing upon Pueblo.
French Lad been directed in search for
mules, q, it is said, upon IsmpIeo and Alvarndo.
which, being taken by the French, were aiserward
abandoned Acapulco, on the Pacific, was IN
barded in the middle Of January 1863 by the French
fleet, and il- phneips foHresses dsman,lod.
Most Of these possessions, however, wcrs sou
given up by tho French. "a early ~ tho middle OF
December, 1862, tho gauisgus Of Vera Cruz, JAlA-
"a, Cordovs, Orinaba and Thfnpico had been with
drawn with the exception OF a email guard. The
object Of this evacuation was to mako tie army con-
centrated upon the plateau Of Anahuae US strong Us
possible.
OPERATIONS OP THE MEXICAN ARMY.
While tho French prosecuting their scheme
OF invasion the Mexcans were not idle 10 Mexico,
well as in the provinces the preparations for ress,
ng the invaders were carried with much real aud
a grea. deal Of determination. Jusre1. attended by
most Of the members Of his Cabinet had trans ported
himself " Puebla and there had decorated with his
own hand the 5000 soldiers and officers who had de-
Tended il againit De Lorencez. Gen. Zaragoza be-
ing dead, Gen. Odega, who bad been II practc-
ing attorney, was appointed his successor. To
him was ntrusied the defense Of Puebla and the
command Of the Army Of the East. Another army,
the Army OF the North, was also formed. and Gen.
Comonfort, man M whose ability aud wisdom the
Mexicans bad tho utmost confidence, was selected
by JuaIez it's leader.
All the available resources in men aud money, the
country could furnish. brought into requisi,on.
Forced loans and taxes were raised by Juarez. The
women themselves were anenable TO his System OF
compulsory loans, empre'titos Jorso'o'. Five
thousand laborers were employed in the foriiica-