THE BATTLE OF LA TUNA
In the numbers engaged, in the duration and in the loss of life, the
battle of La Tuna was not important, but its effect upon Mexico and the
Central American Republics was epoch making.
The manner of attack was characteristic of Dru's methods. His interview
with General Benevides had ended at noon, and word soon ran through the
camp that peace negotiations had failed with the result that the army
was immediately on the alert and eager for action. Dru did not attempt
to stop the rumor that the engagement would occur at dawn the next day.
By dusk every man was in readiness, but they did not have to wait until
morning, for as soon as supper was eaten, to the surprise of everyone,
word came to make ready for action and march upon the enemy. Of Dru's
sixty thousand men, twenty thousand were cavalry, and these he sent to
attack the Mexican rear. They were ordered to move quietly so as to get
as near to the enemy as possible before being discovered.
It was not long before the Mexican outposts heard the marching of men
and the rumble of gun carriages. This was reported to General Benevides
and he rode rapidly to his front. A general engagement at nightfall was
so unusual that he could not believe the movement meant anything more
than General Dru's intention to draw nearer, so that he could attack in
the morning at closer range.
It was a clear starlight night, and with the aid of his glasses he could
see the dark line coming steadily on. He was almost in a state of panic
when he realized that a general attack was intended. He rode back
through his lines giving orders in an excited and irregular way. There
was hurry and confusion everywhere, and he found it difficult to get his
soldiers to understand that a battle was imminent. Those in front were
looking with a feeling akin to awe at that solid dark line that was ever
coming nearer. The Mexicans soon began to fire from behind the
breastworks that had been hastily erected during the few days the armies
had been facing one another, but the shots went wild, doing but slight
damage in the American ranks. Then came the order from Dru to charge,
and with it came the Yankee yell. It was indeed no battle at all. By the
time the Americans reached the earthworks, the Mexicans were in flight,
and when the cavalry began charging the rear, the rout was completed.
In the battle of La Tuna, General Benevides proved himself worthy of his
lineage. No general could have done more to rally his troops, or have
been more indifferent to danger. He scorned to turn his back upon an
enemy, and while trying to rally his scattered forces, he was captured,
badly wounded.
Every attention worthy his position was shown the wounded man. Proud and
chivalrous as any of his race, he was deeply humiliated at the miserable
failure that had been made to repell the invaders of his country, though
keenly touched by the consideration and courtesy shown him by the
American General.
Dru made no spectacular entrance into the city, but remained outside and
sent one of his staff with a sufficient force to maintain order. In an
address announcing his intentions towards Mexico and her allies, Dru
said--"It is not our purpose to annex your country or any part of it,
nor shall we demand any indemnity as the result of victory further than
the payment of the actual cost of the war and the maintenance of the
American troops while order is being restored. But in the future, our
flag is to be your flag, and you are to be directly under the protection
of the United States. It is our purpose to give to your people the
benefits of the most enlightened educational system, so that they may
become fitted for the responsibilities of self-government. There will
also be an equitable plan worked out by which the land now owned by a
few will be owned by the many. In another generation, this beautiful
land will be teeming with an educated, prosperous and contented people,
who will regard the battlefield of La Tuna as the birthplace of their
redemption.
"Above all things, there shall not be thrust upon the Mexican people a
carpet-bag government. Citizens of Mexico are to enforce the
reconstructed constitution and laws, and maintain order with native
troops, although under the protecting arm of the United States.
"All custom duties are to be abolished excepting those uniform tariffs
that the nations of the world have agreed upon for revenue purposes, and
which in no way restrict the freedom of trade. It is our further purpose
to have a constitution prepared under the direction and advice of your
most patriotic and wisest men, and which, while modern to the last
degree, will conform to your habits and customs.
"However," he said in conclusion, "it is our purpose to take the most
drastic measures against revolutionists, bandits and other disturbers
of the peace."
While Dru did not then indicate it, he had in mind the amalgamation of
Mexico and the Central American Republics into one government, even
though separate states were maintained.