First Battle of Tuxpan

First Battle of Tuxpan
Part of Mexican–American War
The U.S. naval expedition under Commodore M. C. Perry, ascending the Tuspan River; destroying the forts, and taking possession of the port of Tuspan
Date 18 April 1847 Location Tuxpan, Veracruz Result United States victory
Belligerents
United States	Mexico
Commanders and leaders
Matthew C. Perry	Martin Perfecto de Cos
Strength
1,519 marines (part of Mosquito Fleet)	300–400
Casualties and losses
3 killed 11 wounded	unknown, likely many

The First Battle of Tuxpan was the only major battle fought during the Mexican–American War at Tuxpan, Mexico.

Background

Commodore Matthew C. Perry's Home Squadron extended its blockade of Mexico's eastern ports to include Tuxpan and Tabasco, more commonly known as Villahermosa. Perry's Mosquito Fleet carrying a landing force of 1,519 men and four pieces of artillery, reached the mouth of the Tuxpan River on 17 April. The Mexicans had five batteries with eight guns each, and about 400 men under the command of General Martin Perfecto de Cos, along the six mile approach to the town.

Battle

On 18 April, Perry's crafts towed 30 barges upriver, and secured two downriver fortifications and those at the edge of town by 3 PM. The town surrendered by 4 PM, when Perry removed the guns and destroyed the fortifications before evacuating the town on 22 April, keeping a pair of craft to blockade the river.

Further reading

• Nevin, David; editor, The Mexican War (1978)

External links

• Roll of Honor - U.S. Casualties of Naval Actions in the War with Mexico