Skirmish at Matamoros facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Skirmish at Matamoros
Part of the Mexican–American War
Plan of Matamoras, and vicinity (November 30, 1847)
Date November 23, 1847 Location Izúcar de Matamoros, Puebla Result American victory
Belligerents
United States	Mexico
Commanders and leaders
Gen. Joseph Lane	Colonel Piedras
Strength
135 mounted riflemen and dragoons, 25 artillerymen and 1 gun	400–600 men
Casualties and losses
3 soldiers killed, 1 American citizen killed 5 wounded	60–80 killed or wounded
21 U.S. Soldiers freed, large amounts of munitions captured or destroyed

The Skirmish at Matamoros was a small but important battle during the Mexican–American War. It happened on November 23, 1847. In this fight, General Joseph Lane led a group of U.S. soldiers to victory. They defeated a Mexican army group led by Colonel Piedras. This Mexican group was guarding a supply center in Izúcar de Matamoros, Mexico. The Mexican Light Corps had been bothering the U.S. Army's supply routes. This skirmish helped stop their attacks.

Surprise Attack at Matamoros

General Lane's soldiers marched all night in the rain. They arrived near Izúcar de Matamoros early in the morning. Lane quickly launched a surprise attack. They caught the Mexican guards off guard at an outpost.

Chasing the Guards

The surprised guards ran into the town. Texan riflemen and Louisiana dragoons chased after them. The U.S. troops burst into the town. A quick and intense fight took place. The main group of Mexican soldiers ran away. They scattered into a forest outside of town.

Taking Control of the Town

General Lane and his troops took control of the town. They also captured the important supply center. The U.S. forces did not lose any soldiers in this fight. Between 60 and 80 Mexican soldiers were killed or wounded. This included their commander, Colonel Piedras.

What Was Captured

After the fight, 21 American soldiers who had been captured were set free. They were given muskets and horses taken from the enemy. At the supply center, the U.S. troops found many valuable items. They captured three artillery pieces, which are types of cannons. They also found twelve boxes of ammunition. Five hundred muskets and five hundred sabers were also taken. The U.S. soldiers had wagons to carry these supplies away.

Destroying Supplies

The rest of the day was spent resting. The soldiers also destroyed the remaining Mexican supplies. They destroyed twelve tons of cannonballs. Large amounts of bullets, matches, and medical supplies were also ruined. This was done to prevent the Mexican army from using them. Three U.S. soldiers were hurt by accident while destroying these materials.

After the Skirmish

General Lane and his troops returned to Puebla the next day. On their way back, a larger Mexican force met them. This group was led by General Joaquín Rea. Lane's troops had to fight their way through in an event called the Affair at Galaxara Pass.

Impact of the Raid

The raid on Matamoros was very successful. It destroyed the supplies the Mexican Light Corps needed. Without these materials, the Light Corps could not launch a strong attack. For the rest of the war, they were only a minor problem.