Arkansas & the US-Mexican War > Introduction

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The Mexican Army was composed of permanentes, or full-time soldiers, and activos, or militia. They suffered from low morale, desertion, and irregular pay. Men were often conscripted using the unpopular leva system, instead of being recruited. A huge gulf in class and economic differences separated the officers and the enlisted men. The Mexican Army had little experience with invading forces prior to the U.S.-Mexican War. Spain tried unsuccessfully to invade in 1829, and France tried (unsuccessfully) to invade the country during the Pastry War (1838-1839). The Mexican Army spent most of its time dealing with domestic issues. Lack of cohesiveness was a serious problem for the army; officers and soldiers often formed alliances with different political groups to further their own plans and those of a particular political constituency. The Mexican Army had a standing pool of generals to command, but many achieved their rank through political favors, not military victories. Many of these men were either born in Spain or born to Spanish parents in the New World, although a few were mestizos who rose through the ranks. The Mexican commanders were often in conflict with Santa Anna and with each other due to differing interests.
Mexican troops on the march

General Pedro de Ampudia

Ampudia joined the Spanish Colonial Army at an early age. He became one of Santa Annas generals in 1840, serving in the campaign against Texas. He served as General-in-Chief of the Army of the North in 1846, but was replaced by General Mariano Arista before the Battle of Palo Alto. Ampudias forces suffered a disastrous defeat at that battle, but he went on to command forces at the battles of Monterrey and Buena Vista (La Angostura).

General Ampudia surrendering to Taylor at Monterey test test test test test test test test

General Juan Jos Landero

General Juan Jos Landero achieved his success supporting Santa Anna. Under the command of General Juan Morales, he defended Veracruz against General Scotts invasion in March 1847. Landero ultimately took the blame for surrendering the city. Furious at their inability to defend the city, Santa Anna imprisoned both Landero and Morales after the fall of Veracruz; they were liberated by U.S. troops several weeks later when they captured Perote Castle. After the war ended, Landeros differences with Santa Anna led him to change loyalties.

General Jos Vicente Mion

General Jos Vicente Min joined the Spanish Colonial Army at an early age and served with distinction. He became an ally in the successful 1845 plot to overthrow President Jos Joaqun de Herrera. In early 1847, Min led one of Santa Annas cavalry brigades in the Army of the North. After arriving outside Buena Vista, Mins forces threatened General Taylors supply lines and communication with Saltillo, maneuvering so that they were actually behind Taylors forces. The U.S. Artillery managed to disperse Mins 1,600-strong cavalry, disrupting their plans and enraging Santa Anna. Min also captured Major Solon Borland and 50 of his mounted rifles at Encarnacin.

Gen. Antonio Lpez de Santa Anna

Born February 21, 1794 to Spanish parents, Santa Anna originally joined the Spanish Army. He abandoned the army in 1821 to help fight for Mexicos independence. He fought against France in the Pasty War and was severely wounded, eventually leading to the amputation of his right leg below the knee. Over the course of his career, he served as President of Mexico 11 different times, switching political allegiances among his friends and supporters when necessary.
General Santa Anna

General Gabriel Valencia

Born in 1799, Valencia began his stint with the Spanish Colonial Army but joined the revolutionaries in 1821. After becoming friendly with the centralist leadership, he established himself as a force in Mexican politics. He forged an uneasy alliance with Santa Anna, helping him overthrow first President Anastasio Bustamante and then President Jos Joaqun de Herrera. Santa Anna recognized Valencias potential threat politically and militarily. Valencia and his forces were located in Northeast Mexico early in the war; they were routed at the Battle of Contreras in August 1847 by troops that included Arkansans serving in the 12th Infantry.

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Arkansas & the US-Mexican War > Introduction

John Riley & the San Patricio Battalion

Irish-American deserter John Riley joined the Mexican Army and formed the San Patricio Battalion. This group fought as an artillery unit at the battles of Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma (Resaca de Guerrero), Monterrey, Buena Vista (or La Angostura), and Cerro Gordo before being transferred to the infantry, where they fought and lost at Contreras and Churubusco. One Arkansas deserter joined the San Patricios. Ultimately, those captured after the Battle of Churubusco were sent to military trials; a portion of them were executed.
San Patricio Execution

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