20 Chapter 2
Narrative: A band of Americans crossed into Mexico to retrieve runaway slaves and
stolen horses, which Mexico had refused to relinquish. Mexican troops fought and
chased the Americans back to the border. American troops at Fort Duncan made a
show of force to deter the Mexican troops and began escorting the filibusters across
the border on subsequent raids.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from Missing. End Date changed from Missing.
Outcome changed from Unclear. Fatalities changed from Missing.
MID#1548
Dispute Number: 1548
Date(s): November 19, 1859 to January 4, 1860
Participants: 2 United States of America/70 Mexico
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (Negotiated)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: On November 21, 1859, President Buchanan ordered troops to cross the
border into the northern Mexican frontier to neutralize the threat of Mexican bandits
threatening American citizens. Responding to Mexican protests of the action, the
United States emphasized that it would protect American interests to such an extent
with or without a treaty allowing it to do so. Such a treaty was drafted in December
that gave the United States, with the request and consent of Mexico or the Mexican
minister in Washington, authorization to act with militarily force to protect American
interests in Mexico. This treaty was sent to the Senate for ratification on January 4,
1860, thus ending this dispute.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from November 21, 1859. Outcome changed
from Unclear. Settlement changed from Unclear.
MID#1549
Dispute Number: 1549
Date(s): March 6, 1860 to March 20, 1860
Participants: 2 United States of America/70 Mexico
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: 1–25 deaths
Narrative: On March 6, 1860, United States sloop-of-war Saratoga and two steamers
asked two Mexican steamers to show their colors near Veracruz. The steamers refused
and fired on the American ship. The American ships attacked and captured both the
Marquez and the General Miramon. The Mexican steamers were en route from Cuba
heading to lay siege on the port of Anton Lizardo, Veracruz. The United States was
protecting its interests in the gulf by defending the friendly liberal Mexican govern-
ment against General Miramon and the Conservatives, who were threatening an inva-
sion of the United States after their conquest of Mexico. After the capture of the two
steamers, General Miramon sent a decree to Mexico City to seize all American prop-
erty and ordered all Americans out of the country. However, the siege of Veracruz was
an utter failure, and the friendly liberal government ignored the order.