MEXICO.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1194, 9 February 1864, Page 3

MEXICO.

CAPTURE OF THE CITY OF TASCO. [FROM THE SAN FRANCISCO 'MORNING CALL, NOVEMBER 17.] We translate the following news from a Mexican review for the month of October, rcceivul by the steamer Constitution yesterday: — "Bazaine, the new French commandant, after Forey's departure issued an order countei manning the one hy which the political prisoners were to he expatriated. They will be taken to Orizaba, where the charges of conspiracy preferred agaiust tnem will be investigated. » The French army has made no movement towards the interior of the country, though PJ C tions to that effect are being made—such as joititling the old city of Mexico, Tacubaya, and other immediate places. Advance guards have been stationed on the two roads leading to Moreha ana Queretaro. " A tax lias been imposed on the residents of the city, which will be devoted to the payment of the

lodgement given to the French officers in the houses of Liberal families.

"The Supreme Government lias peremptorily prohibited the Constitutional authority from residing in those places occupied by French forces. Disqualification of ever acting in any official capacity is the pnnishment inflicted for acting in contravention of this decree. " The black vomit lias appeared again in the ports of Vera Cruz and Tampico, and is making quite a havoc among the French soldiers. Dissatisfaction increases between the French and the Mexican traitors. Desertions among the latter, which are of daily occurrence, are creating great distrust in the minds of the former. The slightest suspicion against those who adhere to their country's cause is a death-warrant ; or at least they are punished with imprisonment and flogging. " All the Mexican papers opposed to the French intervention agree in carrying on the war to the last, unless the French enter into treaties with the Juarez Constitutional Government. The integrity of territory and the national honor to be secured above all things." Private letters from Mexico, via Acapulco, received by the same steamer, have the following Important intelligence :— " On the 27th October General Perfedio Diaz, commander-in-chief of the Mexican forces, arrived at Taseo with the first division of the Mexican army of about 8000 soldiers. On the 28th instant he commenced the siege of the city. The city was in possession of the French and Mexican forces, with a force of about 2500. On the 29th the city was taken by assault, capturing the chief in command, Marcas Toledo, eighteen commissioned officers, and 251 privates, the balance of the force escaping. They also captured a large amount of munitions of war, including 1000 muskets. The prisoners are on the road to Acapulco, to be placed in the hands of Gen. Don Juau Alvarez, awaiting the orders of the Supreme Government. General Perfedio Diaz has garrisoned the city of Taseo, and is now marching to attack the French forces at Iguala, where the I French have about 900 soldiers. This present posi- j tion is between them and the city of Mexico. " The City of Taseo is about ninety miles from the City of Mexico, a short distance from the main road. The movement of General Diaz was a very brilliant one, he having come from San Luis Potosi, and his movemenls being so rapid and secret that the forces in Taseo were completely taken by surprise. This is supposed to be the commencement of a series of movements which are about to be made by the Mexicans for the purpose of harrassing and destroying the communication of the French from the City of Mexico and the seaport. The guerilla warfare is still being carried on with a great deal of success by the Mexicans."