First Battle of Tabasco

First Battle of Tabasco
Part of Mexican-American War
Mississippi, Commodore Perry's flagship during the First Battle of Tabasco.
Date October 24–26, 1846 Location Villahermosa, Tabasco Result American victory
Belligerents
United States	Mexico
Commanders and leaders
Matthew C. Perry French Forrest	Juan B. Traconis
Strength
7 ships 253 landing force	300
Casualties and losses
2 killed 2 wounded 2 drowned	5 killed

The First Battle of Tabasco was fought during the Mexican–American War, in October 1846, in an attempt to capture cities along the Tabasco coast.

Commodore David Conner of the Home Squadron, received orders from Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft to "exercise all the rights that belong to you as commander-in-chief of a belligerent squadron" in establishing a blockade of the Mexican east coast. On 14 May 1846, Conner established his base at Anton Lizardo, Veracruz and placed Veracruz, Alvarado, Tampico, and Matamoros under blockade. Commodore Matthew C. Perry was named as Conner's replacement in the fall of 1846, and suggested capturing "Tabasco", otherwise known as San Juan Bautista along the Tabasco River. On 16 Oct., Perry left Anton Lizardo with the steamboats Mississippi, Vixen and McLane and the schooners Reefer,Bonita, Nonata, and Forward. On 23 Oct., Perry captured Frontera and moved upriver, finding Tabasco the next morning at 9 AM.

Lt. Col. Juan B. Traconis withdrew his 300 men from the town allowing Perry to occupy the town by 5 PM, capturing five Mexican vessels. However, at night, Perry recalled his landing party and Traconis's forces returned to the city, barricading themselves inside buildings. Traconis received a delegation of U.S. Marines who requested their surrender, but responded "Tell Commodore Perry that I would sooner die with my garrison before handing over this place."

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