Camarón Day and the French in Mexico

It was on this day in 1863 that the 3rd Company of the 1st French Foreign Legion Regiment fought its most famous and heroic battle at the Hacienda of Camarón (read more about the battle in this post). It is the official holiday of the Foreign Legion and a day to remember the courage of the foreign regiment; an occasion of great pride for France. Of course, in Mexico, the French are seen as the "bad guys" and in a few days Mexico (and even moreso the Mexican population of the U.S. these days) will celebrate the Mexican republican victory over the French at the battle of Puebla on the 5th of May. As has often been mentioned here, the "accepted version" of Mexican history in regard to the French intervention and the establishment of the empire is firmly cemented in place and not likely to be changed without a very, very long and difficult process of questioning, critical thinking and reeducation.

However, if the truth is to be served we must point out that there was more to the French intervention than the negative aspects that are so often harped about. It was not the first time, nor would it be the last, that good government (or at least better government) would follow in the footsteps of the Foreign Legion. It is no exaggeration, it is a matter of simple fact that the arrival of the French Imperial Army in Mexico brought with it benefits that many in Mexico had not known virtually since independence. In only a few short months and years French forces suppressed banditry, brought stability, improved the infrastructure, trade and communications throughout Mexico in all the areas under their control.

The French built the first railroad along the coast to move supplies and trade to the port of Veracruz. French engineers rebuilt and improved roads that had been in decay since the end of Spanish rule. They built new roads, new bridges and put up the first telegraph system in Mexico. Even more remarkable than this was that they kept it in operation; kept the lines up and protected them from republican raiders. Mexico had been plagued by bandits for so long they had become almost a part of the landscape, part of the popular culture and many of those who claimed to be fighting for the republican President Benito Juarez were simply bandits going about their usual business but wrapped in the republican flag as a cover of patriotism. The French smashed them and Mexican people in remote villages, for the first time in their lives for many of them, experienced life without the threat of roadside robbery and extortion.

Despite the popular perception in Mexico today, at the time many were supportive, appreciative and deeply grateful for the sacrifices of the French forces in their country. In fact, when the French began to constrict and pull out many Mexicans were thrown into a panic, knowing well that when they left the situation would revert to its normal state. One local village leader went to the closest French outpost and begged that just a small detachment of French troops be left behind. When he was told that this was impossible he asked if only a single French lieutenant could be posted to his village as simply the sight of the man in the blue tunic and red trousers would cause the bands of robbers in the countryside to avoid his village. That was the extent of the impact of the French Imperial forces and their benefits to the people and country of Mexico.

The Battle of Camaron

It was on this day, April 30, in 1863 that the most famous battle in the history of the French Foreign Legion was fought at the Hacienda Camaron in the Mexican state of Veracruz. The French Imperial Army under General Elie Forey was laying siege to the premier republican city of Puebla and had to depend on a long supply line running through the mountains and rugged country of the Mexican interior to the port of Veracruz. When republican spies reported that a large payroll in gold was on its way to the French army at Puebla the Mexican republicans immediately dispatched troops to intercept it. With few available forces on hand the French had only the Foreign Legion to delay the Mexican column long enough for the payroll to reach safety. That duty fell on the Legionnaires of Captain Jean Danjou who had only 65 men to confront 2,000 Mexican republicans. After repelling several Mexican cavalry charges in the square formation the French barricaded themselves inside the Hacienda Camaron and stood their ground.

The Mexicans demanded that the French surrender, pointing out the impossible odds against them but Captain Danjou refused and the republicans charged the hacienda in wave after wave as the troops of the Foreign Legion cut them down. The fighting was hot and intense and by mid-day Captain Danjou was killed; shot through the chest, but his men stood firm and fought on, throwing back charge after charge by the republican horde. Toward the end of day 60 officers and men of the Legion were dead or wounded; only 5 remained and they had all but depleted their ammunition. Naturally, they decided to fix their bayonets and charge. Two were shot down as they dashed out and another fell as the republicans overwhelmed them. Only 2 lived to be captured and they demanded honorable terms for their surrender which the Mexican commander granted being so overcome by their courage and determination. Despite their tactical defeat they had accomplished their mission and had taken a hundred of the enemy with them. From that day on no one looked on the men of the Foreign Legion without awe-inspired respect in their eyes and the day of the battle of Camaron became the official holiday of the French Foreign Legion and the wooden hand of Captain Danjou their own sort of holy relic.

In the period following the battle the city of Puebla fell to General Forey, Mexico City was occupied and the monarchy was restored in the Second Mexican Empire to be led by Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlota. In France Emperor Napoleon III ordered the name of Camaron to be emblazoned on the standard of the Legion and so a legend was born and a reputation earned in the wilds of Mexico 146 years ago today.