Decisive French action defeats a Mexican force attempting to resupply the besieged city of Puebla

In the early morning hours, after a forced night march, French troops under General François Bazaine struck the Mexican force of General Ingnacio Comonfort attempting to relieve the beseiged city of Puebla.  After a short battle, the Mexicans were defeated and the French captured the vital food supplies Comonfort was bringing. Peubla continued to starve and on May 17, 1863, surrendered, opening the path to Mexico City.  (By John Osborne)