General Miguel Miramón had four days earlier gained sole control of the military junta ruling from Mexico City. With an army of around 6,000 men and more than fifty artillery pieces left Mexico City to attack the Constitutional forces of Benito Juarez, headquartered at Vera Cruz on the coast. Miramón laid siege to the port in March 1860 but despite a massive bombardment failed to take it and retreated to the capital. (By John Osborne)
Source Citation
"Miramón's Expedition Against Vera Cruz ," New York Times, February 19, 1860, p. 5.