Miramón forces besieging Vera Cruz subject the port to a sustained bombardment

General Miguel Miramón, in control of the military junta, had moved to attack the Constitutional forces of Benito Juarez at Vera Cruz on the coast.  After some delay, the siege began and included a five day heavy bombardment of the port city with more than fifty pieces of artillery.  Vera Cruz held firm and  Miramón's junta forces gave up the attack and began a retreat to Mexico City on March 21, 1860. (By John Osborne)