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.[1]Шаблон:Rp
Lt. Col. Juan B. Traconis withdrew his 700 men from the town allowing Perry to occupy the town by 5 PM, capturing five Mexican vessels.[1]Шаблон:Rp However, at night, Perry recalled his landing party and Traconis's forces returned to the city, barricading themselves inside buildings.[1]Шаблон:Rp 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."
Perry realized that a bombardment of the city was the only option to drive out the Mexican troops, but would harm noncombatants, so he decided to retreat to Frontera with his prizes.[1]Шаблон:Rp On the morning of October 26, the Mexicans started firing on Perry's ships who replied in kind.[1]Шаблон:Rp As the U.S. troops began to bombard the town, the flagpole of the Mexican headquarters was shot through and fell. The Americans, believing that this signalled a surrender, stopped firing and sent a delegation to investigate, receiving the same answer as before from Traconis, who then fixed the flagpole to the tower of the Church, and the battle recommenced, continuing until evening. The foreign merchants asked for a ceasefire, which Perry complied with, but when one of his prizes was grounded and then fired upon, Perry once again returned fire, while continuing on to Frontera.[1]Шаблон:Rp
Aftermath
Perry managed to establish a naval blockade with the U.S Revenue Cutters McLane and Forward.[1]Шаблон:Rp after many preceding failures.[1]Шаблон:Rp