o power the Navy against Mexico and force Mexico to recognize the independence of Texas. Moore tried every means possible to return his squadron back into battle, while publicly proclaiming the support of his president. To no success, Moore watched as Mexico rebuilt its Navy during 1842 and the Texas Navy decline to only two sea-worthy vessels, the Austin and the Wharton (17.). The revitalized Mexican Army and Navy undertook the task of reconquering their wayward provinces and it was reported by British and American observers that Texas would be subjugated by late 1843. Houston granted Moore permission to aid the Yucatan against the strong Mexican Navy, but Houston privately acted on the premise that Texas was too poor to support a Navy and that an offensive would only antagonize Mexico at a time he was negotiating with the United States and Great Britain for their help in securing a peace (18.) Moore received financial help from the Yucatan and local businessman to get the Austin and Wharton underway in 1843. The odds were in the favor of the Mexican Navy who had larger guns and more of them and most of all had the range of fire over the combined Yucatan and Texas navies. Moore was not to be discouraged, he was to set the fate of Texas in heroic fashion and with whatever vessels and weapons he can obtain. The day of battle came when Moore received intelligence that a steamer of the Mexican Navy was embarking troops alone at Telchac. The battle turned out to be between the Texas-Yucatan forces and five Mexican sailing vessels and two steamers. The battle ensued throughout the day with several cease fires opened back up within hours. At the end of the first squirmish, the Texas-Yucatan forces suffered two killed and three wounded hands. Spy reports spoke of Mexican losses to be over twenty hands in all. The whole action was not decisive but accomplished freeing the Campeche from siege and permit coastal vessels to enter under the protect...
