A lithograph portrait of Mexican military leader General Gabriel Valencia in military uniform and decorations. Valencia served as interm president of Mexico from December 31, 1845 after the deposal of José Joaquín de Herrera to January 2, 1846 when he was replaced by Mariano Paredes. Later Valencia commanded the Army of the North at San Luis Potosi. In August 1847 Valencia and his troops were stationed at Contreras during General Winfield Scott's campaign inland toward the city of Mexico. During the U.S. assault on Mexico City, Valencia advanced beyond Santa Anna's intended line of defense and was soundly defeated by General Persifor Smith at the Battle of Contreras (Padierna) on August 19, 1847. [This lithograph is from the book "Apuntes Para La Historia de la Guerra entre Mexico Y Los Estados-Unidos" edited by Los Redactores and illustrated by Plácido Blanco, between pages 222 and 223]
