The latter force consisted of the Texas Navy flagship sloop-of-war Austin, commanded by Commodore Edwin Ward Moore, the brig Wharton, and several schooners and five gunboats from the Republic of Yucatán, commanded by former Texas Navy Captain James D. Boylan.

The Republic of the Rio Grande declared independence in early 1840 but was defeated and reunited with Mexico within a year, well before the battle of Campeche.

The Battle of Campeche resulted when the allied forces of Texas and Yucatan attempted to lift the blockade.

After Central Mexican government revoked their autonomy granted by 1824 Constitution of Mexico in 1835, Texians raised a rebellion.

Moore, now fully funded, sailed to lift the Mexican naval blockade of the port of Campeche.

After rearming, the Texan ships, including the 600 ton flagship Austin, on May 16 encountered a much stronger Mexican squadron, which included the modern 878 ton iron-hulled (not "ironclad") paddle frigate Guadalupe and the wooden paddle frigate Montezuma, each armed with two 68-pounder Paixhans guns able to fire exploding shells.

After three hours of broadsides, the battle was essentially a draw,[3] with both sides again withdrawing after sustaining considerable damage and casualties.

Due to the distressing situation of the Caste War, Yucatán seek economic and military assistance from Mexico.

On August 17, 1848, Yucatecan president, Miguel Barbachano ordered the resumption of a confederation of Mexico and the restoration of the 1825 Constitution of Yucatán.

This was in expression of gratitude to Commodore Moore who in 1837 had purchased Colt Paterson Revolvers for the Republic of Texas Navy.