Contreras, Battle of, August 19-20, 1847, an engagement of the Mexican War. United States General Winfield Scott with a force of about 4,500 men was fighting his way from Veracruz to Mexico City when he was confronted by a Mexican force of about 19,000 at Contreras, a village 12 miles (19 km) southwest of Mexico City. Despite their superior numbers and stronger position on high ground, the Mexicans were routed during the second day of the fighting. They lost an estimated 1,500 killed, wounded, and captured; the United States, only 60.