After the Spanish bombardment of the port, the Mexican government resolved to end the Spanish assaults. Although at the time Mexico didn't have a proper navy, on October 8, 1823, a blockade on San Juan de Ulúa was planned. Secretary of War and Navy José Joaquín de Herrera made a speech before the First Congress of Mexico expressing the urgency of acquiring more warships to blockade and attack the Spanish troops who occupied the fortress.