Page:Mexico (1829) Volumes 1 and 2.djvu/183

MEXICO. 147 arrival of a strong detachment sent from La Puebla to his assistance. The great object of Morelos was to prolong the siege until the commencement of the rainy season, when he knew that the Royalists would be forced to raise it, as Cuautla is situated in Tierra Caliente, and is a most unhealthy spot. Calleja was aware of this, and felt the ignominy with which a retreat would be attended ; yet not even this could induce him to risk another general attack. All his efforts had been hitherto unavailing ; and, at the end of April, he could not boast of having gained one single advantage. Unfortunately for the Mexicans, he had but too powerful an ally within the walls of the town. Cuautla had never been properly sup- plied Avith provisions, as Morelos did not expect to be be- sieged there in form, and famine now prevailed to a horrible extent ; maize was almost the only sustenance of the troops ; a cat sold for six dollars ; a lizard for two ; and rats or other vermin for one. An ox, which was seen, one day, feeding between the Spanish camp and the town, nearly brought on a general action; for the troops, unable to resist the tempta- tion, rushed out in crowds to seize the prey, and were attack- ed, while bringing it off, by so strong a party of the enemy, that Morelos was forced to draw out nearly his whole re- maining force, in order to save them from destruction. Disease, too, began to show itself in its most frightful shape, and nearly 300 sick were lodged in the hospital of San Diego alone. Such, however, was the influence of Morelos over his men, that they endured all their sufferings with undaunted resolution, as long as there was a hope of supplies being received from without ; but Matamoros having been defeated in an attempt to introduce provisions, Morelos was forced to decide between making a general attack upon the camp of CaUeja, and evacuating the town without delay. Had his men been in full health and vigour, it is probable L 2