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MEXICO IN 1827.
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far from "seeking a hiding-place in caves and forests," was about to carry on the contest with all his usual activity. After defeating three Spanish divisions, Morelos made a triumphal entry into Tĕhŭacān, (in La Puebla,) on the l6th of September, 1812. From thence he undertook a successful expedition against the town of Ŏrĭzāvă, where he found nine pieces of artillery, and an immense booty in money and tobacco. Obliged to evacuate the place, by the approach of a superior force, he returned to Tĕhŭacān, and, after refreshing his troops there, commenced, in the beginning of November, his famous expedition against Ŏăxācă. After sustaining incredible hardships upon the march, the army at last arrived before the town, situated in the finest part of one of the most lovely provinces of Mexico. It was garrisoned by the Royalists, under Brigadier Regules, who attempted to defend the town; but nothing could withstand the impetuosity of the Insurgent troops. Their artillery, under the command of Don Manuel Mier y Tĕrān, having silenced that of their opponents, Regules made a last stand on the edge of a deep moat, which surrounds Oaxaca, and over which there was no passage but by a single drawbridge, which was drawn up, and the approach to it defended by the Royalist infantry. The Insurgents paused on perceiving this new obstacle; but their deliberation lasted but an instant; Guadelupe Victoria, who was in the front rank, threw himself into the moat, sword in hand, and