Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/530

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514

VICEROY CALLEJA AND HIS PLANS.

several other colonels and minor officers were executed for their bandit operations.^[1]

The licentiate Francisco Solorzano was now appointed intendente, and Muñiz comandante general. It was easier to issue commands than to enforce them. Instead of obeying the order of exile, Delgado met the equally offended and recalcitrant Verdusco at Urecho; and joined by Liceaga, they issued a proclamation declaring that in them as members of the supreme council resided the sovereignty. They made a series of counter-charges against Rayon for usurpation of authority, for invasion of Michoacan, which stood subject to Verdusco and Delgado, and for unauthorized and traitorous acts, such as holding intercourse with royalists, and seeking to oust ecclesiastics from commands, and cited him to appear and give answer. They even marched against him and surprised his escort at Santa Efigenia, killing several men; where upon they proclaimed him a traitor.^[2] Returning to Tlalpujahua, Rayon issued a defence of his conduct, declared the hostile vocales suspended, and appealed to all leaders for support. Most of them took his part, but others sided with the Villagranes, Morelos avoiding a decisive answer, while expressing disapproval of the quarrel.^[3] Doctor Cos took the best step in addressing both parties, pointing out the danger of discord and urging reconciliation. All declared them-

↑ Arias on Aug. 12th. Negrete, Mex. Siglo XIX., vi. 52. The cura was banished to Las Balsas. Hernandez y Dávalos, Col. Doc., v. 633. Bustamante, Cuad. Hist., ii. 244-5, presents the formulated charge against Verdusco and others, for disobedience, outrages, etc.
↑ On March 7th, three days after the surprise, Diario de Rayon, 634. In his circular to support charges against Rayon, Verdusco seeks to create prejudice against him by insisting that his aim is to remove all ecclesiastics from political and military command. The object of the attack at Santa Efigenia was merely to disperse a body intended for the support of Rayon. Negrete, Mex. Siglo XIX., v. 440-5, claims to be the only writer who has noticed this document. Bustamante, Cuad. Hist., ii. 275-C, 315, etc., defends Rayon against the charge of traitorous intercourse.
↑ Hernandez y Dávalos, Col. Doc., v. 5-6. He maintained relations with Liceaga and others. Rayon's decree removing Verdusco and Liceaga is dated April 7th.

[1] Arias on Aug. 12th. Negrete, Mex. Siglo XIX., vi. 52. The cura was banished to Las Balsas. Hernandez y Dávalos, Col. Doc., v. 633. Bustamante, Cuad. Hist., ii. 244-5, presents the formulated charge against Verdusco and others, for disobedience, outrages, etc.

[2] On March 7th, three days after the surprise, Diario de Rayon, 634. In his circular to support charges against Rayon, Verdusco seeks to create prejudice against him by insisting that his aim is to remove all ecclesiastics from political and military command. The object of the attack at Santa Efigenia was merely to disperse a body intended for the support of Rayon. Negrete, Mex. Siglo XIX., v. 440-5, claims to be the only writer who has noticed this document. Bustamante, Cuad. Hist., ii. 275-C, 315, etc., defends Rayon against the charge of traitorous intercourse.

[3] Hernandez y Dávalos, Col. Doc., v. 5-6. He maintained relations with Liceaga and others. Rayon's decree removing Verdusco and Liceaga is dated April 7th.

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