selves ready to yield, but they failed to enter into negotiations with a corresponding spirit.[1]
Rayon was probably not altogether insincere; but he resolved to neglect no means for extending his own influence, and sent his brother Ramon into the old territory of Liceaga, north of Lake Cuitzeo, to assert his claims and draw recruits to his side. Liceaga also hastened to the scene with the same object. At this time Iturbide received orders at Zamora to proceed to Guanajuato, whence, among other duties, he should lead a convoy with silver to Querétaro. On the way he learned of the mustering by the two insurgent leaders, and believing it necessary for the safety of the convoy to impose a check, he turned aside to engage them. Ramon Rayon's force was by no means numerous or disciplined enough to meet so renowned an opponent with any confidence; and he would undoubtedly have hastened away but for the accusations so widely spread by his rivals that he stood in accord with the viceregal party. A retreat would lend confirmation to the charge, and he resolved rather to face defeat.
He took up a position at Salvatierra, a town situated on the right banks of the Rio de Lerma, distributing his force at the bridge and the adjoining fords. It was good Friday.[2] Iturbide proposed to attack on the following day or during the night; but while reconnoitring he was assailed and fell back on his line skirmishing. Believing that they had gained an advantage, the insurgents continued the pursuit. Iturbide perceived his advantage and turned upon them with his whole strength, throwing them into disorder and pursuing in his turn. He reached the bridge at the same time as the fugitives, and was thus
- ↑ The decree which dispossessed the members was issued only after a strong letter from Liceaga, with whom Ramon Rayon had been negotiating. Diario Rayon, 636. In Liceaga, Adic. y Rectific., 244, there is merely an allusion to the quarrel.
- ↑ Zamacois takes pains to point out that Alaman calls this April 16th, when it should be the 18th. Hist. Méx., ix. 153.
