This ready surrender of the most important harbor on the gulf next to Vera Cruz, with its rich stock of goods, guarded by so large a force, tends to confirm the charge of treason against Escalada. It had the effect of precipitating also the fall of Tuxpan, whither Urrea had betaken himself to weave fresh plans. Foreseeing the inevitable in the concentration of forces against the place, he hastened to enter into an arrangement with Paredes, whereby he was confirmed in his position and honors as general. Santa Anna naturally felt indignant at such terms, and modified them in so far as to order him into exile, under surveillance. While on the way to Vera Cruz, however, he escaped, and disappeared for a time, till the turn of events again brought him to the front.[1]
The fall of Tampico was a heavy blow to the federalist cause, now sustained mainly in the north-east. The news arrived there at the sane time with the report that García Conde was advancing with a strong force from San Luis Potosí, while Canalizo, reënforced by Quijano, was moving against Monterey. Lemus at once abandoned Saltillo and withdrew toward the Texan border,[2] but was soon after overtaken and captured. Together with his brother, 18 officers, and 2 commissioners who were on the way to ask for Texan aid. This [3] Canales, who now assumed the undisputed leadership of the party, with the aid of a representative convention, continued the struggle with Indian and
- ↑ The capitulation took place June 11th. Vallejo, Col. Doc. Mex., MS., i. pt 206. Urrea issued a protest against the infringement of the capitulation. Protesta, 1-19; Arrangoiz, Méj., ii. 243-4.
- ↑ García Conde entered Saltillo June 21, 1839.
- ↑ occurred near Rosas at the end of August. Lemus created ill feeling by allowing pillage and levying contributions. Vallejo, Col. Doc. Mex., MS., ii 203.
is placed by Montoro at 1,000, whereof 300 had been brought by Urrea from Acajete battle-field. This writer declares that Escalada manœuvred the betrayal of the town. 'El tiempo lha descubierto que el fin y objeto de Escalada, fueron traicionar y enriqueeerse.' Contestacion al Itinerario, 1-24, with documents; Pap. Var., xxxvii. pt 2. Traders had availed themselves of the federalist occupation to introduce a large quantity of goods under very low duties, and the government at first refused to recognize the transactions. Niles' Reg., lvii. 66, 118; Diario Gob., June 20, 1839. An attempted revolt in May 1840 was promptly suppressed. Id., May 21, 1840.
