and other generals, while the revolutionists began to fail both in number and resources, under the superior advantages of their opponents and the influence of the clergy over the masses.[1]
The struggle was evidently hopeless, and to prolong it might be fatal. Negotiations were accordingly resumed, and on the plea of sparing the capital further injury the government accorded, late on July 26th, a capitulation of the most favorable nature, assuring the revolutionists in the undisturbed enjoyment of their property and positions under the government, with oblivion of past offences.[2]This leniency was greatly due to Bustamante's jealousy of Santa Anna, lest he should gain not only the credit of restoring order and use it to extend his influence, but improve the occasion to obtain control of affairs. It was even whispered that the arch-schemer had started the movement to this very end. He was promptly ordered to countermarch. The following day the bells rang the signals for peace celebration, and tolled for the death of fallen soldiers and innocent citizens.[3]
The apprehension was not wholly allayed, however,
- ↑ The government forces and authorities exerted great influence in the outlying towns, and priests were made to impress the people by making the most of the desecrating occupation of the cathedral, yet the archbishop publicly acknowledged the forbearance of the party.
- ↑ Valencia promising to urge the government to promote a reform of the constitution. The capitulating troops had dwindled to 480, their killed numbering about 200, it is said.
- ↑ Over 400, if we may believe Bustamante's figures and estimates. Gabinete Mex., ii. 79-80. Others, including Fossey, Mex., 170, an eye-witness, intimates that few soldiers fell, the citizens suffering most, while thieves and murderers availed themselves of the lack of patrol, etc., to perpetuate outrages. He points out that the capitulation did not embrace foreigners, who were thus 'lâchement' abandoned by their comrades to the government's vengeance. Proceedings against them were ordered. See decrees, Vallejo, Col. Doc. Mex., MIS., ii. pts 356-7, 362-5, 371. Some troops were also disbanded. Méx., Col. Ley. y Dec., 1849, 759-61; while honors were showered on Valencia and his men. Id., 762-7. Bustamante being soon after recommended to congress for cross of honor and the title benemérito, which were granted. Bustamante, Iniciativa, 1-13; Méx., Discursos por Presidentes, 1-12; Pap. Var., clxxi. pt 16, cxci. pt 1. Madame Calderon de la Barca, who resided at Mexico during this period, gives some interesting particulars, especially of the suffering inflicted on the people. Life Mex., i. 348-90. Also Rivera, Hist. Jalapa, iii. 451-60; Dispos. Varias, v. 38-9; Thompson's Mex., 64. In Rivera, Méx. Pint., i. 20-22, etc., are accounts of damage suffered by the palace and other public edifices. Méx., Mem. Guerra, 1841, 33-40.
