breeds had to abandon their homes, and seek refuge on the coast from their relentless foes, with whom the government could no longer cope.[1] At last in this time of anguish, help came from an unexpected quarter, in the form of arms and ammunition sent them by the authorities of Cuba. Some Spanish war vessels also rendered assistance in conveying families to places of safety.
In 1848, after peace had been concluded between Mexico and the United States, Commodore Perry was requested by the citizens of Laguna de Términos not to evacuate the island till Mexico could afford them protection, which was acceded to.[2]
Finally, through the good offices of the curate Vela, a treaty was entered into with Jacinto Pat;[3] but being several times violated, it soon ceased to have value. The rebels were never short of arms any or ammunition.[4]
In 1849 a foreign regiment, with most of the men from the United States, was organized, but was disbanded soon after.[5] The state government, having to provide resources, gave leave in March of that year to take to Cuba or Vera Cruz, as coolies, such Indian prisoners as were willing to go there.[6] The Mexican government disapproved of the measure, but after a
- ↑ Busto, Estad. Rep. Mex., iii. pt 1, 263; Mayer's Mex. Aztec., i. 429; Niles' Reg., lxxiii. 5.
- ↑ Three hundred and fifty men were left till relieved by a Mexican force. It is asserted that the governor tendered the sovereignty over Yucatan to any nation that would assume its protection. Baqueiro, Ensayo Hist., ii. 331-3, 374-6, 394-403; Ancona, Hist. Үuс., iv. 106, 109; Zamacois, Hist. Mej., xii. 171-2, 194.
- ↑ A most ominous and humiliating one, inasmuch as it stipulated, among other things, that the Indians should retain their arms, and all that had been taken from them should be restored. Miguel Barbachano, for whom Pat had a special predilection, was to be governor of Yucatan for life, and Pat, chief or governor of the Indians, also for life. Personal and distilling taxes were to be abolished, and ecclesiastical fees much reduced. Baqueiro, Ensayo Hist., ii. 403–14.
- ↑ There is abundant evidence of their being supplied by the traders of British Honduras. Belize, Yuc. Espos. Gob. Créditos, 98-102.
- ↑ Niles' Reg., lxxv. 205.
- ↑ It was said that they went willingly; but this is rather doubtful, as the government received a bonus of $25 per head. Barbachano, Discurso, 20-1.
