that the desired stay of raiding expeditions was not granted. The white men would not lose so promising an opportunity to gain advantage over the vacillating and divided natives, and to obtain much needed supplies for their troops.[1]
General Micheltorena, of California fame, who arrived in February 1850, to take charge of the campaign on behalf of the republic, approved of the close pressure applied by expeditions, henceforth accompanied by priestly peace commissioners — palm and sword combined; but he strove to produce more harmonious and effective action by concentrating the forces into two divisions only.[2] The advantage was not maintained, however, for the success of certain parties, the relief of Bacalar, and the advancement of a few cantonments were counterbalanced by a renewal of the war spirit among the irritated natives, who surprised Tekax and other places, resumed siege operations at Bacalar and towns to the north, and undertook more determined raids beyond the lines.[3] Unity and cooperation were promoted by founding a more central capital or headquarters near Ascension Bay, named Chan Santa Cruz, the latter in allusion to three crosses, to which interested leaders ascribed a sacred origin. [4] Micheltorena became so discouraged at the changing prospects and the neglect of Mexico that he resigned.[5]
- ↑ Mendez made a raid toward Chan's headquarters at Cruzchen, and brought back 150 loads of maize, 20 prisoners, and 140 submitted natives. Patria, Feb. 25, 1850, ct seq.; also Fenix, etc.
- ↑ Under Col Eulogio Rosado, commanding in the south-east, and Gen. Cadenas, commanding in the north-west.
- ↑ Méx., Mem. Min. Guer., 1851, 11-12. The most brilliant operation during the year was O'Horan's march in June-July 1850 across the peninsula to Bacalar and back, bringing 218 prisoners and tokens from 117 killed. Baqueiro, Ensayo, ii. cap. vi.; Fenix, nos 128-9. Bacalar had been relieved in April, when nearly lost.
- ↑ It lay eight leagues east from the bay. The foundation was fostered by J. M. Barrera, a rising man, who here discovered the indispensable spring, so prized in this arid country, and obtained the assistance of a priest who was a ventriloquist. Baqueiro, loc. cit. It became the object of repeated attacks and fell several times, but grew, nevertheless, to become the chief town.
- ↑ He promised to subdue the rebels within four months if a million of pesos were placed at his disposal. This was out of the question, a loan of $70,000 alone being offered by the peninsular people.
they are called, stay their expeditions in order to give the Indians time to consult. Reproduced in Zamacois, Hist. Méj., viii. 359-64.
