siege, on October 26th, to the small though strong town of Tasco, celebrated since Aztec times for its silver mines. The militia, headed by Toledo, made a vigorous resistance, but were compelled to capitulate three days later.[1] On the 5 til of November Diaz moved against the brigade of Vicario, who took refuge within the historic Iguala; but reinforcements coming from Mexico and Michoacan, the siege was abandoned. Diaz now proceeded southward and into Oajaca, receiving continual additions to his forces, which soon after were estimated as high as 8,000 men.[2] He assumed, also, the political control of the states from Vera Cruz southward, and took measures for counteracting imperialist movements. Guerrero remained in charge of the valiant ex-president, Juan Alvarez, practically the sovereign in this region, whose advanced age had of late obliged him to surrender active pursuits to his son Diego. He died September 28th. Pinzon assisted in the defence of the state, which found protection in the unhealthy climate of certain coast districts.
In Chiapas the imperialists had as yet obtained no sure foothold,[3] and their position was further imperilled by the fall, on the 27th of February, of San Juan Bautista, capital of Tabasco, after a siege of six weeks. It was defended both by garrison and French vessels;[4] but the ready water communication, the large reinforcements sent by Diaz, and the hostility
- ↑ Surrendering 271 prisoners. Iglesias, Revistas, ii. 195. A previous attempt by guerrillas upon Teloloapan, near by, had failed.
- ↑ Niox placed them, in Oct., at 6,000. Iglesias raises this, a little later, to 7,000; and Vega, Doc, i. 316, hazards 8,000; while La Estrella de Occid., July 8, 1864, swells the number, in May 18644, to 12,000. La Voz de Mej., Mar. 22, June 9, 1864; Periód. Ofic., Jan. 16, 1864.
- ↑ Their forces under Ortega were in the beginning of the year holding forth near the Tabasco frontier. La Estrella de Occid., Aprii 21, 1864; La Voz de Mej., Dec. 22, 1863, May 10, 1864.
- ↑ Gov. Sierra places the imperial force at 600, with 4 steamers, 1 schooner, and 2 small craft. Six cannon were captured. La Estrella de Occid., Apr. 21, July 1, 1864. Niox allows only a garrison of 200 Mexicans, and alludes merely to one French vessel. Expéd. du Mex., 374. Mendez gives an elaborate report of the siege operations directed by him. Resena Ofic., 26-44. Fortifications were erected to secure the place. Id., 47-51; Pap. Var., civ., pt 5. Mendez was soon after rewarded with the governorship, replacing Sierra.
