city was evacuated, after destruction of the fort, Saltillo being abandoned on August 4th.[1]
The republicans took immediate possession, amidst more or less sincere rejoicings. Although many imperialists had here as elsewhere found it prudent to depart, others ventured to stay, in the hope that the penalty might be reduced to a mere contribution. Escobedo was prevailed upon to restore to the Americans at least a part of the intercepted convoys, and now trade promised to revive again. Unfortunately Matamoros declared itself at this time under Canales for Ortega, the rival of Juarez, the port being again besieged till the close of November, when, with the somewhat suspicious intervention of United States troops, Escobedo regained it under capitulation.[2]
This diversion among the republicans relieved the French somewhat in their retreat, although several skirmishes took place en route.[3] Bazaine had himself come northward to direct the movement, impelled by anxiety over the recent disasters, and a desire to survey the field. Hearing of a large mustering against Matehuala, which since August formed his most northern post, he gave orders for a sweep of the vicinity within a distance of three days' march, so as to strike a blow and then retire to Querétaro. This was
- ↑ Elton followed Douay from Saltillo to protect the evacuation of Monterey, and thence back through Saltillo southward, and describes in somewhat bantering tone the incidents en route. See With the French, 103-13, etc.; Pájaro Verde and Mexicano; Voz Méj., Oct. 20, 1866; Diario Imp., Aug. 15th, etc., and above all Arias, Reseña, passim, for all this north-east campaign.
- ↑ Carbajal had as governor taken possession when Mejía left the place; but Juarez disapproved his conduct and appointed a new governor in the person of Gen. Tapia. Canales took advantage of this news to revolt, to pronounce against Carbajal, and have himself proclaimed governor. Juarez ignoring this movement, Méx., Col. Leyes, 1863-7, iii. 97-100, he declared for Ortega. The entry of U. S. troops during the subsequent siege was satisfactorily explained to Escobedo. It was caused partly by the appeal of U. S. traders for protection, partly to favor Juarez, as Gen. Sedgwick declared. Canales and his troops were incorporated in the army, but proved rebellious again. Arias, Reseña Hist., 79-99, etc.; Voz Méj., Sept. 27, 1866, and dates and journals.
- ↑ In one, at La Noria de Custodio, the French claimed to have killed 125 adversaries.
superiority to the Mexicans. Mutiny broke out on these questions, and finally they were sent to Querétaro.
