CHAPΤER XIΙI.
IMPERIALISM CAGED.
1867
Mariano Escobedo — His Physique and Character — Imperial Lines — Skirmishing — Convento de la Cruz — Marquez Sent to Mexico — New Ministery — Miramon — Besiegers Reënforced — Assaults and Repulses — Maximilian Decorated for Bravery — Starvation — Marouez Suspected of Treachery — Salm-Salm Prepares to Go in Search of Him — Plans to Break through the Lines Defeated
Mariano Escobedo, who held the chief command of the besieging forces at Querétaro, was a lean man of fair stature, forty years of age, with a dark complexion, full black beard, and enormous ears, which had procured for him the nickname of Orejon. He had served with credit since his first enlistment during the United States invasion of 1847-8, and displayed considerable administrative ability; he had also earned a reputation for severity, united with a decided aversion for foreigners, and a temper that easily exploded under provocation. His blemishes were offset by strong patriotic instincts and rare unostentatiousness.[1] Second to him stood the equally severe Corona, a finelooking man, somewhat bronzed in visage, whose
- ↑ Although belonging to a wealthy family, says Arias, his mind had not been directed to learning. He possessed a good imagination, with much practical sagacity; his habits were temperate. Reseña, 145-6, etc. He was born at Galeana, Nuevo Leon, Jan. 12, 1827, and had been devoted to trade from an early age-muleteering, say others, followed by a superficial reading of law. During the reform war he was captured, and narrowly escaped execution. He shared as brigadier in the defence of Puebla, 1862. Foreign writers return his antipathy by alluding to his ferocity, as in Salm-Salm, wherein he is declared to be little of a soldier, and careful of his person. Diary, i. 202; ii. 113. D'Héricault commends his 'art d'achetér les généraux ennemis.' Max., 70. Hans says he resembled a Jew trader. Quer., 75.
