in a thick palm grove. It was the 17th of May. The independents came on, marching in a careless manner, and on nearing the town were fiercely attacked by the negroes and completely broken up. Sanchez and Tapia escaped at full gallop, leaving all their artillery and the provisions. Of their force a number were killed, others captured, and the rest, except a few who followed the leaders, became scattered. Weeks passed by, and at last Trujano's only hope lay in getting word to Morelos, a most difficult task. The Indian hunter of Noyó, who shot the Dominican friar alluded to, undertook to convey a message to Morelos, promising, if successful in crossing the lines, to send off from a certain height two rockets. Trujano waited anxiously. In due time he saw the rockets, and his hopes revived. The Indian found Morelos in Chilapa, whither he had proceeded from Chautla, and the chief of the south at once marched with a strong force to relieve Huajuapan. The same Indian brought back the glad tidings.[1]
Régules, judging from the manifestations that succor was at hand, summoned a council, and advocated raising the siege, but was opposed by Caldelas. Morelos detached Miguel Bravo with the force that Sanchez and Tapia had again gathered, with orders to pass along one side of the town. Bravo did so, and was suddenly assailed by Caldelas and his negroes, losing his guns and having to retreat. On the 23d of July, in the afternoon, Morelos with his whole force appeared before Huajuapan. One of the bodies of his troops was commanded by Hermenegildo Galeana,
- ↑ It is said that both times he went through the royalist lines disguised as a hog. Carriedo, Estud. Hist., 19. His arrival occurred under circumstances that were attributed to a special providence. Trujano had ordered a novena to the image of the Señor de los corazones, or Lord of Hearts, venerated in the town, praying for divine protection. It was on the 9th day that the Noyó Indian returned with the news that relief was on the way, which convinced all that their prayers had been granted. Joy followed the deep despondency; and it was manifested by the ringing of bells, firing of cannon and rockets, illuminations, and music. The besiegers could not understand such a proceeding; but Régules' suspicions of the truth were awakened. Alaman, Hist. Méj., iii. 243-5.
