tween Puebla and the Mizteca, which was accordingly decreed.
The discord in the suprema junta that had so materially assisted Calleja in his plans was of some service also to Morelos, who, flushed with military successes, began to entertain a very natural desire for political supremacy, as at the time such a chief was greatly needed, and no one at hand fit to fill such a position.[1] During the disagreement, when one member sought to disqualify the other, each appealed for support to the only neutral one of the four, Morelos, who had hitherto been practically ignored.[2] Their military reverses assisted to reduce them almost to supplicants. Morelos saw his opportunity, and resolved to direct the current of affairs into his own hands. To this end he proposed that the council should meet within the territory controlled by him, where it might unmolested and conveniently for all discuss and settle every question. Rayon very naturally objected to a concession that practically transferred the controlling influence to another, whereupon Morelos took a far more decisive step. Assured of coöperation from the weaker and less ambitious associates, he proceeded to convoke the long-mooted congress which should reconstruct the whole government. The election of deputies could be regularly performed throughout nearly all the southern region, which was devoted to him. For most other parts of the country substitutes had to be appointed, of course mainly by Morelos, so that the assembly would be controlled by him.[3] He moreover appointed as meeting place,
- ↑ Prompted by jealousy as well as a desire to be kept informed of affairs in the southern districts, Rayon had in the autumn of 1812 sent Zambrano, secretary of the council, to the side of the general with the commission to arrange for plans of operation. The conduct of the agent provoked his speedy dismissal, and tended only to imbitter relations between the two leaders. Morelos' letters of complaint may be consulted in Negrete, Méx. Siglo XIX., v. 373 et seq.
- ↑ Rayon, like the others, sent his secretary, Oyarzábal, to court him.
- ↑ The convocation for electing deputies was issued at Acapulco June 28th, countersigned by Rosains as secretary to Morelos. Text in Hernandez y Dáva-
