CHAPTER XXV.
DEATH OF MORELOS.
1815.
The Revolutionists on Cóporo Hill — Positions of the Insurgent Forces — Determination of Calleja — Siege of Cóporo — Repulse of Iturbide — Attempted Surprise of Jilotepec — Ramon Rayon is Shorn of his Triumph — Claverino's Movement Southward — Iturbide Chases the Congress — Insubordination of Doctor Cos — He is Arrested and Condemned to Death, but is Discharged — Death of Doctor Cos — His Character — The Revolutionary Government Migrates — It is Overtaken at Tezmalaca — Capture of Morelos — His Trial — Degradation and Penance — The Last Auto-de-fé — Execution of the Great Leader — Reflections on his Character — Two Mexican Writers on This Period.
Amid the series of reverses inflicted by Llano and Iturbide on the revolutionists of Michoacan, Ramon Rayon alone preserved a really spirited and successful attitude, adding fresh lustre to the well known name that reflects also upon his compatriots. He had selected a retreat of great natural strength on Cóporo hill, near Yanzapeo,[1] accessible on only one side, and this was protected by an imposing line of three batteries with four bastions and thirty-four guns. A wide moat, with a stockade in front of it, formed additional impediments, while within was an abundance of stores, with water from the brook at the foot of the hill.
With the confidence inspired by this position, and the late brilliant achievements of Ramon, a number of leaders had gathered round his standard, under
- ↑ North of Zitácuaro.
