resistance, yielding only step by step. This tenacity was wholly unexpected, for he had only a few hundred men, of whom less than 200 were regular troops, while the besiegers numbered more than 10,000.[1] Still the place could not hold out much longer. Now came news, however, that Paredes and Álvarez had reached Mexico and were already on the way with relief, under the direction of Bravo, as commander-inchief, further, that Arias had pronounced for the revolution with the northern army, arresting General Woll, one of the stanchest supporters of the late government. These blows, together with the demoralizing effect of the retrograde march from Silao and the retreat before Mexico, proved decisive. Santa Anna had more bluster than resolution. Although the allied forces were little or not at all superior to his own in number,[2] and inferior in training, he no longer held out the challenge for a battle, but raised the siege, abandoned the several advantageous positions gained, and withdrew to an adjoining village, allowing the allies to enter Puebla on the 12th.[3] To this step contributed probably a doubt of his soldiers' loyalty. He nevertheless proposed to make use of them, if not to fight, to back by their imposing number the negotiations which he now opened with Herrera for securing all the concessions possible. To this end he sent Minister Haro,[4] supported by the now liberal Cortazar, to
- ↑ A plot was fostered to betray him for 200 ounces of gold, but failed. The flower of his small garrison had gone to Mexico. Bustamante, Hist. Santa Аппа, 395; Id., Mem. Hist. Mеx., MS., 237-63; Мех., Мmm. Guer., 1845, 12-14.
- ↑ The details of forces under Paredes and his companions, in Boletin Notic., Jan. 12, 1845, etc., show 11,688, of which 3,386 were cavalry.
- ↑ The names of Inclan and Governor Cabofranco were by decree of Sept. 6, 1845, ordered inscribed in the assembly hall in commemoration of their valiant defence, and so at Querétaro that of Governor Dominguez, and at Guadalajara those of Paredes and Governor Escobedo. All who joined in the revolt received certain privileges, such as exemption from militia service, and 'llevará la Puebla el renombre de Invicta.' Méx., Decret. Min., 1845, no. 34. The siege was practically over on the 7th.
- ↑ Although provided with a free pass by Bravo, he narrowly escaped maletreatment from the people at Mexico. An informant of Bustamante declares that a council of war under Santa Anna had decided against firing on the people at Puebla, and even to submit to the new government. Hist. Santa Anna, 406-7. Haro's commission is dated Jan. 9th.
