the pursuit from Leon to Lagos, and thence into Aguascalientes, where he was joined by Chavez and by Governor Ortega of Zacatecas.[1]
The approach of Mejía to San Luis Potosí had led to its evacuation by General Negrete, who commanded in this section for Juarez. Two days later, on December 25th, the imperialists took possession; but they were not to be left undisturbed. Negrete obtained reënforcements, and sought, on the 27th, to regain the city by assault. Mejía had sufficient warning to throw up a few intrenchments; nevertheless, the republicans penetrated to the plaza, and but for the bravery of the imperialist leaders, the advantage might have been carried further. The rally by the latter came so unexpectedly and with such force, as to wholly overwhelm the assailants; and they were completely routed, leaving 200 killed and nearly 900 prisoners, together with all the guns and war material.[2] The disaster was no less severe than that of Morelia, depriving the Juarist government, as it did, of its chief and immediate bulwark. Fortunately Mejía was not strong enough to venture in pursuit. One result, however, was the voluntary surrender shortly after of the generals Aramberri, Parrodi, and Ampudia, besides a host of lesser chiefs.[3]
- ↑ Arteaga and Rojas were expected to join Uraga with 8,000 men. Iglesias, Revistas, ii. 224.
- ↑ Ghilardi and Alcalde led two of the three charging columns. The fail. ure was attributed to a lack of accord. Iglesias denies that reënforcements had been received. Revistas, ii. 223. Niox places the combatants at 2,500 and 5,000 respectively. Expéd. du Mex., 316. Zamacois raises the number of prisoners to 1,300. Hist. Méj., xvi. 926. The false alarm of French reënforcements for Mejía had led Negrete to evacuate the city. Vega, Ausil. Comis., in Vega, Doc.; Periód. Ofic., Jan. 12, 1864; La Voz de Méj., Feb. 9, 1864, etc.
- ↑ Parrodi was born in Habana, Ampudia in Spain. Arrangoiz, Méj., iii. 180. This author is frequently wrong in dates. Mex., Col. Leyes, 1863-67, i. 235, 286-7, alludes feelingly to the killing of Governor Villanueva.
