might have been found. The place was picturesque, lying within a narrow valley, on the southern banks of the Rio Blanco, forming a quadrangle of houses about 8,000 feet in length by 4,000 in breadth, freely interspersed with conspicuous churches, chapels, convents, and a number of other fine edifices with gardens. It was not only the capital of the state bearing the same name, but one of the leading manufacturing places in the country, owing partly to its water power; and it sustained a population of nearly 40,000 souls. For strategic purposes, however, the situation was bad; for hills commanded it in every direction, and the river was fordable at more than one place.[1]
A few days after their arrival a review of the troops was held, showing 9,000 men with 39 cannon, including about 600 Frenchmen.[2] Miramon was placed at the head of the infantry, of which Castillo and Casanova received each a division, Mendez assuming command of the reserve brigade, in which Lopez served as colonel. Mejía became chief of the cavalry, Reyes of engineers, and Arellano of the artillery. To Marquez, chief of the general staff, was accorded the foremost place, greatly to the anger of Miramon.[3] Although a large portion of the troops consisted of raw and not very devoted recruits, forcibly enrolled, yet
- ↑ A striking feature was the massive aqueduct entering the eastern border. On the nothern bank lay the suburb San Luis, its gardens rising on the slopes of the range. For plan with military positions, see Arias, Reseña, 192. It once bore the term 'Ciudad levitica,' for its church tendencies.
- ↑ D'Héricault doubts if the number much exceeded 500. Max., 112. Salm-Salm absurdly intimates that 'not less than 6,000' deserted from Bazaine's ranks before he reached Vera Cruz. Diary, i. 19, 42. The best Mexican infantry is said by him to have been the veterans of Mendez, and of the cavalry, the men who served under Vidaurri when he opposed the other parties. Peza, Max., 29, declares the Empress and 5th the best. For details of Mendez' forces, see Hans, Querét., 14 et seq.
- ↑ It was even announced in the council of Feb. 22d that Marquez should be the general-in-chief. Miramon made several remonstrances against being subordinate to Marquez, as he had been president of the republic, and superior to Marquez also in the army; yet he had served under the latter before. Trouble was avoided by Maximilian continuing to act as chief of the army. Arellano, Ultimas Horas, 33–7; Marquez, Refut., 38-45; Peza y Pradillo, Max., 25 et seq., give a roster, showing officers commanding battalions and regiments, and contradict Salm-Salm's version. They rate Marquez as quartermaster-general. Casanova was soon removed for inefficiency.
