roof covering, and other sources.[1] Work at the fortifications was carried forward with increased activity; and to this end were impressed the prisoners, and also citizens,[2] who had often to expose themselves to heavy fire, especially from American sharpshooters.[3]
The troublesome proximity of the besiegers on the north side[4] induced Miramon to make an attack upon them before dawn on the 1st of April; but while the cazadores pushed their way to the very summit of San Gregorio, and gained a decided advantage, capturing two guns, they were not properly supported by the other forces, and the movement proved futile.[5] An equally vain and costly attack was undertaken against the Garita de Mexico, east of the Convento de la Cruz,[6] the day after celebrating the anniversary of Maximilian's acceptance of the throne.[7]
Notwithstanding the boastful tone of the speeches on this occasion, it may be imagined that their spirit was rather forced, and mainly owing to the absence of news from Marquez. Everybody had felt confident that the expected reënforcements would arrive within a fortnight, but three weeks had passed without a sign. The numerous enemies of the general began
- ↑ Caps were made from stiff paper, Arellano, 109–10, and the cannon were promptly repaired. For funds granted him, etc., see Quer., Caida, 173-8.
- ↑ Between the ages of 16 and 60, says Lefévre, Docs, ii. 384, who exaggerates the severity used. Hans, 124-6, states that Maximilian interfered to spare the prisoners from exposure.
- ↑ Such as Green's legion of honor.
- ↑ Two slight attacks had been made on the Miraflores bridge on the 25th and 26th, under the direction of Antillon, subordinate to Mendez, who commanded the north line, Treviño having now taken charge of the west line. Arias, Reseña, 171-3.
- ↑ Arias admits a defeat for Antillon, and a heavy loss, but the final result was that the republicans advanced their lines. Ensayo, 172-4. Salm-Salm, i. 119-18, 124, who led the cazadores, intimates that he was left in the lurch by Miramon; and the frequency with which the latter exposed him and his men roused a suspicion that the foreigners were to be sacrificed. Peza and Pradillo, 32-5, attribute the failure to Salm-Salm's disobedience of orders.
- ↑ The line was held by Riva Palacio. Jimenez repulsed the attack. Arias, 177. Salm-Salm had remonstrated. Peza and Pradillo agree. The object was to favor the departure of couriers. Hans, Quer., 139.
- ↑ In the speeches on this occasion the empire was still declared to be the choice of the people; Mexico has not been deceived in Maximilian. The latter assured his adherents that a Hapsburg would never desert his post in danger — a somewhat difficult thing to do at this juncture. Basch, ii. 85-8. Perhaps the subsequent sally was part of the celebration, snarls Arias.
