superfluous discussion, a list was produced, setting forth the amount each was expected to contribute.[1] By surprise, not entirely unaccompanied with a secret terror, Vidaurri obtained $300,000, which sum was placed at Marquez' disposal for military purposes.[2]
The city of Puebla had been closely invested by the republicans under Diaz since the 9th of March. The garrison consisted of about 2,500 men, mostly rural militia got together by the commandant, General Manuel Noriega, including the 16th battalion of the line. No reënforcements having reached him, notwithstanding his urgent demands, Noriega's situation had become critical, but he was determined to defend the place at all hazards. The besiegers, on the other hand, made repeated assaults, gaining considerable advantages.[3] Noriega again, on the 22d, wrote the minister of war that he was left almost without efficient officers or money, and that his ammunition would last only six days; furthermore, the town "was not the Puebla of 1856, its inhabitants having now become either hostile or indifferent." This letter was laid before the lugarteniente on the day of his arrival in Mexico,[4] who, after a consultation with Vidaurri and the other ministers, concluded that Puebla should be relieved; for if the republicans were
- ↑ Foreigners obtained a reduction of one half, owing to the interference of Dano, supported by the Spanish and Prussian ministers. Masseras, Un Essai d'Empire, 187-8.
- ↑ It may well be surmised that this device caused much displeasure. Vidaurri called together the editors of newspapers, on the 2d of April, and explained the pressing necessity for the funds. The editor of the Cronista de Méjico unhesitatingly said, and his words were supported by the others, that the necessity was well understood, and the government's right to procure funds was not disputed; that the objections lay in forcing people to contribute more than they were able, and in the despotic manner employed in the collection. Vidaurri then said that O'Horan had been, and would be again, told to employ gentler means. He added that the government had been compelled to procure money to remit the emperor for his army, and $100,000 had been sent him on the 1st; and on Marquez' return, after defeating Diaz' army, the imperialist forces would be increased, a sufficient garrison left in the capital, and aid forwarded at once to the relief of Querétaro.
- ↑ In the assault of March 19th the imperialist generals Calderon and Prieto were seriously wounded.
- ↑ Minister Portilla's letter embodying Noriega's report is given in Zamacois' Hist. Méj., xviii. 1180-2.
