munitions of war, and thither Hidalgo and Allende led their rabble, which soon numbered nearly 4,000 men.[1]
Some attempt at military order was made. The mounted herdsmen of the haciendas, carrying lances, were formed into a troop of cavalry, while the better armed Indians on foot represented the infantry. Then followed a promiscuous crowd, in which women and children joined. The die was cast; and the aroused people hastened on. The maize was in full ear, and haciendas abounding in cattle lay on their line of march. There was no lack of food, and they took what they wanted. As they passed through the villages volunteers swelled their ranks, and other Spaniards were added to the number of the captives. On their arrival at Atotonilco, Hidalgo halted in order that he might surprise San Miguel at nightfall. Here a picture of the virgin of Guadalupe was obtained,[2] and raised on high above the throng, amidst shouts of "Viva Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, y mueran los gachupines!" Henceforth it became the banner of the crusade; and while it waved on high, emblem of peace and intercession, many a brave deed, many a bloody deed, was done for those rights and liberties which on no other ground than violence and force would ever be vouchsafed to them.[3]
- ↑ Mora, Mej. y sus. Rev., iv. 21. Negrete states that Hidalgo marched ontof Dolores with only about 80 men, which number as he advanced was increased to 300. Mex. Siglo XIX., ii. 19-20. Sotelo says: 'Mirando que ya se contaba con un numero considerable de gente adicta, resolvió organizarla en forma de tropa.' Hernandez y Dávalos, Col. Doc., ii. 323.
- ↑ Alaman states that Hidalgo took it from the sacristy and raised it on a lance in order to support his enterprise by the religious devotion which his followers entertained for the sacred emblem. This is refuted by Liceaga, who explains that one of the insurgents procured a copy of the picture from 'Doña Ramona N. que vivía alli como otras, con el nombre de beatas,' and that it was hoisted upon a clothes-pole. The enthusiasm it roused caused the leaders to adopt it as a banner. Adic. y Rectific., 58. Zamacois supports Alaman's statement on the strength of Hidalgo's declaration. Hist. Mex., vi. 253; Hernadez y Dávalos, Col. Doc., i. 13.
- ↑ Other banners with a like design were in time procured and borne along in all parts of Hidalgo's army. 'Ami existe en poder del hi jo del denodado insurgente Victor Resales, el diseno original de la primera bandera de Hidalgo que tenia la forma de un estandarte, que fue hecho con uno de los palios de la parroquia de Dolores, y sobre el cual se puso un escudo muy parecido ai adop-
