sition of Calleja, and the want of spirit observable in his own troops, at first meditated flight to Vera Cruz. The earnest appeals of the Spaniards and royalists, however, induced him to change his mind, and take measures for the defence of the city.[1] Such forces as he had were placed on the causeway of la Piedad and the paseo de Bucareli. Cannon were planted at Chapultepec,[2] and troops of cavalry detached to watch the movements of the enemy. Internal defence was intrusted to the regiment of the Comercio, the city squadron, and some newly levied bodies of patriots.[3] When the news of Trujillo's failure reached the capital, Venegas had immediately despatched a courier to Calleja, ordering him to hasten by forced marches to the defence of the capital. He also sent instructions to Captain Rosendo Porlier, directing him to unite the crews of the vessels at Vera Cruz, and march them up the country to his aid.
To inspire the fainting hearts of the people with some confidence, Venegas caused the sacred image of los Remedies[4] to be conveyed from its shrine to the cathedral. These were the days of signs and wonders, be it remembered, and this was a time of great tribulation. The viceroy was ready to act, and was well up in his part. Betaking himself to the cathedral, he threw himself upon his knees, and devoutly addressing the image, meanwhile invoking its aid, Vene-
- ↑ Negrete, Hist. Mil. Sig. XIX., 357, 363; Zerecero, Rev. Hex., 88-9.
- ↑ Venegas' dispositions in a military point of view were extremely bad, and placed his troops in a position where it was impossible for them to manœuvre. Bustamante states that on the 39th, in company with a military friend, he visited the encampment, and that the officer pointed out to him the want of military skill displayed by Venegas in thus placing his troops. ‘Muy luego me hizo notar la ignorancia del que lo habia situado en aquel punto.' Cuad. Hist., i. 78.
- ↑ Alaman, basing his estimation on the enumeration of available forces given by Bustamante—see note 45, this chapter—calculates that there were only 2,000 efficient troops. But he does not include those stationed in the interior of the city, which he considers to have been of little use. Hist. Mej., i. 485.
- ↑ This image belonged in the sanctuary of Totoltepec; and on several occasions had been conveyed to the capital, during which visits miraculous powers had been displayed. It was greatly venerated, as we know. Calvillo, Sermon. 69-106.
