to which he replied with similar denunciations.[1] Such scandal could not pass unnoticed by the congress, and Brigadier Arroyave was sent to take command of the disputed territory, while two deputies should investigate and arrange the difficulty. Neither party chose to obey a distant and powerless assembly, and Rosains went so far as to shoot the troublesome Arroyave on finding that he sided with his opponent.[2]
To such a state had fallen the sacred cause of independence, unfolded by Hidalgo and exalted by the victories of Morelos. Two of the leaders arrayed one against the other, the other two wandering or ignored, and the petty chiefs intent mainly on plunder, ready to draw their sword equally on foe and comrade; campaigns reduced to mere raids and pursuits, with victory steeped in bloody executions, often of guiltless participants.[3]
While the congress vainly endeavored to settle the differences between the two claimants in Puebla, the royalists brought more radical means to bear. Osorno having become more daring in his raids and attacks, even threatening Tulancingo,[4] another expedition appeared necessary, to intimidate him at least, for he generally managed to avoid dangerous encounters. A main object was to nip in the bud the projects which Rayon was supposed to be framing at Zacatlan. These were overestimated, however, for the resources were
- ↑ Both sides reproduced by Martiñena in Verdad. Origen, no. ii. 62, et seq. Rosains also quarrelled with Arroyo and sent a force against him, which was defeated.
- ↑ Partly on the assumption that he was a Spaniard, which was wrong. Águila Mex., pt 315. Bustamante, Not. Biog., 22, as a friend of Arroyave, had to flee. The proceedings against Arroyave are given in Hernandez y Duvolos, Col. Doc., v. 757-70.
- ↑ It is interesting to read the introductory declamation of Rosains in his Rel. Hist., protesting against such iniquity! See Bustamante, Cuad. Hist., iii. 18, and passim, and the more honorable Teran, Manifest., 7 et seq.; also the documents in Hernandez y Dávalos, Col. Doc., v. 318-19, 588-94, 074-5; Pap. Var., xxxvi., pt lxviii. 62-6, etc., and observations in Torrente, Rev., ii. 90-1.
- ↑ On Feb. 26th, with 2,500 men, of which only 500 were soldiers. The commandant, Col Piedras, repulsed him with, a loss of 20. His lieut. had rashly attacked Osorno on the 25th and lost 41. Gaz. de Mex., 1814, v. 261-7.
