tion in Mizteca by constructing another stronghold on Mount Santa Gertrudis. and sending reënforcements under command of his brother Juan, who from his retreat at Tepeji did good service in obstructing the highway to Oajaca and harassing the detachments centring round Izúcar.[1]
Teran's forces were not only the best organized among the insurgents, but with the aid of brothers and loyal officers he wielded a more absolute control within his district than other leaders in theirs, and could therefore claim at this time to be the most prominent among them. His position, however, was becoming more exposed, for the royalists had lately gained several successes to the north and west, and were ready to combine against him from different quarters. Teran saw the gathering storm, and in preparing to face it he found that more arms and ammunition were above all necessary,[2] for his prestige would bring all the recruits he wanted. At this juncture appeared an American, named William Davis Robinson, lately dealing with Caracas, who offered to provide necessary funds. It was agreed that the delivery, including four thousand muskets, should take place at Goazacoalco River, which was unoccupied by royalists, and presented the only point accessible to Teran.[3] The route was long and difficult, obstructed by forests and marshes, and threatened by the rainy season just beginning; but necessity overruled all.
- ↑ Under him was placed Lieut-col Fiallo, a royalist deserter, who began to intrigue among the troops with a view to seduce them for Victoria, or even for royalists, it is said. The intrigue was attended by lack of discipline, which called the attention of the strict Teran. He arrested both his brother and Fiallo, and the guilt of the latter appearing, he was shot. Bustamante assisted in the case. Cuad. Hist., iii. 345-7. Teran, Segunda Manifest., 49 et seq. Rosains, Rel. Hist., 17, makes a severe charge of this act. La Madrid speaks highly of the bravery and discipline of Teran's troops. Gaz. de Mex., 1816, vii. 209.
- ↑ His supply from Puebla had been cut off, and the lead mines at Zapotitlan yielded him little.
- ↑ Robinson had landed at Boquilla de Piedras, but Victoria demanded an exorbitant price for transmitting the arms from there. The price of the muskets was $20 each. Guerrero was invited to join, but objected to entering a territory claimed by Victoria, whose district was supposed to extend to Yucatan.
