Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/510



CLOSING SCENES OF THE WAR.

ike the memorable retreat of the British army from Burgos, the evacuation of their capital by the Mexican forces was peculiarly unfortunate. Its consequences were more disastrous than the loss of a dozen pitched battles. The legitimate fruits of insubordination were speedily visible; and the murmur — at first low, but portentous — soon swelled into a loud and general outburst of discontent. There were angry disputes and altercations among the officers; and the leaven of strife, once animated, spread rapidly through the ranks. The National Guard disbanded by companies and regiments, — many of their number returning to the city, to mingle with the populace and excite them to vengeance, — some flying to join the guerilla bands on the line of the National road, — and others, who did not care again to incur the hazards and chances of war, escaping to the more distant sections pf the country.

Santa Anna no longer possessed the ability to