Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 1.djvu/187

Rh in Mexico, for his integrity, and benevolent spirit,) he would not risk an attack upon a city containing, at that time, 75,000 inhabitants, until he was sure that his numbers were equal to the attempt. The Intendant had, at first, resolved to defend the whole town; but finding that he had not men enough to undertake it, and observing strong symptoms of disaffection amongst the lower classes, who were all inclined to make common cause with their countrymen, rather than to assist the Spaniards, he shut himself up, with all the Europeans, and the gold, silver, quicksilver, and other valuables contained in the Royal Treasury, in the Public Granary, (called la Ălhōndĭgă,) where he fortified himself, and made every preparation for an obstinate defence.

On the morning of the 28th September, Don Mărĭānŏ Ăbāsŏlŏ, in the uniform of Colonel of Hĭdālgŏ 's army, appeared before the town, with a letter from the Cura, announcing, "that having been elected "Captain general of America", by the unanimous choice of his followers, and recognized as such by the Ayuntamientos of the towns of Călāyă, and Săn Migūel, he had proclaimed the independence of Mexico: that, as the Europeans were the only obstacles to this, it was necessary to banish them from the kingdom and to confiscate their property; but that, if the Spaniards at Guănăjūātŏ would submit