Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/304

276 and superiority had been betrayed by the semi-Spaniards, on occasions when almost any other line of conduct ought to have been followed. The restless jealousy of their spirit which has so frequently given rise to rebellions and pronunciamientos among themselves, was undisguisedly manifested; and it only needed such a question as the annexation of Texas, to blow the embers of animosity into a fierce blaze, and to draw upon themselves (though the Texans strongly inclined to the new arrangement), the visitation and consequences of war.

A more detailed account is given in another chapter, of the fondness of the Mexican people for political changes, and declarations of war and independence. Suffice it to say, that on this occasion they rushed into hostilities with their usual precipitancy, confident of easy victory on account of their multitude: though the number of their armies is always much exaggerated.

They were also prepared, as the event proved, to bring cruelty itself—such barbarism as could only have been expected from the most savage nations—to aid them in their demonstrations of enmity against their adversaries.

Fastening upon a number of prisoners, some