Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/372

372 After a fortnight's stay at Tonalá, about the beginning of April, the army resumed its march, passing almost wholly through deserted farms and villages. Near Contla a body of natives ventured to attack the vanguard under the maestro de campo, in retaliation for which a hill village was suprisedsurprised [sic] while the inhabitants were engaged in religious exercises. On approaching

Nochistlan, Guzman learned that numbers were prepared for resistance. Messengers were sent to demand peaceful submission, only to be driven