Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/307

Rh the statement, and caused the bells to be rung, and salvoes of artillery to be fired, the independent party in the absence of details was loath to accept it as true. Later information, however, confirmed the intelligence, and despondency prevailed among its ranks. Venegas, on the contrary, was jubilant, and regarded the suppression of the rebellion as essentially accomplished. But he did not recognize the extent and degree to which independent principles had pervaded the lower classes. It is true that from the sweeping disasters which had lately been sustained, the ordinary observer might wonder that the cause was not already abandoned. But during the year 1811, thus far, the insurrection had spread with surprising rapidity, which had carried it over the greater portion of New Spain. The aspect of the revolution was, however, materially changed since its incipiency, and the struggle had now assumed more the color of individual and predatory warfare. Without any form of government, or even a recognized head after Hidalgo's capture—for Rayon's commission as commander-in-chief was not generally acknowledged—each provincial leader acted independently according to his pleasure. Arms and money were wanting, as well as leaders; and owing to this lack of plan and principle, and the absence of cohesion, the successes which they repeatedly gained were but temporary. Too often, moreover, their chiefs knew little of the art of war, and many of them were wholly unlettered. On the other hand, the royalists had among them leaders not only trained to the military profession, but of practical experience in warfare. They were in possession of nearly all the arms in the country; their troops were well disciplined; and above all, they held the ports, and could therefore supply themselves from abroad. Nevertheless, over a vast area detached bodies of insurgents sprung into existence, led some times by noble and patriotic men, but too often by desperadoes and escaped criminals, who carried on