Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/330

314 at Zitácuaro, and Rayon with a small escort had already proceeded thither. Previous to his departure, he organized the military government of the various districts. To Torres he assigned Pátzcuaro and Uruapan; to Navarrete, Zacapo; to Maríano Caneiga, Panindícuaro; to Muñiz, Tacámbaro; and to the guerrilla chief Luna, Acámbaro and Jerécuaro.

The insurgents now for some time confined their operations against Valladolid to a mere blockade, which though maintained at a distance effectually cut off Trujillo's communication with the capital. This inaction lasted nearly two months, during which Muñiz occupied himself in increasing his forces and armament. Cannon were cast, muskets were constructed of bronze, and every preparation made for a more determined effort. On the 19th of July the independent leaders, again reunited, appeared before the city, their forces now amounting to 10,000 or 12,000 men, with forty pieces of artillery. On the 20th Muñiz sent to Trujillo a peremptory summons to surrender if he would not see the city put to fire and sword. To this communication Trujillo vouchsafed no reply. On the 21st the insurgents opened fire, but with little effect; and on the following day, the city being invested on all sides, the attack commenced. The principal assault was directed against the southern entrance, under the immediate command of Muñiz. Trujillo, however, successfully repulsed it, driving the enemy back upon their lines with heavy loss, and capturing eight cannon.