Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/363

Rh to open negotiations in his own name with Rayon and Morelos, and submitted a plan of proceeding. He would address a manifesto to the two leaders, and appeal to them to aid in putting a stop to the war. Commissioners were to be sent to them with instructions of both a public and private nature. By the first they would be authorized to offer full pardon to Rayon and Morelos if they would stop proceedings and recognize the Spanish government. By the second, promises were to be privately given to the insurgent leaders, on the word of the bishop and with his guarantee, of their reception into favor. If these offers were accepted, it was to be understood that the insurgent forces, their fortified places, arms, and all resources of war, should be placed at the disposal of the government.

Venegas gladly accepted the bishop's proposal; whether his mediation were successful or not, it would solve the question which perplexed him without compromising the viceregal dignity. The commissioners were received by the revolutionary chiefs with becoming deference. But the design failed. Neither the bishop's manifesto nor private arguments and promises had any weight with either Rayon or Morelos, who refused to enter into any negotiations