Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/370

354 gunnery of the royalists, and disorder was observed in their lines. Calleja had already made his dispositions for the assault, three attacking columns having been placed respectively under the commands of Castillo, Colonel José María Jalon, and Oroz and Meneso, the latter leaders being instructed to cover the right of the other columns, and occupying the Tuxpan road, connect with García's division on that of Los Laureles, thus closing retreat in those directions. These columns were now ordered to advance, while García Conde, having crossed the moat by means of a portable bridge provided for the purpose, was at the same time forcing his way into the town. The simultaneous attack was successful at all points. In deed, the defence appears to have been lamentably weak in comparison with the great preparations made, and by two o'clock in the afternoon the insurgents had fled from Zitácuaro as best they could, plunging into the ditches and escaping by the barrancas and mountain gullies. The junta fled to Sultepec, where it established a new seat of government.

The loss sustained in killed and wounded was inconsiderable in proportion to the importance of the fall of Zitácuaro. Forty-three cannon fell into the possession of the victors, besides a great