Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/379

Rh villages. During the progress of the siege, however, his forces were increased to the number of 5,550 by the arrival of different commanders. On the 18th of February Calleja moved forward his forces and encamped on the rising ground of Cuautlixco, after reconnoitring the defences of the revolutionists. During the day Morelos imprudently exposed himself to danger of being killed or captured, having gone out with only a small escort. He was attacked by a troop of cavalry, and was brought off with difficulty by Galeana, who sallied out to his rescue. At dawn on the following day Calleja advanced his troops in four columns to the assault, directed principally against the intrenchments of the plaza of San Diego. The defence of this important point was intrusted to Hermenegildo Galeana, and that of Santo Domingo to Leonardo Bravo; while to Victor Bravo and the cura Matamoros was assigned the defence of the Buenavista buildings.

Galeana, at the post of danger, well sustained his reputation for cool judgment and personal bravery. The front column of the royalists was allowed to approach near to the parapet; but then so deadly a fire was opened upon it that it retreated in confusion; and Galeana, perceiving an officer endeavoring to rally his men, sallied out alone, engaged with him in single combat, and killed him. The act perhaps was rash, but it raised the spirits of his men to enthusiasm.