Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/386

370 would be certain death. And still, reduced as they were to the direst extremity, Calleja dared not attack them; and had he not been made aware of their dreadful condition by the numerous fugitives who daily left the city, he would probably have raised the siege. But they were his; he would have their blood, as he thought, if only the rains would hold off a little longer. So with redoubled vigilance he waited for his prey. On the 1st of May he sent to Morelos copies of the general pardon lately published by the viceroy. As far as appearances went, this offer of mercy was received with joy by the besieged troops, and hostilities ceased on both sides. It was but a ruse, however; Morelos had made his preparations to evacuate the town. His influence over his followers was unbounded, and whithersoever he went, or to whatever fate, they were ready to accompany him and die for him. That night the troops were silently marshalled in the plaza of San Diego, and at two o'clock on the morning of the 2d the march began, the lights being left burning on the ramparts.

Galeana led the van, consisting of over 1,000 infantry armed with muskets; then followed 250 cavalry, and a large number of troops whose weapons were slings and lances; after these followed a mixed crowd of both sexes and all ages. The rear was brought up by another body of infantry, with the baggage and two small pieces of artillery in its centre. Morelos commanded in the centre with the Bravos, and Captain Anzures in the rear.

Calleja lay stretched in sickness on his bed, and