Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/418

402 parties of independents, commanded by Father Sanchez, Osorio, El Bendito, Manchorro, and others, took up positions on the heights of Aculcingo to interrupt his passage and to capture the tobacco. Llano, however, dislodged them from every place, and arrived at Puebla without loss on the 28th. The tobacco reached Mexico on the 5th of July under a strong escort.

There were many thrilling adventures, many sad episodes, during the war for independence. In March of this year there was lodged in the castle of San Juan de Ulúa José Mariano de Michelena, who, though holding only the rank of captain, had much political influence, and in later years became a prominent statesman. At first he was immured in a dark cell dug out of the rock, and was given only a board for his bed; but his health becoming thereby greatly impaired, the comandante of the fort asked General Urrutia to allow him to be removed to the adjutant's quarters, the petitioner being responsible for his safety. The request was granted; and thus the prisoner came to be placed in relations with the officers of the garrison and with his friends. Among his visitors was a popular young treasury clerk, Cayetano Perez, an enthusiast on behalf of his country's freedom. Putting their heads together, Michelena and Perez soon hit upon a plan to get possession of the castle, and of the men-of-war. They would take a day when a heavy norther was blowing, so that the other ships could not get at them, but they could get at the other ships. The plan appeared well conceived, and promised success; but alas! in the execution all was