Page:Vol 4 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/529

Rh charges and feints managed to create such distraction along the line that a final sortie in force led to a complete rout of the insurgents, with a loss in killed of several hundred, and the capture of 150, together with twenty cannon. Some of the fleeing artillerists were mere boys under sixteen years of age, from which may be judged the value of the other troops, which now scattered in different directions.

Rayon had reason to feel indignant with Verdusco for his disobedience, and took him formally to task at Pátzcuaro; but a column of royalist pursuers broke up the meeting, and the leaders hastened away in different directions. These undignified mishaps did not, however, interfere with Rayon's projects of making a tour through the province, for the purpose of asserting his authority as well as reforming abuses; for complaints had been flowing in against the exactions, raids, and other outrages committed by guerrillas and countenanced by the higher commanders. The hope for relief brought a host of applicants to the front wherever the president appeared, and added no little eclat to the occasion. Rayon readily accepted the princely homage tendered, as manifested in processions, ringing of bells, and solemn masses.

The result of his investigations implicated a number of chiefs, including the cura Delgado, the intendente, who was found guilty also of negotiating with the royalists for pardon. Out of regard for his sacerdotal character, he was merely exiled; but Arias and