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546 Morelos then proceeded to Quetzala and Cruz Grande on the coast, sending scouts to the pass of La Sabana and El Veladero, when the commandant at the latter position, Brigadier Ávila, reported the operations of the flying column under Captain Montoro, a part of his command, against Acapulco, causing the royalists much injury. Early in April he reached the vicinity of Acapulco, encamping at the cerro del Veladero, and summoned the acting governor, Captain Pedro Antonio Velez, to surrender. Openly Velez refused; but Morelos received two confidential notes without signature, said to be in the handwriting of the governor, indicating a disposition to come to terms in some underhanded way. However this may have been, or whether or not Velez intended to deceive Morelos, the latter paid no attention to the communications.

The town of Acapulco is situated at the north-west extremity of the harbor which extends inland northward and, turning westward, terminates in a narrow creek. Opposite to the town on the east side stands the castle. Both town and castle are commanded by the hills of Las Iguanas and La Mira. Besides the support of the castle the town is defended by advanced fortifications, and the forts of the hospital and El Padrastro. The island of La Roqueta, stretching east and west, lies at the mouth of the harbor, forming two wide and commodious entrances.